Marcus Mariota uses Heisman Trophy spotlight to push for Hawaii as much as Oregon By Andrew Greif | agreif@oregonian December 13, 2014 at 10:23 PM NEW YORK — They waited at the top of the escalator on the eighth floor of the Marriott Marquis, fresh leis in hand of Samoan and Hawaiian heritage. Only minutes after a crowd of several hundred in the Best Buy Theatre rose to congratulate Marcus Mariota on his Heisman Trophy, it was Mariota himself who bowed in this smaller crowds presence as they placed the arrangements over his head. They were current fans and former teachers — and even his younger brother, Matt — of Mariotas at Honolulus St. Louis High School whod made the long trip of a lifetime. The Oregon Ducks quarterback had just won the programs first Heisman Trophy. But on a night when the name Hawaii was invoked as much as Oregon, and his speech was tinged with odes to those who helped him grow up, and leave, the island of Oahu, it was fitting the Hawaiian supporters were waiting for him en masse. So many times in Hawaii were told that we dont have the same opportunities that some of the mainland kids do, Mariota said afterward. I just want people back home to realize you can make the most of the opportunity. Mariota would seem to be the poster child for his vision after receiving 2,534 points, more than double runner-up Melvin Gordon of Wisconsin, and 90.9 percent of points possible, which is the second-largest share by a winner in the history of an award that dates to 1935. Alabama receiver Amari Cooper was third. Mariotas 788 first-place votes are third-most all-time and he is the 15th winner to amass more than 2,000 points overall. By design, Mariota made sure this night was not only about him. He wanted it to be about Oregon, which now has two Heisman winners in state history, after Oregon States Terry Baker won in 1962. And his teammates. And his family. But he made it most about Hawaii, as the first player from the state to win the award. Notre Dames Manti Teo had come closest before, finishing second in 2012. In his acceptance speech, Mariota said he hoped and prayed that this is only the beginning. The unflappable front of the stoic quarterback then broke. He continued, after a deep breath. Young Poly athletes everywhere, you should take this as motivation and dream big and strive for greatness. He ended his speech with a phrase from Samoa -- where his father was born -- for thank you very much. Its a pride thing for people of Hawaii, he said. Im thankful to be from there and its a blessing. ... In Hawaii, if one person is successful, the entire state is successful. To be a part of that, its so special. Its hard to explain. In the end, at the top of the escalator, it didnt need to be explained. In a fashion that Mariota must have preferred — he has become a much improved public speaker but still disdains discussing himself — his supporters from St. Louis High and Honolulu carefully draped the leis around his neck. No words necessary. Ohana means family, Mariota said. Thats it right there.
Posted on: Tue, 16 Dec 2014 18:30:00 +0000
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