Obviously, the game on Saturday between the UCLA Bruins and Hawaii Rainbow Warriors has a ton on the line. The first game for the new coaching staff at UCLA. The Rainbow Warriors looking to start 2-0, beat a power program, etc.
But, for Ikaika Malloe it has a whole new meaning. The second-year defensive coordinator is from Hawaii and has been fielding inquiries from friends and family about grabbing tickets for the game.
He is a graduate of Kamehameha School in Hawaii. From Waimanalo Hawaii to Spokane Washington playing with the Huskies was a big adjustment for him, but he went on to earn four varsity letters as a safety and outside linebacker. He won the Bob Jarvis Most Inspirational Walk-On award in 1993.
He spoke to reporters after Tuesday’s practice about his time in Hawaii, and what it meant to come back:
UCLA defensive coordinator Ikaika Malloe on seeing his family, fielding ticket requests for this weekend’s game at Hawaii: https://t.co/HDu6WSDUO0 pic.twitter.com/VpXvmpQLhN
— Tracy McDannald 📎 (@Tracy_McDannald) August 27, 2024
The Bruins and Rainbow Warriors will kick off at 4:30 pm Pacific Time.