Game rose from 2001 snub
POSTED: Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Nick Rolovich has few complaints over how his Hawaii football career ended.
After all, throwing 20 touchdown passes in your last three games, including eight in a blowout of your program's biggest rival, leaves little to be desired.
Other than, perhaps, having one more chance to play with the 2001 Warriors.
“;I don't think any bowl game would have outdone the BYU game,”; Rolovich said of the 72-45 rout of the Cougars in the finale. “;But I think the experience — the hotel, the different thing you do during a bowl week as a team — is something I would have really enjoyed with those guys.”;
The 2001 season marked the first year since 1982 that the state didn't host a bowl game. Rolovich, now the Warriors' quarterbacks coach, figures it was probably coincidence that the Sheraton Hawaii Bowl arose a year after the 9-3 Warriors were left without a postseason appearance.
Hawaii Bowl executive director David Matlin believes otherwise.
“;I would say that was a big reason,”; said Matlin, the game's director of operations for its first six years before taking the top seat this year.
With the backing of ESPN Regional Television, the Hawaii Bowl was established in 2002 with a clause that the Warriors would participate if they were bowl eligible.
Hawaii will make its fifth appearance in the game's seven-year history when the Warriors (7-6) face Notre Dame (6-6) today.
Drawing the Fighting Irish to the game — thus turning the gaze of Notre Dame's legions of devotees and detractors spread across the country to the islands on Christmas Eve — represents a key mark on the bowl's growth chart.
Notre Dame had some options on where to spend the holidays and chose Honolulu, a year after Boise State elected to play in the Hawaii Bowl rather than the hometown Humanitarian Bowl.
“;I think that's a strong statement when people choose to come here,”; Matlin said.
“;I think we've matured. This is our seventh year and I think we've come a long way. We're not a BCS game and we know that, but the experiences ... I really believe are second to none.”;
Aloha Stadium had hosted postseason games from 1982 to 2000, when the last of the Oahu Bowl/Aloha Bowl doubleheaders was played.
(To answer the inevitable trivia question, the final Oahu Bowl featured Virginia and Georgia. Arizona State and Boston College met in the last Aloha Bowl).
The void was filled by the Hawaii Bowl in 2002, with the Warriors losing to Tulane 36-28 in the inaugural game.
Hawaii and the Western Athletic Conference have been connected with the Hawaii Bowl from the start. While Conference USA provided the other half of the matchup for most of its history, bowl organizers targeted an affiliation with the Pac-10 four years ago.
The sides forged a one-game agreement for the 2006 game, when Arizona State lost to Hawaii. That led to a two-year contract starting this year, though the Hawaii Bowl was left without a Pac-10 representative as the conference came up short of bowl-eligible teams.
The Pac-10's shortfall, though, could be the Hawaii Bowl's gain, as it opened the way for Notre Dame to fill the spot.
The Hawaii Bowl's contract with the Pac-10 expires after next year's game and Matlin declined to speculate on the prospects beyond 2009.
“;We're thrilled with the Pac-10 right now, it's a good partnership and we think it makes sense,”; Matlin said. “;That said, the college football landscape is ever-changing, so to really make a call like that right now is hard to do. But there's no question we are very happy with the Pac-10 affiliation.”;
The first six Hawaii Bowls have produced a series of shootouts, including two overtime games.
Hawaii won a wild 54-48 triple-overtime thriller with Houston in 2003, which ended with an even wider brawl. Nevada edged Central Florida 49-48 on a missed extra point in overtime in 2005.
Last year, with Hawaii headed to the Sugar Bowl, East Carolina ran past Boise State 41-38 behind Chris Johnson's 408 all-purpose yards.
Rolovich is one of three members of the 2001 Hawaii team now on the Warriors coaching staff. While offensive line coach Brian Smith and Craig Stutzmann played in the 1999 Oahu Bowl, Rolovich is savoring his first bowl week and is enjoying watching the current Warriors take in the opportunity he never had.
“;I'm very proud to be part of it,”; Rolovich said. “;It's been an interesting year and I think this is a very nice gift for the players and how hard they worked and the things they worked through in many adverse situations.
