USF fans relive ‘unforgettable’ Hawaii bowl journey

Andy Taylor was shocked when he heard USF’s football team was headed to the Hawaii Bowl.
“I try to make the bowl game every year, and this one, being in such a special location, was something I couldn’t miss,” the 2009 USF alumnus said at the Christmas Eve game.
For Quintin Gegan, a junior in the Herd of Thunder band, the announcement was even more surreal.
“I thought, ‘Oh, no way they’re gonna bring the band,’” Gegan said during the first overtime. “But lo and behold, they brought us.”
The trip wasn’t just about the game, it was a celebration of Bulls Nation, Taylor said.
The thrilling 41-39 overtime win against San Jose State in Honolulu propelled South Florida into the national spotlight as the only major American sporting event that night.
It brought fans, like Taylor and Gegan, together for a trip packed with unforgettable moments and a surge of school pride

Having expected a more familiar, local option, like the Cure Bowl in Orlando, the Hawaii Bowl announcement came as a welcome surprise to Taylor.
“I didn’t even realize the American Conference had a contract with the Hawaii Bowl,” he admitted.
For him, it wasn’t just about supporting USF, it was also an opportunity to visit Pearl Harbor.
He said standing on the deck of the USS Missouri was “incredibly emotional.”
“My dad served in the military, so it hit me even harder,” Taylor said. “It was a powerful moment.”
Beyond his own experience, Taylor’s heart swelled with pride for the students who were a part of it.
He said he was overjoyed to see the players, the band and the spirit squads “living the dream.”
“For the students, it’s a trip they’ll never forget,” he said. “Honestly, it’s one I’ll never forget either.”

As Taylor reflected on unforgettable moments, Gegan found himself marveling at a detail that had once seemed far-fetched – the idea of the band making the trip to Hawaii.
But much to his delight, he was one of only 35 of the 350 band’s members included in the trip, which was paid for in full by the Athletics department.
In preparation for the long journey, he downloaded plenty of shows for the 10-hour flight and made sure to research Hawaiian culture.
Once there, he explored the state’s beauty, joining friends for a nine-hour road trip around the Big Island.
“It’s the most beautiful place I’ve ever seen,” Gegan said.
As a band member, he recognized the “essential” role of the Herd of Thunder in creating the game-day atmosphere.
“We bring the hype,” Gegan said. “The spirit squad works together to energize the crowd, making every moment as exciting as possible.”
For both Taylor and Gegan, the bowl was about more than the game – it was about community and pride.
Taylor spoke of the strong bond he felt with other USF fans.
“Being part of the USF community means you’re always among friends,” he said.
Gegan echoed the sense of connection, recalling how the excitement of the game was amplified by the crowd’s energy.
“This was one of the closest games I’ve ever seen,” he said. “Being there in person, in such a scenic and welcoming place, was unforgettable.”