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Friday, January 12, 2001

Fenderson to
finish college
career in style

UH running back picked
to play in Hula Bowl

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By Paul Arnett
Star-Bulletin

KAHULUI -- University of Hawaii running back James Fenderson was added to the Hula Bowl roster yesterday by executive director Lenny Klompus, completing the two teams for the 55th annual event.

Fenderson was named the team's most valuable player after coming off the bench in the fourth game of the season to replace injured backs Avion Weaver and Afatia Thompson. He finished as the team's leading rusher with 651 yards and seven touchdowns.

"I talked with (UH secondary coach) Rich Miano to let him know we've added James to our roster," Klompus said. "He was very excited about the news. He's a good kid who deserves this opportunity."

Fenderson had been under consideration the past two months, but his selection was in jeopardy after offensive lineman Kynan Forney opted to skip the Hula Bowl to play in the rival Senior Bowl.

Selection committee officials were miffed at Hawaii after Forney's defection and indicated an invitation for Fenderson seemed unlikely.

"I spoke with our committee today," Klompus said. "We already have enough running backs, but we wanted to give James the opportunity to show what he can do. We're pleased to have him come over next week."

Fenderson will be among 99 players attending Monday's opening practice across the street from Maui Memorial Stadium.

The other three Hawaii players taking part in the game are defensive lineman Doug Sims, safety Dee Miller and linebacker Robert Kemfort, who played football at nearby Maui High School.

"Robert is going to have the largest cheering section here," Klompus said of the outside linebacker, who rushed for more than 2,000 yards while in high school. Kemfort played several positions for the Warriors, before settling on linebacker last year.

The Hula Bowl participants will arrive on several flights this Sunday. Among them is Maxwell Award winner Drew Brees from Purdue University and J.T. Thatcher of Oklahoma, the Mosi Tatupu special teams award winner.

"We're happy with the players we have here," Klompus said. "We still have about 3,000 seats available, but we should be fine by kickoff next Saturday. Most of the seats are in the end zone with about 400 left on the sidelines."

Kickoff is 3 p.m. on Jan. 20.

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Hula Bowl