Spring Starts Today, Pro Day Tomorrow (w/UPDATES)

Spring practice starts... right now! Be sure to check UH Sports Extra and the Warrior Beat for news reports from the field.

UPDATE: Here's Dave Reardon's live blog.

UPDATE #2: Video from the Advertiser from this morning's practice.

UPDATE 3: Here's video of KGMB's Liz Chun's live-from-the-field interview with Greg McMackin from practice this morning.

UPDATE 4: Here's a press release about the first day of practice, from the UH Athletics department.

UPDATE 5: Here's video from KHON's John Veneri. It includes some great quotes from Inoke Funaki and Tyler Graunke about the QB battle between them.

UPDATE 6: Going crazy with the updates, but I think is the last one. Here's a video from a report by KHNL's Stephen Florino.

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Dave Reardon, Jason Kaneshiro and Brian McInnis have part two of their interview with Greg McMackin. An excerpt:

Q: Who are some of the players on offense you think will surprise the fans?

A: A guy who's really been working hard this offseason is (quarterback) Inoke Funaki. He's really improved himself. Another guy people are going to be impressed with is (receiver) Greg Salas. He's really taken himself to the next level. He's matured, and grown physically, picking up speed and strength.

Brian McInnis takes a look at the QBs battling for the starting position.

Graunke, considered the favorite to inherit the job from Brennan last season, doesn't see a reclamation of his alpha status as a given. He's been throwing every day with the likes of receivers Malcolm Lane, Michael Washington and former Warrior Chad Mock, and is banking on his game experience being a deciding factor.

"I'm approaching it very optimistically, actually," Graunke said. "Pretty much that's been my situation for my whole career, second string and fighting for that top spot. I don't consider this any differently. I'm going to be out to prove everybody wrong and to earn that spot."

...Reardon has some leftover quotes from that article on his blog.

And KHNL's Stephen Florino interviews Colt Brennan by phone about tomorrow's Pro Day.

Spring Practice Starts Tomorrow

Dave Reardon has the first of a two-part interview that he, Jason Kaneshiro and Brian McInnis had with coach Greg McMackin. Here's an excerpt:

Q: Can you talk about the process you use to evaluate players?

A: Different people evaluate different ways. I try to be consistent. It's my job to get the best 11 players on the field. If a guy is good enough to win for us, he'll get chances to get into the ballgame so they can show what they can do. When the lights are on, that's when you truly know what the player is all about.

We will evaluate players daily. We will grade them daily, weekly, in the scrimmages. Every position coach will grade his players, just like in a game. Because, like I've said, this isn't P.E. football, you don't play a kid because you like him. I don't care who plays, it doesn't matter to me, as long as he's the player who should be out there.

Stephen Tsai has a spring preview and takes a look at each position. Here's an excerpt about Daniel Libre, who enters spring as co-first team running back:

Who could have envisioned that Libre, who was cut once from the team, would emerge as one of the top backs? Certainly not Libre, whose natural vision had deteriorated. At the urging of trainer Eric Okasaki, Libre underwent LASIK surgery last year. Libre's grandparents founded Aloha Laser Vision, previously known as Faulkner Eye Care. The treatment helped Libre find the running lanes. Last year, he averaged 8.3 yards per carry, as well as 1.3 broken tackles per rush.

Dave Reardon has a position-by-position breakdown. Here's an excerpt about the linebackers:

This has become the team's most high-profile unit, and Elimimian, Leonard and Soares will be very difficult to beat out for the starting spots. Elimimian and Leonard have combined for an incredible 449 tackles the past two years, and Leonard tied for the team lead with four interceptions in 2007. Soares is one of the hardest hitters in the WAC, if not the country. There is plenty of depth: Kafentzis started eight games in 2006, McMackin said Satele is ready to make a breakthrough, and Kiesel-Kauhane is also considered game-ready.

Jason Kaneshiro profiles brothers and coordinators Ron and Cal Lee.

"You could just tell they had something about them," Rich Miano recalled. "Cal was a hard-nosed, old-school type of guy and Ron was an innovator type of guy on offense. The brothers just fit perfectly together."

On his blog, Stephen Tsai has some numbers from team testing as well as some things to keep an eye on.

• During a practice for the 2004 high school all-star game, the UH coaches declared Rocky Savaiigaea as their top local priority. With defensive tackle Fale Laeli recuperating from knee surgery, there is an opening for Savaiigaea.

• If Brashton Satele can stay healthy, he should be a force at middle linebacker. “He’s dedicated himself in the weight room,” defensive coordinator Cal Lee said. “That’s what it takes. If you want to be good, don’t lie in bed and dream about it. You have to work for it.”

Paul Arnett takes a look at the challenges that lie ahead for the spring and the 2008 season.

Ferd Lewis writes about changes to officiating crews that may be taking place this season.

And finally, June Jones' SMU football team has a unique way of getting ready for their spring game.


Via 4uhfan on WSN.

Spring Previews

The UH Athletics Department has a spring preview.

The strength of this year's team will be its defense, including the front seven of which linebackers Adam Leonard, Solomon Elimimian, and Blaze Soares, and linemen Fale Laeli, David Veikune, John Fonoti, Joshua Leonard, and Keala Watson all saw significant playing time. Leonard, Elimimian, and Veikune were first-team all-WAC selections. The Warriors will need to find a replacement for the captain Michael Lafaele, who was a two-year starter at tackle.

Also from that article is a link to a PDF of the 2008 Spring Football Prospectus, which includes lots of info, rosters, schedules, news, notes, stats, etc.

Stephen Tsai has a list of "starting points" -- players who will begin spring on the first team. He also has some notes about the upcoming pro day.

The Star-Bulletin will have lots of spring football news in the next few days.

Over the next two days, the Star-Bulletin sports staff will preview spring practice and give local football fans some insight to the coming campaign that features games with Florida, Oregon State, Boise State and Fresno State on the road, and Nevada, Washington State and Cincinnati at home.

There will also be position breakdowns, interviews and features. Today, Dave Reardon takes a look at the offensive line.

Keith AhSoon started all 13 games at left tackle for Hawaii last season, but the senior will open spring practice Monday one spot closer to the center.

"We're going to give him the first go at left guard," offensive line coach Brian Smith said yesterday. "If for some reason he doesn't pick it up there, we can move him back."

Either way, it will be crowded at left tackle. Ray Hisatake, Aaron Kia and Laupepa Letuli will get plenty of spring reps there.

Spring Ball Preview

Chawan Cut has compiled interviews with coach Greg McMackin by KHON's John Veneri and KITV's Robert Kekaula. Mack talks about spring practices, which start Monday.

Leonard Peters Profile

Larry Mayer of ChicagoBears.com profiles former UH safety Leonard Peters.

Eager to begin preparing for the 2008 season, the first-year Bears safety returned to Chicago Wednesday, nearly two weeks before the start of the team’s offseason conditioning program.

“I just figured it was time to come back and get used to the weather and work out and try to get some extra work in before everybody else comes in,” said Peters, a University of Hawaii product who spent the final 13 weeks of his rookie season on the Bears' practice squad last year.

Via WSN.

Fale Laeli, Budget, the Watsons, Pro Day Roster

Dave Reardon writes that Fale Laeli will miss spring practice as he recovers from knee injuries.

"I've got two bad knees; I need to rehab them both. There's no sense in rushing it. I want to rehab it so I can start running," Laeli said. "But I'll be out there (at practice) anyway. I'll be there every day."

Reardon also has this quote from coach Greg McMackin about recruiting for next year.

