Frazier working Six months after Virginia dropped out, Hawaii is still looking for a football opponent to replace the Cavaliers on the 2003 schedule -- and what was thought to be a prime candidate is no longer one.
phones to fill hole
in ’03 schedule
On a mission
By Dave Reardon
dreardon@starbulletin.com"We've had several discussions with Washington State, but it looks like it's falling through," UH athletic director Herman Frazier said yesterday. "We will continue to pursue other teams who may have an opening at that time."
Frazier has opened talks with Washington athletic director Barbara Hedges to get the Huskies on the schedule.
"I've also talked to (football coach Rick) Neuheisal," Frazier said.
If something can't be worked out for the date in question, Nov. 29, 2003, Frazier and Hedges want to schedule in the future -- possibly for a home-and-away series.
"I would say we'd be interested in coming to Hawaii for a game and very interested in Hawaii coming here for a football game," Hedges said.
Arizona State -- Frazier's alma mater and where he worked as an administrator for 23 years -- is not an option, not for next year and probably not for the next decade.
"We would love to play Hawaii. Unfortunately we're scheduled out to 2012," ASU athletic director Gene Smith said. "We're booked up, we recently added Notre Dame. We are looking for one more game next year, but we're looking for one we know we can beat, and that's definitely not Hawaii."
The Warriors have had difficulty keeping high-profile nonconference opponents on their schedule. In addition to Virginia canceling its engagement, Texas, Notre Dame, Purdue and Washington State have all pulled out of games at Hawaii within the past four years.
Frazier, a former Fiesta Bowl committee chairman, expressed confidence last week that he will be effective in scheduling football opponents.
"There are very few athletic directors or head football coaches that I don't know," Frazier said. "I will be heavily involved. I think I should be hands-on because of the connections I have.
"We know we have a game to fill for next year. We're checking all options and will leave no stone unturned," Frazier added.
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