Monday, March 31, 2008

Starting QB job is up for grabs

HSB Note: "Just go get it. That's the philosophy that Nick Rolovich lived by as a Hawaii quarterback, and one he's imparting upon the next generation of Warrior signal-callers as their position coach. Six quarterbacks will be out to impress the UH coaching staff in a series of 15 practices starting today. But regardless of which player emerges over the next month, the spring practice "winner" will have much to prove before he can be named the official starter at Florida on Aug. 30. To guide a completely reconstructed offensive unit, new offensive coordinator Ron Lee is implementing some tweaks to the run-and-shoot offense -- such as directing the quarterbacks to take snaps from under center on occasion, a move intended to allow greater flexibility for running plays and bootlegs."

Asked what they are looking for in a starting QB, Ron Lee said:
"What we're looking for from the quarterback is he stays within the scheme of things. Our routes and our reads will be a little bit different in the sense that they have to be aware that they can't just freelance. Colt (Brennan) had a lot of that -- he scrambled around, slid around. And they're gonna have to do that at times, but we're going to have to be very, very disciplined." (HSB)

HSB Note: "Kahuku graduate Inoke Funaki was cited for his improved leadership and desire in being penciled in at the top of the depth chart entering the first day of practice. He's followed by senior Tyler Graunke (recently reinstated after serving a suspension for a violation of team rules), and redshirt freshman Shane Austin, who impressed the coaches with his offseason workout regimen. In no particular order, former scout team leader Jake Santos, Iolani alum Kiran Kepo'o and Castle graduate Bryce Kalauokaaea round out the spring prospects. Junior college transfers Greg Alexander and Brent Rausch arrive in the summer and could potentially win the starting job in the fall, as well."

Expecting a lot of changes in the QB depth chart before the season starts, Rolo said:
"I anticipate change, switch-ups and shake-ups. We gotta see how people respond to situations." (HSB)

HSB Note: "Rolovich, once a backup to Tim Chang, etched his name in Hawaii football history by leading the Warriors to eight wins in nine games in 2001. He expects a positive attitude from each player regardless of where he begins on the depth chart."

Expecting a positive attitude from each QB, Rolo said:
"One thing I stress is, control what you do. Learn from (the others), and do what you can do with your reps. You can only control so much, and the things that you control, you deal with. The things that are out of your control, you let them happen, and the chips will fall where they will." (HSB)

HSB Note: "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."

Expecting his game experience to help him win the starting job, Tyler said:
"I'm approaching it very optimistically, actually. 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." (HSB)

Rolo told Inoke that Tyler missing the Super Games activities leading up to Spring Practice that:
"rarely things fall into your lap in life in general." (HSB)

Working on improving his progressions in the pocket, Inoke said:
"It's kind of my personality to be real kick-back, laid-back, you know, island style. I just wanted to show more. It's something I do want to do to help this team, be more of an example, a leader. Especially when the coaches named me No. 1." (HSB)

HSB Note: "Rolovich was impressed with the diligence that Austin, a walk-on from Camarillo, Calif., displayed by appearing in the coaches' offices at all hours, seeking knowledge of the system during this offseason. The freshman took snaps from under center exclusively in high school."

About how he wants to win the starting job, Austin said:
"I want to go open up at Florida -- I don't think of it as I'm the youngest guy out there. I'm thinking we're all kind of on an even playing field. I'm fighting for a job just as much as the next guy." (HSB)

About how he could be the dark horse in the race, Santos said:
"I'm totally aware of what my role could be on this team, a backup or being able to compete for a starting job. That's the way I look at it, as wanting to help my team win. Whatever's best for the team is what I want. My last year, so I just have to put it all out there on the line." (HSB)

Kepo'o should be fully cleared to practice, but Rolo said:
"his health is something we want to be careful with." (HSB)

Rolo also said that Kalauokaaea can't be discounted and is an:
"an impressive-looking athlete" (HSB)

HSB Note: "Rolovich conceded it's impossible to distribute reps evenly among all six candidates, as there must be a pecking order to start things off."