» McMackin said he has identified 10 Hawaii high school football players in the class of 2009 to whom he is "considering" offering scholarships within the next few weeks.

"If we offer them now and they accept, we will stand by them," McMackin said of the early recruiting.

Derrick DePledge writes about new UH athletic director Jim Donovan apologizing to the State Legislature for the previous administration's lack of transparency.

University of Hawai'i-Manoa athletic director Jim Donovan apologized yesterday to state House lawmakers for what he described as evasive and inaccurate financial information his predecessor, Herman Frazier, provided about the department last year.

Frazier and other UH administrators also had told lawmakers the department had ended the fiscal year in 2006 in the black for the first time in five years. More recent reviews, however, show that the department was actually in the red in 2006, in the black in 2007 and projected to be about $882,000 behind this fiscal year.

More fun details in the article.

Speaking of Donovan, he will be filling in as a chat guest over at the new-look Warrior Beat. Virginia Hinshaw had to drop out due to a family situation. Chat starts at 10am HST.

UPDATE: Here's a link to the chat. It got moved back to the old blog because the new blog is too slow and keeps erroring out.

The Advertiser profiles defensive tackle Keala Watson and his wife Leona, as they train together.

To improve his first-step bursts, Keala, the University of Hawai'i football team's starting defensive right tackle, decided to participate in the Hawai'i Speed and Quickness sessions each week at the UH athletic complex.

Mel deLaura, co-coordinator of the sessions and the Warriors' conditioning coach, noticed Leona was on the side watching Keala. DeLaura asked Leona to participate in the workouts.

She reluctantly agreed.

"It's fun to work out together," Keala said.

And Dave Reardon has a roster of participants in UH's Pro Day next Tuesday in Carson, CA.

Davone Bess, Colt Brennan, Frank Fernandez, Ryan Grice-Mullins, C.J. Hawthorne, Brad Kalilimoku, Ryan Keomaka, Mike Lafaele, Jason Laumoli, Gerard Lewis, Myron Newberry, Karl Noa, Timo Paepule, Jacob Patek, Amani Purcell, Jason Rivers, Nate Russell, Hercules Satele, Larry Sauafea and Siave Seti.

JJ, Spring Roster, Spring News, L&L

June Jones still hasn't paid the $400k he owes UH for taking the SMU job, per the terms of his contract. And as Ferd Lewis writes, reps for JJ are contending there was a verbal agreement that no financial penalty would be assessed if Jones left prior to the expiration of his contract. However, UH maintains it has no record of such an agreement.

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Stephen Tsai has a spring roster by position as well as a few notes:

• Daniel Libre and Leon Wright-Jackson are listed as the co-No. 1 running backs.
• Cameron Allen-Jones, who moved from offensive line/tight end to defensive end, is back on the offensive line, at right tackle.
• Last year's starting left tackle, Keith AhSoon, will practice at left guard, enabling Ray Hisatake and Laupepe Letuli to battle at left tackle.
• Clarence "Lafu" Tuioti-Mariner enters as the No. 1 right guard.

Glad to read that Daniel Libre is at the top of the running back depth chart. IMO, best RB last year. Can't wait to see what LWJ, Jake Heun, Mario Cox, etc. do in Ron Lee's offense as well.

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Expanding on yesterday's blog entry, Dave Reardon writes about the defensive backs who will miss spring practice, along with some other news and notes:

The coaches plan to take their time in determining a position for perhaps their most intriguing prospect: 6-5, 290-pound former rugby and basketball player Les Soloai.
The sophomore from New Zealand and Australia is a football newbie, but is athletic and fast for his size.

"He sort of wants to play defense, but since he's just starting out we want to look at him on both sides and let him get a feel for the game," coach Greg McMackin said. "We're going to move some guys back and forth."

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And finally, Irse has uploaded last night's episode of Leahey and Leahey with Coach Mack as the guest, in Windows Media format. Big thanks to Irse!

From the Blogs: Injury Updates, TV, Etc

Dave Reardon writes about defensive backs who will be missing spring practice.

UH safeties Erik Robinson, Viliami Nauahi and Le’Marcus Gibson won’t participate in spring practice, defensive backs coach Rich Miano said today.

Gibson is still rehabbing from knee surgery, and Robinson (shoulder) and Nauahi (arm) are also dealing with injuries. All are expected to be ready for fall camp to challenge returning starters Keao Monteilh and Desmond Thomas for playing time.

He also writes that the APR rankings will start coming out next month.

Stephen Tsai has several items today, including some news about who could replace Jim Donovan in the broadcast booth.

Russell Yamanoha said he was told that if — IF — K5 retains the television rights to UH sports, he would be the top choice to serve as football analyst.
Yamanoha was part of the K5 football crew until last year, when it was decided to cut down on the number of announcers. Jim Leahey and Jim Donovan did K5's telecasts last season. Donovan is vacating the job after being named UH's athletic director.

Spring Game, Discipline

Dave Reardon writes about the revival of the spring football game.

The Warriors will be drafted into two teams to play each other at the Ohana Football Festival closing spring practice April 26, coach Greg McMackin told the Star-Bulletin yesterday.

"We're still formulating, but we'll have a game where we keep score," McMackin said.

While a spring game isn't unusual for most college football teams, UH didn't have them under former coach June Jones, who left for SMU in January after nine seasons with the Warriors. Jones worried about teammates injuring each other.

McMackin said there will be safety precautions: There will be no special-teams plays and the top players won't be put in harm's way of full contact for more than a few plays, if any. Same for quarterbacks, McMackin said.

And Ferd Lewis is encouraged by Greg McMackin enforcing rules and discipline.

As a defensive coordinator and head coach he's preached teamwork, responsibility and discipline to his players and his actions in these cases speak to that. They underline that players who wear the UH colors have a responsibility not to embarrass themselves, the team or their school. It is a point that McMackin insists upon.

Jim Donovan: AD, Brian Kajiyama, Mack

Ferd Lewis covers Jim Donovan's first day on the job as UH athletic director.

Pointing to patches of weeds growing through the center of what he terms "the asphalt football field" on the Cooke Field infield, Donovan shook his head and admitted facilities occupy a place near the top of that rapidly lengthening list. He took note of branches on the roof of the athletic department, a missing sheet on the roof of Les Murakami Stadium. He bemoaned how the facilities had gotten that way and pondered potential solutions.

But there would be no doubting whose job it is to find one. "The buck stops here," Donovan said, double-jabbing an index finger into his desk to make the point.

Dave Reardon covers Donovan's first day, and has some quotes about the budget.

"It appears, right now, that on June 30 of '08, the athletic department would be in a budget deficit for this fiscal year that would finish June 30 of '08. It's pretty clear that there would be a budget deficit," Donovan said.

UH is looking at around $2.5 million from the Sugar Bowl after expenses. But chancellor Virginia Hinshaw and university president David McClain haven't decided how much of that will go to athletics.

"If you apply that money to the athletic department, it appears that net money would move us from a deficit to a surplus," Donovan said.

But that would be a surplus for just the year. The department has a cumulative deficit of somewhere between $4.5 million and $4.9 million.

Graduate assistant Brian Kajiyama, winner of a Jefferson Award, is profiled by the Suzanne Roig.

Kajiyama said he is motivated more than ever to volunteer and get out in the community so others can see that they can also achieve their dreams.

"The way I see my part in all this is I'm helping to promote awareness for persons with disabilities and hopefully change the perception of cannot into one of can-do," he said.

"I feel everyone has a responsibility to give back to their community."

KGMB's Steve Uyehara has a video profile of Kajiyama.

