Tuesday, August 11, 2009

What's With Those Hawaiian Shirts?

Some have the Maori Haka. Brookfield had its bagpipers for a time. And Wisconsin's local rugby fans have the Hawaiian shirts.

Some fans have come to associate Hawaiian shirts with DSHA rugby. Its origins are a bit more complex than that. In this, the first recorded picture of Hawaiian shirts being used as coach's attire roughly a decade ago, it does in fact show three coaches wearing the dazzling duds. But, it should be noted that two of the coaches are wearing borrowed shirts from the third's extensive collection.

The current head coach of DSHA did not originate this now time-honored tradition; although he must be recognized for his efforts. He has embraced this tradition, even being captured in an ESPN interview wearing the now famed black and red Hawaiian print. Still, others may forget that Kettle Moraine used the 'originals' prints pictured as good-luck Hawaiian shirts and did so continuously throughout the height of their trips to Nationals and Midwest. Perhaps as coaches and players prepare for the upcoming fall competition, some should consider finding an old Hawaiian shirt ....

(Thanks to our guest feature columnist for this story and picture)!