For the first time in ten years, the BYU Cougar football team set foot on the turf at Aloha Stadium prepared for what historically has been a heated rivalry with the University of Hawaii. But the same intensity never materialized. Yes, the players from both teams played hard and played to win, just like any other game, but this game felt different than the countless other times these two teams met.

As much as the local media tried, they failed to ignite the same passion for the game that was evident through the late 70’s through most of the 90’s and early 2000’s. Ten years is a long time. Ten years is two and a half traditional graduating classes ago, or in other words, UH freshmen students who attended the 2001 game, who had a real sense of what the rivalry meant, graduated in 2004. The rivalry had been forgotten.

The first football game I remember attending, ever, happened to be the Hawaii/BYU game of 1978. I remember two players from that game, Hawaii’s starting quarterback, Jeff Duva, who ironically was a BYU transfer, and BYU defensive back Ron Velasco who my father pointed out to me because he was from Hawaii. I noticed that a lot of fans in the stadium cheered for BYU, even though we were at Aloha Stadium. It was then that I discovered most Mormons who were Hawaii fans cheered for BYU when they came to town. I didn’t understand it at the time.

BYU players from Hawaii
Aveni Leung-Wai
Simote Vea
Travis Uale
Ian Dulan
Spencer Hafoka
Kaneakua Friel
Walter Kahaiali’i
Jray Galea’i
Graham Rowley

BYU players with significant Hawaii ties*
Uani Unga
Va’a Niumatalolo

Hawaii coaches who are LDS
Inoke Funaki
Tony Tuioti

Hawaii players who are LDS
Kamalani Alo
Kawika Borden
Jack Damuni
Paipai Falemalu
Waylon Lolotai
Siasau Matagiese
Alema Tachibana
Alasi Toilolo
Richard Torres

*Leave a comment below if you know of other BYU players with ties to Hawaii.

BYU beat Hawaii 31–13 that year and it was the first of ten consecutive wins for the Cougars over the Rainbows spanning 1978–1988. I’ve attended most of Hawaii’s home games versus BYU (except for 1988 and 1989 while I served a mission). Some were BYU blowouts, while others were heart stopping close, such as:

1981: BYU 13, Hawaii 3
1984: BYU 18, Hawaii 13
1986: BYU 10, Hawaii 3
1987: BYU 16, Hawaii 14
1988: BYU 24, Hawaii 23

Hawaii’s frustration had reached its peak. I recall BYU players nonchalantly stating that BYU was Hawaii’s rival, but Hawaii was not BYU’s rival. This only added to Hawaii’s earnest desire to beat BYU.

Then 1989 happened. A 56–14 beat-down of the #18 ranked Cougars. Local broadcast play-by-play man Jim Leahey said it was, “the greatest thing since statehood.” Hawaii did it again in 1990 with an almost identical outcome, winning 59–28.

In 1991 the Cougars restored order in Provo with a 35–18 victory, but Hawaii countered the following year in 1992 with a dramatic come from behind, 36–32 win in Honolulu … and the rivalry intensified.

BYU rattled off six straight wins from 1993–98 and left Hawaii in the Western Athletic Conference dust as they moved on to the Mountain West Conference, but this time, there would be no opportunity for Hawaii payback … or so we all thought.

A brief three years later in 2001, BYU was back on the hard Halawa turf with the rivalry still fresh on the minds of Hawaii fans and players, fueled by the perception that Hawaii was not good enough to be included in the MWC. Hawaii won 72–45 and BYU fans and players could not wait to host the Warriors the following year. The Cougars were hoping for a more resounding win, but were happy to escape with a 35–32 decision in 2002.

Nine years later as I sat perched high atop the yellow section of Aloha Stadium, I was saddened to see the stadium almost half empty, and the Hawaii student section deserted. The rivalry had been resurrected with the promise of games far into the future, but ten years is a long time. The rivalry had been forgotten.

A new generation has emerged—a generation that hopefully will grow to appreciate this celebrated college football rivalry, and its new beginning.

BYU handled Hawaii 41–20 in the latest (2011) battle.

The only question now is, how will Hawaii respond?