Via Tone96795 on Sportshawaii.com, here's a video of an ESPN the Magazine party that has a short interview with Colt Brennan about his cover from last year.

And the Warrior Beat will host a chat with Greg McMackin at 3pm HST today.

UPDATE: Here's a link to the chat.

Keenan Jones Charged

Rod Ohira writes that Keenan Jones has been charged with two felonies:

A University of Hawai'i football player recently granted a fifth year of eligibility by the NCAA was charged Saturday with unauthorized entry into a motor vehicle and second-degree assault, both felony offenses.

The new charges against 22-year-old Keenan Jones compounds his mounting problems.

Details are in the article. As for his status with the team:

"He will be suspended indefinitely until the formal investigation is completed," UH football coach Greg McMackin said today through a spokesman of the Jones' situation.

...

UPDATE (3/28/08): Keenan Jones talks about the charges brought against him in this video segment from KHNL.

LATE LATE UPDATE (4/3/2009): Jones participated in UH's Pro Day and told Stephen Tsai that all charges were dropped.

Jones, a cornerback, was supposed to be a senior during the 2008 season. But a year ago, he was placed on indefinite suspension after being arrested on suspicion of domestic abuse. Although the case was eventually dismissed, Jones never was reinstated.

"I was never charged," Jones said yesterday. "They dropped everything. But it took almost a whole year for them to do even that."

Jones eventually returned to his family's home in Los Angeles.

"I went back to my dad's house and got my head on straight," Jones said.

Ryan Grice-Mullen Highlights

Or Ryan Grice-Mullins. I don't know what to think anymore. Anyway, mines1one has edited together another great highlight video:

Savaiigaea, Smith, Strength, Mouse

Rocky Savaiigaea will be a guest on the Warrior Beat at 10:30am HST today. UPDATE: Here's a link to the chat.

In some news from the weekend, Dave Reardon has an update along with quotes from UH attorneys regarding the Daniel Smith lawsuit.

Stephen Tsai writes about players taking part in offseason strength tests.

The power clean is a discipline in which the lifter brings the weight from the floor to a racked position across the deltoids. The gold standard is considered to be 300 pounds. Twelve Warriors power cleaned more than 300 pounds, with center Clarence "Lafu" Tuioti-Mariner, left tackle Ray Hisatake and running back Daniel Libre matching Soares' top lift.

"For his size (5 feet 8, 185 pounds) and strength, Daniel Libre is the most impressive guy in the weight room," Brown said. "He lifts what a lineman should be lifting. He's a warrior in the weight room."

And Reardon catches up with Mouse Davis.

When Davis was on the UH coaching staff, there was talk of him becoming the director of footall operations. But that would’ve meant not working with the players anymore, which is what Davis enjoyed most.

“And they wanted me to do some fundraising,” Davis said. “As it turned out, Herman Frazier was doing such a good job at that they decided they didn’t need me for that.”

Rick Taylor, Ikaika, Elam

Dave Reardon writes that receiver Rick Taylor will miss spring practice due to a pectoral muscle injury.

Taylor injured himself lifting weights March 10 and underwent surgery two days later. The sophomore is out for all of the month-long camp.

"I tore my pectoral muscle and tendon off the bone while bench-pressing," Taylor said. "My arm's going to be in a sling for six weeks."

Although Taylor can't suit up and practice, he said he's looking forward to the 15 sessions.

"I'm down, but I'm hopeful," he said. "I want to help out the younger guys in learning the offense."

Ikaika Alama-Francis, who suffered a similar injury in last year's Hula Bowl has a Q&A on the Detroil Lions website. Here's an excerpt:

Detroitlions.com: Is there anything in particular you feel you needs to improve, whether it’s off the field or on the field?

Alama-Francis: “Yes. I think physically I can be stronger and mentally it’s just preparation. Last year I kind of had to feel my way through everything because it was a learning year for me. Being in the system for a second year I feel so much more comfortable and I can work on my technique a lot more. Through Coach Marinelli and Coach Cullen – I feel they’re the best in the NFL – it only can go up.”

And Jason Elam is leaving Denver to sign a 4-year $9 million deal with the Atlanta Falcons.

Black H Logo Slippers

I was browsing the UHRainbowtique website and came across my next purchase: slippers!



But they're not just any $15 plus shipping slippers, check out the design.





Not sure if these are new or if I missed the boat when they first came out, but I likes. Now if only they could make these using the slippers with the booze flask in the heel, then life would be perfect.

No forget! Renew your Football tickets today, Thursday!!

We almost forgot.
Don't forget too!

Call the UH ticket office or go online.
(808) 956-4481

Super Games, Les Soloai, Chats

Dave Reardon writes about some minor carnage during the last Super Games event, no-rules basketball.

Near the end of the Hawaii football team's final Super Games event a scuffle broke out between players trying to gain control of the ball. In an earlier game, running back David Farmer left to get treatment for a bloody head.

Greg McMackin later said Farmer is fine.

"It looked worse than it was," the coach said. "It gives them all something to talk about. That's how it is because they're competitive."

Also from the article, Reardon profiles Les Soloai, a rugby player from Australia who is learning to play on the defensive line:

"The first day he came they tried to take him for the O-line, but I told Coach (Dave) Aranda his feet are too good to play O-line. He has all the tools necessary to play D-line," Watson said. "He's light years ahead of where he was. When he came in he had no idea what football was. He didn't know O-line from D-line, he just jumped in."

And the Warrior Beat is hosting two chats today, with assistant strength coach and MMA fighter DeJuan Hathaway at 10:30am HST, and QB Inoke Funaki at 4:30pm HST. Be there! Twice!

UPDATE: Here's a link to DeJuan Hathaway's chat.

UPDATE 2: And a link to Inoke's chat.

Graunke, JJ, No rules B-ball, JD blog chat

Update: Last Super Games game: No Rules basketball. Thank you Princess!

-- updated by Chawan Cut, the ultimate Super Smash Bros gamer, master of Tombo

oh, and Jim Donovan will have a blog chat on Tsai's Warrior Beat at 230p HST (NOW!)

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Tyler Graunke talks to Dave Reardon about his suspension and reinstatement.

At the time of the suspension, Graunke said it was a minor academic glitch that had to be taken care of. But yesterday he told the Star-Bulletin that "issues having to do with partying in the dorms" several years ago contributed to his problems.

"It was pretty much all academics, but I had a hold on my records and I had to get that off," Graunke said. "I had to do community service and I had a fine I had to pay because things were lingering on my record. Coach (June) Jones let it go, Coach Mack, he's not messing around. He said I need to get it taken care of."

Graunke talks to Stephen Tsai about where he stands.

"If I have to start on the bottom of the depth chart again, it's not going to bother me," Graunke said. "I've done it before. I'm willing to accept any challenge."

Graunke said the suspension was "definitely discouraging and kind of depressing. Actually, the last month has been really tough for me. I should have come back a lot quicker. But things happen. I'm glad to be back on before spring practice. I'm going to work hard to prove to the guys I'm their guy."

And when Ferd Lewis looks at SMU football marketing material, he has a WTF moment.

Two months after he left Manoa, the image of Jones sitting with a navy blue and red Mustangs' helmet and SMU end zone as a backdrop while promising "the Pony Nation and all of Dallas an exciting, new brand of football at Ford Stadium" is still a jarring sight here.

So much so that even the curious phrase "you may have heard the noise we made all the way over on the Big Island this past year" in a slick season ticket brochure almost slips by in the bewilderment.

But Jones, ever the adroit marketer, has slipped right into his new niche, trading "eo na toa, eo na toa e" for "Pony Up."

