Warrior Beat: Wilbert Haslip was one of UH’s best
To the UH football players, it was no surprise when running back Wilbert Haslip was named the team’s 1978 MVP.
Haslip was the players’ overwhelming choice despite spending most of that year on crutches.
“Even though he missed most of his senior year … we voted him the team MVP at our banquet,” former UH quarterback Jeff Duva said.
Last month, Haslip died in Riverside, Calif. He was 62.
“Wilbert was a great athlete, a great football player, a great teammate,” Duva said. “He was a joy to be around. He was someone who always had a smile on his face. And he gave it all he had every time he walked on the football field.”
At 5 feet 11 and 212 pounds, Haslip was a combination of power and speed.
“Wilbert was a freight train going downhill,” Duva said. “He was fast, strong. He could run people over. He could make people miss.”
In 2009, the Star-Bulletin published the “Centurions,” a ranking of the top players in UH football history. Haslip ranked No. 87.
In 1978, UH’s other top running backs were David Toloumu, Keith Hill and Gary Allen.
“They learned how to practice by watching Wilbert,” former UH lineman Keith Ah Yuen recalled. “He practiced 100 percent on every single play. Even when he was exhausted and ready to drop, he still gave 100 percent.”
In a pass-the-baton scenario, Haslip’s injury opened the way for Allen. Haslip, as always, was there to offer support and encouragement.
“Even when he was on crutches, he was cheering everybody on,” Ah Yuen said. “He was a great guy.”
RIP to one of the greats. A hui hou, Wilbert,
GO WARRIORS!!!
RIP Mr. Haslip and condolences to his ohana.
I was a volunteer at Queens when he was injured and has the privilege of taking him through his discharge (in a really old highbacked wheelchair, that was hard to push).
#PACKTHESTAN Fri & Sat!! #WarriorBall19
GO WARRIORS!
Walk on to the other side Wilbert— a great and fierce one.
With deepest sympathy to the Haslip family. A young man taken to early. He is a standard of what a running back should be like and the Warriors should recruit for that position. Aloha Wilbert, thanks for the great memories.
In the months between the end of his UH career and reporting to the San Diego Chargers training camp, Haslip worked as a security guard at the Waikiki Sheraton. The other guards were Keith Ah Yuen and Jerome Freeman.
Rest in peace Wilbert; you will be truly remembered as one of UH’s best!
Ohhhhh…..such sad news. Wow, RIP Wilbert. Condolences to his family and friends.
Remember watching Wilbert, Keith and Jerome “da hook” play. Outstanding athletes.
Peace be with you Wilbert.
Remember watching him play…Great running back. Also remember watching Keith and Jerome “da hook” play…Great athletes…one sings very well too.
The site is messed up…
with condolences and deepest sympathy to his family.
truly an outstanding UH football player of years past
agree with whitey that all the outstanding features exhibited by Haslip should be the “standard” when recruiting a player for any position, but especially at RB!!!
My rainbow brother for life, God Bless your family and God bless your soul. OJ Hamilton 77 ,79
Taken too young. Rest in peace Wilbert.
Rest in Peace Uncle. Thanks for so many great memories.
Wilbert taught me lessons just by watching him prectice. When he got the ball he always ran to the endzone at top speed. When others stopped on the play after the first ten yards Wilbert kept sprinting like he was scoring the winning touchdown in the 4th quarter. I remember a ton of tears by teammates when he went down during his senior year, including mine from the stands. RIP Wilbert. One of my all time favorite athletes in any sport at any level. The ultimate Warrior.
My Uncle took me to see games when I was a kid and Haslip was the first person I associated UH with when I thought of Rainbow Football. Thank you for helping me get a love for UH Sports. Rest in peace Mr. Haslip.
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