Banquet

Stephen Tsai writes that JC All-American safety Erik Robinson has committed to becoming a Warrior.

Erik Robinson of Navarro Junior College in Texas said he will sign his national letter of intent Dec. 20, the first day of the early-commitment period.

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Robinson's 115 tackles were the most by a defensive back in the nation this season. He also recovered three fumbles, returning one for a 60-yard touchdown, intercepted two passes and forced two fumbles.

Robinson was named to the JC GridWire Preseason All-America teams in 2005 and 2006.

Good to have him!

Tsai also writes that Ross Dickerson was voted the winner of the Alec Waterhouse MVP award at last night's team banquet.

Dave Reardon talks to Ross about getting the award.

"I'm very surprised, I had no idea I was going to win this," Dickerson said. "It could have been a lot of people. Leonard (Peters), Mel (Purcell), Adam (Leonard), Chad Mock. Everyone on the team is an MVP. We won because we played for each other."

Last year, unsung center Derek Fa'avi was the MVP.

Dickerson, a fifth-year senior from Saint Louis School, was often overshadowed by more well-known teammates on the nation's statistically best offense. But he is clearly the team's most versatile performer.

"Of all the years I've been here, this guy represents what we are trying to do as a team," Hawaii head coach June Jones said. "He never said anything, he just worked and fought through injuries. He gave up a lot to his teammates."

Other award winners were:

Scholar-Athlete: Dane Uperesa.

Ben Yee Most Inspirational: Tala Esera.

Captain's Awards: Samson Satele (offense), Leonard Peters (defense), Mike Malala (special teams).

Warrior Club: Colt Brennan and Nate Ilaoa (offense), Ikaika Alama-Francis and Melila Purcell (defense), Timo Paepule (special teams).

Scout Team: William Brogan (offense), Ryan Perry (defense), Jayson Rego (special teams).

A big congratulations to the award winners and a gigantic congratulations to all the seniors who played their hearts out this year!

Kiyomi Ueda of Ka Leo O Hawaii has quotes from the banquet as well as a list of the seniors.

Experience Playing For UH

Ikaika Alama-Francis: “It was incredible; I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else right now. I wouldn’t give it up for anything in the world.”

Reagan Mauia: “All around it was just a great experience; it’s been lovely playing here in front of Hawai‘i. To play, it’s been my honor, to play for Coach Jones.”

Dane Uperesa: “I’m just at a loss for words; the fans came out and to me, that’s Hawai‘i. The noise that they made and the support they showed, even after the loss they are still here to cheer us on. It’s just been a blast and is something I’ll never forget.”

Nate Ilaoa: “It’s been great overall, from beginning to end, just very special.”

Leonard Peters: “It was great, I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”

Ian Sample: “It’s been great, it’s had its ups and downs, but this season has been spectacular.”

There's more quotes from that article. Those guys will be missed!