Autograph Session, Sugar Bowl News, Etc.

Chawan compiles last night's news about the craziness at yesterday's autograph session, little kids doing the haʻa, some Sugar Bowl news, etc. From KITV and KHON:



From KHNL and KGMB (which includes a cameo from C&K!)



Will Hoover writes about the fans who showed up.

In fact the session lasted 70 minutes. But at an average of six autographs a minute, Brennan signed around 420 to 450 autographs — factoring in an amazing speed-signing frenzy in the final moments.

Trouble was, officials said ten times as many autograph seekers showed up to have the star quarterback sign helmets, books, posters, photos and footballs.

The Advertiser has a photo gallery of the session.

Here's Stephen Tsai's take on the craziness.

The self-inflicted problems stem from the school's consistency in underestimating the fans' support and an inability to properly address the demand. The thing is, when it comes to once-in-a-lifetime situations, there's never a second chance to correct misjudgments.
Yesterday's problems could have been minimized.

Gene Park writes about the craziness as well.

The autograph session lasted a little more an hour. But it still wasn't enough to accommodate all of the fans that showed up.

As Brennan was being ushered into a van, Warriors fans who were only a few feet away from him chanted, "Five more minutes!" But Brennan departed, and the other players left soon afterward.

Some fans who lined up at 8 a.m., two hours before a line was supposed to have started, couldn't even get to Brennan.

That's why Alvin Jamikawa, 50, of Palolo went to the gate at about 3 a.m.

Lots of pictures on that page as well, along with news that "The Largest Shuga Party in Hawaii" has been cancelled. And on the same page, Park writes that the scalper market has taken a hit.

Just a couple of weeks ago, scalpers were asking $300 for the cheap seats with a face value of $125.

Last night, tickets were still available at the Stan Sheriff Center box office and scalpers were selling tickets for $100, $25 below face value.

Dan Nakaso writes about the many Sugar Bowl contests and giveaways.

Central Pacific Bank allows only one entry per person for its contest to win two plane tickets, three hotel nights and two Sugar Bowl tickets on the 30-yard-line in section 617 in the upper rows of the Superdome.

Even with the restriction, CPB's 38 branches still have been averaging a combined total of about 1,000 entries per day for its Dec. 27 drawing for a winner.

Stephen Tsai writes about Dan Kelly signing autographs, Siave Seti rejoining the team after attending his grandmother's funeral, Sugar Bowl gifts, and a young Warrior.

Steven Su, who turned 12 yesterday, is in a wheelchair because of a birth injury. He had spent most of his life as a ward of the state. But this season, he has become an important member of the Warrior family.

"He's a really nice kid," defensive end Francis Maka said. "He's one of those purely innocent people. He comes into our locker room after (home) games, and it's always so nice to see him. He's always smiling. Everybody loves it when he comes around. He's our inspiration."

Dave Reardon writes about Le'Marcus Gibson's recovery and rehab from a knee injury, has injury updates on Fale Laeli, Jacob Patek and Victor Clore, talks to Ryan Mouton about his old high school, which UH QB recruit Bo Levi Mitchell just led to a Texas state championship, and has this from June Jones regarding UH practicing in New Orleans.

After today's final workout at its home field for the 2007 season, Hawaii's next football practice is Thursday -- at the same place where Drew Brees and Reggie Bush prepare for their games.

Warriors coach June Jones said he hasn't seen the New Orleans Saints' practice facility. But the former NFL coach had several reasons to use it as UH prepares for its Jan. 1 Sugar Bowl encounter with Georgia.

"I know they've got an indoor facility, a weight room, basically everything we need," Jones said.

Also, Jones might prefer that Saints coaches and officials get a look at some of his pro prospects, rather than having prying eyes elsewhere getting a gander at the UH schemes.

Paul Arnett speculates about how UH will prepare.

Running out of the Superdome tunnel toward the largest audience to see Colt Brennan and Co. up close and personal is a moment best left to professionals like Jones. Controlling that emotion, playing within one's self at all positions on the football field, especially in the early going, are critical to success. This is where Jones shines as a coach.

And yet another article about Georgia QB Matt Stafford's lack of stats, production, etc.

Stafford does not resent his team's offensive leanings, he said, but he will be looking across the field with a touch of jealousy Jan. 1 when Georgia plays pass-happy Hawaii in the Sugar Bowl. Warriors quarterback Colt Brennan averages 43 pass attempts per game and has thrown for more than 4,000 yards this season. Would Stafford like to trade places with Brennan for just one game?

"That," he said, "would be pretty cool."