University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa students, faculty and staff with green and white H’s painted on their faces gathered around Bachman Hall Lawn last Friday, rock-climbing, dancing to Hawaiian music and hitting each other with inflatable tubes.
“Today is a student celebration to bring everyone together as one to support UH’s homecoming,” Vice Chancellor for Students Francisco Hernandez said on Friday.
A special concert by reggae band Fiji provided live entertainment, while Lina Girl and Augie T of KCCN FM 100 lightened the atmosphere by telling jokes about each other.
“(I’m here) to show support to our football and volleyball team and enjoy my time with my friends,” freshman Kari Begay said. “Also, the free homecoming shirt, face painting and pictures.”
Students lined up in front of the Associated Students of the University of Hawai‘i (ASUH) booth to receive free homecoming shirts, compliments of ASUH, and sign up to win free iPod giveaways.
The Office of the Chancellor, Campus Center Board and ASUH arranged the event.
“This is a project between ASUH and our office to welcome people back home and support our whole community and join Mānoa,” Chancellor Virginia Hinshaw said at the event.
Booths by UH-affiliated organizations such as the UH Bookstore, UH Athletics and UH Letterwinners Club provided games like ring toss to entertain the crowd.
Toward the middle of the event, UH football head coach Greg McMackin and the Warrior football team arrived in a bus.
“I appreciate the support you give us; the student section has been outstanding this season,” McMackin said. “I’m really proud to be affiliated with (the Warriors); they worked really hard, stayed united and they stayed strong.”
After McMackin’s speech, senior defensive line Rocky Savaiigaea showed his appreciation to the crowd.
“On behalf of the football team, I would like to thank everyone for the support,” Savaiigaea said. “It’s been a rough season, but hopefully we’ll turn our season around.”






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