Graunke Reinstated, Super Games

Tyler Graunke, rising like a Phoenix:

Quarterback Tyler Graunke has been reinstated to the University of Hawai'i football team.

Graunke will participate in the Warriors' off-season conditioning drills tomorrow. While suspended, he was not allowed to participate in any team functions.

Awesome news. Glad he got back on track.

And Dave Reardon writes that tomorrow is the Super Games finale.

Klum Gym. 7 a.m. No Rules Basketball.

I asked Greg McMackin what the rules are to No Rules Basketball.

As soon as I asked, I could see his eyes roll through the phone line.

“There are no rules,” the coach said.

OK, this should be interesting, if not dangerous.

UPDATE: Reardon has an article on Graunke's reinstatement.

"Tyler and I did meet today and he has fulfilled his obligations. He's done a good job," McMackin said. "What that is is between he and I. He'll be back tomorrow."

Graunke was suspended from team activities the past five weeks.

"We've put it behind us and I'm on the team," Graunke said. "I pretty much have to earn my spot back (as the No. 1 quarterback). I'm sorry I put myself in this situation, and I apologize to my teammates and fans and especially myself."

Graunke said his problems "pretty much" had to do with academics. But he said he also had to do community service and pay a fine for "issues having to do with partying in the dorms," going back to his freshman year.

Watson, Maka, Lumpkin, JJ Owes UH

The Warrior Beat is hosting a chat with Keala Watson at 2pm today.

UPDATE: Here's a link to the chat, and an excerpt:

Comment from: Keala Watson [Member]

what is your most memorable play of all-time??

Forced fumble and recovery against Nevada. Coach Mac told me exactly what to do before the play, and i did it, and look what happened. I owe coach Mac a plate lunch for that one.

03/18/08 @ 14:23

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Stephen Tsai writes that while Francis Maka is still waiting to hear from the NCAA regarding a medical hardship petition, he has been cleared to participate in spring practice. Also from the article, George Lumpkin is recovering from hip surgery, and:

The unions representing the UH athletic department media-relation workers, trainers and equipment managers are seeking overtime pay for their clients.

And Ferd Lewis writes that June Jones owes UH some money.

The University of Hawai'i is asking former football coach June Jones to pay $400,008 it says is owed for his departure to Southern Methodist University.

"We have not received any payment from Coach Jones," Manoa Chancellor Virginia Hinshaw said through a spokesman. "We are in contact with June and his representatives in an effort to resolve this matter."

Leigh Steinberg, Jones' agent, said, "We're attempting to work it out. We've been in discussions (and) we're working on a resolution."

Weekend News

Some news from this past weekend:

Part 2 of Dave Reardon's interview with Jim Donovan.

Reardon has some quotes from WAC commish Karl Benson on Donovan's hire.

Ferd Lewis writes a list of dos-and-dont's for Jim Donovan. Some excerpts:

• Don't be surprised when people do a double take at seeing the athletic director in town and working.


• Check the soda machines outside the department for loose change. Don't laugh; with the deficit you're inheriting, every bit helps.


• Never say that completing the football schedule is, "a piece of cake" and then not be able to fill it.

Paul Arnett writes about how hard Herman Frazier had it.

And here's a draft analysis of Colt Brennan from Bryce McRae of KFFL.

Arizona Aloha Festival

For Warrior fans in or near Arizona, some ex-UH football players will be signing autographs at the Arizona Aloha Festival being held this weekend at the ASU Downtown Center.

Cardinals players Deuce Lutui and Aaron Francisco will be joined by NFL veterans Adrian Klemm and Scott Peters; professional football players C.J. Hawthorne, Karl Noa, and Timmy Chang (a former Cardinals quarterback); and UFC veteran Edwin Dewees.

Here's the festival's official website for more info.

From the Blogs: Keao Monteilh Chat, Hi-Lite

Keao Monteilh is chatting on the Warrior Beat, right now!

UPDATE: Chat over, glad to hear his shoulder's good. Here's an excerpt:

Comment from: Keao Monteilh [Member]

Comment from: YpoWarrior [Visitor] What's your thoughts about Coach Mack as a head coach & Coach Cal as the DC?

Coach Mack is one of the most down-to-earth people that I've met and he knows how to handle a team, whether it be on the field or off the field. Coach Cal is one of the smartest coaches and he was my coach at Saint Louis my sophomre year and he scared the heck out of me. He never talked. If you did something wrong, he'd stare you down.
03/14/08 @ 11:05

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And on the Leahey blog, you can take part in voting for "Hawaii's Greatest Hi-Lite."

More Jim Donovan News

Michael Tsai profiles new UH athletic director Jim Donovan.

"He's very deserving," Shoji said. "I've always thought we should have somebody who was a player, a coach and administrator. He's come up through the ranks. I think he understands where coaches are coming from and he had a good mentor in (former AD) Stan Sheriff. I think he'll listen to the coaches, which I feel is really, really important."

Brian McInnis writes about how the Awana family welcomed Jim Donovan when he first came to Hawaii as a player.

Stephen Tsai and Ferd Lewis interview Donovan. An excerpt:

Q: This football season UH will play at Florida and at Oregon State just two weeks apart. What is your philosophy on scheduling?

A: "In a nutshell, you want to be competitive but I'd like to avoid the extremes of a very high strength of schedule like this (2008) year and very low of last (2007) year. My thinking is only one, at the most, Division I-AA opponent, a couple of Bowl Championship Series opponents and a couple from non-BCS conferences. I'll work with coach (Greg) McMackin and get his input.

Dave Reardon has the first part of a two-part interview with Donovan. More about future scheduling:

I would be very interested in playing BYU again. And I think playing UNLV is very good for both schools.

Maybe even something with San Diego State in the future.

I'd like to reach out to the academies, maybe play some institutions in New York or Washington to get our players a different experience. Perhaps play at Annapolis (Md.), and check out Washington D.C. A lot of our kids maybe haven't been there. We want them to have an experience in addition to playing the football game.

The Advertiser's Leila Wai has a video interview with Jim Donovan.

The Star-Bulletin has started posting online video, and they have Donovan's press conference up in embeddable form:


Jim Donovan Press Conference from JG on Vimeo.

And finally, Donovan endorses David Matlin as his successor as executive director of the Sheraton Hawaii Bowl.

New AD Jim Donovan

Earlier today, Jim Donovan was announced as the new UH athletic director (woot woot!) Here's a press release about it from UH.

"I'm honored and humbled to represent something that means so much to the people of Hawai'i," Donovan said. "The University of Hawai'i Athletics Department really belongs to everyone in the state and we'll work hard everyday to make everyone welcome and appreciated for their support."

Here are articles about the announcement from the Advertiser and the Star-Bulletin.

Dave Reardon, who was liveblogging the developments leading up to the announcement, has this quote from interim AD Carl Clapp.

“Jim’s a professional. He’s a professional athletic administrator, he’s a very good communicator and he’s very good at working with people. I think he’s going to provide outstanding leadership for the department.

“I’m enoying the opportunity to serve the department. There’s been a lot of folks in the deparment that have stepped up in his interim period and I really appreciate all the support I’ve received.”

And Chawan will have a video news compilation up shortly.

...here it is.

From the Blogs: Iceman Chateth, Jim Donovan (w/UPDATES)

Be sure to check out the Warrior Beat for a chat with kicker Dan Kelly starting around 3pm HST. UPDATE: Chat started early! Here's the post.

UPDATE 2: Dan Kelly just gave Chawan Cut his autograph. For real!




Photo credit: Honolulu Advertiser

Classic!