“;They're going to know this is a great experience now, because it's been such an enjoyable bowl for everyone. But years down the line they're going to look back and a lot of good friendships are going to be solidified.”;
Hawaii (7-6)
| No. | Name | Pos. | Ht. | Wt. | Cl. |
| 1. | Greg Salas | WR | 6-2 | 200 | So. |
| 2. | Ryan Mouton | DB | 5-10 | 175 | Sr. |
| 3 | . Jameel Dowling | DB | 6-3 | 200 | Sr. |
| 4 | . Leon Wright-Jackson | RB | 6-1 | 215 | Jr. |
| 5. | Michael Washington | WR | 5-8 | 170 | Sr. |
| 6 | . Tyler Graunke | QB | 6-0 | 185 | Sr. |
| 7. | Erik Robinson | DB | 5-10 | 200 | Sr. |
| 7 | . Jovonte Taylor | WR | 5-9 | 185 | Jr. |
| 8 | . Tyson Kafentzis | LB | 6-1 | 235 | Sr. |
| 8. | Jake Santos | QB | 5-11 | 200 | Sr. |
| 9. | Rick Taylor | WR | 5-10 | 175 | So. |
| 10. | Shane Austin | QB | 6-0 | 200 | Fr. |
| 10. | Kawika Ornellas | DB | 5-9 | 170 | Fr. |
| 11. | Inoke Funaki | QB | 5-11 | 190 | Jr. |
| 12. | Greg Alexander | QB | 6-3 | 230 | Jr. |
| 13. | Bryce Kalauokaaea | RB | 6-1 | 200 | Fr. |
| 13. | Brashton Satele | LB | 6-1 | 255 | Jr. |
| 16. | JoPierre Davis | DB | 6-0 | 210 | Jr. |
| 16. | Brent Rausch | QB | 6-4 | 180 | So. |
| 17. | Solomon Elimimian | LB | 6-0 | 225 | Sr. |
| 18. | Guyton Galdeira | DB | 5-7 | 165 | Sr. |
| 18. | Steele Jantz | QB | 6-3 | 205 | Fr. |
| 19. | Jake Heun | RB | 6-1 | 250 | Jr. |
| 19. | Richard Torres | DB | 5-7 | 165 | Fr. |
| 20. | Rykin Enos | DB | 5-11 | 200 | Fr. |
| 20. | Jon Medeiros | WR | 5-9 | 195 | Jr. |
| 21. | Kealoha Pilares | WR | 5-11 | 190 | So. |
| 22. | Jayson Rego | RB | 5-9 | 215 | Jr. |
| 22. | Steve Stepter | DB | 5-9 | 180 | Fr. |
| 23. | Alonzo Chopp III | RB | 6-0 | 255 | Sr. |
| 23 | . Calvin Roberts | DB | 5-11 | 175 | Sr. |
| 24. | Craig Bell | WR | 6-0 | 185 | Jr. |
| 24. | Desmond Thomas | DB | 6-2 | 170 | Sr. |
| 25. | Matt Kiel | WR | 6-2 | 190 | Jr. |
| 26. | Jeramy Bryant | DB | 5-10 | 170 | Jr. |
| 26. | Daniel Libre | RB | 5-8 | 185 | Sr. |
| 27. | Khevin Peoples | RB | 5-11 | 205 | Sr. |
| 28. | Dustin Blount | WR | 5-8 | 160 | Jr. |
| 28. | Jordan Gomes | DB | 5-10 | 160 | Fr. |
| 29. | Chris Black | DB | 5-10 | 175 | Jr. |
| 30. | Dane Porlas | DB | 5-10 | 185 | Sr. |
| 31. | Spencer Smith | DB | 5-11 | 200 | So. |
| 33. | C.J. Allen-Jones | DL | 6-3 | 240 | Sr. |
| 34. | Jeremiah Ostrowski | WR | 5-9 | 185 | Fr. |
| 34. | Ryan Perry | DB | 5-7 | 175 | Sr. |
| 35. | Keao Monteilh | DB | 5-11 | 200 | Sr. |
| 36. | Viliami Nauahi | DB | 6-2 | 215 | Jr. |
