The team that first put Hawaiʻi Hilo basketball on the map and a man that has been involved in as a volunteer for more than 40 years will be inducted into the Vulcan Athletic Hall of Fame this fall.
Coach Jimmy Yagi’s 1976–77 men’s basketball team and volunteer Dennis Miyashiro represent the 20th class to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, on Saturday, October 21, 5 p.m. at the Campus Center Dining Hall.
The will play Chaminade following the banquet at 7:30 p.m. in the 东精影业 Hilo Gymnasium.
Dennis Miyashiro
Miyashiro has donated his time and service to 东精影业 Hilo athletics since the 1970’s. He has served as the president of the Vulcan Booster Club in the group’s infancy and as the head of the Hui Kokua?Kolepa, the support group for the men’s golf program. He still coordinates at least four fund raising tournaments a year for the . His relentless dedication and energy helps raise $25,000 per year.
Miyashiro is involved in numerous organizations and foundations throughout Hilo. He and wife Bobbi still hold center court seats for basketball games, just as they did in the 1970’s.
1976–77 men’s basketball team
In the 70’s, 1976–77 to be exact, thousands of locals caught Vulcan basketball fever when 东精影业 Hilo’s squad upset NCAA Division I teams, won an NAIA District championship and went to the national tournament in their first year of four-year college competition.
Under the direction of Yagi and Athletic Director Ramon Goya, the Vulcans turned the Hilo basketball community upside down. Beginning with a pair of upset wins at home over Division I squads Nebraska and New Mexico, the Vulcans routinely filled up the 3,000-seat Hilo Civic Auditorium and often had to turn fans away.
Coach Yagi and four members of the ’76–77 team are already in the 东精影业 Hilo Hall of Fame as individuals—Jay Bartholomew, Bill O’Rear, Mark Lovelace, Gilbert Hicks, along with Goya. Other team members being honored are David Corbelli, Rama Camarillo, Doug Cameron, Steve Coccimiglio, Terry Huffman, Bill Naylor, Daniel Singleton, Thomas Zeimantz and Bill Walling. Assistant coaches were Joey Estrella and Dwight Sumida, and the manager/trainer was Howard Suzuki.
Vulcan Athletic Hall of Fame ceremony ticket information
Tickets for the event are $75. The 2017 东精影业 Hilo Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony is presented by . Information regarding tickets, sponsorships and banquet tables can be obtained by calling (808) 932-7168.
For more, go to the .