Let’s highlight the things we know going into the season with the first being how the season ended in 2023. The Warriors finished strong, winning three of their last four games, including a win over No. 25 Air Force, plus a dramatic victory over conference rival Colorado State with a last-second field goal! A year ago, you had a premier seat to see a program grow right before you! Head coach Timmy Chang and his staff, who added three veterans, Jeff Reinebold, Dennis Thurman, and Dan Morrison, are leading this program into a new age; you can’t take the risk of not being a part of it. Plus, you’ll be able to tell your friends, “I was there from the start! I’ve seen this team grow into what they are now!”
A big part of the team’s end-of-the-year success was because of the growth of players who have been here for multiple years. They’ve grown with the program, and you’ve seen them mature. Quarterback Brayden Schager returns as one of the best statistical passers in not just the Mountain West but the entire country! He has adapted well to the teaching under Chang for the Run-N-Shoot, adding Morrison as the quarterbacks coach. Schager’s senior season will be a special one. He’ll partner with receivers Pofele Ashlock, Steven McBride, Jonah Panoke, Nick Cenacle, and Alex Perry, all like Schager, who have grown under Chang and this explosive offensive system.
You also have the defensive side of the ball, where you’ll see the return of Peter Manuma, Cam Stone, Meki Pei, Wynden Ho‘ohuli, Logan Taylor, Virdel Edwards II, Daniel “Sauce” Williams, and Elijah Palmer. All extremely talented playmakers who value having “HAWAI'I” across their chest and playing for YOU! Our program has always had the reputation of being passionate and borderline chaotic during those warm nights in Hālawa. We want the same in Mānoa, and you play the most significant role by being a season ticket holder!
Quickly, let’s focus on things you may not know. We know about our home situation at the Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex. It’s a small and more intimate venue, but did you know a ticket to our unique new home is one of the lowest-priced tickets for college football in all of FBS? We did the research during the offseason, trying to reflect on the hardworking budgets of our fans in the Aloha State, and we found out that compared to our peers, our ticket prices are nearly as low as they can get in the sport. You and your fellow Rainbow Warrior fans have the best value in all of college football!
But, what’s going to change about the fan experience? Great question! Our marketing team has plans to get fans more involved in the game day presentation to make it more about you and your family. More fun, more energy, and more excitement! You saw changes a year ago but this year they’ll be adding more to your experience.