Hula Bowl Announces Annual Joe Roth Award Winner

ORLANDO, Fla., Jan. 7, 2022 – The 2022 Hula Bowl is proud to announce the presentation of
the Annual Joe Roth Award to McKenzie Milton, quarterback for the Florida State Seminoles.

Milton was a graduate transfer from University of Central Florida (UCF). Despite suffering what should have been a career-ending knee injury in 2018, during the 2021-2022 season with Florida State, Milton completed 81 passes for 775 yards and three touchdowns. 

“It is an honor to present this year’s Joe Roth Award to a player that defied the odds and fought back from such as a devastating injury,” said Nick Logan, Hula Bowl Board member. “McKenzie Milton has shown determination, dedication and athleticism throughout his career on the field.” 

Milton, who is from Kapolei, Hawai'i, will be officially honored at the Hula Bowl Hall of Fame dinner on Jan. 13 at the Hilton Alta Monte Springs. The Hula Bowl at the UCF Bounce House on Jan.15 will be the final game of his career.

Milton started 10 games during his freshman year leading the UCF Knights to a 6–6 regular-season record and an appearance in the Cure Bowl.  The previous year, UCF went 0–12. During his sophomore year, Milton led them to a 12–0 regular-season record, winning the AAC and eventually leading them to UCF’s first-ever Peach Bowl win whom they played against the SEC runner-up, the Auburn Tigers. Milton was named the AAC offensive player of the year, and he placed eighth in the 2017 Heisman vote. 

The following year McKenzie suffered what should have been a career-ending knee injury in the 2018 regular-season finale. Milton experienced artery and nerve damage to his leg, a dislocated knee and multiple torn ligaments and tendons. He nearly had his right leg amputated after the helmet-to-knee hit caused a lack of blood flow to his leg. 

Doctors from Orlando Health’s Jewitt Orthopedic Institute removed a vein from his left leg to create a new artery for his right leg. The procedure restored blood flow and successfully saved Milton’s leg. At the time, the focus of the surgeons was for Milton to one day walk again without a limp and without pain. Following eight surgical procedures, Milton fought through almost three years of rehabilitation, and in December 2020, transferred from UCF to Florida State.

During this college football season, Milton completed 81 of 139 passes (58.3%) for 775 yards and three touchdowns for the Seminoles.  

“I cannot think of a more fitting recipient for this year’s Joe Roth Award,” said Logan. “McKenzie embodies the spirit of this award and exemplifies the awards inscription, that ‘not all victories happen on the field with fans. Character is what one does when there are no fans.’”

The Annual Joe Roth Award, an important tradition for the Hula Bowl, was named after Joe Roth, the 1975 quarterback for the University of California Golden Bears, that led the team to a PAC 8 title as co-champions. Roth was a pre-season favorite for the 1976 Heisman Trophy. The season did not progress as planned and rumors circulated about his drop in performance. He finished ninth in the Heisman Trophy voting and was still named an All-American.

After the season ended, Roth revealed that halfway through it he had been diagnosed with terminal melanoma. Despite his failing health, Roth honored his commitments and played his final domestic All-Star Football game at the Hula Bowl. Roth passed away on Feb. 19, 1977, at the young age of 21. He leaves a legacy of a man committed to faith, humility, and courage. 

Milton, like Roth, was a Heisman Trophy candidate (two times for Milton) during his time at UCF.

For more information about the Joe Roth Award, visit https://www.hulabowl.com/events/joe-roth-award-description.html.

About the Hula Bowl
The Hula Bowl was established in 1946 as the Hula Bowl All-Star Football Classic game. The top 100 college football players are selected from across the United States, as well as Australia, Japan, Canada, and Polynesia. Football players are given a great opportunity to perform and impress all 32 NFL Scouts and Player Personnel with their abilities. This All-Star game remains one of the longest-running college football all-star games today. In the past 76 years, the Hula Bowl has hosted Heisman Trophy winners, and many legendary players including Deion Sanders, Vince Ferragamo, Eric Dickerson, Drew Brees, Tony Dorsett, Dan Marino, Jesse Sapolu, Samoa Samoa, Billy Sims, Ricky Williams and more. During this year at the 2021 NFL Draft, the Hula Bowl had over 50 players that were either drafted or became free agents to NFL Teams in pursuing their football careers. 