About the QBs, Ron Lee said:
"This is their opportunity. It's under fire." (HSB)

Q&A with Mack Part 2

About the importance of Spring Practice for their new receivers, especially with the loss of all of the starting WRs who were excellent teachers too, Ron Lee said:
"Spring is crucial. In the past four or five years with June, the philosophy during the spring was, 'get the backups ready.' It's different this year. We lost everybody, we're looking for some players. Last year (the starting receivers) were coaches. Now, it's different. Absolutely no such luxury. You lose the caliber that we've lost, I mean, those five (the four receivers and quarterback Colt Brennan) will probably play in the NFL. You don't see that very often. Michael Washington, Aaron Bain, John Medeiros, Greg Salas, Malcolm Lane -- they have tremendous shoes to fill." (HSB)

About entering Spring Practice as the #1 QB, Inoke said:
"It's definitely a new experience for me coming in as number one. I just want to let (everybody) know that I can lead them. Especially at the quarterback position. It's the position that the rest of the offense and team look to as leader, whether they are trying to be a leader or not." (HSB)

About how Ron Lee's offense will differ from JJ's offense, Tyler said:
"I don't really have a good feel for it yet, but I've been running Coach Jones' offense and I've seen people put their own twists on this offense throughout my whole career and it's going to be interesting to see what Coach Lee wants to do with it." (HSB)

Asked what is the key to getting the offense going after losing so many starters, Mack said:
"We're definitely in a rebuilding mode on offense. Number one, I believe in (offensive coordinator) Ron Lee. He's going to call the plays here. When we were together before (at Oregon Tech), I actually called the plays on offense. I believe in him so much I want him to have that opportunity. There's three guys in the country, the world, who know the run-and-shoot best. Mouse Davis, June Jones and Ron Lee." (HSB)

Asked what his role will be with the offense, Mack said:
"I'm going to let the coaches coach, but I'm not going to just stand around. Things that I see, I'll point them out. I'm going to coach the same way I have on defense." (HSB)

Asked if the OL can bounce back from their bad game vs. Georgia, Mack said:
"I think our offensive line is going to be a strength for us with three starters back, including (center) John Estes. We're going to try to get 10 or 11 guys ready to play at Florida. I think we have the depth there and I really believe in our offensive line coaches." (HSB)

Asked who are some of the players on offense he thinks will surprise the fans, Mack said:
"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." (HSB)

Asked if the personnel they have coming back dictates more running in their offense, Mack said:
"We lost so many star players from last year that we're going to go back to basics. We're going to have a quarterback who's still in the gun, but will be under the center some of the time. We think that will help our running game. We'll be able to bootleg, we'll be able to play-action. We don't want to put all the pressure on the quarterback. We had a great quarterback the past couple of years. What people are doing (on defense) is widening out the ends and just coming up field. So we want to be able to run the stretch play, misdirection. Not have everything be on the quarterback.

Quite honestly, we want to win early on defense. Everywhere I've ever been, it's been win early on defense. For the offense, we have spring, summer and our early games to get better. Offensively we feel we have some talent, and we'll have some complementary talent coming in with the recruits. I have the utmost confidence, but all offenses have to get their timing and learn to work together.

We're going to have a well-rounded offense. We're going to emphasize not giving up turnovers and getting turnovers. We're going to emphasize moving the chains, field position. That's really an important thing to us." (HSB)

Asked if declaring the QB race wide-open keeps the guys on their toes, Mack said:
"I think so. The best thing about competition is it makes you better. That's one reason we got better on defense, because we played 20 players. I want to do the same thing on offense. We want to go into Florida with 10 or 11 offensive linemen, two deep at receiver. We'll settle on a quarterback by then. We have got to have good depth.