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Jackson Emery’s basketball career is over … and he’s okay with it. Emery, of Alpine, Utah, is the all-time career steals leader at BYU, and also ranks amongst BYU’s best in 3-point field goals, and games played. Often thought of as the ‘other guy’ to some guy named Jimmer, Emery ranks 22nd all time in points scored for the Cougars. Emery, named by Deseret News as its 2005 Utah Mr. Basketball, says his four years at BYU is enough basketball and he’s ready to take on his roles as a husband, a new father, and a new employee. Emery says he will continue to frequent the Marriott Center as a fan, especially when his highly-touted younger brother, Nick, arrives on campus in a couple of years.

Last season, you played for arguably the best and most popular BYU basketball team ever. What were your favorite moments of the season?

Obviously there were so many. It could range from winning big games at home against San Diego State, Utah, Colorado State, or Utah State, or by going on the road and winning at Creighton, or playing Vermont at Glens Falls, New York, winning at San Diego State, or UNLV. Then advancing in the NCAA tournament and advancing in those games, I will never forget those games. At the same time, I really enjoyed the off the-floor moments being with the guys, being friends, having fun. I think if people saw the demeanor of our team and how we got along so well off the floor, then you could understand why we did so well on the floor because of our relationships and trust for each other. When you step on the floor, you want to give all you can because you know your teammates are doing the same for you.

You set the all-time career steals record at BYU. What does this mark mean to you?

Any time you set a mark at a university it is a great accomplishment. For it to be at BYU, and having grown up here and seeing the players that have come through here, it means a lot to me. Not many players are able to set a record in their career, so to set one that I hope can stand for a while is quite an accomplishment. The steals record was not really on my radar, but just came along from playing the game.

Not only did you set the record, but you set it by passing Danny Ainge, which is like passing Babe Ruth in the BYU record books.

Exactly. Jimmer and I both passed Ainge on some big records, which makes it more special because we have great respect for Danny Ainge.

Is there a story behind wearing No. 4 for BYU?

There is not really a story. In junior high and in high school, I was No. 22. So that was my number for years. Going into BYU, if you are an avid BYU fan, you know that No. 22 belongs to Danny Ainge, so that number was not available. One of my good buddies was No. 4 and 2 plus 2 is 4, so whatever your conclusion is, I just ended up with No. 4.

5 Minutes with Jimmer

What is your single greatest moment in playing for the BYU Cougars?
The greatest moment for me was probably when my team made it to the Sweet 16. It was something we had been working for since I got to BYU and to be able to accomplish that was pretty amazing.

In your mind, when did the craziness of Jimmermania begin?
I would have to say after the Utah game that we played at their place. I had a pretty big game, and so pretty much after that it was just crazy.

Eventually, NBA games will be played. How do you see your role with the Sacramento Kings?
I see my role as a guy who can make plays for my teammates and myself. I think that I can stretch the floor and give our team a dimension that they haven’t had lately.

If you were a professional athlete in another sport, what would be the ideal sport, position, and team for you to play?
I would definitely be a wide receiver. I love football, and I would play for the New York Giants. They are my team.

It is well known that your brother, T.J., played a big role to influence your basketball career from an early age. How do you see your role in influencing children of today?
I just want to let the kids know you can make things happen, no matter where you’re from, or what circumstances you’re under. It’s all about effort and hard work. If you believe in yourself you can do anything.

Much has been written and said about you. Is there anything about you that has not been publicized that you would like to throw out there?
Haha, not that I can think of. I think people pretty much know everything about me.

Describe playing with The Jimmer.

Jimmer is a great guy. I have known him for several years. He is a good friend, he’s a great teammate. I didn’t get caught up in the Jimmermania or any of that craziness. A quality to have as a teammate is to not raise someone up any more than any of your other teammates. Jimmer understood that, too. I think that’s why we kept winning because we all understood our roles, and what we were good at, and what we needed to do to win games. Jimmer is quite the player. He is a great offensive talent. He works hard. He deserves all the recognition because he earns it. People may say that he shoots the ball a lot, but when you look at the percentages and realize that he shoots a high percentage regardless of where he shoots from the floor. If it goes in and that’s all that matters. It was a fun year to tag along to watch Jimmer through the media. With us winning, with Jimmer scoring, it was just fun.

There’s a YouTube video of you playing a game of H-O-R-S-E against a member of the media. At the end of the video, Jimmer shows up saying that you couldn’t beat him. Can you beat him?

H-O-R-S-E? No. Definitely no. He’s the scorer. Now if we played one-on-one, he’s the offensive talent and I take pride in my defense. So, who would win? It’s rain versus fire. I think it’s 50-50 with us going one-on-one.

