The Centurions: 91-95

The Star-Bulletin's countdown of UH football's "Centurions" continues with numbers 91-95:

95. Tala Esera, offensive tackle
94. Mat McBriar, punter
93. Don Botelho, back
92. Dan Kelly, kicker
91. Steve Lehor, linebacker

Dave Reardon profiles #93 on the list, Don Botelho.

Maybe Don Botelho needed a time machine.

Those who saw him play for Roosevelt and the University of Hawaii recall a supreme athlete, nimble of foot and mind. But his greatest weapon was rarely used -- a strong, accurate arm. In the 1950s, the forward pass remained a novelty, not something you build a gameplan around.

"He was more throwing if I remember," said Jimmy Asato, who later coached with him. "But no one really threw then."

Botelho said he was ready to let loose when he got the starting quarterback's job. "I liked to throw the ball. But we (as a team) didn't."

He was a sophomore on the 1955 team that beat Nebraska 6-0 in Lincoln.