Ben Yee, co-founder of Nā Koa Football Club and one of Warrior football’s biggest and most loyal fans, passed away on April 17, 2020. In 1987, Ben teamed up with then head coach Bob Wagner and avid Warrior fans, Alec Waterhouse and Ed Wong to establish the official booster club of Warrior football. To this day, Nā Koa provides support for the team’s needs that aren’t covered by the UHM Athletics Department budget including summer school, cost of attendance and supplemental nutrition.
Even after his official roles with the football program and Nā Koa were over, Ben continued to serve on the Nā Koa board and supported various functions throughout the year. In 1995, the Ben Yee Most Inspirational Player award was established and is awarded each yearly at the team’s annual awards celebration to the player who exemplifies courage and leadership.
Ben will be missed on the Nā Koa board and on the football field. Our heartfelt sympathies go out to Ben’s family, friends and the many football alumni who knew him affectionately as “Uncle Ben.”
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