112 | The Life, Lessons, and Legacy of Dick Tomey Part 1: Rise of the Rainbow Warriors with Lance Tominaga

About the Guest

Lance Tominaga is a seasoned sports journalist and ESPN Honolulu web editor known for his deep understanding of the college football landscape, especially concerning the University of Hawaii. He is the co-author of “Rise of the Rainbow Warriors,” which chronicles the journey of Hawaii football from 1977 to 1987 under the leadership of Coach Dick Tomey. Tominaga has built a career on documenting the moments that shape teams, programs, and lives within the sports world.

Episode Summary

Delve into the riveting journey of legendary college football coach Dick Tomey in this episode of Becoming UnDone. Host Toby Brooks sits down with respected sports writer Lance Tominaga to explore the remarkable life and legacy of Coach Tomey, spanning his transformative years at the University of Hawaii, his pioneering spirit, and the enduring impact he left on players, staff, and the sport itself.

In this episode, Toby Brooks and Lance Tominaga walk through Dick Tomey’s initial years in Hawaii, highlighting his inclusive philosophy of treating the football program like a family. They discuss how Coach Tomey embraced Hawaiian culture, significantly influencing his coaching success. The conversation touches on the challenges of coaching in modern college football, where NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals and the transfer portal have reshaped the landscape, making the traditional role of a coach far more complex. Through captivating stories and insights, they underscore how Tomey’s approach remains a gold standard for leadership in sports.

Key Takeaways:

• Cultural Immersion and Family Values: Dick Tomey’s success at the University of Hawaii was significantly shaped by his ability to immerse himself in and embrace Hawaiian culture, treating the football program as a family.
• From Humble Beginnings to Impactful Leadership: Despite lacking head coaching experience, Tomey’s hard work, honesty, and relationship-building were key to his development into a transformative leader in college football.
• Challenges of Modern-Day Coaching: The complexities and demands of today’s college football landscape, influenced by NIL and transfer portals, contrast sharply with Tomey’s era, exemplifying his timeless leadership style.
• Legacy Beyond Wins and Losses: Though Tomey never won a national or outright conference championship, his legacy is defined by the profound personal impacts he had on those he coached and worked with.
• Personal Stories and Anecdotes: Shared memories from players and staff illustrate how Tomey’s personal touch and care for his players’ growth extended far beyond the football field.

Notable Quotes:

1. “Coach told me he wasn’t just teaching football, he was teaching life.” – Toby Brooks
2. “In Hawaii, family ohana is very important, and he immersed himself into that culture.” – Lance Tominaga
3. “Football isn’t complicated. People are.” – Coach Dick Tomey
4. “He made you feel important, even if it was the first and last time he was meeting with you.” – Lance Tominaga
5. “The program has never really recaptured that magic that coach had… because it was something new, it was something exciting.” – Lance Tominaga

Resources:

• Rise of the Rainbow Warriors: Book co-authored by Lance Tominaga, detailing the history of Hawaii football under Dick Tomey.
• ESPN Honolulu: Where Lance Tominaga serves as web editor.
• Undone Podcast: Add insights and more content from the Becoming Undone series.

Dive deeper into the life and legacy of Coach Dick Tomey by listening to this insightful episode. Stay tuned for further enlightening discussions in the Becoming Undone series as it continues to highlight impactful leaders in sports and beyond.