How do you foresee Jimmer’s future success in the NBA?

I think you need to evaluate a couple things with one being the player’s work ethic and, two, you evaluate the system they are in. First, you can never doubt Jimmer’s work ethic. He will always be consistent and will work hard. That goes a long way, especially on a professional level when you are already getting a paycheck and you might think why put in the extra time, but I know Jimmer will put in the time. I think he might feel he has something to prove. He always has an edge, so that may help him as well in staying motivated. The other aspect is what system you are in. If it’s a system that does not fit your needs or if you are not fitting with your teammates, that can greatly affect you regardless of who you are. So, it will be really important for him to get with the right system and with the right teammates. If he does, then I think he will succeed tremendously. Jimmer playing with the Sacramento Kings shows all indication that he will be accepted there and that he can succeed with this team.

You likely had opportunities to continue playing professional basketball overseas. What caused you to retire from basketball at this stage of your career?

There were many things that led to retiring from basketball. I obviously have a love for the game, I still have the passion, and it’s never easy to just give up on it. The basketball market is the lowest it has been in years. There are a lot of obstacles that would have to be overcome to be where I wanted to be. It is almost overwhelming thinking of where I would have to start and what I would have to go through and if I was willing to do to that. And not only willing to do that, but to yank along my family. My wife was pregnant at the time and she was going to have our baby in September. So, there were off-the-floor issues to consider as well. I think I have a level head and have always told myself that I would need to get a job one day. An opportunity arose with a promising company. This caused me to think more of the long term by staying around to be a dad, a husband, and being in one location with my family instead of yanking my family around overseas. It would have been a great experience, but we just wanted to look long term.

You had the opportunity to recently play in the Jimmer’s All-Star game featuring top incoming NBA rookies. What did it mean to you to be selected to play in that game?

That was extremely fun. To play with that kind of competition and that talent level is every player’s dream to be on that type of a squad. I was ecstatic at the opportunity to play. One, I hadn’t played for a while and I knew my career was over. But, two, also to play with guys I had watched on TV and respect so much. I always had the belief that I could play against top competition and I think for that night I was capable of doing that. It was definitely a great experience and something I will never forget. And to have that one last game at the Marriott Center was tremendous.

You have a brother, Nick, who recently committed to play for BYU. What should Cougar fans look forward to with him on the future squad?

Nick and I are very similar in our competitive nature and how we want to win. But, we are very different. He’s a point guard, I’m a shooting guard. He’s left-handed. I’m right-handed. I’m skinnier, lean, and stringy. He’s a little more solid and strong. I compare him more to how Jimmer plays than how I play. He has ability to score and to distribute. He wants the ball in his hands. Nick’s well beyond his years and well beyond where I was at his age. For him to have an older brother that went before him to learn the path and expectations I think helps him. But, he works hard, has success, and I know he will continue to work hard. I think he feels he has a chip on his shoulder, has more to prove, and has more to work on.

If Brandon Davies remained with the Cougars, the team may have had a better chance to make it to the Final Four, or possibly win the national championship. Yet, the team seemed to accept the circumstances. Looking back, how do you see the situation?

You always think of what ifs. But, life is built of what ifs. What if Mike Loyd was still on the team? What if Chris Collinsworth did not hurt his knee? What if Brandon had instead fallen in practice and hurt his ankle? That’s life. That’s sports. The Indianapolis Colts might be thinking what if they had Peyton Manning? They might be 8-0 instead of 0-8. You do the best with the situation you have and make the best of it. One of the most impressive accomplishments of last year’s team was the rebound from that experience. Everyone had different roles and I think we adjusted very quickly. I think most teams would fold thinking they couldn’t overcome. But, I think we did an extremely good job of bouncing back and still competing. I think it proved to people how much we wanted to win and how good our team really was.

What’s your outlook for the upcoming BYU basketball season?

I think this is a different team. You don’t really look at this team and expect an all-star to appear. I look at a complete team that any given night you could have anyone score a lot of points or make good plays. There is a lot of talent there, a lot of size, a bigger team than BYU has had in some time. One thing I see is there are a lot of guys that are willing to work hard and are willing to win. We’ll see how that plays out, but I think BYU fans can be promised that at least they will see a team that will work hard, will fight, and will hopefully do well in the West Coast Conference. By no means is this a rebuilding year or a setback because of me, Jimmer, or Logan finishing our eligibility, or with Kyle going on a mission. One thing that Coach Rose does extremely well year-end and year-out is that he builds on the momentum that was created by the previous year’s team.

