Former Hawaii players inspire current Warriors for homecoming

Eleven members of the 1970 University of Hawaii football team visited the Manoa campus on Friday to celebrate homecoming weekend. The former players, who are now graduates, expressed their gratitude for their time at the university and shared words of encouragement for the current Warriors, also known as the Rainbow Warriors. Mike Biscotti, who played as the starting quarterback for three seasons, urged the current team to continue fighting, stating that they are already doing just that.

The 1970 team, an independent squad, made history by defeating Fresno State 49-0, marking the first of a four-year period during which they faced underdogs and emerged victorious, including a shocking 10-7 upset of Washington. Biscotti reminisced about the challenges they faced during that era, including limited resources and unconventional training facilities, but emphasized that their unity and camaraderie led to great success.

Tom Freuchtel, the 1971 team's MVP, offered practical advice to the current offensive lineman, Tu'i Muti, while encouraging the Warriors to fight the good fight. David "Mad Dog" Mutter, a feisty freshman who later became the starting center on the 1973 team, expressed his ongoing support for the current Warriors, even commuting from his home in Illinois for road games.

Mutter, who was honored as the honorary captain in 2021, delivered another pep talk, reflecting on his time as a Warrior and his appreciation for the opportunity to represent the university. Head coach Timmy Chang and associate head coach Chris Brown emphasized the significance of Homecoming, praising the former players' pride in being Warriors and their resilience, even playing at a deteriorating stadium.

Biscotti expressed confidence in the current Warriors' potential to turn things around and win their next game against New Mexico.