Quotes about Maka and Russell after they got their summer-school grades

About how his summer-school grades more than satisfied the academic requirements to play for the Warriors this season, Francis Maka said:
"I didn't just make it, I did pretty well." (HA)

HA Note: "Maka had missed a week and a half of the six-week session to attend his sister's high school graduation in California. Because he was on stand-by status, his return to Hawai'i was delayed."


Maka needed a C+ in a calculus class and talked about getting an e-mail from his professor:
"I didn't read the e-mail; all I saw was 'B-minus.' I was so happy. Then I thought about it: Did he give me a B-minus for the last test or the class?' I had to e-mail him back. He said it was for the class." (HA)

HSB Note: "Defensive end Francis Maka knew the job was tough when he took it. The senior defensive end takes heavy doses of physics, math and engineering courses -- tough classes athletes are often encouraged to avoid. They can damage even a very diligent student's GPA.
But Maka did what he needed to do in summer school to remain eligible, getting a B in calculus III and an A in geography. He said it's not his way to take the easy way out, and he enjoys math and science."


About taking difficult classes instead of just taking easy classes to remain eligible, Maka said:
"All by my choice. If football doesn't work all the way for me, I want to be backed up with something that will help me get a good job and that I will enjoy." (HSB)


About how Maka has been impressive with his off-the-edge quickness, GM said:
"Against the pass, which is what we've seen, he has played really good. He's got an excellent motor. We have to see him against the run. We have to see everybody against the run." (HA)


About how Maka is a backup at LE and RE, GM said:
"By learning both sides, he doubles his chances." (HA)

HA Note: "Maka, who enrolled at UH in January, is listed as a senior, having played at Arizona and College of San Mateo. Because he was injured during one season at Arizona, he will petition the NCAA for a medical hardship that will allow him to play as a sixth-year senior in 2008."


About being cleared to practice after completing summer-school work, Russell said:
"It's good to get into the feel and motion again. I'm trying to work hard and keep the level of intensity up." (HA)