Any closing thoughts for your Cougar fans?

It’s extremely fun and inspiring to look back at the program. My freshman year was also Coach Rose’s first year. We laid the base of this successful foundation. It’s awesome to look back to see what has been accomplished. A large part of this success is Coach Rose and the players that have come through this program. The fans have been patient with us as we have tried to make BYU basketball an elite program competing at a national level. Other fans are coming back to the BYU basketball wagon. We’ve taken large strides. There is still room to improve. The talent that is being recruited is amazing. Hopefully, every aspect of BYU basketball is improving because that is the expectation is to improve on the year before.

It sounds like you have not completely closed the BYU basketball chapter as you are still involved.

Yes, I think I am still emotionally connected. And with my brother to play there in the future, I think I will be involved for quite some time.

Back when I attended BYU–Hawaii, I met an extremely tall, fellow student named Nnamdi Okonkwo. The Nigerian art major stood about 6′ 9″ and played for the men’s basketball team. During one particular semester, we were enrolled in an art course together entitled, Lettering and Layout.

As one of our assignments, we were asked to create a magazine spread using the subject matter of our choice. Being a big sports fan, I decided to feature one of my favorite NBA players—David Robinson.

When Nnamdi saw my design, he read out loud the headline with his Nigerian accent, “Not in my neighborhood” and cracked up laughing. The headline was of course made popular by Eddie Murphy’s SNL rendition of Mr. Robinson’s Neighborhood (a spoof of Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood), which Nike quickly picked up on to promote David Robinson—and his shoes.

From that day on, I was known as “Robinson.” When I saw Nnamdi around campus he always greeted me with, “ROBINSON! How you doing?” I’m sure he confused more than a handful of students as they tried to figure out why his greeting was directed toward a 5′ 8″ Asian guy.

A few years later, while Nnamdi pursued his MFA at BYU, I gave him a phone call out of the blue. After I let him know who I was, he belted out, “Robinson!”

Earlier this year I e-mailed the editor of Mormon Artist magazine and suggested they do a feature on Nnamdi. He completed his MFA and is currently a successful fine artist—with work featured in galleries and art festivals in several states around the country—so I thought he’d be a great subject.

Shortly after I sent that e-mail, I discovered that Nnamdi was the cover story in the April/May 2011 issue of Mormon Artist magazine. A month or so after that, Nnamdi was targeted as the subject of a Mormon.org feature video. It’s a great video and I was happy to see it … and yes, he was just as happy and friendly in college as he is in the video.

Whether or not I was responsible for Nnamdi’s sudden fame, I don’t know. But I’m glad the world can see what a talented artist and thoughtful individual he is.

Photo courtesy of Nnamdi Okonkwo.

NnamdiArt.com

Tanner Mangum. Photo: ESPNHS

Check out last weeks news links which includes an ESPN feature on future BYU quarterback, Tanner Mangum. The elite prospect plans on serving a mission before he enrolls at BYU.

• Get Familiar: Tanner Mangum
• First & Ten: Chris Hoke
• Where else but Queensland? World at his feet but church sends Hopoate to Brisbane
• Hoppa has no regrets over Mormon mission
• BYU, Big 12 interest draws plenty of speculation
• USU football: Aggies get commitment from Logan QB D.J. Nelson
• Bucknell’s Josh Eden Named Patriot League Football Defensive Player of the Week, Bison Athlete of the Week
• Guthrie closes the book on 2011 campaign
• BYU’s Frazier is still the same player
• Ex-Campolindo Cougar quarterback still on a mission after football

Jimmer Fredette and Kemba Walker. Photo by Roy Southwick.

Here are the news links from the third full week of September, featuring a brief report on Jimmer’s All-Stars which showcased the up-and-coming talent of the NBA.