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And check out UH Sports Extra, where Dave Reardon is liveblogging from Honolulu Community College, where the BOR is voting on Virginia Hinshaw's recommendation of Jim Donovan for UH athletic director. Reardon will have updates throughout the whole process.

UPDATE: Dave Reardon writes that Jim Donovan is Hawaii's new athletic director.

Jim Donovan was confirmed as University of Hawaii athletic director today (Thursday) by the UH Board of Regents.

"He goes forward with our support," BOR chairman Al Landon said, after a unanimous vote of the 10 regents present, following no public discussion.

A formal announcement was scheduled for later today at a UH news conference.

"I was on pins and needles," Donovan said. "I prepared two speeches. Now I can throw one away."

Congratulations to Jim Donovan!

Videos, Wallpapers, Spring Schedule

Kapoleicoug edited together an awesome 2007 UH football highlights video. Sums it all up pretty good.



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Leila Wai has video of today's Super Games competition, wheelbarrow racing.

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Chawan Cut has made some neon-ish matrix-y H logo mod wallpapers.



Here's a link to a much larger version of it.

And it looks like this H is haunted by a poltergeist.



Here's the much larger version.

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And finally, I posted a spring practice schedule over on the right.

Mana Silva, AD, Audit, Brian Smith

Stephen Tsai profiles UH safety Mana Silva.

Silva joined the Oregon State football team in August 2006. He moved to wide receiver, and redshirted that year.

Although he enjoyed his stay in Corvallis, Silva said, "I wanted to be closer to my family. I decided to come back."

He secured a release from Oregon State, then contacted the UH coaches. He also decided to move to safety.

"I felt, maybe, this is the ticket to the field," Silva said.

Mel deLaura, who is coordinating the off-season conditioning program, praised Silva's athletic ability.

"That guy is a stud," deLaura said. "He can do a lot of things."

Ferd Lewis praises the transparency and openness of the AD selection process.

So it is encouraging that people involved in the process are touting it as not only "fair" and "open" but as one of the most equitable searches they have been involved in. People who took part say that not only were all nine committee members encouraged to ask questions of the finalists and take part in a spirited exchange of views afterward, but that when a member was unable to be present for an interview, sessions were videotaped and played back. Moreover, Manoa Chancellor Virginia S. Hinshaw, who ran the whole thing, appeared to be both a strong leader and as open as anyone. She proved that the two qualities need not be mutually exclusive.

Dave Reardon writes that a state audit of the UH athletic department's finances is one step closer to reality.

Takai and other lawmakers want the state auditor to take a thorough look at UH's books. Yesterday, the House Higher Education committee passed a resolution to request such an audit for the years 2003 through 2007 (in its original form, it was for 1999 to 2007).

The resolution was passed unanimously by the nine members of the committee present, and now goes to the legislative management committee.

And Stephen Tsai's Warrior Beat will be hosting a chat with UH offensive line coach Brian Smith at 3pm 3:30pm HST today.

UPDATE: Here's a link to the chat.

UPDATE 2: Here's a great question and answer from the chat:

Comment from: Brian Smith [Member]

Comment from: al [Visitor]
so coach brian, how will this work with coach gerke and you both handling the oline?

will you be the one in charge of the line, sort of like the oline coordinator, you know, who starts, who plays where, what technique will be taught, and the like with coach gerke to assist you and handle the running backs as well?

Coach Gerke will first be the running backs coach. Because we spend so much time with the running backs in practice it only makes sense to have a coach that has the experience to help with Line during practice. If I can steal him for a few minutes in individual to help with the large number of lineman that I have then that will be great. Coach Gerke will help me as an extra set of eyes during group and team periods and will be a huge help with game preparations and being my eyes from the booth on game days. So far we have been working very well together and are on the same page with scheme and fundamentals.

03/12/08 @ 16:59

Spring Info, Pisa and Ruta, SH

The UH Athletics Department has released a PDF with schedule of events, including info for the 2008 Warrior Football Coaching Clinic, Hawaii Football Camp and UH spring practice.

Pisa Tinoisamoa and his mom Ruta Aunese will be guests of the Artie Wilson Show this Friday on ESPN 1420.

And here's a simple way you can support Sportshawaii.com.

Blaze Soares Chat

Over at the Warrior Beat right now. UPDATE: All done. Here's an excerpt:

Comment from: Blaze [Member]

He says Hawaii hands down, led by yourself and Adam Leonard, have by the far the best linebacking corp in the WAC, do you agree...?

Personally I feel that way, yeah, even though there are a lot of great linebackers in the WAC. We have Solomon, who has three years under his belt as a starter, and Adam, who has two. What more can you ask for.
03/11/08 @ 09:49

And you can't watch this too many times:

Stutz, Hanohano, Donovan, Relay for Life

Here's a link to UH GA Craig Stutzmann's chat on the Warrior Beat yesterday. An excerpt:

Comment from: Craig Stutzmann [Member]

will most of the stuff that the receivers run be routes/patterns that you and coach ron lee ran during the old st. louis days and if so how does it differ from the june jones run n shoot?

There will be an even mix of things we did at Saint Louis and things we did with June Jones. The main difference in the two styles is coach Ron's offense gives the receivers more options depending on the coverages that we'll see. So in essence, the receivers have a lot more responsibilities.
03/10/08 @ 15:44

UH recruit Geordon Hanohano is allegedly in trouble. Here's a video and transcript from KITV.

Sources told KITV the 17-year-old Saint Louis senior at the wheel of a sport utility vehicle that crashed into the guide wires of this utility pole Friday was Geordan Hanohano. The 6 foot 3 inch tall, 270-pound defensive lineman has signed a letter of intent to play for the Warriors.

Hanohano is under investigation for driving under the influence of alcohol and harassment, for allegedly throwing eggs into Jervis' property.

From an article by Alexandre Da Silva:

A UH spokesman said last night the school would await further information before making any decision regarding Hanohano's future with the school and team.

Ferd Lewis writes that UH and Jim Donovan have agreed on a salary, but details won't be released until the Board of Regents meeting.

Dave Reardon writes that an audit of the UH athletic department's books is on the agenda.

And finally, Stephen Tsai writes about the Iceman's and other UH athletes' involvement in the Relay for Life.

As it turns out, the self-styled "Iceman" has a warm heart.

Hawai'i football player Dan Kelly, who earned the nickname because of his heroic placekicks, came through this past weekend, earning the most donations in the American Cancer Society's Relay For Life.

Kelly secured $1,800 in donations for the event, which was held from 6 p.m. Saturday to 6 a.m. Sunday.

Doug Hussey, manager of the men's volleyball team and one of the event's coordinators, said the project raised $40,000 this year, and more than $150,000 the past four years. There were about 600 participants, including representatives from most of the UH athletic teams. The entire men's volleyball team entered.

Four Warriors on Lombardi Watch List

Four Hawaii Warriors are among 54 players selected to the 2008 Rotary Lombardi Award preliminary watch list. They are:

Solomon Elimimian, LB
John Estes, OL
Adam Leonard, LB
David Veikune, DL

Here are some details from the press release:

Brigham Young University and the University of Hawaii tied for the most players on the preliminary watch list with four players each.

Eligibility for the Rotary Lombardi Award is limited to down linemen and those defensive players who line up within five yards of the football. The candidates earned a place on the preliminary watch list by earning All-American honors or by being named to their respective all-conference first team as selected by the conference’s head coaches. The Rotary Lombardi Award Watch List will be updated prior to the start of the 2008 season in order to identify those players who have been selected as pre-season honors candidates.

