How the UH equipment staff preps the ‘Bows iconic helmets

News admin September 19, 2026 0 Comments

How the UH equipment staff preps the ‘Bows iconic helmets

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Over the weekend, the University of Hawaii football team sported their all-black helmets for the first time this season.

It’s one of college football’s most unmistakable looks.

“I love the look of the helmet,” UH equipment staff member Tyler Sado said. “I think it’s one of the best helmets in college football personally.”

The Rainbow Warriors’ black helmet adorned with the H logo, center stripe and island chain.

A design that dazzles on game day, but the process begins at the beginning of the week as the ‘Bows equipment team individually preps more than 100 helmets.

It’s a small group of student managers led by Al Ginoza and Adonis Hentz. The staff takes the time to put on every decal just right.

This is one of the many responsibilities the EQ team has on a given week.

“Monday, Thursday are definitely walk-through days, more like prep time for us than any other days,” Hentz said. “Tuesday, Wednesday is a heavy practice days, so we’re out a lot outside.”

The crew sets out practice equipment, helps in the drills and even handles logistics at home and on the road.

When they see the Hawaii helmet out on the field, it makes it all worth it.

“I feel like it’s an honor for them to wear for them to have worn a helmet that I’ve stickered,” Sado said.

It’s the equipment team’s part in continuing the program’s legacy.

“For me it adds more to my job,” Sado said. “My way of contributing to the team.”