| 37. | Kenny Estes | DB | 6-0 | 200 | So. |
| 37. | Royce Pollard | WR | 6-0 | 175 | Rf. |
| 38. | Joey Cadiz | RB | 5-7 | 190 | Fr. |
| 38. | Lewis Walker | DB | 5-11 | 160 | Fr. |
| 39. | Steven Christian | DB | 6-0 | 165 | Fr. |
| 39. | Troy Lauduski | WR | 6-2 | 165 | Fr. |
| 40. | Po'okela Ahmad | LB | 6-1 | 225 | So. |
| 41. | Corey Paredes | LB | 5-11 | 230 | Fr. |
| 42. | Paipai Falemalu | LB | 6-3 | 225 | Fr. |
| 43. | Mana Silva | DB | 6-1 | 220 | So. |
| 44. | Adam Leonard | LB | 6-0 | 235 | Sr. |
| 45. | Josh Andrews | LB | 6-1 | 240 | So. |
| 45. | Haku Correa | DL | 6-1 | 275 | Rf. |
| 46. | Victor Clore | DL | 6-2 | 250 | Jr. |
| 47. | Nathaniel Nasca | WR | 5-8 | 165 | Sr. |
| 47. | Joshua Rice | LB | 5-11 | 220 | Jr. |
| 48. | David Farmer | RB | 6-1 | 245 | Sr. |
| 49. | Tim Grasso | P | 5-11 | 210 | Sr. |
| 49. | Tuika Tufaga | DL | 6-2 | 285 | Jr. |
| 50. | Laupepa Letuli | OL | 6-4 | 320 | Jr. |
| 50. | Mana Lolotai | LB | 6-0 | 240 | So. |
| 51. | Geordon Hanohano | DL | 6-1 | 295 | Fr. |
| 51. | Francis Maka | DL | 6-2 | 265 | Sr. |
| 51. | Lafu Tuioti-Mariner | OL | 6-0 | 300 | Sr. |
| 52. | Marc Moody | LB | 6-2 | 230 | So. |
| 53. | Levi Legay | OL | 6-3 | 270 | Fr. |
| 53. | Blaze Soares | LB | 6-1 | 235 | Jr. |
| 54. | Bo Montgomery | DL | 6-2 | 250 | Jr. |
| 55. | John Estes | OL | 6-3 | 295 | Jr. |
| 56. | Matagisila Lefiti | OL | 5-11 | 295 | Fr. |
| 57. | Jake Ingram | LS | 6-4 | 230 | Sr. |
| 58. | John Fonoti | LB | 6-2 | 255 | Jr. |
| 58. | Joey Lipp | OL | 6-3 | 270 | So. |
| 59. | R.J. Kiesel-Kauhane | LB | 5-11 | 225 | Jr. |
| 61. | Austin Hansen | OL | 6-4 | 285 | Fr. |
| 62. | Keith AhSoon | OL | 6-1 | 315 | Sr. |
| 63. | Brysen Ginlack | OL | 6-2 | 310 | So. |
| 64. | Ray Hisatake | OL | 6-3 | 315 | Jr. |
| 65. | Kaha'i Choy | OL | 5-10 | 275 | Fr. |
| 66. | Adrian Thomas | OL | 6-6 | 305 | So. |
| 67. | Tui Tuiasosopo | OL | 6-0 | 310 | Fr. |
| 68. | Keahi Watson | DL | 6-2 | 300 | So. |
| 71. | Cameron Allen-Jones | DL | 6-2 | 255 | Jr. |
| 72. | Clayton Laurel | OL | 6-2 | 280 | Fr. |
| 73. | Drew Uperesa | OL | 6-2 | 280 | Fr. |
| 74. | Raphael Ieru | OL | 6-2 | 315 | Jr. |
| 75. | Ikaika Mahoe | DL | 5-11 | 280 | So. |
| 76. | Nathan McKay | OL | 6-2 | 280 | Sr. |
| 77. | Aaron Kia | OL | 6-5 | 290 | Jr. |
| 78. | Keoni Steinhoff | OL | 6-3 | 295 | Sr. |
| 79. | Daniel Johnson | OL | 6-4 | 290 | Jr. |
| 80. | Daniel Lofton | WR | 6-2 | 200 | So. |
| 80. | Antwan Mahaley | DL | 6-4 | 220 | Jr. |
| 81. | Dylan Linkner | WR | 6-0 | 210 | Sr. |