Rivers, Eo, ST, Kapanui, Etc

mines1one, who earlier made highlight videos of Colt Brennan and Davone Bess, has one of Jason Rivers. I like the dramatic music!



Stephen Tsai catches up with former UH football player Matt Harding, and has news about June Jones' Eo Na Toa clothing line.

The UH football team has decided to move on, and is not expected to use the eo na toa clothing line.
June Jones wanted to donate the rights to the football team.

Speaking of Stephen Tsai, ummm...



That's some good stuff.

Former UH player Chad Kapanui had a great game in his United Indoor Football debut.

Sioux City quarterback Chad Kapanui, a 26-year old quarterback from the University of Hawaii, had a strong effort in his first-ever indoor start. He completed 13 of 17 passes for 152 yards and a pair of touchdowns to Tommy Hofer.

Hofer, who played collegiately at Dakota State in Madison, S.D., scored on a 21-yard catch in the first period, then leaped over two defenders while snagging a 34-yarder that gave Sioux City a 17-10 lead in the second frame.

In other UIF news, former UH running back Michael Brewster has rejoined the Billings Outlaws.

Wide receiver/running back Michael Brewster also rejoined the Outlaws this week. The 5-foot-6, 190-pound Brewster caught 28 passes for 293 yards and three touchdowns last season. He also rushed for 97 yards and returned nine kickoffs for 126 yards.

Future UH Warrior Paipai Falemalu did well in an OIA preseason track and field meet, winning shot put and discus throw competitions.

And finally Dave Reardon directs readers to The Big Q poll about the new UH football uniforms. Which reminds me, here's a repost of the results of the poll I posted last week.

Jim Donovan(update! video)/ Graunke

Update:
Jim Donovan AD news from last night (sorry so slow again)


Ferd Lewis has details of Jim Donovan's recommendation for AD to the UH board of regents, along with some quotes.

Donovan was a two-year starter on the offensive line under coach Dick Tomey in the 1981 and '82 seasons.

"I'm thrilled to death for him," Tomey said. "He is well connected in the business community, he and (wife) Tracy are well loved at UH by everybody I've ever run into and he's well respected by the coaches."

Kent Untermann, a teammate of Donovan's and a prominent businessman and booster, said, "Jim is an incredibly passionate, hard-working, driven individual and will do a wonderful job for the university."

Dave Reardon profiles Donovan, and has a great quote from Riley Wallace, along with the back-story.

The feisty former University of Hawaii basketball coach had an infamous run-in with Donovan when football coach Bob Wagner was fired in 1996, with Wallace backing Wagner, and Donovan, then associate athletic director, threatening to make it a 2-for-1 deal.

But now, Wallace is a Donovan fan. He said UH-Manoa Chancellor Virginia Hinshaw made the right choice when she forwarded Donovan's name to the Board of Regents yesterday as her choice to become the next athletic director.

"He's everything they need," Wallace said last night in a phone interview. "He's an ex-player, a UH graduate, got a master's in business. He has experience as an associate AD there and started a very good marketing program there. I think the coaches will like him, and he's got good connections with coaches around the country and with ESPN through the Hawaii Bowl."

Brian McInnis gets some quotes from Coach Rolo and some fans.

Stephen Tsai has a lot of great things to say about Jim Donovan, and has a list of those who will benefit if/when Donovan becomes official.

Ferd Lewis writes a column about Donovan's ties to Hawaii.

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And finally, Dave Reardon writes that perhaps Tyler Graunke will be around for spring practice.

Six quarterbacks are on the spring roster for Hawaii.

Tyler Graunke is among them.

But the list is extremely subject to change before the Warriors open camp March 30.

Graunke, a fifth-year senior, was expected to replace Heisman finalist Colt Brennan as the UH starter this fall. But the three-year No. 2 QB was suspended last month for breaking unspecified team rules.

First-year head coach Greg McMackin has not reinstated Graunke to team activities yet, but his name on the roster indicates he's expected back for spring practice.

"Tyler's doing what he's supposed to do and his progress will be evaluated," McMackin said last night.

I have no doubt that the Graunke shall rise. Like a Phoenix. Out of Arizona!

Jim Donovan Recommended

For UH athletic director. Via the Advertiser:

Manoa Chancellor Virginia Hinshaw is recommending to the University of Hawaii Board of Regents that Jim Donovan be named the school's athletic director in a five-year apppointment, it was revealed today.

The 15-member board is scheduled to meet Thursday and Friday at Honolulu Community College.

UPDATE: Here's Dave Reardon's article on it.

All indicators point toward Jim Donovan being announced as University of Hawaii athletic director next week.
The name of the former UH football player and associate athletic director appears on the Board of Regents agenda for next week.

"I am aware my name has been forwarded to the regents," Donovan said this afternoon. "But out of deference and respect to the university and the chancellor and the regents I will make no comment until the meeting next week."

Matty Kiel, Ferd Likes the Unis, Etc.

Jim Seimas of the Santa Cruz Sentinel writes that Cabrillo College receiver Matty Kiel will walk-on to the University of Hawaii, turning down a scholarship with Nevada. Some excerpts from the article:

"Nevada had a great campus, a great football environment," Kiel said. "But I never liked Reno. If I'm going to be in a place for three years, why not shoot for the stars and go to the greatest place to vacation?"

Kiel has good hands, leaping ability and balance in the air, said Seahawks coach Bill Garrison. The receiver finished his two-year career at Cabrillo with 66 receptions for 1,263 yards and 20 touchdowns.

He said he hopes to also play volleyball for the Warriors, but emphasized that playing football is his top priority.

"I'm going to redshirt a year and have a year under my belt," Kiel said. "I'm going to train hard and get faster, stronger and bigger."

Excellent.

Ferd Lewis, he likes the new uniforms.

Which is why a collective sigh of relief greeted the unveiling of the first set of the new, greener UH uniforms the other day. What was displayed looked pretty good — doubly so when you glance around the country and see the liberties some schools are taking with good taste.

That UH has announced it will keep the kapa designs and do away with the silver-and-white road uniform line that KITV's Robert Kekaula likened to Pop Warner duds is apparently an added bonus. Thank you head coach Greg McMackin, or whoever finally made that enlightened call.

Stephen Tsai's Warrior Beat will be hosting a chat with Adam Leonard and Leon Wright-Jackson at 10:30am HST today. UPDATE: Here's a link to the chat. P.S. There's another contest today. ST spells out the details:

We'll be giving away another Mack-autographed copy of "The Perfect Season" today.
Our clever marketing department — OK, that's me with a can of iced cappuccino — came up with this system. Christie Lee Williams will draw four numbers. For instance, say she draws 1, 5, 3, 2. That would equate to 15:32, which would be 3:32 p.m. (Don't worry, we'll have separate hats so the third number won't be greater than 5.) The first person who posted at 3:32 would get it. Anyway, that's the example. We'll pick a winner at about 3:45, in case some of you read this blog only at work.
Everyone is eligible. Even Gigi.

And finally, this is an outrage!

Entertainment giant Walt Disney Co. which is teaming up with several Japanese companies to produce animation for television in Japan, said yesterday it planned to co-produce a TV program called "Stitch!," an offspring of the Lilo & Stitch series, without the Hawaii-born character Lilo.

A Japanese girl named Hanako will play Stitch's sidekick in the new show and the imaginary story will take place in a southern Japanese island, instead of in Hawaii as in the original, the company said in a statement.

Stitch, you two-timing bastard.

Davone Bess Interview

Michael Egnak of KFFL interviews Davone Bess about the upcoming NFL draft. Here's an excerpt:

ME: Do you feel your receiving numbers over the past three seasons give you an advantage over players who only performed well for one or two years?

