Training Camp Day 1 Reports

UPDATE: Tonight's fall camp news compilation from the Mighty Chawan.



Be sure to check out the KHNL, KHON, KGMB and KITV sports pages for more videos, transcripts, stories, etc.

UPDATE 2: Here's an AP article about Hawaii's first day of practice.

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Here are some observations from the first day of training camp. The excerpts are focused mostly on the QBs, but the reports have a lot more info. Thanks to all who took the time to write them.

From the UH Athletics website:

"I thought the quarterbacks did very well," McMackin said. "I was down there watching them quite a bit. (Offensive coordinator) Ron (Lee) felt that for this time of the year, we're ahead of where we're been. The throwers were throwing the ball, guys were catching it. They were missing it a little early, but they got refocused and started catching the ball. So, I think it's going pretty good.

As the Warriors wrapped up practice at noon, the temperature in Manoa Valley neared 90 degrees similar to the weather UH will see in Gainesville for the season-opener. To prepare for the heat and humidity in Gainesville, the Warriors are putting more of an emphasis on conditioning.

From hilo65 on Sportshawaii.com (also includes a report from WarriorMojo):

4) Defense looks confident. It seems like they are sure of themselves out there.
5) All three quarterbacks seemed a little rusty to me. All of them made some nice throws but none really stood out.
-Funaki: Is in great shape. He was the first to finish in all conditioning drills along with Daniel Libre and others. Funaki looked the most confortable.
- Alexander: Big. nice size and had some nice throws. He looked a little uncomfortable at times but was pretty good.
- Raucsh: Also tall but not as big as Alexander. He seemed to struggle more than the other QB's. He did have a few nice throws that made me say "Ooh."

From bowstock on WSN:

If you think Colt had a gun, than Alexander has a howitzer.
No comparison to Funaki or Rausch.

He tossed a bullet 30 yards down field to the right sideline from the left hashmark.
The ball was still rising when it was snaged.

It's still early, so many other things and intangibles, but Alexander stood out.

Inoke did OK and Rausch needs more work.

At this point, JMO, it's betw Aleander and Funaki.

From manoaFAN on WSN:

If the game were this week, I think Alexander would get the nod. He showed solid footwork, decisiveness (on the first day), velocity (he was flinging the ball all over the field) and accuracy (all patterns). He just seemed like he knew what he was doing out there and his throws got out noticeably quicker than those of the other QBs during 7-on-7s.

And from the Warrior Beat, bad news regarding Francis Maka's petition for a medical hardship:

Defensive end Francis Maka said he will not play for the Warriors this season. He said his application for a sixth year was not approved. Instead, he will serve as a student assistant. He is scheduled to earn a bachelor’s degree in December.

Glad he'll still be able to help the team and earn his degree.