UH Football must earn helmet decals in new tradition

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our months after wrapping up spring practices, the University of Hawai‘i football team is back to work, officially opening training camp on Wednesday in Manoa.

But before strapping on their pads, players will take the field with a noticeable absence on their helmets, no UH logo, no island chain decal.

That’s because, under a new tradition established by head coach Timmy Chang, those symbols must be earned.

“Removing the decals from their practice helmets is something symbolic,” Chang said. “To represent the 50th state, our proud state, it’s not given. It’s earned. We want these guys to earn every bit of protecting and having the right to play for the state.”

The helmet decals, which were also removed prior to the spring game, won’t return until players are officially awarded them ahead of the nationally televised season opener against Stanford on Aug. 23 at the Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex.

“We want them to feel a part of the team, a part of the state,” Chang added. “These boys sacrifice a lot, waking up early, coming from all over the islands, the mainland, and even internationally. When we put the chain back on, they’ll have earned it.”

The symbolic gesture underscores the team’s focus on identity, unity, and pride in representing Hawai‘i.

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