Each of the 82 selections to the University of Hawai'i's Circle of Honor come with their own poignancy to be sure.

But few figure to match that of the induction of former football coach Bob Wagner Saturday.

Thirteen years after he was relieved of his job and trotted out to a gallows-like press conference in the Stan Sheriff Center in one of the most shameful episodes in school history, Wagner will be on stage again in the same building, this time an honoree. An overdue one.

Along with Ma'a Tanuvasa and Charlie Bessette, Wagner will be introduced at the halftime of Saturday's basketball game among the latest inductees to the school's Bank of Hawaii-backed athletic shrine.

Think there won't be some conflicting emotions? Any doubt there will be urge to unleash what has been on his mind and simmering in his heart?

"I can't say it won't be a little bittersweet," Wagner acknowledged.

Those who knew "Wags" during his nearly 20-year stay at the school expect him to handle the situation with grace and class. Much the way he dealt with the breakthrough win over Brigham Young in 1989 — and some of the bitter losses to the same Cougars that sandwiched it.

That Wagner deserves a place among those whose plaques dot the arena was never in doubt. He took UH to its first NCAA-sanctioned bowl game (1989), its first share of a WAC title in football, its first Mainland bowl appearance (Holiday Bowl) and first top 20 finish. In a nine-year stay as head coach, he went 58-49-3 playing some of the toughest schedules before falling on hard times.

His teams beat Oregon and Cal on the road as well as Iowa, Oregon and Oregon State here. They were 7-3 vs. Pac-10 and Big-10 teams. This on top of a decade spent as a defensive assistant and defensive coordinator for Dick Tomey.

"He deserves a place (in the circle)," former basketball coach Riley Wallace said. "He was innovative, dedicated and loved Hawai'i."

Indeed, the only question was when would UH get around to recognizing Wagner's contributions. How long would it be before it reached out to close some of the wounds that followed Wagner's dismissal in 1995?

UH got it right in eventually addressing its treatment of Red Rocha and Dave Holmes. Now, Wagner, too, will finally get some of his due.

"It will be a nice recognition that people out there appreciate what our staff and players did during the time I was a head coach," Wagner said. "It is not like golf where you are out there by yourself."

Our — and his — most recent memories at UH shouldn't be the press conference where he was ushered out the door without a thank you. Not after what Wagner put into the place.

Thankfully, now, it won't be.

Reach Ferd Lewis at flewis@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8044.