DB: A lot of people say it's because of the system and a lot of people watch really good film and say, "This kid's a playmaker." For every pro there's a con. I feel like I worked hard during my time with Hawaii and it paid off. Hopefully some scouts will notice that I'm a hard worker and that I love the game.

ME: How do you respond to people who may think the bulk of your numbers are a result of the system you played in?

DB: I just tell them to throw on the tape. If you watch the tape, everything on the field can assist them. Situations where plays break down, strategizing and make things happen, catching the ball at three-to-five yards and making guys miss and taking them those extra few yards; that's just natural ability and all the work paying off. That's just being the kind of player that makes things happen.

Nick Rolovich Chat

Over at the Warrior Beat. Be there!

UPDATE: Here's an excerpt from the chat. Rolo chatted for two hours, which was cool.

Comment from: Nick Rolovich [Member]

coach rolo, wow, that will take a bit getting used to.

having been both a player and now coach, what is it that you feel will be your greatest asset in your ability to coach up these young quarterbacks to a point that you can bring out the best in each student/athlete?

As my playing career went along, I had a coach by the name of Terry Malley with the SJ Sabercats. At this time I was just gettting in to coaching in the off season. He told me that coaching would help you grow to appreciate the coaches I had along the way. And it did. you have to be able to teach,. if you have a brain full of knowledge and no ways of sharing it, that knowledge is only worth something to you. A treasure chest is worthless if you cant open it.

03/06/08 @ 13:30

Uniforms, Super Games, Position Changes, Reading

Dave Reardon has coverage of the new uniform design unveiling.

McMackin said that after receiving input from players and members of the community, he confirmed that green is the color of choice. And future plans include green jerseys, so that beginning in 2009, the Warriors can sport a different color scheme for selected big games.

"In the future we might come out in all green," he said.

Reardon talks to Leon Wright-Jackson about the new design.

"From what I see in the pictures, they're real nice," junior running back Leon Wright-Jackson said. "I like 'em, they're cool."

Stephen Tsai has quotes from Dan Kelly and Greg McMackin:

"I'm glad coach Mack wants to bring back the green," kicker Dan Kelly said. "People like the green."

McMackin said it also was important to have "Hawai'i" on the jersey.

"The players have their names on their back," McMackin said. "The most important name is on the front, and that's 'Hawai'i.' That's who we are. We are the Warriors from Hawai'i. We're not changing that at all. But 'Hawai'i' is more state recognizable. We are Hawai'i. We're Hawai'i's team."

Chawan Cut may have video coverage uploaded sometime today, which I'll post here if/when available:

UPDATE: Here it is. News coverage by KHON, KGMB and KITV.



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Leila Wai has video from yesterday's Super Games challenge, tug-of-war. Dave Reardon writes about the competition and previews next week's competition.

Keala Watson’s Gladiators team has opened up a sizable lead in the Super Games standings with its win today in the tug of war competition.

“They might have a difficult time next week,” defensive line coach Dave Aranda said. “It’s human wheelbarrow races, and a lot of them aren’t built for that.”

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Dave Reardon writes about some possible position changes in the spring. Here's an excerpt about the offensive line:

Starting tackles Keith Ah-Soon and Keoni Steinhoff, both seniors now, could find themselves competing for positions one spot closer to the middle of the line when practice starts at the end of the month. At 6-foot-1 and 6-3, Ah-Soon and Steinhoff are closer to the prototype for guard than tackle, and the Warriors have some taller players waiting in the wings to try out for the tackles.

Ray Hisatake, Aaron Kia, Laupepa Letuli and incoming JC transfer Kainoa LaCount (he arrives in the summer) are among the many possibilities at the tackle spots.

Coach Greg McMackin said the Warriors want to develop five backups the staff can have enough confidence in to put into any game at any time.

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And finally, Kim Fassler writes about some UH Warriors who took time out to read to the kids.

Savaiigaea and five University of Hawai'i Warrior teammates helped Kamiloiki Elementary School participate in the National Education Association's Read Across America program, a reading initiative that encourages kids to read around Dr. Seuss' birth date, March 2.

The article also includes a video, which has interviews with Rocky Savaiigaea and Guyton Galdeira.

New Uniform Designs

From a UH Athletics Department press release:

The University of Hawai`i Athletics Department has unveiled the designs for its new home and away uniforms for the 2008 football season. Head Coach Greg McMackin presented the uniforms at a press conference, Wednesday, Mar. 5. This was the first public viewing of the uniforms, which were designed by Under Armour, "Outfitter of UH Football."

Some of the highlights of the 2008 uniform designs include:
* Use of the UH green (PMS 3435) in both the home and away uniforms was a priority
* The fabric on the jersey shoulders and sleeves has a tapa design.
* Instead of "Warriors" above the numbers, the "Hawai`i" brand is being used in order to provide greater university recognition. Also, the "Hawai`i" text size is larger for great visibility.
* The "H" brand is featured on the pants and above the player's name on the back of the jersey.
* The distinctive UH tapa numbers are used on both uniforms. * Only UH's green helmet will be worn for both home and away games.
* The silver road uniform, including the jerseys, pants, and helmet, will not be continued.

I really liked the mostly-black home uniforms, but these look good. Gotta see how they turn out. The UH website has side and back views as well, and I'll update this post with more from the news sites later today/tonight.

UPDATE: Tsai has posted higher resolution illustrations of the mockups on the WB.

Dave Reardon (whose blog just updated with even higher resolution pics) writes that people are liking the new uniforms.

So far the new uniforms are meeting with rave reviews.

All the players who have seen them really like them, as did the reporters and camera folks who saw the designs this afternoon.

So what do you think?



UPDATE 2: Here's a crop from the Star-Bulletin's version of the illustration. Can see the tapa design on the shoulders a little better.

Clapp, Walk-Ons

Cindy Luis talks to interim AD Carl Clapp about a bill to give UH for repair and maintenance, the contract talks with KFVE and KKEA, and other matters.

A bill that would give UH $600 million over six years for repair and maintenance projects on the Manoa campus, both academic and athletic, would also be beneficial. Yesterday, the state House of Representatives passed it and it now moves to the state Senate for consideration.

"Obviously, anything that will benefit the department is a positive," McNamara said. "The need has clearly been demonstrated."

One big need is to have the turf on Cooke Field replaced.

"It is a priority," interim athletic director Carl Clapp said in his weekly meeting with the Star-Bulletin yesterday. "Cooke Field is used by so many. ROTC, soccer, football, kinesiology, band. We want to get it done as quickly as possible."

Speaking of Clapp, he'll be today's chat guest on the Warrior Beat at around 11:15am HST. UPDATE: Here's a link to the chat.

And Stephen Tsai profiles two walk-ons, Quentin Beaver and Les Soloai.

Beaver, who is 6 feet 1 and about 330 pounds, reportedly bench pressed more than 500 pounds. He said he regularly lifts 405 pounds. "I haven't maxed out for a while," he said.

During last month's tryouts for walk-ons, he benched 225 pounds 32 times.

Associate head coach Rich Miano likened Soloai to former UH defensive lineman Colin Scotts.

"What you're looking for in an athlete, he possesses all of those things," Miano said. "It's Ikaika Alama-Francis all over again. This guy is a good athlete. He has a chance."

Soloai played rugby in Australia, but not football.

"I'm just learning the game," he said. "I've seen it on TV before."

Warriors in the Pros / Miller / Kids Club / Choy / Unis

Dave Albee of the Marin Independent Journal profiles new Arizona Cardinal Travis LaBoy.

