A few fans stay loyal, despite mounting losses

They’re not easy to see, but there they are.

At the top of Aloha Stadium, seated in the yellow section at the highest point, some of UH’s most loyal fans keep watch.

It’s a diligent, patient, determined watch for a team that fell to 1-8 after a 49-14 loss to Boise State on Saturday. With just 24,001 in attendance (turnstile count), fans in the yellow seats had a lot of leg space.

"Other big-time programs, the fans always show up and pack the stadium, win or lose," said Frank Moniz.

The Waianae resident isn’t a season-ticket holder, but he came back for the third time this season. He paid another $47 for his ticket, and brought a friend, John Tabangcura, who hadn’t been to a UH game in three years. Moniz wanted a better view, so they and their families walked up to the yellow seats.

"Some people can watch the game at home (via pay per view), but we’re coming back again," Moniz promised.

The Araki ohana — dad Steve, mom Holly and sons Shawn and Ty — sat in CC, near the top corner of the stadium. The season-ticket holders, decked out in UH Warriors apparel, gave up their orange-section seats near the 50-yard line to get out of the hot afternoon sun.

"It’s cool, there’s shade and the kids wanted to sit up here," Holly Araki said.

Steve Araki remembers watching UH football during the Dick Tomey era. He’s been through rebuilding phases before.

"It’s a new coach and it’s frustrating for us fans. We’re used to winning. But I understand what’s going on. They need a couple of years, two or three years," he said. "(Coach Norm Chow) sees them day in and day out, so he should know."

Matt Natividad sat quietly, stoically in his long-kept seat in CC, Section 17, Seat 1 of the yellow section. The high, end-zone view is the same one he’s kept for about 25 years, with his family and friends seated nearby.

"I like to see the plays open up," said Natividad, who brings his radio headset and hefty binoculars to every game. "I remember the games at the old (Honolulu) Stadium."

While some fans left during the third quarter, Natividad and other hardcore fans stayed to the end.

"I know this is a rebuilding year. They’re going to need time," Natividad said.

Boise State fan Aaron O’Hara, nephew Carson and niece Ava donned bright orange Broncos T-shirts for their first visit to the islands and Aloha Stadium. He was impressed with the spirit of UH’s fans from start to finish.

"Hang in there, you know, just keep cheering your team on," he said. "And come to the games."

Corey Wilson, a Boise native, has lived here for four years. He, wife Grace and 3-month-old son Joshua were dressed in Broncos blue and orange.

"We wanted to support Boise State and see them beat the crap out of the University of Hawaii," he said, observing the sprinkling of fans. "I guess these guys have nothing else to do."

Boise State, once an NCAA I-AA program, grew because of leadership, Wilson said.

"It’s because of Coach (Chris) Petersen. He really built everything up. You can’t beat Boise State in terms of fans, in terms of facility improvements. Bronco Stadium has been upgraded," he said.

But the Wilsons stayed in the quiet red section rather than across the field, behind the end zone with Boise State’s orange-clad fans.

"It’s too rowdy down there for the baby," he said.

Moniz, the fan from Waianae, has just one complaint.

"They should’ve kept a couple of coaches like (Rich) Miano. It’s hard to get the morale up with a whole new coaching staff," he said.