The Hula Bowl football game has historically been featured in January each year on the island of Oahu but will be hosted in Orlando, Florida for 2022.  To learn more, please visit https://www.hulabowl.com/.

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For more information, please contact Jason Davis at jason@saltshakermedia.com.

Orlando Health to Sponsor the 2022 Hula Bowl College All-Star Classic in Orlando Florida

Orlando, FL – Established in 1946 as the Hula Bowl All-Star Football Classic game, the Hula bowl is played by college seniors, after the NCAA regular season.  Throughout its tenure, the game historically took place at the Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, Hawaii. Rich in history, the Hula Bowl also knows when to embrace change and excel in an ever-changing landscape. 

There has been overwhelming support to bring the game to Florida at the University of Central Florida Bounce House in 2022. The community has extended a gracious and warm welcome as the organizers have been planning the game, which will be televised on CBS Sports Network, with a noon kickoff, on Saturday, January 15.  

As a longstanding pillar of the Orlando, Florida community, Orlando Health is excited to be the official medical team for the inaugural playing of the Hula Bowl at UCF’s famed Bounce House where Orlando Health continues a strong tradition of providing medical personnel for the UCF Golden Knights. 

About Orlando Health 

Orlando Health, headquartered in Orlando, Florida, is a not-for-profit healthcare organization with $7.6 billion of assets under management that serves the southeastern United States. 

Founded more than 100 years ago, the healthcare system is recognized around the world for its pediatric and adult Level One Trauma program as well as the only state-accredited Level Two Adult Trauma Center in the St. Petersburg region. It is the home of the nation’s largest neonatal intensive care unit under one roof, the only system in the southeast to offer open fetal surgery to repair the most severe forms of spina bifida, the site of an Olympic athlete training facility and operator of one of the largest and highest performing clinically integrated networks in the region. Orlando Health has pioneered life-changing medical research and its Graduate Medical Education program hosts more than 350 residents and fellows. The 3,200-bed system includes 16 wholly owned hospitals and emergency departments; rehabilitation services, cancer and heart institutes, imaging and laboratory services, wound care centers, physician offices for adults and pediatrics, skilled nursing facilities, an in-patient behavioral health facility, home healthcare services in partnership with LHC Group, and urgent care centers in partnership with FastMed Urgent Care. Nearly 4,500 physicians, representing more than 90 medical specialties and subspecialties have privileges across the Orlando Health system, which employs more than 23,000 team members. In FY21, Orlando Health served nearly 160,000 inpatients and nearly 3.6 million outpatients. During that same time period, Orlando Health provided approximately $648 million in total value to the communities it serves in the form of charity care, community benefit programs and services, community building activities and more. Additional information can be found at http://www.orlandohealth.com, or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @orlandohealth.

About The Hula Bowl (www.hulabowl.com/):
The Hula Bowl is a post-season college football all-star game held annually, usually in January. From inception through the 2021 playing, it was held in Hawaii.  The 2022 game debuts at the UCF Bounce House.

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Press Contacts:
Hula Bowl
Jason Davis, ESQ
Jason@Saltshakermedia.com
276-494-3966

Tijuana Flats Named As Hula Bowl Sponsor

Restaurant To Provide Food During All-Star Game Week

ORLANDO, Fla., Nov. 15, 2021 - Tijuana Flats Tex-Mex was announced today as the newest sponsor for the 2022 Hula Bowl and will be providing food during the week of the All-Star game on Jan. 15.

Established in 1946, the Hula Bowl is an annual postseason All-Star College Football Game. The 2022 Hula Bowl will be held for the first time at the Bounce House on the University of Central Florida campus in Orlando, Florida.

“Having dedicated sponsors is essential in continuing the tradition of the Hula Bowl, and we are honored to announce Tijuana Flats Tex-Mex as our most recent supporter for the 2022 Hula Bowl,” said Hula Bowl Owner Jennifer Logan. “Tijuana Flats does a great job of giving back to the local community with their initiatives such as the Just in Queso Foundation. We are thankful for their cooperation and that we get to benefit from the organization’s generosity as we look forward to eating their delicious food during the week of the Hula Bowl.”

