Warren’s outstanding athletic performances were a light during the World War II years when Punahou, without a permanent home, had difficulty fielding a sports team. He always gave 100% – and never gave up! This article appears as originally published in the Winter 1990 issue of the Punahou Bulletin.
An all-around athlete, he won eight letters during his high school career, three each in football and swimming, and two in baseball. In football, he earned a reputation as one of the best and toughest ends in the ILH. His aggressive play won him All-Star second team honors in his senior year.
His strong fortes in swimming were 50 and 100 yard backstroke; the 150 and 300 yard individual medleys; and the relays. He capped his swimming career by winning the 100 yard backstroke and the 300 yard individual medley events in the annual Hawaiian AAU Outdoor Swim Meet. Forced to choose between track and baseball because of conflicting schedules, he selected the latter and became one of the ILH’s top pitchers in his two years of varsity competition.
Warren’s outstanding performance won him football scholarships to several mainland colleges including Notre Dame. He selected the University of Arizona, where his strong play at end resulted in an invitation to play and star in the annual Phoenix Salad Bowl.
Warren played professional football for the Manoans and the Hawaiian Warriors. Though only 160 pounds and playing against NFL All Stars, his play at end won him numerous awards. He played in four Hula Bowl Games (1950 – 1954) winning the “Outstanding Player Award” in 1953. During this period (1951 – 1953), he served as Punahou’s end coach.
An outstanding “water man”, he paddled for the Outrigger Canoe Club for many years winning four gold and three silver medals. Still active in sports, he relishes deep sea fishing which he claims helps him relax from the rigors of a successful business career.