Hawaii Rainbow Warriors honor seniors before tonight’s finale

It was a Freaky Friday for the Hawaii football team’s final regular-season practice.

Safety Peter Manuma—one of 25 seniors to be celebrated following tonight’s game between Hawaii and Wyoming—switched jerseys with 5-foot-10 quarterback Micah Alejado during Friday’s one-hour practice at the Ching Complex.

“When they were doing sprints, we were like, ‘Man, Micah’s fast today, ’” associate head coach Chris Brown said, smiling. “But it was actually Peter running.”

Jeff Reinebold, who coaches the interior defensive linemen, said : “I’m looking at our group, and they’re standing over in the end zone ready to come out and start practice, and (offensive guard ) Zhen Sotelo’s in our group. ‘What the heck is going on over there ?’ But it was (nose tackle ) Jamar Sekona wearing Zhen’s jersey. During stretch, I told Zhen, ‘You always wanted to wear (the defense’s ) green jersey, anyway. You’re a defensive guy playing offense.’”

After practice ended, the linebackers honored the tradition of carrying seniors Jalen Smith and Giovanni Iovino off Ching field.

Senior safeties Manuma, Kilinahe Mendiola-Jensen, Justin Sinclair and Tim Malo took turns knocking over the tackling bag.

Brown, who also coaches the linebackers collectively known as the Lion’s Den, tried to contain his emotions.

“It was sad, ” Brown conceded, “but also happy, a good feeling, knowing we have a bunch more (practices ) coming.”

After meeting the bowl-eligibility requirement of a.500 or better record, the Rainbow Warriors (7-4 ) are expected to receive their official Hawaii Bowl invitation this coming week. Bowl teams are allowed up to 15 practices, many of which will be used to train redshirts and developing players. Players who are set to redshirt this year also are eligible to play in the bowl game.

Despite qualifying for the postseason for the first time in Chang’s four seasons as head coach, the Warriors were stinging from last week’s 38-10 road loss to UNLV. After Friday’s games, the Warriors are officially eliminated from participating in the Mountain West championship game.

“I think there’s a sour taste in their mouths, ” Chang said.

Brown said : “It was an intense practice. The boys were really focused.”

The Warriors will be without middle linebacker Jamih Otis, who suffered ACL and meniscus injuries to his left knee against UNLV. He is expected to undergo surgery in Las Vegas and be ready for the start of training camp in July.

The Warriors and Cowboys will be playing for the Paniolo Trophy. It is a rivalry that will continue beyond tonight. Although five schools are departing to join the Pac-12 on July 1, the Warriors and Cowboys are remaining in the Mountain West.

“Wyoming is a tough program, ” Chang said. “They’re a good program, and they’re well coached for years. And they have the (Paniolo ) Trophy. This is a huge game for us. We look forward to playing them.”