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Mar. 1—The winningest University of Hawaii coach in modern college football history is now a member of the school’s Circle of Honor.
The winningest University of Hawaii coach in modern college football history is now a member of the school’s Circle of Honor.
June Jones was told of the induction during Thursday’s luncheon at Murphy’s Bar & Grill that was arranged under the pretense of a belated birthday celebration.
The 71-year-old Jones was moved to emotion after being honored by best friend Artie Wilson, a former UH basketball player and Spectrum Sports announcer ; Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi ; and former UH players and coaches Rich Miano and George Lumpkin.
“It’s an honor, ” Jones said. “This is home. This is where I always wanted to be. It’s an honor to be honored.”
Jones, who attended UH for two years, was a prolific quarterback at Portland State who played five seasons with the Atlanta Falcons and went on to coach in the NFL, CFL and USFL. But his most memorable stint was nine seasons as the Warriors’ head coach.
“When they hired (Fred ) vonAppen (in 1996 ), I was in a position where I couldn’t take it at that time, ” Jones said of the coaching vacancy at UH. “I didn’t think I’d get another shot. When I got an opportunity, I didn’t turn it down.”
After vonAppen was dismissed on Nov. 30, 1998, a UH search committee led by Hugh Yoshida and Jim Donovan met twice with Jones in San Diego. By agreeing to a contract that paid $320, 000 annually, Jones walked away from a multi-million-dollar deal to continue as the San Diego Chargers’ head coach.
“I’ve always loved the people here and the way things are done here, ” Jones said of his decision.
Jones also felt his version of the run-and-shoot offense would resurrect a program that was 0-12 in vonAppen’s final season.
“I’ve watched us fill the stadium running the football, “…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/jones-lands-spot-uhs-prestigious-223300901.html
Author : The Honolulu Star-Advertiser
Publish date : 2024-03-01 22:33:00
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