Founded in 1995 by Brian Wheeler, Tijuana Flats Tex-Mex is a fast-casual hybrid Tex-Mex cuisine restaurant chain that started in Winter Park, Florida just outside of Orlando. Today there are 135 locations serving fresh food across five states.

The Hula Bowl will feature top NCAA college football players representing multiple divisions of the National Football League (NFL) and Canadian Football League (CFL) as well as international players from Japan, Canada, Australia and Polynesia. Historically, the Hula Bowl is played at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, Hawaii, but will move locations in 2022 due to Aloha Stadium currently undergoing repairs and upgrades.

About the Hula Bowl

The Hula Bowl was established in 1946 as the Hula Bowl All-Star Football Classic game. The top 100 college football players are selected from all across the United States, as well as Australia, Japan, Canada and Polynesia. Football players are given a great opportunity to perform and impress all 32 NFL Scouts and Player Personnel with their abilities. This All-Star game remains one of the longest-running college football all-star games today. In the past 76 years, the Hula Bowl has hosted Heisman Trophy winners, and many legendary players including Deion Sanders, Vince Ferragamo, Eric Dickerson, Drew Brees, Tony Dorsett, Dan Marino, Jesse Sapolu, Samoa Samoa, Billy Sims, Ricky Williams and more. During this year at the 2021 NFL Draft, the Hula Bowl had over 50 players that were either drafted or became free agents to NFL Teams in pursuing their football careers.

The Hula Bowl football game has historically been featured in January each year on the island of Oahu but will be hosted in Orlando, Florida for 2022.  To learn more, please visit https://www.hulabowl.com/.

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Hula Bowl Partners with NFL Draft Diamonds for All-Star Game in Orlando

ORLANDO, Fla., Sept. 7, 2021 - Hula Bowl, an annual postseason All-Star College Football Game established in 1946, today announced the NFL Draft Diamonds is the official partner for the 2022 game.

The 2022 Hula Bowl is scheduled for Jan. 15 to be held for the first time at the Bounce House on the campus of the University of Central Florida in Orlando, Florida.

“We are thrilled to announce the NFL Draft Diamonds as our partner for the 2022 Hula Bowl,” said Hula Bowl Owner Jennifer Logan. “This incredible organization is invested in the sport and its future which is evident through the care and commitment shown to the Hula Bowl.”

Draft Diamonds is dedicated to evaluating potential draft picks from all NCAA divisions as well as small school football players, providing the latest information and resources online while talking about the Draft and everything else surrounding football.

“Partnering with the Hula Bowl is a great opportunity for NFL Draft Diamonds,” said owner Damond Talbot. “It is always inspiring to see the top college players unite in competition, celebrating the sport.”

Hula Bowl will feature top NCAA college football players, representing multiple divisions as well as international players from Japan, Canada, Australia, and Polynesian players to showcase their talents to National Football League (NFL) and Canadian Football League (CFL) scouts. The Hula Bowl is historically played at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, Hawaii, but will move locations in 2022 due to repairs and upgrades currently being evaluated for Aloha Stadium.

About the Hula Bowl

The Hula Bowl was established in 1946 as the Hula Bowl All-Star Football Classic game. The top 100 college football players are selected from all across the United States, as well as Australia, Japan and Canada. Football players are given a great opportunity to perform and impress all 32 NFL Scouts and Player Personnel with their abilities. The football players will have the opportunity to compete with the top college players in the nation at the legendary Aloha Stadium. This All-Star game remains one of the longest-running college football all-star games today. This year at the 2021 NFL Draft the Hula Bowl had over 50 players that were either drafted or became free agents to NFL Teams in pursuing their football careers.

In the past 76 years, the Hula Bowl has hosted Heisman Trophy winners, and many legendary players including Deion Sanders, Vince Ferragamo, Eric Dickerson, Drew Brees, Tony Dorsett, Dan Marino, Jesse Sapolu, Samoa Samoa, Billy Sims, Ricky Williams and more.

