LOS ANGELES — UCLA defensive coordinator Ikaika Malloe has received 65 ticket requests ahead of the Bruins’ season opener at University of Hawai’i. Malloe, who is from Waimanalo, Hawaii, is expecting a lot of friends and family to come out for the game. “That’s the island, that’s the culture,” Malloe said.
“If there’s a person to support, they will, whether you’re a player or a coach.” Saturday’s game, which is slated for a 4:30 p.m.
kickoff on CBS, is significant not just because it’s the first of the season, but also because of its location. It’s the first time UCLA has played at Hawai’i since 1938. In addition to Malloe, there are four players on UCLA’s roster who call Hawaii home.
Defensive lineman Sitiveni Havili Kaufusi, linebacker Mone Malafu, offensive lineman Tavake Tuikolovatu and receiver Titus Mokiao-Atimalala all come from the islands. Mokiao-Atimalala’s younger brother, Tomatoa, is in his senior year at the school and scored a touchdown in the Rainbow Warriors’ win over Delaware State on Saturday. Malloe, who was an assistant at Hawai’i, in 2008, also has a deep connection with Timmy Chang, who is in his second year as head coach at Hawai’i and set NCAA records for all-time passing and total offense when he played for the school from 2000-2004.
“Our roots go back quite a bit, even from the playing days when he was at Saint Louis High School,” Malloe said. “I’m an admirer of what he’s done. Just the opportunity th.