Unrivaled leader
There was a time — a generation, actually — when BYU was Hawaii’s biggest rival.
And while LaVell Edwards was head coach of that team, he did not fit the villain’s profile. He was innovative (promoting a wide-open passing attack), faithful (he served a church mission in New York after retiring from BYU), beloved (BYU’s stadium bears his name) and always willing to play UH. His involvement with the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame further illustrated his respect for the Polynesian culture and the sport.
We mourn yet another passing this year.
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Uno
LaVell was Class, but oh so good feeling to beat BYU !!!
AZ, I share the sentiments.
Howzit Tsaikos!
Was stuck on the 12/27/16 entry. Didn’t know a new entry was posted. Missed a whole day of WB!
St-Tuesday’s entry still open
Aloha Mr. Lavell Edwards, a true pioneer of modern day football and a champion of the Pacific Islanders.
boolakanaka:
Tats went out same year as his catcher Ron Nomura – believed they left as seniors, but cannot trust my memory now-a-days.
biggest mistake Japanese baseball did was try to change his delivery to a more “straight up” motion which destroyed his arm – that was “style” in Japan then and the Japanese catchers could not handle his 3/4 motion with exceptional movement of the ball – they should have drafted/hired Nomura only to catch Tats.
we went to see him pitch against USC at Aloha Stadium and never have I seen a ball move so much from the mound to the plate
yep, I liked his “arrogant” style of walking off the mound!!
there were times I wondered how Lavell Edwards “coached” from the sideline – always arms across his chest with no head sets and what seemed to be a frown
but, a class act – may he rest in peace!
RIP Coach Edwards
Hey hossana u misunderstood my point, but while we’re on it I care not for SEC football. Those guys pass the thunda and litnin exam-if you can tell the difference your in! GoWarriors!!!!
Tats should have gone into MLB draft, instead of Japan…now we’ll never know…
After a decade of heart-breaking defeats, BYU was our greatest rival, fueled by the BYU-Hawaii campus in Laie that made the games a sell-out showdown. Over the years, LaVell Edwards became the face of the BYU team–and so we loved to hate him…nothing personal against him, we just wanted to beat his team. UH did win under Bob Wagner and we went wild. Wagner for Governor!
I recall we beat them again under JJ, but Edwards had retired by then and it really wasn’t the same. Lots of respect for Edwards…the face and mentor of BYU football. Rest in Peace.
A-House, my fine Sir, only because I pride myself in all things Aiea, do I resort to the following reference–see: http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2006/Apr/12/sp/FP604120340.html
His high school teammate and good friend, was my Sr. Little League coach, and he would occasionally throw batting practice at half-speed–even then it was like a whiffle ball on remote control.
Prayer to coach Edwards family. Well respected individual that represented BYU, morman faith and the game with dignity and class. Aloha to you a true KUPUNA.
A-House: Tats left in 1979, after his junior year. Had he stayed for his senior year, he would have been on the 1980 CWS team. Who knows what would have happened if he had stayed for his senior year.
Aloha Coach!
Enjoyed watching
that(passing) offense except
when you played Hawaii.
Condolences to the Edwards Ohana
Guud Evening Tsaikos…Bootiful Day!
Yup, it would have been great if Tat’s stayed but he had a deal that was hard to turn down. Especially if you could help your family out. Dude has some guts.
Dang, the old year is not going quietly. Coach Edwards, founder of modern day qb u, you and your teams will be remembered.
boolakanaka:
my apologies and hats off to you for finding that article!
your Aiea pride is wonderful and a keeper for life!!
speaking of Gerald Ako, his son married my niece, my youngest sister’s daughter, so we are “related”
we were lucky to secure autographed baseballs from Tats and Gerald – he was so bashful when we asked him to sign at a family function. Gerald is a union rep on Kauai.
Another hanapaa?
BILL.ENA @MALOBILL 23h23 hours ago
God is Good!!! Blessman Taala @cometoUH
New post: http://hawaiiwarriorworld.com/?p=40850