Memories

As part of the Advertiser's Fab 50 series, Stephen Tsai writes about the Warriors' crazy 2007 season.

It almost ended before it started.

The Warriors narrowly defeated host Louisiana Tech in the season's second game.

"After the game," said Manny Rezentes, UH's director of security, "the coaches said: 'This is going to be a miracle season.' "

Each week, the number of followers grew.

"It kept getting bigger and bigger," Rezentes said.

During a road trip, an autograph seller filled his room with dozens of UH replica helmets. He waited in the lobby, begging for autographs. He did not want them personalized.

After Brennan signed his 10th helmet, Rezentes stepped in, closing down the rags-to-eBay-riches scheme.

"We had so many people trying to wiggle their way in," Rezentes said.

And CBS Sports has posted its WAC All-Decade team for the years 2000-2009. Six UH players are on the list.

Colt Brennan was the fifth player from Hawaii to make the squad, joining Bess, Lelie, offensive lineman Samson Satele, linebacker Solomon Elimimian and returner Chad Owens.

Owens almost made it as a wide receiver too, but was more valuable as a kick returner. Owens tied the NCAA record for most TDs on kick returns in a career with eight (six punts and two kickoffs) and had five punt returns for TDs during his senior year. He finished his career with a school-record 29.4-yard average on kick returns.