As far as the quarterback position, it will be very competitive. Tyler did some great things when he came in last year. Inoke's an incredible talent and a great leader. We're going to get a good evaluation on all the quarterbacks we have here in the spring, and in the early fall we'll evaluate the JC quarterbacks, give them some shots. It's going to be competition right down to a couple of weeks before our first game. We'll make a decision at a certain point, but I think the competition's going to make everybody better." (HSB)

Asked if the other side of that is developing a clear leader as soon as possible, Mack said:
"As soon as a guy separates himself from the pack, we're ready to go. But I do want to look at those junior college players. I told the guys here that up front. We do have to make a choice a couple weeks before the game. Because that guy has to run the team, get the reps. We're not going to be a two-quarterback system." (HSB)

Asked how he sees his relationship developing with the player they select as starting QB, and if it will be anything like JJ's relationship with Colt, Mack said:
"My goal is to have a good relationship with every player on the team. Whether a guy's a walk-on guy, a scholarship guy, first string, last string, offense, defense, it doesn't matter. I'm not going to become buddies with them. It's a business to me, but it's a business where you care about your players. We're going to have a good relationship with the quarterbacks. What I'm saying is, to me, it's having a good relationship with everybody. Not just the star players. I want to meet with every player after spring practice one-to-one and talk with them about how they can get better, talk to them about their plusses and minuses." (HSB)

Asked what is the biggest difference for him in coaching college players and pro players, Mack said:
"You can have so much more of an influence on your players in college. In the pros, you get to coach the best players in the world, but you don't have as much personal influence. They've got agents, they've got their accountants. So you're really looking at just the football. Over here, one of our goals is to graduate the players. So you can influence them in many ways. That's why I like college better than the pros." (HSB)

Asked if the Lee brothers will draft their own teams for the spring game, Mack said:
"We'll have them be the head coaches, let them have the pressure. I think I'll split up the other coaches so they each have some offense and some defense. Then we'll draft teams. I think I'm going to have the players do that. Maybe have a couple of captains on each side. Maybe have the coaching staff draft. I haven't made up my mind yet." (HSB)

When it was noted that he took his first day off (on Easter) since becoming head coach, Mack was asked when he gets to take a real breather and he replied:
"It's been a blast, really a lot of fun and I've gotten to meet a lot of people. The president of the university (David McClain) and the chancellor (Virginia Hinshaw) have been extremely helpful, and having Jim Donovan as the new athletic director, I think that's outstanding for us. He's going to be great to work with. Things have been going pretty fast. So after spring recruiting I'll have a chance to get away a little bit." (HSB)

Sunday, March 30, 2008

Q&A with Mack Part 1

About how his D will be the face of the team, Mack said:
"I think we're going to be a physical, tough, attacking defense, and for the first time in nine years the defense will be the face of the team. The face of the offense is going to evolve. We have players on offense who will evolve into outstanding players. But right now our strength is on the defensive side. The experience is on the defensive side. I've got to be honest. With Blaze Soares added in with two All-WAC linebackers and (defensive ends David) Veikune and (John) Fonoti, (and defensive tackles) Keala (Watson), Fale (Laeli), Rocky (Savaiigaea), we've got excellent depth. We've got some guys on defense who are gonna be hittin' it. And why not just say it? Let's let the big dogs eat. That's really where it's at right now." (HSB)

Asked what will be the main focus during Spring Practice, Mack said:
"You're going to see a lot more fundamentals. On defense you saw us doing that last year. You're going to see quarterback drops and other techniques, receivers working on how to properly catch the ball, offensive linemen working on individual technique. Pros is more scheme, college is more individual fundamentals. We don't have as much experience among the players, so we have to coach them and make the right evaluations. This spring is really important to us, on both sides of the ball." (HSB)

Asked to talk about his process in evaluating players, Mack said:
"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." (HSB)

Asked how many players he needs to cut before fall camp, Mack said:
"We have 114 guys out for the spring. We can take 105 to (fall) camp. Then we have 25 to 28 recruits coming in. So, unfortunately ... then we can pick guys to come back after camp if they're good enough to help us. Again, this isn't P.E. football." (HSB)

Asked if cutting hard-working players who just don't cut it is the hardest part of his job, Mack said:
"Yes, that's the bad part about coaching. And that's why you want to do as good a job as you possibly can in evaluating. So that we can be fair, but also so we can build the best football team possible. That's the tough thing, you have to take some opportunities away from some guys, but the NCAA limits you on the numbers." (HSB)

Told how most college football teams have some guys who will probably never play in a game when the game is on the line but are kept to help the team win games by what they do in practice, Mack was asked if he had a lot of those and replied:
"The main thing on a football team is that everybody finds a role. If they're a starter that's great, if they're on special teams that's great. There are other guys that if they can find a role on our scout team, that's how they're going to make the team." (HSB)

