Hawaii

1975 Rainbows
(Authentic Reproduction)

 


 

 

'75 brought new coaches including University Of Washington assistants Dom Capers and Dan Dorazio and a new home field at Aloha Stadium. The season also brought an alteration in the helmet appearance. Green face masks were added to the white shell which provided beautiful contrast to the decal that was displayed on both sides. The depiction of Kupua was upgraded to “The Hawaiian Rainbow Warrior” and used by the entire UH Athletic Department as its official mascot. The logo was rendered as described in Revelation 10:1, “And I saw another mighty angel come down from heaven, clothed with a cloud, and a rainbow was upon his head, and his face was as it were the sun, and his feet as pillars of fire…” The creative decal appears as if Kupua, donned in green cape and headdress, is sprinting so rapidly that fire emanated from his feet as he toted the football, while a rainbow broke over him as would one of Hawaii’s famed big waves. Copied from original artwork (obtained by HELMET HUT from the University Of Hawaii), this made for a unique and memorable logo, somewhat circular in appearance, that was and remains widely admired. Price managed another 6-5 record in part due to a spotty offense and poor passing attack, but the Rainbow Warriors had some stars. Taking on big time programs like Tennessee, they needed all the help available. QB Alex Kaloi had a total yardage count of 1127 with backfield assistance from TB Norris Birdsong who led all rushers with 731 yards. Arnold Morgado moved to FB rushing for 577 yards and became a part-time starter for the Chiefs between 1977 and '80. Morgado later became a successful businessman on the Islands and ran for political office, serving in local government. OG's Dan Audick and Charlie Aiu were outstanding with Aiu getting in three years with the Chargers.  Following in his brother Golden's footsteps, the colorfully named Sterling Richards played well at receiver after transferring from BYU. DE John Woodcock gained All American notice with his 116 tackles and headed off to the Lions to play DT from '76 through 1980 and put in a final season with the Chargers in '81. Cliff LaBoy again played well and completed his career with the UH high water mark of 10 recovered fumbles. His son Travis, an All American DE for Hawaii, has had an NFL career with the Tennessee Titans and as a starter for the Super Bowl Cardinals. LB Don Herrold utilized the Rainbow Warriors weight room and packed on twenty-five pounds of muscle to be named the team's MVP at his LB post.

If interested in any of these Hawaii helmets please click on the photos below.