"Arizona just felt right," said LaBoy, who received inquiries from almost a dozen NFL teams and turned down last-minute requests to meet with the Minnesota Vikings and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. "Their defensive scheme will allow me to use my tools a little more and Arizona is an up-and-coming team."

Melila Purcell was on the Cleveland Browns' practice squad last year, and it looks like he'll have a good shot at making the 53-man roster this year.

The starting front three next season is expected to be Williams, Rogers and Robaire Smith. Shaun Smith will rotate at nose tackle and end. Depth will be provided by 2007 rookies Melila Purcell and Chase Pittman, along with Louis Leonard.

“We feel like there are probably two more spots on the D line to make the 53-man roster,” general manager Phil Savage said. “At this point we’re hopeful that at least two of those three can ascend to at least a backup role. I told Shaun Rogers that I think the main four can have a big influence on the younger three. We feel better about our D line today than we did a week ago.”

Chad Kapanui will be playing quarterback for the Sioux City Bandits of the United Indoor Football League.

"I played running back, safety, linebacker, I was kind of a utility player at Hawaii," said Kapanui. "But I've played quarterback for eight years. It comes natural. I just never had the chance to show what I have.

"I'm hungry. This is my first indoor league. I'm trying to pick up things because play in this league is so quick. I have to perform at a high level."

"Chad's a drop-back guy who reads defenses well," said DeGeorgia. "He's a natural leader."

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Writer J. David Miller has an article on Warriorshaka.com about traveling to New Orleans, meeting all sorts of people from Hawaii, and suffering a mild heart attack after coming back home. Glad he's okay.

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The UH Athletics Department has a press release about how kids can become members of the UH Kids Club.

By the way, who has two thumbs and just got a new t-shirt?



This guy!

The article includes details of other member benefits.

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Kamehameha offensive lineman Kahai Choy will join the Warriors as a walk-on.

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And finally, Dave Reardon updates yesterday's post with the news that the new UH uniforms will be unveiled tomorrow. The Star Bulletin website is acting weird again, but it should be up again soon.

From the Blogs: Washington Chat, Super Games

Stephen Tsai has some news and notes today, and will host a chat with Mike Washington at about 3pm HST. Tsai also has news about two walk-ons:

Two newcomers are really making an impression.
Les Soloai, who was raised in Australia, appears to be a natural fit at defensive end. Soloai has never played organized football. He was a member of the Brigham Young-Hawai‘i basketball team in the fall. He transferred to UH in January.
Quinton Beaver, a former Kahuku High standout, also has drawn raves because of his strength. He has not maxed on his bench press, but regularly lifts — with ease – 405 pounds. He's projected to compete at defensive tackle. Beaver spent the past two years on a church mission in Boston.

Dave Reardon has a Super Games tally at UH Sports Extra.

Defensive line coach Dave Aranda is tracking the leaderboard:

1. Section 8 (captain Adam Leonard)
2. Gladiators (captain Keala Watson)
3. Team 808 (captain Keao Monteilh)

Tomorrow’s event is good old-fashioned tug of war.

Man, be careful. Don't wanna be reading about another one of those gruesome tug-of-war accidents. And that's one of the more milder ones. Sure, those accidents happened with a lot more people involved, but these are no ordinary human beings we're dealing with!

Mack at the Pagoda and the Willows

Brian McInnis has news from the Honolulu Quarterback Club luncheon, where coach Greg McMackin spoke yesterday. Some interesting bits include:

The concept of a designated day for high school juniors to visit Hawaii's campus in a group, a "Junior Day," appeals to him and could work its way into McMackin's methods in the near future.

"We will recruit Hawaii first," McMackin said. "We are the University of Hawaii, we are Hawaii's football team. Spring really is the start of recruiting season -- right now it's recruiting season for next year, and in May I'm going to be in every high school in the state of Hawaii. I want to know the coaches, the principals, the athletic directors."

"We're going to have a press conference this week to show you the uniforms, and I know you all will be happy because we put some green in them," he told the Quarterback Club members, who cheered.

"I showed it to some of the players, and they think it's pretty sharp," he added.

And if you missed it, Sportshawaii's uhwarriors summarizes last night's Call the Coach show (towards the middle).

LaBoy Signs with Cardinals / Call the Coach

Another big contract for a former UH football player. Travis LaBoy signed with the Cardinals today.

Free agent defensive end Travis LaBoy has reached agreement with the Arizona Cardinals on a five-year, $22 million agreement, including $7.5 guaranteed money.

Congratulations to Travis! CardinalInsider.com says that LaBoy will move from defensive end to outside linebacker.

Travis LaBoy wanted a greater role and will get one with the Cardinals. He'll play mostly outside linebacker and will replace Calvin Pace in the starting lineup.

LaBoy, a second-round pick out of Hawaii in 2004, has spent his entire four-year career with the Tennessee Titans. During that time, he has racked up 105 tackles and 19.5 sacks.

Although he played defensive end with the Titans, LaBoy (6'3", 260 pounds) will move to linebacker in Arizona's 3-4 scheme. The Cardinals made a similar switch with Pace last season and the payoff was huge, allowing Pace to play himself right out of GM Rod Graves' price range.

...and via Sportshawaii, a reminder that Greg McMackin will have his "Call the Coach" debut live at the Willows tonight.

Get your Warrior football fix on Monday, March 3 at 6:30 p.m. as ESPN 1420 debuts "Call the Coach with Greg Mackin, Presented by Audi of Hawaii." Presented live at The Willows, the one-hour program will feature Coach McMackin and ESPN 1420's Bobby Curran. Among the topics to be covered are the school's new recruiting class as well as plans for spring practice.

You can go to the Willows, listen on AM 1420, or go to ESPN 1420AM for live streaming audio. Be there!

Keenan, AD Stuff, LaBoy

Stephen Tsai wrote that Keenan Jones has received an extra year of eligibility. UH is still awaiting word on Francis Maka's petition.

Tsai also writes that today is Lurker Day II over at the Warrior Beat, with a chance for anyone who doesn't post that much to win a prize. He also has an offseason workout update:

Running back Leon Wright-Jackson is drawing raves because of his offseason workouts. Wright-Jackson struggled to adjust to UH's offense last season. He is expected to assume a larger role this season.
Also, Daniel Libre, who will experiment at slotback in spring practice, will return to running back in training camp. But look for Kealoha Pilares, who was a running back last season, to make the permanent move to slotback. Pilares, it is believed, would be even more effective as a receiver.
While Tyler Graunke remains on suspension, quarterbacks Inoke Funaki and Shane Austini have been impressive in offseason workouts. Funaki will enter spring practice as the No. 1 quarterback.

Dave Reardon writes about some of the politics and processes of selecting the next AD. Here he writes about the selection committee being more of an advisory board to Virginia Hinshaw rather than a full-blown "selection" committee. He also writes about the possibility of Keith Amemiya joining the UH athletic department as an associate AD.

But Amemiya has repeatedly told me that while he would love to work at Manoa he is still happy with what he is doing, and the conditions will have to be right for him to leave.

With that being said, he told me today he is all ears to the new AD.

And finally, free agent Travis LaBoy is getting interest from the Arizona Cardinals as well as the Cleveland Browns.

Titans free-agent defensive end Travis LaBoy left Cleveland without signing a contract, but the Browns still hope to land him. A scheduled visit to New Orleans was canceled, but LaBoy still made the trip to visit the Cardinals. LaBoy, who tied for third on the Titans with six sacks last season despite coming off the bench, most likely would be a situational rusher for the Browns.