Eight former University of Hawai'i football players will play in Saturday's Cornerstone Bancard Hula Bowl at Aloha Stadium.

They have their futures to worry about, but it's tough not to think about what they're leaving behind.

At the moment, things at UH are in shambles. And that's after a 12-1 season and the school's first Bowl Championship Series game in the Sugar Bowl.

Their former coach, June Jones, accepted a job at SMU on Monday and athletic director Herman Frazier was fired "without cause" Tuesday over numerous missteps, including his handling of contract negotiations with Jones.

"I'm kind of disappointed in the way it was handled," said safety Jacob Patek on Jones' departure. "Herman didn't take the necessary steps in getting the contract in order for coach Jones and present it to him."

Added defensive lineman Michael Lafaele: "I don't know what their intentions were; he (Frazier) messed up on his part."

Other former Warriors in Saturday's game are receivers Jason Rivers and C.J. Hawthorne, offensive linemen Hercules Satele and Larry Sauafea, defensive lineman Amani Purcell, and defensive back Myron Newberry. They will play on the Kai (West) team and oppose the 'Aina (East) team.

The all-star game for some of the nation's top seniors will be televised live at 1 p.m. on the VERSUS network (Ch. 47/Dig. 210).

Patek said he followed the turmoil through the media, saying "it's not really like we're behind those closed doors when things are going on."

He was disappointed with what he read recently.

"From what I read in the newspaper, coach's agent tried to contact (Frazier), called him, he wouldn't return calls," Patek said. "That's pretty much what led up to it, just a lack of communication. Not getting in touch with one another. It's disappointing that someone's not doing their job."

Hawthorne said it's not just Frazier who should take responsibility for Jones leaving.

"I don't know much about the process of them trying to retain coach Jones and we can all look at Herman, but it's actually people higher than Herman that have been involved with this decision as well," Hawthorne said.

At a press conference Tuesday, the day after Jones was introduced as SMU coach, UH president David McClain apologized for not monitoring contract negotiations.

Lafaele said he felt bad for those Warriors who will finish their eligibility next season.

"I feel sorry for the seniors next year. I just hope they stay strong," he said.

Jones was 76-41 in nine seasons at Hawai'i. UH's deteriorating athletic facilities were among the factors in his decision to leave.

Jones will receive about $2 million per year for five years at SMU, a deal that includes a $500,000 signing bonus. The Mustangs were 1-11 last season.

Jones' former players wish him well.

"I know he made his decision for a good reason so I'll support him," Hawthorne said.

Patek added: "I just hope everything works out for him and for UH."

Regardless of the situation at UH, the Warriors still had the most successful season in school history. And the fans still love them.

"These past few days, we've been doing autograph sessions and the Hawai'i fans still turn out no matter what," Rivers said. "We really appreciate it."

Patek added: "It was a great experience being with friends, my teammates, my coaches. Just making UH history and history in Hawai'i. It was a lot of fun."

Come Saturday, all eight former Warriors will get to play one final game at Aloha Stadium and a chance to impress pro scouts.

"I'm just going to go out there and have fun," Lafaele said. "I want to end the year with a bang and look forward to a new beginning for me."

Reach Kyle Sakamoto at ksakamoto@honoluluadvertiser.com.