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Morris just misses landing 'grander'

Brooks Morris, captain of the Laguna Niguel Billfish Club (Calif.), hooked a marlin near the Kona surf but lost it and handed the Hawaiian International Billfish title's best skipper award to Marlin Parker.

Parker, who has reeled in two granders in his career, said he had no doubt Morris's lost fish was in the 900-1,000 pound range and believes Morris may have been using too small a line and reel.

"I think she (the fish) overpowered the tackle," Parker said in a release.

Only two granders have been landed in the tournament's 44 years, one by Gil Kraemer in 1986 and the other by Ray Hawkes in 1993. Hawkes' catch of a 1,166-pound fish is the tournament record.

Rocky Franich's 516-pound catch last Tuesday stood up as the biggest of the tournament, earning him the Duke Kahanamoku award.

Bill Hoey, Bart Hoey, Bill Jardine and Mike Tokunaga won the tag-and-release award for turning three marlins and a spearfish loose. The anglers, who all call the Big Island home, finished second to Pajaro Valley in the team standings.

Tournament dates for the 45th international event in 2004 will be July 18-24, 2004, according to founder Peter Fithian.

Jones kicks off Na Koa lunch tomorrow

Hawaii football coach June Jones and his staff will preview the season and the team's first opponent, Appalachian State, in Na Koa Football Club's first luncheon of the season tomorrow.

The event, beginning at 11:30 a.m., moves to the Stan Sheriff Center after a season in Waikiki. Cost is $13 for Na Koa members, $15 for guests.

Williams to be honored by Quarterback Club

San Francisco Giants pitcher Jerome Williams is the Honolulu Quarterback Club's Sportsman of the Month for July and will receive his award at tomorrow's meeting.

Williams' father, Glenn Williams, will pick up the award for the Waipahu graduate.

Speaking at the event will be KHNL and K5 President John Fink, UH women's volleyball assistant coach Charlie Wade and Leilehua athletic director Richard Townsend.

Lunch is served at 11:30 a.m. at the Pagoda restaurant with the program to follow at noon.

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