In wake of Maui wildfires, Hawai’i football is representing resiliency

• Kyle Bonagura, ESPN

  • Personnel WriterSep 1, 2023, 08:00 AM ET Close Covers the Pac-12. Signed up with ESPN in 2014.
  • Participated In Washington State University.In the middle of

the night of Monday, Aug. 7, Hawai’i football coach Timmy Chang woke to the noise of loud noises. His partner, Sherry, was currently awake and asked, “Do you hear the wind?” Chang didn’t understand it at the time, however a high-pressure system north of Hawai’i and Classification 4 Hurricane Dora– about 800 miles to the south– resulted in the abnormally effective winds across the islands.

“It seemed like it was banging on the house,” Chang said. “It was actually, really strong. The very first thing I believed was, ‘Wow, tomorrow’s gon na be fascinating trying to toss the ball in this wind.'”

The next day began like any other Tuesday in training school. Hawai’i made it through its early morning practice, and by about 4 p.m. was getting into conferences before supper and evening walkthroughs. That has to do with when word began distributing around the group’s Manoa, Oahu, center that wildfires had actually broken out on Maui, about 80 miles away.Chang’s very first thought was the wind. Wildfires are common in Hawai’i– specifically this time of year– however the high winds implied the fire would take a trip quickly.It was a precursor to the deadliest American wildfire in over 100 years.At about 6 p.m., reports of destruction were practically

incomprehensible.”That’s when we heard,’Front Street does not exist,

‘” stated Chang, describing the main road through Lahaina Town’s historical busy downtown. “Then you start to hear reports about people jumping into the ocean to conserve their lives, to escape the fire. “Editor’s Picks 1 Related In the 3 weeks because, the death toll has increased to 115, with a list of unaccounted for individuals of more than double that. The town was left in ruins. Roughly half Lahaina’s 12,000 homeowners were displaced, according to Hawai’i Gov. Josh Green. There is no quote for how long it will require to rebuild.When Hawai’i steps on the field Friday for its home opener versus Stanford (11 p.m., ET on CBSSN ), it will be with heaviness of hearts– a minute of silence will be held before kickoff. There’s a sense of state pride that always features playing for the Rainbow Warriors, but in the wake of the fires, there’s an included sensation of duty to represent resiliency.Receiver Karsyn Pupunu was born and raised in Lahaina and, along with protective back Kimo Holo Holt-Mossman, is among 2 Maui locals on the group. They shared updates with each other throughout the day the fires broke out, however as the fire magnified cell service went out in West Maui and updates ended up being scarce.The next day provided heartbreaking news for Pupunu: an auntie, uncle and 2 of his cousins were among those who passed away in the blaze.”That truly messed me up,”Pupunu informed ESPN.”That’s when I chose it was time to go house for a little bit.

“His household home, located up the roadway a few miles in Kahana, was spared, however that didn’t function as much consolation.”He needed to be there with his

relative and participate in the effort to assist and see what’s going on firsthand, “Chang said. “Then returned when he’s prepared–

which’s what occurred. “Holt-Mossman is from the east side of Maui in Kula, about a 45-minute drive from Lahaina, but several of

his member of the family, including his elderly grandmother, were forced to leave as fires broke out in different parts of the island.Through the unpredictability of everything, Pupunu and Holt-Mossman stated they received incredible support from teammates, coaches and those around the program, but the wider action efforts have also stuck out.”The support has been big, “Pupunu stated.”Not just the people from Hawai’i, however even individuals from the mainland. Everyone’s been revealing their love, support and care throughout this entire time and just making sure that we’re all great. Whether it’s us, our member of the family, or perhaps people in Lahaina that they might not even know, but they’re still trying to support

.”Stanford will use Maui decals on its helmets for Friday’s game. Vanderbilt, Hawai’i’s challenger recently in its season opener, announced partial proceeds from ticket sales to the game would be donated to the Hawaii Community Structure and the Maui Strong Fund. UCLA revealed last week it would offer complimentary football tickets to games versus Coastal Carolina and North Carolina Central to anyone who contributed at least $10 to among four charitable funds supporting relief efforts. 2 exhibit men’s college basketball games– Tennessee at Michigan State and Saint Mary’s at Hawai’i– have likewise been arranged for October to raise money.The Hawai’i football program’s action was practically instant. UH Sports Media Relations Within 48 hours, it initiated a Maui relief drive and gathered non-perishable goods as part of a previously set up fan fest occasion. During the season, coaches and players are somewhat limited in how they can assist, but Chang stated when the season is over they intend on having a presence in

Maui to assist in whatever way they can.”We’ll be out in Maui, boots on the ground trying to figure out how we can help,”he said.”And if it’s us simply playing football with the kids, then we’ll do that. But me and my staff will be out there and if we can bring players, we’ll bring players.”We want to assist. And whether that’s with a shovel to help restore or that’s with football, we’ll exist.”Chang even threw away the possibility of the Rainbow Warriors returning to Maui at some point to play a house game for the first time because 2001, when he led Hawai’i

to a win versus Montana before 12,863 fans at War Memorial Arena. The stadium, which is anticipated to be closed from May 2024 to May 2025 as it undergoes a significant renovation, will be able to host about 15,000 people when it resumes.”I would like to do it once again,” Chang said.”I played in 2 games over there. I also played in the Hula Bowl. Both games were offered out. It was an unbelievable environment. I know we have actually discussed trying to return there. “Since Chang was worked with in January 2022, he has made a concerted effort to engage with the local neighborhood. It starts on Oahu however encompasses all eight islands– in May, the program sent out coaches to Maui for a youth center– and the previous star quarterback frequently reminds his group that without a professional group in Hawai’i, it’s their task to represent the state.Perhaps never truer than tonight against Stanford.”This game means a lot for us. It suggests a lot to Maui,”Holt-Mossman stated. “[ Chang] preaches that now we bet something much bigger currently since of the natural disaster that took place in Maui. I feel like this home opener suggests a lot to the state of Hawaii with all we’re going through. It’s going to be big.”