VIDEO: Kapi'olani Medical Visit, Noh Foods Lunch at Dave & Busters Recap
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HONOLULU – For the first time during Hawai'i bowl week, the University of Hawai'i football team was without a practice this morning, but some final bowl events spread plenty of cheer around in advance of Saturday's Christmas Eve bowl meeting with Middle Tennessee.
 
Following a free morning, a handful of senior players – tackle RJ Hollis, utility lineman Leo Koloamatangi, running back Steven Lakalaka, safety Damien Packer and kicker/punter Rigoberto Sanchez – made a visit to Kapi'olani Medical Center for Women and Children to bring holiday cheer to some hospitalized children. They were joined in the event by cheerleading squad members Chance Lutostanski and Deanna Hernandez. Bearing UH gear, stuffed animals and an abundance of aloha spirit, the Rainbow Warriors spent time talking with the children about variety of topics, including their favorite activities, sports and what they wanted to be when they grow up.
 
Although the kids were overjoyed to host the team, every member of the party came away with an appreciation of their hosts' struggle and found themselves inspired by the kids' fight.
 
"We're thinking we have it bad being sore and going through practice and whatnot, but we come over here and see these kids who might be the strongest people we've seen," Koloamatangi said.
 
Afterward, several of the senior visitors expressed interest in making it a regular event for the program at different times of the year.
 
"It's definitely a blessing," Packer said. "It really put things in perspective. These children fight every day for their lives, they're the true warriors. I'm going to talk to coach Rolo as soon as we get back, I feel like we should be here as much as possible."
 
No surprise that Hollis was a joyful highlight, bringing one of the youngest kids to a beaming smile while he held her. Acknowledging his own mother's time as a nurse, he later made a point to round the wing and share gifts and UH pins with all the staff, thanking them for the outstanding work they do.
 
"To even know you can make people smile like this, why not do it? Why not make someone's Christmas better? So if you have that ability, make somebody smile," Hollis said. "That can be the best gift you can give them. Materials come and go, but that smile, that happiness, that's the best gift you can give."
 
The hospital visitors rejoined their squad for one final bowl-sponsored event, heading to Dave & Buster's for the Noh Foods Lunch. After a hearty buffet-style spread, the Rainbow Warriors hit the gaming floor, going head-to-head in heated competition on the wide variety of arcade games available.
 
After an afternoon walk-through on the field at the Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex, the bowl preparation and events are in the books. All that remains is the main event on Saturday afternoon.
 
The Rainbow Warriors will meet the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders on Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, at 3:00 p.m. HT. The game will be broadcast live on ESPN and will be available on the WatchESPN app on mobile devices and gaming consoles. For tickets, visit the Hawai'i Ticket Office online, in person at the Stan Sheriff Center box office, or by phone at (808) 944-2697.

Game 14 Information
What: Hawai'i Bowl
Who: Hawai'i (6-7, 4-4 MW-2nd West) vs. Middle Tennessee (8-4, 5-3 C-USA-3rd East)
When: Saturday, Dec. 24, 2016
Time: 3:00 p.m. HT
Where: Honolulu, O'ahu
Stadium: Hawaiian Tel FCU Field at Aloha Stadium
National Television: ESPN with Chris Cotter (play-by-play), Mark May (analyst) and Maria Taylor (sidelines). ESPN Deportes with Kenneth Garay (play-by-play) and Alex Pombo (analyst)
National Radio: ESPN Radio with Kevin Winter (play-by-play) and Mike Golic, Jr. (analyst)
Local Radio: ESPN 1420AM with Bobby Curran (play-by-play), John Veneri (analyst), and Mark Veneri (sidelines). Chris Hart and Gary Dickman host the "Countdown To Kickoff" beginning at 1:00 p.m. HT, and also the halftime show. Neighbor islands can listen live on KNUI on Maui, KHLO in Hilo, KKON in Kona, KTOH on Kaua'i, and KNWJ in Pago Pago, American Samoa.
Video Streaming: www.espn.com/watchespn
Audio Streaming: www.espn.com/espnradio
Live Stats: HawaiiAthletics.com
Series Information: 2nd meeting
Bowl Central: Bowl Central on HawaiiAthletics.com