AP feature on the Warriors as "Team Diversity"

About how they share their culture with others, Michael Lafaele said:
"That's something that's part of us. Growing up, that's our culture. We just want to share it with everybody else." (AP)

About their diversity, Hercules said:
"We're probably the most diverse team you'll ever see. When you see us on Tuesday, you'll see hair coming out from under our helmets, every sort of tattoo you'll ever see, all different shapes and sizes on the football field. It's very different for everybody else, but for us, it's just natural. We don't look at each other and say like, 'Oh, you're from a different place.' We just treat each other the same." (AP)

About how he didn't fit in right away, Sol Elimimian said:
"A big culture shock. I struggled my first year with it. I kind of wanted to go home." (AP)

About how he adapted quickly after being embraced by teammates, Sol said:
"Most teams have black and white. We have all different ethnicities. That's been a strength. Right now, we don't look at color, skin or background. We just look at it as he's a part of us." (HA)

About Hawaii's unique culture, Colt said:
"If you have never been to Hawai'i before, the first thing you realize is that the Hawaiian people have a different way about things. It's a culture that doesn't care what your skin color is, what language you speak, or where you are from." (AP)

About the ha'a, Lafaele said:
"We're not trying to scare them or instill any fear in them. It's just a way for us to get ready for battle." (AP)

"It's just to show that we have no fear. It's getting ready for war. It's pretty exciting." (AP)

About New Orleans, Lafaele said:
"It's a culture shock for me, and I'm pretty sure it is for the people down here to see us with our lavalavas and long hair. It's different, totally different. It's been a good experience for me." (AP)

About UH's unique culture, Georgia safety Kelin Johnson said:
"That's their culture, and I respect that. I've never been exposed to it before. It's awesome to see someone out of their surroundings and having fun. That's what it's all about." (AP)

About how they accept all of their teammates, no matter what their background is, Hercules said:
"It just comes natural. People came to me with open arms, inviting me to their houses and out to dinners. That's the way it is any time a new person comes in. People just take you in." (AP)

AP Note: "Brennan, a finalist for the Heisman Trophy, never could have imagined his career turning out like this. On the cover of the Hawaii media guide, he's wearing a lavalava."

About Hawaii's culture, Colt said:
"At first, you may seem like an outcast when you get there. But once you acclimate yourself to the culture, you get pulled right in. It's the melting pot of the Pacific. The people find a way to bring everyone together." (AP)