Lachman helps
lead Manoa Maniacs

You might think University of Hawaii senior Andy Lachman has enough to keep himself busy, majoring in biology and philosophy. Plus, he's the student-body vice president.

But Lachman will help organized chaos get established at UH sports events this year with the formation of the Manoa Maniacs. The student spirit group is one of five marketing initiatives unveiled yesterday.

"It's really exciting to see the Manoa Maniacs form," Lachman said. "Everyone sees the group as a key element to uniting the student-body and athletics."

John McNamara, UH's associate athletic director for external affairs, said the group is an idea that's time is overdue.

"It's an area we needed to address, and we had a group of students very energized who engaged in the issue," he said. "After about a dozen meetings we developed operational details, and a name and logo."

UH system students (full or part-time) can register for the Manoa Maniacs by buying season tickets for either football ($24 for eight home games) or women's volleyball ($70 for 17 matches) at the Stan Sheriff Center beginning Monday.

Members get a T-shirt, discounts on Pepsi products and UH apparel and other benefits, in addition to special seating at games.

Lachman said the group plans to be loud and organized.

"We looked at a lot of groups. Duke, Cal-Irvine, Stanford's sixth man. We're trying to take the best elements from those groups."

Of course, it will maintain its own island identity.

"I have a feeling we'll continue to do the paddling thing when the band plays "Hawaii 5-O." A lot of it will be Hawaii-based."

The other initiatives are a redesigned Web site, e-mail newsletters, a kids' club and family-zone seating. See hawaiiathletics.com for information on all.

"We want to establish a foundation and build on it," McNamara said.

Rally time: UH will hold a pep rally Saturday to kick off the 2004-2005 sports year. It begins at 11:30 a.m. in the Ward Village parking lot.

The UH pep band will play as fans meet coaches and players from UH football, men's golf, soccer, swimming and diving, and women's volleyball.

"It will be an exciting event for the whole family, including food and game booths, giveaways, and a chance to win great prizes," UH associate athletics director Tom Sadler said.

Short yardage: McNamara met with NFL officials last week about UH's possible involvement with marketing the Pro Bowl. "It was very productive and we're moving along toward a partnership," he said. ... Incoming freshman linebacker Carl Stokes has changed his name to C.J. Allen-Jones.