UH athletes honored

Brennan, Robinson, 162 others are lauded for on and off-field efforts

Colt Brennan and Kate Robinson represented Hawaii with different styles, but both put their teams and the University of Hawaii on the map.

The Heisman Trophy finalist quarterback and All-American softball player were named recipients of the Bonham Award last night, the most prestigious honor UH bestows on student athletes.

A total of 164 scholar athletes were honored last night at UH's Scholar Athlete Dinner at the Stan Sherrif Center.

Brennan, who set or tied 31 NCAA records, returned to UH for his senior year and led the Warriors to a 12-0 regular season record and unprecedented appearance in a BCS bowl game. He also graduated with a 3.12 grade point average last December -- despite increasing time-consuming celebrity, statewide and nationally.

"Graduating was very important to him," said UH football coach Greg McMackin, who accepted the award for Brennan. Brennan leaves California tomorrow for Washington and his first NFL minicamp with the Redskins, who drafted him in the sixth round Sunday.

Robinson is also headed for the pros after dominating her sport as much as Brennan did his.

The first baseman and pitcher is the all-time home run leader at UH and led the Rainbow Wahine into the Super Regionals of the NCAA Tournament last season, the best finish in school history. She has an overall 2.97 grade point average, including 3.48 last semester.

The Kamehameha graduate said she decided to attend UH because she wanted to set an example for the state's children.

"I think it's real important to represent where you're from," she said. "Younger kids see, and they say 'Oh, I'm from Hawaii, I can do that too.'"

UH softball coach Bob Coolen used the word "loyalty" to describe her.

"She came with an expectation to be the best she can be to represent the University of Hawaii and the state of Hawaii," Coolen said. "She just wanted to stay home and make her mark."