| 82. | Jett Jasper | WR | 6-2 | 195 | Fr. |
| 84. | Joe Avery | WR | 6-4 | 180 | Fr. |
| 85. | Aaron Bain | WR | 5-8 | 190 | Sr. |
| 86. | Dan Kelly | PK | 6-3 | 225 | Sr. |
| 87. | Michael Tinoco | WR | 6-2 | 200 | Jr. |
| 88. | Ryan Henry | WR | 5-9 | 160 | Jr. |
| 89. | Malcolm Lane | WR | 6-1 | 180 | Jr. |
| 90. | Elliott Purcell | DL | 6-3 | 250 | So. |
| 91. | Chris Leatigaga | DL | 6-4 | 305 | Jr. |
| 92. | Rocky Savaiigaea | DL | 6-2 | 330 | Jr. |
| 93. | Keala Watson | DL | 6-3 | 320 | Sr. |
| 94. | David Veikune | DL | 6-3 | 265 | Sr. |
| 95. | Vaughn Meatoga | DL | 6-2 | 305 | Fr. |
| 96. | Fale Laeli | DL | 6-1 | 305 | Sr. |
| 97. | Alasi Toilolo | DL | 6-3 | 255 | Fr. |
| 98. | Liko Satele | DL | 6-2 | 260 | So. |
| 98. | Brett Symonds | K | 5-10 | 145 | Fr. |
| 99. | Joshua Leonard | DL | 6-3 | 275 | Sr. |
Greg McMackin head coach, Rich Miano associate head coach/defensive backs, George Lumpkin assistant head coach, Ron Lee offensive coordinator, Cal Lee defensive coordinator/linebackers, Nick Rolovich, quarterbacks, Dave Aranda, defensive line, Brian Smith, offensive line, Ikaika Malloe, special teams, Alex Gerke running backs/offensive line
Notre Dame (6-6)
| No. | Name | Pos. | Ht. | Wt. | Cl. |
| 1. | Deion Walker | WR | 6-2 | 188 | Fr. |
| 2. | Darrin Walls | CB | 6-0 | 180 | Jr. |
| 3. | Michael Floyd | WR | 6-3 | 200 | Fr. |
| 4. | Gary Gray | CB | 5-11 | 185 | So. |
| 5. | Armando Allen | RB | 5-10 | 190 | So. |
| 6. | Ray Herring | S | 5-10 | 200 | Sr. |
| 7. | Jimmy Clausen | QB | 6-3 | 212 | So. |
| 8. | Raeshon McNeil | CB | 6-0 | 187 | Jr. |
| 9. | Ethan Johnson | DE | 6-4 | 275 | Fr. |
| 9. | Kyle Rudolph | TE | 6-6 | 252 | Fr. |
| 10. | Dayne Crist | QB | 6-4 | 233 | Fr. |
| 11. | David Grimes | WR | 5-10 | 175 | Sr. |
| 12. | Robert Blanton | CB | 6-1 | 180 | Fr. |
| 13 | . Evan Sharpley | QB | 6-2 | 216 | Sr. |
| 14. | Brandon Walker | K | 6-3 | 188 | So. |
| 15. | Brian Castello | QB | 6-2 | 191 | So. |
| 15. | Dan McCarthy | S | 6-2 | 200 | Fr. |
| 16. | Nate Montana | QB | 6-4 | 200 | Fr. |
| 17. | Nick Lezynski | QB | 5-8 | 157 | So. |
| 17. | Matthew Mulvey | QB | 6-3 | 195 | Fr. |
| 18 | . Duval Kamara | WR | 6-5 | 225 | So. |
| 19 | . George West | WR | 5-8 | 200 | Jr. |
| 20. | Terrail Lambert | CB | 5-11 | 195 | Sr. |
| 21. | Barry Gallup | WR | 5-11 | 195 | Jr. |
| 22. | Harrison Smith | S | 6-2 | 206 | So. |
| 23. | Golden Tate | WR | 5-11 | 188 | So. |
| 24. | Brian Coughlin | WR | 6-0 | 172 | Jr. |
| 24. | Leonard Gordon | DB | 5-11 | 192 | Jr. |
