A sea of buff ‘n blue filled the home stands at Moorpark High School in Ventura County, California, to see the Punahou varsity football team take on California powerhouse Long Beach Polytechnic High School on Saturday, Aug. 31.
The game, which Punahou won handily 45 – 0, capped a weekend of alumni events in Southern California. On Friday night, a full crowd of alumni, parents and friends attended a reception at California Yacht Club in Marina Del Rey. Musicians Pal Eldredge ’64 and Pat Quilter ’64 entertained with Hawaiian music, while guests mingled and enjoyed the harbor view and brilliant sunset. The mainland visit was the first for new Punahou president Mike Latham ’86, and he was warmly welcomed by alumni and classmates now living in Southern California.
Game day Saturday began with a picnic and pre-game pep rally on the shady, north end zone of Moorpark’s stadium. Oahu College Band – traveling from O’ahu and joined by members from other mainland states – energized the crowd, while spirited alumni Denise Eldredge Sagapolutele ’91 and Leilehua Phillips ’95 Utu led everyone in traditional Punahou cheers.
Punahou’s team was hot from the first play, taking an early lead and never backing down. When the clock wound down, the Punahou players removed their helmets and faced the stands to proudly sing “Sons of O’ahu.”