The Hula Bowl football game has historically been featured in January each year on the island of Oahu but will be hosted in Orlando, Florida for 2022.  To learn more, please visit https://www.hulabowl.com/.

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Hula Bowl Partners with ‘Alohilani Resort for 2021 All-Star Game at Aloha Stadium

HONOLULU, Jan. 14, 2021 - Hula Bowl, the postseason All-Star College Football Game established in 1946, recently announced that ‘Alohilani Resort is its official hotel partner for the upcoming 2021 game. Scheduled to take place at the Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, Hawaii on Jan. 31, the Hula Bowl will bring in top college players from around the United States on Southwest.

“We are honored that the wonderful people of the ‘Alohilani Resort have chosen to partner with us during the Hula Bowl,” said Jennifer Logan, owner of the Hula Bowl. “Through this excellent partnership, we have full confidence that our players will have a safe and wonderful stay while in Hawaii, which is critical as we seek to keep everyone healthy during this pandemic.”

“Alohilani is honored to be the official hotel partner and new home for the Hula Bowl. Our team members look forward to creating an exceptional experience for the players at our award-winning resort,” said Matt Grauso, general manager of ‘Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach. “‘Alohilani’s Be Well / Stay Well Health and Safety standards and protocols are fully implemented, including mandatory masks, social distancing and cleaning protocols, creating a safe environment for the players and staff.”

Hula Bowl will feature top NCAA college football players, representing multiple divisions as well as international players from Japan, Canada, Australia, and Polynesian players to showcase their talents to National Football League (NFL) and Canadian Football League (CFL) scouts. The game will also be broadcast on CBS Sports Network, Hula Bowl’s Official Television Partner.

About the Hula Bowl
The Hula Bowl was established in 1946 as the Hula Bowl All-Star Football Classic game. The top 100 college football players are selected from all across the United States, as well as Australia, Japan and Canada. Football players are given a great opportunity to perform and impress all 32 NFL Scouts and Player Personnel with their abilities. The football players will have the opportunity to compete with the top college players in the nation at the legendary Aloha Stadium. This All-Star game remains one of the longest-running college football all-star games today. This year at the 2020 NFL Draft the Hula Bowl had over 40 players that were either drafted or became free agents to NFL Teams in pursuing their football careers.

In the past 75 years, the Hula Bowl has hosted Heisman Trophy winners, many legendary players including Deion Sanders, Vince Ferragamo, Eric Dickerson, Drew Brees, Tony Dorsett, Dan Marino, Jesse Sapolu, Samoa Samoa, Billy Sims, Ricky Williams and more.

The Hula Bowl football game is featured in January each year on the island of Oahu. This year, the game will again be televised live on CBS Sports Network. To learn more, please visit https://www.hulabowl.com/.

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Hula Bowl Partners with Southwest Airlines® for 2021All-Star Game at Aloha Stadium

HONOLULU, Jan. 11, 2020 - Hula Bowl, the postseason All-Star College Football Game established in 1946, recently announced that Southwest Airlines is its official travel partner for the upcoming 2021 game. Scheduled to take place at the Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, Hawaii, on Jan. 31, the Hula Bowl will bring in top college players from around the United States on Southwest. 

“We could not ask for a better travel partner for the 2021 Hula Bowl than the great people of Southwest,” said Jennifer Logan, owner of the Hula Bowl. “Their exceptional customer service paired with the Southwest Promise ensures that our amazing players will receive a safe and enjoyable travel experience, which is especially crucial as we seek to keep everyone healthy during this pandemic.”

Southwest began serving the Hawaiian Islands in March 2018 and now serves the community through five airports in the state with interisland flying. In March, Long Beach will become the carrier’s fifth gateway in California, alongside Oakland, San Jose, Sacramento and San Diego, to offer nonstop service to Hawaii. The Hula Bowl has partnered with local not for profit Hawaii Speed and Quickness to provide the community with a special program called “The Koa Program”. The Koa program is a way in which our modern warriors, the Hula Bowl team football players, can provide and enrich the community through Speed and Quickness Clinics as well as community giving initiatives. Join us in warrior spirit as we partner with Southwest to serve the local community.

