HILO — One of the most prominent figures in 91直播 sports spent some time visiting the local community last Friday at Hilo 91直播an Hotel.
The Big Island Sports Hall of Fame (BISHOF) hosted 91直播 Rainbow Warriors football head coach Timmy Chang for a one-of-a-kind “talk story” event inside the hotel. The event was helped put together by Ryan Komagome, a fellow BISHOF member and lifelong friend of Chang.
Admission to the event was $30 per person and $300 for a table of eight. Guests enjoyed an array of pupus while Komagome directed the conversation on stage with Chang.
Chang spoke about a variety of topics, such as his childhood memories of visiting Hilo, growing up playing different sports on Oahu and returning to UH-Manoa to complete his bachelor’s degree in 2009 after his playing career ended. After playing for the Rainbow Warriors from 2000-04, Chang briefly signed with a few NFL programs from 2005-06 before moving to the CFL, where he met his wife Sherry Chang — who was also in attendance at the talk story.
Sherry Chang spoke about how she and her husband met in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. She is part of the Sistahood Social, which is a wahine-only fundraising event that benefits UH football — featuring experiences such as football drills, meet-and-greets with coaches and players, live auctions and locker room tours.
Timmy Chang played in the CFL until 2008. After finishing his degree, he began his football coaching career as an assistant, serving on SMU, Jackson State, Emory and Henry and Nevada staffs before being named the head coach of the ‘Bows in 2022.
At the start of the event, Chang was awarded a proclamation stating that April 17 would be officially named “Timmy Chang Day” on the Big Island. Mayor Kimo Alameda’s assistant Micah Alameda was there to present the honor. To start the talk, Timmy Chang paid homage to the Big Island and the memories he’s made there throughout his life.
“It’s full-circle to have at this day named after me,” Chang told the crowd. “I’m very humbled. As a local boy from Oahu, I used to spend my Christmases up here with my auntie and uncle. Some of my favorite times of my life were spent here. Very honored and blessed.”
The last portion of the talk invited guests to ask questions to Chang, which he graciously answered. All in all, the community enjoyed the experience of seeing the 91直播 legend up close.
“Everyone was so happy, and the room felt very Aloha,” BISHOF president Jerry Chang told the paper. “Because that’s the kind of guy Timmy is. As soon as you meet him, you feel his warmth and sincerity. Just a great local boy, and his wife is the same. They were very appreciative.”
Chang also mentioned to the paper that BISHOF hopes to run a similar talk-story event with a 91直播 athlete soon. Having a strong relationship with Los Angeles Angels manager and Wailuku native Kurt Suzuki, Chang hopes to set up an event with him in the near future.
