alt=Jay DrewPROVO — It was almost 40 degrees warmer in Honolulu, Hawaii, on Wednesday than in Boise, Idaho. That’s the only numerical figure one really needs to determine that BYU’s bowl destination this year is entirely more preferable than last.
The Cougars (7-5) will face off with former WAC rival Hawaii (9-5) in the SoFi Hawaii Bowl at 6 p.m. MST on Christmas Eve in a game televised by ESPN. They will be looking for their third-straight bowl win after edging Wyoming 24-21 in the Poinsettia Bowl in 2016 and Western Michigan 49-18 last year in frigid Boise.
But the 80-degree temperatures in the Islands aren’t the only reason BYU coach Kalani Sitake is absolutely thrilled to be headed to the Pacific paradise. The Cougars’ fourth-year coach, who recently signed a three-year contract extension, still considers the place home.
“I have two hometowns — Provo, Utah and Laie, Hawaii. I am so proud of that. Anybody that grew up in Hawaii (like) me, it was BYU was No. 1, but I always cheered for UH as well. So, I just have a connection.” — BYU coach Kalani Sitake
Sitake was born in Tonga — he is the first Tongan to lead an NCAA Division I college football program — but doesn’t remember anything about that Pacific island. His family moved to Laie when he was a preschooler and he attended elementary and junior high on the North Shore of Oahu.
“I still have tons of family there, so we are always going back and forth, even though we eventually moved to Provo,” Sitake said. “I have two hometowns — Provo, Utah and Laie, Hawaii. I am so proud of that. Anybody that grew up in Hawaii (like) me, it was BYU was No. 1, but I always cheered for UH as well. So, I just have a connection.”
Using its so-called “Polynesian Pipeline,” BYU has mined “The Rock,” as locals call it, for plenty of football talent since 1951 when Harry Bray of Hilo transferred from Weber College to Provo. Famika Anae, father of former BYU offensive line standout and offensive coordinator Robert Anae, came in 1954-55 and the tradition has continued to this day.
“There is a lot of tradition, and our family is always watching (what happens in Hawaii),” Sitake said. “Any time we could support Hawaii, we were doing that.”
Sitake isn’t the only member of the team with ties to Hawaii who is eager to return; Backup defensive back Jared Kapisi is from Maui, offensive lineman Mo Unutoa (a Utah transfer who is sitting out this season) is from Kapaa. Linebacker Austin Kafentzis’ father, Kyle Kafentzis, was a standout defensive back for the Rainbow Warriors and the senior has dozens of uncles, cousins and other relatives who played for UH.
Although BYU doesn’t have as many Hawaiians on its roster now than in previous seasons, Sitake said the BYU brand still means a lot there. Kahuku High, which is three miles up the road from Laie, is an annual contender for the state championship.
“There are a lot of Mormons out there and a lot of people that love BYU, and a lot of people that love Hawaii,” Sitake said. “So I anticipate there are going to be a lot of people at this game. There is a lot of interest, and a lot of people who want this win on both sides. Just happy to be a part of it.”
Because BYU has raided the Islands for dozens of players the past 50 years, and because the Cougars are 23-8 all-time against the Rainbow Warriors, there is a considerable amount of angst for BYU among the UH faithful, especially the old-timers.
“BYU at Aloha Stadium on Christmas Eve, there may not be a better combination for Hawaii fans,” said UH coach Nick Rolovich. “… We are looking forward to our fans coming out to Aloha Stadium to see a battle with a classic rival.”
BYU has won the last five matchups, including a 49-23 win last year in Provo and a 30-20 win in the regular-season finale for both teams at Aloha Stadium in 2017.
“I mean, we are just going to go play a game, and however anyone feels about it is up to them,” Sitake said of that mostly one-sided animosity. “I just know that there is a lot of respect on both sides, from our players to their players, our coaches to their coaches. … I never want to tell fans how to behave or act or how to feel. That’s why they are fans. My job is to tame the fans that are dressed in royal blue happy.”
Sitake does have one bit of advice for BYU fans making the trip from Provo, where it was 40 degrees at noon on Wednesday.
“Leave the winter coat at home,” he said. “You won’t need that.”
Unlike last year in Boise.
Cougars on the air
SoFi Hawaii Bowl
BYU (7-5)
vs. Hawaii (9-5)
At Aloha Stadium, Honolulu
Dec. 24, 6 p.m. MST
TV: ESPN
Radio: 1160 AM, 102.7 FM