Brooks has another
bowl to win
Rinda Brooks, a former Hawaii linebacker and current graduate assistant, is a no-nonsense character on the practice field while tutoring defensive linemen. With three other jobs, he doesn't have time to mess around. And he's not the type to give out false compliments.
That's why it really means something when Brooks says he admires the etiquette displayed by the Houston Cougars (7-5) as they prepare to meet the Warriors (8-5) tomorrow at Aloha Stadium in the Sheraton Hawaii Bowl.
Sheraton Hawaii Bowl
Who: Hawaii Warriors (8-5) vs. Houston Cougars (7-5)
When: Tomorrow, 3 p.m., Hawaii time
Parking lot opens at 11 a.m., turnstile gates at noon
Where: Aloha Stadium
TV: Live, ESPN
Radio: Live, KKEA 1420-AM
Tickets: Available at Aloha Stadium and Stan Sheriff Center. Or call (808) 944-2697 or etickethawaii.com on the Internet. Tickets are $40 (premium), $25 (general) and $15 (special).
"They bring good Southern hospitality. They're courteous to our state. We've got to give them respect, too. They were pretty loud at our pep rally last night, bringing a lot of excitement," said Brooks, who happens to be from Houston himself. "I'm pretty psyched about it. They're a little after my time, so I don't know any of their players. But I'm excited that they're from my hometown."
As for the Cougars going from doormats to darlings, he's seen something like that before -- actually, been a major part of it. Brooks played for the 1998 Hawaii team that went 0-12 and the 1999 team that went 9-4, including a bowl victory.
"I give that (Houston) team a lot of props to be able to turn things around the way they did," he said. "It's like what coach (June) Jones did. They've got a bunch of big guys and they're very physical and very fast."
Tomorrow marks the completion of Brooks' two-year graduate assistant stint. Hawaii coaches say he has a great future in their fraternity, but Brooks is keeping his options open.
"I wouldn't say (coaching is) definitely on my mind, I have some other things," Brooks said.
In addition to owning a window-cleaning business, Brooks works as a case manager for the Department of Corrections at Halawa, and is a therapeutic counselor at Hale Kipa.
Brooks, who has a bachelor's degree in communications, is working toward a master's degree in educational administration.
Sick call: Hawaii defensive tackle Isaac Sopoaga, slotback Chad Owens, wide receiver Jason Rivers and punter Kurt Milne all practiced yesterday as they continued to fight off the flu.
If Sopoaga can't start, Lui Fuga will fill in. Tim Wright is available if Milne is so ill he can't punt. Britton Komine is the next in line at both receiver spots.
"Britt's real smart and knows what he's doing (at either position)," Jones said.
It's official, two Warriors out: Two Hawaii players did not meet the academic criteria to participate in the Hawaii Bowl, according to a release from the school yesterday.
A total of 105 of 107 players did meet the requirement of passing six credits (two classes) in the just-completed semester.
One of the players who did not meet the standard is senior starting defensive end Travis LaBoy, the Western Athletic Conference player of the year, LaBoy's father said Monday.
Sophomore Mel Purcell replaces LaBoy.
The other is a true freshman who has not played at all for the Warriors, and was not expected to be on the field tomorrow, sources said.
UH officials did not disclose the names of the players due to privacy issues.
"Unfortunately, we do have two players who did not make it," athletic director Herman Frazier said.
Jones said he is glad the process of certifying the players' grades is over. Last year UH played in the Hawaii Bowl without certifying any players, and ended up being sanctioned for using Tim Chang, who was ineligible.
"Everyone worked hard to get these guys cleared and we are appreciative," Jones said. "It's unfortunate for the two players who didn't make it, but the good news is, we've got 105 players ready to take on Houston in a few days."
Security alert: Aloha Stadium is taking precautions for the Hawaii Bowl because of the heightened security alert across the nation.
Small purses and fanny packs will still be allowed in the stadium, but larger purses, bags and backpacks will not. Also, all bags are subject to search.
To alleviate waiting time, the stadium will be opened earlier than usual. The parking lot gates will open at 11 a.m. and the turnstiles at noon for the game which kicks off at 3 p.m.
"We are encouraging fans to arrive early to avoid congestion getting into the parking lot and the Aloha Stadium gates," Hawaii Bowl executive director Jim Donovan said.
