Kafentzis, Watson, Notre Dame

Stephen Tsai talks to senior linebacker Tyson Kafentzis about his plans to practice instead of walk in his graduation ceremony, and his plans to get married. Tsai also writes that the Warriors moved into the Moana Surfrider Hotel yesterday.

Jason Kaneshiro profiles senior defensive tackle Keala Watson.

Watson has taken some lengthy strides during his five years in Manoa. He's overcome a rare blood disorder to take a leadership role on the Warrior defensive line, got married, and is looking forward to fatherhood as well as graduation.

Nearly being forced to take another route early in his career heightened his appreciation for each step along the way to reaching this point.

"Every time I walk out here I do a prayer right there on that cement slab before I touch the grass," Watson said, pointing to the walkway leading to the entrance to the practice field.

"I'm thankful that I'm here and have an opportunity to play the game I love to play and go to school and better myself."

Kaneshiro has some news and notes, including Aaron Bain's ties to Notre Dame and Jake Santos' brother playing in the Aloha Bowl in 1993.

And Tom Coyne of the AP has an article about Notre Dame's 9-game bowl losing streak.

The Irish players have different motivations for wanting to end the streak.

"This truly is my last chance to leave a mark in the program, and also give those guys who are coming back something to build off of," said linebacker Maurice Crum, a fifth-year senior.

Safety David Bruton, part of coach Charlie Weis' first recruiting class when Weis was helping the New England Patriots prepare for the Super Bowl, believes it's a chance for him and his classmates to prove something after seeing the Irish go 9-15 the past two seasons.

"That would be a major accomplishment, especially since mine and David's (Grimes) class, 'the forgotten class' or 'the worst class in Notre Dame history.' But it would be great to say we broke that streak along with the fifth year seniors and start a new streak in itself."