Hula Bowl alumni
part of presentSeveral players who took part
in past games are back
in different capacities
WAILUKU >> Jesse Sapolu is the official host. Mike Rozier and other Heisman Trophy winners come to sign autographs. Some years, Mosi Tatupu returns home to hand out the award named after him.
Hula Bowl Maui
When: Saturday, 3 p.m.
Where: War Memorial Stadium, Maui
Tickets and information: (808) 874-9500 or www.hulabowlmaui.com
TV: Live, ESPN
There's something about the Hula Bowl that lures back players from years past.
Sure, part of it is that the game is in Hawaii. And Maui -- famous for its golf courses, restaurants and beaches -- has its own special charm.
But the common denominator for the former players who keep coming back as scouts, agents, volunteers, staff and VIPs seems to be memories. Good ones.
George Saimes is a scout for the Houston Texans. More than 40 years ago he represented Michigan State in the Hula Bowl as a running back.
"I had a great time," Saimes said. "This was when the game was at Honolulu Stadium, and we stayed in Waikiki. We were at the Hilton Hawaiian Village, and we rented jeeps to get around. I'm sure with these kids, most of them their first time here, it's paradise."
After the Hula Bowl, Saimes went on to a 10-year career as an NFL safety with Buffalo and Denver. Then he became a scout with the Washington Redskins and started coming to Hawaii for the Hula Bowl.
UCLA's Johnny Johnson did not have much of a pro career, despite scoring two touchdowns and being named MVP of the first Hula Bowl in 1947. The back was cut after six weeks with the Baltimore Colts.
"At the time I thought my life had ended," Johnson said. "It turned out to be the best thing that ever happened to me. I went back to UCLA and ended up with a doctorate degree."
Johnson also coached in four Hula Bowls from 1962 through 1965. Now, along with Ken Hoffman, he is a liaison for the scouts, as well as unofficial Hula Bowl historian.
Walter Abercrombie is another Hula Bowl MVP working the game this week.
"It was a great experience. I came over in 1982. Got the chance to play in a backfield with a couple of pretty good backs, Darin Nelson and Marcus Allen. I was a little back from Baylor University, no one had ever heard of me. I ended up having a great experience and fortunate enough to get MVP of the game."
Abercrombie, who played eight seasons in the NFL, was drafted in the first round by the Pittsburgh Steelers. Did the Hula Bowl have anything to do with it?
"I know it did. I think I was an unknown. The question was, 'What could I do against top talent?' The all-star game gave me that opportunity to show what I could do outside of the Southwest Conference," Abercrombie said.
Abercrombie is now an employee of the American Football Coaches Association, the organization that selects the coaches and players for the Hula Bowl. His role this week is liaison for the coaches.
Arizona quarterback Jason Johnson helped his team to a 24-point fourth quarter and the win in last year's Hula Bowl. Now he's hoping for a strong stretch run in ticket sales before Saturday's 3 p.m. kickoff as director of sales.
"I remember that last drive and watching the fireworks after the game thinking this is what college football is all about. This game's especially meaningful to me because my grandfather, Frosty Westering (Pacific Lutheran), coached in it four years ago," Johnson said. "It was a perfect end to a college career. It was always my goal to finish at the Hula Bowl."
He'd hoped for a longer pro career. Johnson was cut by the Buffalo Bills three weeks into last season.
"I came to Hawaii looking for surf and golf and got a call from (Hula Bowl owner) Dick Schaller," Johnson said. "I was glad to provide my services."
Leo Goeas now provides his services as an agent. As a player, the former University of Hawaii offensive lineman used the Hula Bowl to jump-start a nine-year NFL career as a third-round draft pick.
"I remember being really nervous, working hard the week before the game and going up against All-Americans like Cortez Kennedy. I did well in the game, so it really helped my draft status," said Goeas, who was picked in the third round. "Coming back 14 years later and imparting encouraging words and helping players in the same position I was in is very gratifying."