| 25 | Jonas Gray | RB | 5-10 | 230 | Fr. |
| 26 | . Jamoris Slaughter | CB | 6-0 | 182 | Fr. |
| 27 | . David Bruton | S | 6-2 | 205 | Sr. |
| 28. | Kyle McCarthy | S | 6-1 | 200 | Sr. |
| 29. | Jashaad Gaines | S | 6-0 | 202 | Jr. |
| 29. | Michael Garcia | WR | 6-1 | 178 | So. |
| 30. | Steve Paskorz | FB | 6-2 | 230 | So. |
| 31. | Sergio Brown | S | 6-2 | 197 | Jr. |
| 32. | Luke Schmidt | FB | 6-4 | 255 | Jr. |
| 33. | Robert Hughes | RB | 5-11 | 240 | So. |
| 34 | . James Aldridge | RB | 6-0 | 222 | Jr. |
| 35. | Kevin Brooks | TE | 6-2 | 241 | Jr. |
| 35. | Kevin Smith | LB | 5-8 | 200 | Sr. |
| 35. | Nate Whitaker | K | 5-9 | 170 | Jr. |
| 36. | Joe Bizjak | K | 6-2 | 165 | Jr. |
| 36. | David Posluszny | LB | 6-0 | 220 | Fr. |
| 37. | Mike Anello | CB | 5-10 | 170 | Sr. |
| 37. | Eras Noel | RB | 5-8 | 190 | So. |
| 38. | Chris Bathon | S | 5-10 | 192 | Jr. |
| 38. | Christopher Gurries | WR | 5-10 | 181 | So. |
| 39. | Ryan Burkhart | K | 5-11 | 188 | Jr. |
| 40. | Maurice Crum | LB | 6-0 | 235 | Sr. |
| 41. | Nikolas Rodriguez | RB | 5-11 | 205 | Sr. |
| 41. | Scott Smith | LB | 6-3 | 235 | Sr. |
| 42. | Dan Franco | WR | 5-10 | 188 | Jr. |
| 42. | Kevin Washington | LB | 6-1 | 244 | Sr. |
| 43. | John Leonis | DB | 5-9 | 169 | Sr. |
| 43. | Eric Maust | P | 6-2 | 177 | Jr. |
| 44. | Asaph Schwapp | FB | 6-0 | 261 | Sr. |
| 45. | Darius Fleming | LB | 6-1 | 236 | Fr. |
| 45. | Kris Patterson | WR | 5-11 | 185 | Sr. |
| 46. | Steve Filer | LB | 6-3 | 236 | Fr. |
| 47. | Mike Narvaez | FB | 5-11 | 231 | Jr. |
| 47. | Joe Vittoria | FB | 5-11 | 244 | Jr. |
| 48. | Steve Quinn | LB | 6-2 | 231 | Sr. |
| 49 | . Toryan Smith | LB | 6-1 | 245 | Jr. |
| 50. | Sean Oxley | LB | 6-2 | 220 | Fr. |
| 51. | Dan Wenger | C | 6-4 | 287 | Jr. |
| 52. | Braxston Cave | C | 6-3 | 315 | Fr. |
| 53. | Morrice Richardson | DE | 6-2 | 244 | Jr. |
| 54. | Anthony McDonald | LB | 6-3 | 225 | Fr. |
| 55 | . Eric Olsen | G | 6-4 | 303 | Jr. |
| 56 | . Kerry Neal | LB | 6-2 | 245 | So. |
| 57. | Mike Golic | C | 6-3 | 280 | Fr. |
| 58. | Brian Smith | LB | 6-3 | 233 | So. |
| 59. | Chris Stewart | G | 6-5 | 339 | Jr. |
| 61. | Martin Quintana | DL | 6-1 | 242 | Jr. |
| 62. | Bill Flavin | C | 6-3 | 252 | So. |
| 63. | Jeff Tisak | T | 6-5 | 306 | Sr. |
| 64. | Tom Burke | LB | 5-10 | 242 | Jr. |
| 65. | Mike Hernandez | OL | 6-2 | 275 | Fr. |
| 67. | Thomas Bemenderfer | C | 6-5 | 285 | Sr. |
| 69 | . Carl Brophy | G | 6-4 | 278 | Fr. |
| 69. | Dorian Inzunza | DL | 5-9 | 255 | Sr. |
