[ MIKE STENNIS / 1958-2003 ]
Former UH QB
succumbs to cancer
Former Hawaii quarterback Mike Stennis died of cancer Sunday, but packed a lot of life into his 45 years.
Stennis, of Los Angeles, played football for UH from 1976 to 1980. He started at quarterback for the Rainbows in 1979 and 1980, when UH went a combined 14-8. Although Hawaii usually ran the ball, Stennis led the team in total offense in 1980 with 1,070 yards and he is 15th in school history in career passing with 1,673 yards.
Kamehameha athletic director Blane Gaison was his roommate and best friend on the team.
"When I walked in as a freshman and met him, I saw a guy who knew exactly what he wanted and how to get it," Gaison said. "We shared a lot of commonality. We fed into and off each other as competitors (to be starting quarterback) and teammates. We became each other's best supporters."
Gaison was eventually moved to defensive back, and the two were co-captains their senior year when the team went 8-3.
Stennis was one of the team's most popular players.
"Mike was just a wonderful guy," Gaison said. "Talented in many ways. Brilliant."
UH defensive coordinator George Lumpkin recruited Stennis.
"He was very talented. He could do 360 (pounds) on the bench, was a good student and an artist who did sculptures," Lumpkin said. "He had some amazing things going for him."
Lumpkin and Stennis kept in touch over the years, sometimes going to Lakers games together; Stennis counted Magic Johnson among his many friends.
"He came from a family with a little bit of money, but you'd never know it. He was never arrogant," Lumpkin said. "Everybody liked him, he was a good leader."
That was true on the football field and in real life. After his UH days, Stennis went on to a successful business career and was also a California State University trustee.
Stennis was diagnosed with cancer of the liver about three years ago, Lumpkin said.
"The last I talked to him was about three weeks ago, and he said, 'George, I don't know, it's getting pretty tough,' " Lumpkin said. "I know we all have to go, but it's tough to see the good ones go young."
Stennis is survived by his wife Erin and children Michael Jr., Pilar, and Todd Marabella. UH freshman receiver Sean Stennis is his nephew.
Services are pending.