“We consider our hospitality a reflection and extension of the Aloha spirit,” said Kelly Knox, Southwest Airlines community outreach lead for Hawaii. “We work throughout the year to connect people to important moments in their lives, such as this year’s Hula Bowl and associated festivities, and we are proud to serve communities across the state of Hawaii.”

“To have Southwest Airlines as our official carrier and community partner in the Koa program is just another example of the carrier’s commitment to Hawaii and its passion for our communities,” said Rich Miano, executive director of the Hula Bowl. “We are fortunate to partner with this premier airline.”

Hula Bowl will feature top NCAA college football players, representing multiple divisions as well as international players from Japan, Canada, Australia, and Polynesian players to showcase their talents to National Football League (NFL) and Canadian Football League (CFL) scouts. The game will also be broadcast on CBS Sports Network, Hula Bowl’s Official Television Partner.

About the Hula Bowl
The Hula Bowl was established in 1946 as the Hula Bowl All-Star Football Classic game. The top 100 college football players are selected from all across the United States, as well as Australia, Japan and Canada. Football players are given a great opportunity to perform and impress all 32 NFL Scouts and Player Personnel with their abilities. The football players will have the opportunity to compete with the top college players in the nation at the legendary Aloha Stadium. This All-Star game remains one of the longest-running college football all-star games today. This year at the 2020 NFL Draft the Hula Bowl had over 40 players that were either drafted or became free agents to NFL Teams in pursuing their football careers.

In the past 75 years, the Hula Bowl has hosted Heisman Trophy winners, many legendary players including Deion Sanders, Vince Ferragamo, Eric Dickerson, Drew Brees, Tony Dorsett, Dan Marino, Jesse Sapolu, Samoa Samoa, Billy Sims, Ricky Williams and more.

The Hula Bowl football game is featured in January each year on the island of Oahu. This year, the game will again be televised live on CBS Sports Network. To learn more, please visit https://www.hulabowl.com/.

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Hula Bowl Announces CBS Sports Network as Official Television Partner

HONOLULU, Hawaii, Sept. 30, 2020 - The Hula Bowl, the postseason All-Star College Football Game established in 1946, recently announced that CBS Sports Network will once again be the Hula Bowl’s television home. Having worked with CBS Sports Network in 2020, the Hula Bowl team is thrilled to collaborate with them again in January for the 2021 Hula Bowl game at the Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, Hawaii.

“We are excited to partner with the CBS Sports Network once again, which we know will help us to host an unforgettable game that will unite viewers across the country after a difficult year,” said Jennifer Logan, Owner and President of the Hula Bowl.

The Hula Bowl will feature top NCAA college football players, representing multiple divisions as well as international players from Japan, Canada, Australia, and Polynesian players to showcase their talents to NFL and CFL scouts.

“It’s an honor to bring this winter classic to the masses through CBS Sports Network,” said Rich Miano, Executive Director of the Hula Bowl. “We are looking forward to reaching an even wider audience this year.”

About the Hula Bowl
The Hula Bowl was established in 1946 as the Hula Bowl All-Star Football Classic game. The top 100 college football players are selected from all across the United States, as well as Australia, Japan and Canada. Football players are given a great opportunity to perform and impress all 32 NFL Scouts and Player Personnel with their abilities. The football players will have the opportunity to compete with the top college players in the nation at the legendary Aloha Stadium. This All-Star game remains one of the longest-running college football All-Star games today. This year at the 2020 NFL Draft the Hula Bowl had over 40 players that were either drafted or became free agents to NFL Teams in pursuing their football careers.

In the past 75 years, the Hula Bowl has hosted Heisman Trophy winners, many legendary players including Deion Sanders, Vince Ferragamo, Eric Dickerson, Drew Brees, Tony Dorsett, Dan Marino, Jesse Sapolu, Samoa Samoa, Billy Sims, Ricky Williams and more.

Following this strongly supported return, the Hula Bowl football game will be featured in January each year on the island of Oahu. This year, the game will again be televised live on CBS Sports Network. To learn more, please visit https://www.hulabowl.com/.

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