| 70. | Matt Romine | T | 6-5 | 279 | So. |
| 71. | Dennis Mahoney | OL | 6-6 | 290 | Fr. |
| 72. | Paul Duncan | T | 6-7 | 308 | Sr. |
| 73. | Lane Clelland | T | 6-5 | 281 | Fr. |
| 74. | Sam Young | T | 6-8 | 310 | Jr. |
| 75. | Taylor Dever | T | 6-5 | 289 | So. |
| 76 | . Andrew Nuss | DE | 6-5 | 292 | So. |
| 77. | Michael Turkovich | T | 6-6 | 301 | Sr. |
| 78 | . Trevor Robinson | G | 6-5 | 304 | Fr. |
| 79. | Hafis Williams | DE | 6-2 | 302 | Fr. |
| 81. | John Goodman | WR | 6-3 | 197 | Fr. |
| 82. | Robby Parris | WR | 6-3 | 209 | Jr. |
| 83. | Mike Ragone | TE | 6-5 | 230 | So. |
| 84. | Will Yeatman | TE | 6-6 | 265 | Jr. |
| 85. | Sam Vos | WR | 5-10 | 199 | Jr. |
| 86. | Paul Kuppich | TE | 6-3 | 232 | Sr. |
| 87. | Joseph Fauria | TE | 6-7 | 245 | Fr. |
| 88. | Bobby Burger | TE | 6-4 | 242 | So. |
| 89 | . Kapron Lewis-Moore | DE | 6-4 | 257 | Fr. |
| 90. | John Ryan | LB | 6-5 | 253 | Jr. |
| 91. | Emeka Nwankwo | DE | 6-4 | 283 | So. |
| 93. | Paddy Mullen | DE | 6-3 | 290 | Jr. |
| 94. | Justin Brown | DL | 6-3 | 261 | Sr. |
| 95. | Ian Williams | NT | 6-2 | 300 | So. |
| 96. | Pat Kuntz | DE | 6-3 | 283 | Sr. |
| 97. | Kallen Wade | DE | 6-5 | 257 | Jr. |
| 98. | Sean Cwynar | DE | 6-4 | 283 | Fr. |
| 99. | Brandon Newman | NT | 6-0 | 310 | Fr. |
Charlie Weis, head coach, Corwin Brown, defensive coordinator/defensive backs, Michael Haywood, offensive coordinator/running backs, Rob Ianello, receivers coach/recruiting coordinator, John Latina, asst. head coach (offense)/offensive line, Jappy Oliver, defensive line coach, Bernie Parmalee, tight ends coach, Brian Polian, special teams coach, Ron Powlus, quarterbacks coach, Jon Tenuta, asst. head coach (defense)/linebackers.
STATISTICS
7
Total margin of victory in Notre Dame's wins over Hawaii, 48-42 in 1991 and 23-22 in 1997
16
Hawaii defensive end David Veikune's tackles for losses, most on the team
425
Solomon Elimimian's career tackles, second most in WAC history
4,324
Miles between South Bend, Ind., and Honolulu
22
Years since Notre Dame last posted back-to-back losing seasons (5-6 in 1985 and '86). The Irish went 3-9 last year and are 6-6 this season.
57.1
Charlie Weis' winning percentage in four years as Notre Dame head coach
0
Notre Dame's bowl wins since 1994, a stretch that includes seven appearances in BCS or other New Year's Day games
41
Points given up by both Notre Dame and Hawaii in the last two Sugar Bowls. Notre Dame lost to LSU 41-14 in 2007. Hawaii lost to Georgia 41-10 in 2008
