Fall Practice - Day 13: Haka, Kalilimoku, Etc.

Stephen Tsai writes that the Warriors will no longer perform the haka. But not to worry:

But during a recent team meeting, it was decided to retire the haka.

"We have great respect for the Maori culture," cornerback Guyton Galdeira said. "But we wanted something that represented us. We're from Hawai'i. We're Hawai'i Warriors."

Galdeira, linebacker Brad Kalilimoku and defensive tackle Keala Watson were put in charge of creating the chant and dance form. Galdeira and Kalilimoku have training in hula, and all three players studied the Hawaiian language.

Watson said several teammates made suggestions. They also consulted with several Hawaiian language instructors. While the focus will be on Hawaiian, the calling will incorporate traits from other Polynesian cultures.

Right on, something for the Warriors to call their own. I'm sure some fans of the All Blacks will be happy as well. Also from Tsai's article:

• Safety Viliami Nauahi has been cleared to join the Warriors.


• Running back Leon Wright-Jackson is also cleared after a slight delay in getting transcripts.


• Receiver Joe Avery also needs to clear up some paperwork issue.


• Greg McMackin says Myron Newberry and Gerard Lewis keep getting better and remain the starting corners.


• Safety Erik Pederson is fine and does not have a damaged ACL as once feared.


• Receiver Malcolm Lane continues practicing despite a dislocated finger.


• Scout QB Jake Santos, who is redshirting this year, is happy to be here.

Dave Reardon profiles linebacker and paniolo Brad Kalilimoku.

In addition to weight training, Kalilimoku credits ranching for helping him bulk up to 222 pounds.

"I'm getting stronger," he said. "I tackle and brand cows, and they're heavier than the guys."

For now, he'll focus on rounding up running backs. Defensive coordinator Greg McMackin and linebackers coach Cal Lee consider Kalilimoku a starter along with Blaze Soares, Adam Leonard and Solomon Elimimian -- especially since the other three are tending to injuries.

"He's become a really solid football player," UH coach June Jones said. "He's got great athleticism and really worked hard this summer. He gets better every year. He's settling into the scheme."

Dave also talks to RGM and Davone Bess about the progress of the offense.

"Everyone looks faster and the offense is in sync," Grice-Mullins said. "Our running backs and linemen are working to adjust to our level. In other years we had to pick up things to get to their level."

Reardon also has more about LWJ and Joe Avery's paperwork situations.

And Kalani Simpson writes that the fans and media are lucky that UH holds open practices.

Hawaii fans are lucky. I think UH does it right, with this openness. It sets a more relaxed, confident tone for the whole program. (Doesn't it sound a little uptight these days up on that blue turf?) There are fewer wild rumors because the real information is right there.

You do get rid of a few headaches when you control the flow of information. But we'll see if it makes up for the new ones that pop up, for the risk you take (there's an old saying about being careful what you wish for).

I love the way UH does it. Still, we probably shouldn't take it for granted, so soon. And bring the dog -- his days are probably numbered, too.

Except for today, when today's practice at Aloha Stadium is closed.

And Chadd Cripe of the Idaho Statesman has a Hawaii Warriors preview.

"They are by far the most underrated receiving corps in the nation," Brennan said. "People think Hawaii doesn't get the top recruits, so how could they have the best receiving corps in the nation? But somehow, some way, I got these unbelievable receivers dropped off at my doorstep in Hawaii."