Lucille Parry and Eva Browning strike a photographers pose on the S.S. Wilhelmina in December 1928. The smiles were short lived, RETURN TO PARADISE Forty years ago, in December of 1928, a group of Weberites made a journey to ’ Hawaii that was to have a great effect on the future of college students yet unborn. The result suggested the pieces of support assistance. of an almost impossible scheme by newspaperman Al Warden, fell into place when a number groups and backers lent their Among these were Harold Kay, - an influencial businessman. and former Ogdenite then living in Honolulu, the Ogden Standard-Examiner and others who helped to underwrite the venture. A squad of 17 players was accompanied by Coach Merlin Stevenson, Athletic Director Delton Bramwell and Al Warden. President Aaron Tracy also made the trip along with several members of the faculty and staff, including Eva Browning, Lucille Parry, Elizabeth Shaw, Marian Read and studentbody. president George Wil- liams. Together with parents, friends and boosters, the official party numbered 36. They sailed on the S.S. Wilhemina, and after the usual problems concerning seasickness—smiled at in recollections today, - but deathly serious then—enjoyed a wonderful trip to the Islands. The team lost the ball game to a great McKinley squad, but they gained a host of Island friends.and began a series of return engagements that would continue for many years. One of the unique features of the contest concerned several members of the McKinley team who came to Weber College the following year to play ball. When the second Weber group played McKinley the following year, Bill Baker, Jimmy Ing and George Zane—original members of the McKinley squad—were wearing the purple and white of Weber. What started off as a cautious suggestion that the Alumni of Weber State might sponsor a tour to Hawaii on the 40th anniversary of that first trip, snowballed into epic proportions as 200 alumni , students and fans made the journey to the Islands in December to witness a series of basketball contests with the University of Hawaii. Three of the groups visited the outer islands before arriving in Honolulu for the games. however, as one-half hour later both were seasick and in bed; in Miss Parry’s case, fur coat and all. A shipboard scene forty years ago with tour members Gilbert Moesinger, Eva Browning, Ray Anderson, Doris Browning, E nora Crompton and May Pickett. The first Wildcats to invade Hawaii in 1928. Team members were Keith Wangsgard, Owen Wangsgard, Ji Russell, Elton Knapp, Wallace Peterson; Jack Doxey, — Rulon Budge, Joe Clapier, Floyd Taylor, Ray Ander- ~ son, David Doxey, Paul Rose, Francis Hearn, Arnold — Troseth, Gilbert Moesinger, Albert Saunders and Wal. Secretary to President Aaron Tracy at the time, Lucille Parry later married Mr. Blaine Peterson and is a member of Weber States Board of Trustess. Miss Browning, head librarian at the College for many years is an Emeritus Librarian and the only original member of the ‘28 group to make the "68 tour. lace Jones. Coaches are Delton Bramwell and Merlin” Stevenson. <n Team Tahitian Kauai was the last stop before reaching Honolulu and two beautiful days were spent on the garden isle where a boat ride up the Wailua river past historic old now lighted by the interpretation of their by Willie Sojourner and Gus Ch while Justus Thigpen and Sessions nearly stole the show with a great singing” act. ‘2 on faculty. the The Church Tahitian College of Hi Club were A tour of the center was followed authentic luau with all the foo could eat including roast pork, ¢ fish, pineapple, and of course, p tremendous show followed the| where “South Pacific” was filmed, was a favorite for the student group arriving a and it seemed like all of Ogden wa few days later. Gaining access to a private their section. The first game with the University of Hawaii saw a great Weber State Team dominate the action as they did the following game with the Hickam Flyers. Grads and alumni flocked around after the game to meet the mainland visitors. Former gridiron greats—Bill Baker, Jimmy Ing, George Zane, August Ahlf were there as were Dan Hipa, Charles Mabrey, Jimmy Miyasato, Milton DeMello and a host of alumni from more recent years. By Tuesday, December 9th, all groups had arrived in Honolulu and badges reading, “Aloha Hawaii! I’m a Wildcat from Weber State, Ogden, Utah” made the islanders feel they were being invaded. Island tours, famous Sea Life Park and - swimming were enjoyed by all, but one of the highlights of the trip was provided when all the groups met at the Polynes_ jan Cultural Center for “Weber Day.” The Nielson Center. plete with Hawaiian entertainers and story tellers. The breathtaking beauty of the fern grotto with ceiling covered with upside-down growing ferns and curtained by a veil of waterfalls past the entrance, became the setting for- the singing of estate, the entire group made exciting trips down a rocky slippery slide, splashing into a beautiful pool below. Richard some of the action with and Hawaiian performers at the Polynesian Culture temple sites and waterfalls was made com- “KeKali nei Au”—the Hawaiian wedding song. The beautiful Hanalei valley and beach, member and Coach Phil Johnson get in on ent when the entire group was sé os The final game was a real cliff-hang the Weber team proved victoriou show-stoppers were the Weber cheerleaders, who brought round: plause from spectators with their 8} nastics and Spirit. aaa Each person saw the Islands in a way. The luxury enjoyed by som more fun than the bedlam enjoyed student group who travelled with s bags and air mattresses. A protus towels, shirts, pants and other. festooned the various chapels © spent oned, _ selves loads Whether being entertained by Students from The Church College of Hawaii adjacent to the Cultural Center, touring the exhibits, eating a delicious native luau, or taking in the fabulous Polynesian Review in the evening, students, team members and alumni had a great time. their nights. Adequately the student group conduct like ladies and gentlemen; of fun in the process. But perhaps the most poignant when Eva Browning and Emil who made their first trips to Hi before, met up with some 0 land friends for a nostalgic reun They say it was indeed, a return dise and an oft repeated st heard by tour members to look forward someday to anol Adventure. Se mA Ogden City Councilman, Harm DeBoer, receives special instructions in the art of the Hula from “‘little Leonard’’ while tour members look on.