WAILUKU, Maui – The University of Hawai'i Warrior football team made its first neighbor island appearance in eight years when they conducted a practice and intrasquad scrimmage Saturday at War Memorial Stadium.

 

The Warriors, who defeated Montana in a regular season game in 2001 on Maui, were greeted by sunny skies and a crowd of close to 3,000 fans. The team, in turn, provided the fans an up close look at the 2009 squad, capped by an entertaining intrasquad scrimmage.

 

“We play for the entire state of Hawai'i and it was incredible to come here to Maui and not only practice in front of them, but to get to know them,” head coach Greg McMackin said. “The people here have a lot of aloha and we really appreciate the way they received us. I'd love to come back here in the future.”

 

UH athletics director Jim Donovan added, “I thought it was an awesome event. It turned out to be a beautiful day, the people of Maui were having a great time, and the team was having a great time. We're just so thankful for all the sponsors who came together to help make this possible. It was a great day.”

 

After an hour of practice time, the Warriors used the remainder of their appearance to entertain the crowd with a controlled intrasquad scrimmage. The scrimmage was highlighted by touchdown runs by running back Inoke Funaki and quarterback Shane Austin, and a pair of interceptions by safeties Kenny Estes and Spencer Smith.

 

“It was an excellent effort by our guys today,” McMackin said. “We kept a lot of our starters out of the scrimmage and it allowed us to get a good look at our other players. People were making plays on both sides of the ball and I thought the crowd brought out the best out of our guys.”

 

Senior running back Jayson Rego, who hails from Wailuku, drew the biggest cheers with a series of bruising runs, including an apparent touchdown scamper. The touchdown was called back by a holding penalty, but it was fun experience none the less for the Maui native.

 

“I can't really explain how good it was,” Rego said. “I haven't been home for a long time and being able to play in front of all the people I used to play in front of when I was a little kid, was a great feeling. I enjoyed it a lot and I know the fans really enjoyed it too.”

 

UH returns to Honolulu for the final two weeks of spring camp. The Warriors will host another special event next Saturday, April 18, with the second annual Coaches Clinic on the UH-Manoa campus. For more information call 956-6508.