• NBA rookies play in Jimmer Fredette exhibition game
• Sanderson places fifth in world wrestling championship
• High school volleyball: Benefit match will honor one sister, help another reach her dreams
• Agent: Ravens, Haloti Ngata sign 5-year extension
• Honors continue for UVU’s Nish
• Moats Gives It All In Everything He Does
• What is really right about sports
• In Utah, cyclists on a mission
• Gardner to be honored at Alan & Gloria Rice Greco-Roman event
• Former EPJ Standout Now One Of Top Hitters In NCAA Volleyball

Autzen Stadium, University of Oregon. Photo: University of Oregon Libraries

Here are some links from last week including a couple of stories about University of Oregon football players Mark Asper and Hamani Stevens. Both returned missionaries. Both at different places in their college careers.

• Ducks name Asper week’s top offensive player
• DUCK FOOTBALL: From One Mission To Another…
• Hopoate dreams of finals glory as sabbatical looms
• Guthrie’s Musical Intervention
• BYU football: Travis Uale’s unique journey offers different perspective on rivalry
• Coach K watches Jabari Parker workout
• Prep volleyball: Daughter of Thurl, Bree Bailey racks up kills for Lehi
• Former QB Steve Young is a life-long Utah fan
• USU hoops: Another recruit commits to Aggies
• FOOTBALL | Pulsipher ’12 mixes marriage and football
• Polynesian ‘luau’ in unfamiliar surroundings

BYU Marriott Center, photo: BYU Photo

It may be the off season but there were a few links about BYU basketball, including an early look at the 2011–12 BYU men’s basketball team, and news of two hoops recruits who committed to the Cougars … but don’t pass over the other links. Lots of interesting stuff last week.

• Orioles’ Guthrie not shrinking from duty as he nears dubious mark
• Nicholls coach cherishes time with son
• Sports briefs: Son of BYU basketball legend commits to Cougars
• Matich agrees that BYU didn’t go independent for the money
• Collie ready for fun senior season
• Schwab to play basketball for Montana State
• The Bottoms Line Non-BCS Watch List: BYU Cougars
• BYU football: Servite duo a good fit for Cougars
• From a Gaffe, Some Good for Little Sisters of the Poor
• Hemet’s Stevens clan still going strong
• Hopoate family has Manly fans ready to believe
• Chaparral point guard Cory Calvert commits to BYU
• Olsen was a man of character

Torah Bright. Photo: VancityAllie

The past week’s news links are here featuring: Torah Bright getting back into it; Navy’s head coach put’s the Lord first; a MLB baseball player finds consistent power; two top Utah high school basketball players staying home; a feature on a future football Cougar; Maryland’s Crowton uses a calmer approach to coaching; a Green Bay rookie put’s on a show; more positive feedback for BYU and the church; a former Seasider thriving as a Cougar; Bucknell’s Edan a kick blocking terror; a great start to BYU football fireside season; and an Eagle Scout project with sports in mind.

• Torah Bright admits she is scared of returning to the slopes
• Navy head coach’s playbook of principles
• Marlins’ Buck exceeding power projections
• Utes and Cougs ink best players in the state
• All About Troy Hinds
• When Terps’ Crowton is on the field, class is in session
• Undrafted So’oto Sacks Roster Spot
• The fresh air of Brandon Davies’ return
• BYU football: Walk-on Simonte Vea is coach Kaufusi’s ‘Pit Bull’
• In the FCS Huddle: Bucknell foes don’t get kick out of Eden
• BYU fans pack Tupelo meetinghouse for fireside
• California LDS teens brave heat, complete stadium project

Scott Lowe, BYU–Hawaii SID. Photo: BYU–Hawaii Photography

Here are the past weeks news links, including: Seasider SID wins conference award; an SUU quarterback’s potential; Polynesian players are once again finding their way to Logan; reestablishing BYU quarterback prominence; Manti Te’o ready for the season; the Jimmer awaits his chance; a Duck football player balances life; the Utes win a big recruiting battle; another RM at Oregon State; and Vai Sikahema returns to Hawaii.

• BYU–Hawaii’s Scott Lowe selected 2010–11 PacWest SID of the Year
• Sorensen Named GWC Preseason Offensive Player of the Year
• USU football: Polynesian players flocking back to Utah State
• Quarterback U: BYU Poised to Regain the Title It Once Held
• LB Manti Te’o ready as Notre Dame tries to build on defense of last season, NFL may beckon
• Fredette is anxious to answer skeptics
• Meet Mark Asper: Duck football player—and father of two
• Utah basketball lands coveted in-state recruit
• Beavers’ Fifita brings maturity
• Vai’s View: BYU-Hawaii, prep football powerhouses and a living legend