Asked about their depth last year with "shock troops" off the bench such as Keala Watson, David Veikune, Blaze, and Mouton, Mack was asked if they will have enough dept to continue to "shock troops" concept with those players moving to starting spots and replied:
"We're going to try to keep that going. Last year we had real good depth. We want to build that in the spring. (Defensive ends) David Veikune and John Fonoti are special players. What we did last year helped them, because we rolled them in. They could play 100 percent, fresh when they came in. We had Amani (Purcell) and Karl (Noa) starting, good players themselves. David and John, right now, until we find some guys to give them depth, they'd better be in shape because they're not coming out of the game." (HSB)

Asked if he had any news about Francis Maka's NCAA clearance status, Mack said:
"Not yet, that might take some time. But he's clear for spring practice." (HSB)

Asked which player he most expects to break out on D, Mack said:
"I think Brashton (Satele) has really used the offseason workouts to his advantage. He's matured and improved his game. We already knew he was a great athlete. I think Cal Lee did a great job coaching him this last fall. He's one of the most improved guys on our football team. He's had some nagging injuries, but I think he's maturing and toughening up." (HSB)

Asked if they would make any changes in defensive philosophy from last season, Mack said:
"Defensively I think we keep our same scheme. The coaches, Cal Lee, have really taken some pressure off of me these past couple of weeks working with the defense. Rich Miano, George Lumpkin are outstanding coaches. Dave Aranda and Ikaika Malloe, I couldn't be happier with the two guys working with the defensive line." (HSB)

Asked if Lumpkin is the LB coach now, Mack said:
"Cal is the linebackers coach. I'll call the plays on defense. I'm going to game-plan with the whole staff like I did before. We're not going to change anything. Obviously, I want to be more involved in game management. During that time, Cal will work with the defense, but I'm going to still call the defenses. In the spring, George will work with the corners. In the fall, he'll work with the linebackers, so that when I work with the offense Cal can oversee the defense. George has a lot of experience and brings a lot of versatility." (HSB)

Asked who are some of the leaders he sees emerging this year, Mack said:
"I think Keala, David Veikune, Adam Leonard, Solomon (Elimimian), Keao (Monteilh) and (Ryan) Mouton in the secondary. Offensively, (Keith) AhSoon, John (Estes). Certain guys follow certain guys, so they can all lead in their own way. We have a great bunch of guys and obviously most of them were part of what we did last year. We lost Colt Brennan and Michael Lafaele, two great leaders. But I think we have more leaders on this team. The majority of the guys on this team are leaders. I saw that in the Super Games. There's a lot of leadership, and it's not separated by offense and defense." (HSB)

Asked how happy he was that Adam and Sol decided to come back instead of going to the NFL, Mack said:
"I know Adam considered it. He had a great year last year, and so did Solly. But I think them coming back is going to be great for Hawaii and for them. They're outstanding players and I think our linebackers are the best in the country. I know that puts them in a situation, challenging them, actually our whole front seven. But if someone out there wants to use it for, what, what do you call that? Bulletin board material? Then bring it on. Because I think our guys are as good as anyone." (HSB)

Asked what motivational tricks he has as head coach, as he had good pregame and halftime motivational stuff last year, Mack said:
"That just comes naturally at the time. But what we have done is planned ahead strategically for the first three games." (HSB)

Feature article on the Lee brothers

HSB Note: "Hawaii's spring game will put the Warriors' new coordinators -- who played side-by-side for a season in college and later combined to build championship prep programs locally -- in the unfamiliar position of taking station on opposite sidelines at Aloha Stadium."

About how they are not looking ahead to the Spring game, Ron Lee said:
"That game is 15 practices away, we've got a lot of work to do. But I think that'll be a fun situation." (HSB)

HSB Note: "Both have certainly had enough to fill their days since being elevated to UH's coordinator positions by first-year head coach Greg McMackin. With spring practice opening tomorrow, there haven't been many free moments to soak in the significance of their mutual ascent with Ron taking over a prolific UH offense and Cal helping organize the Warrior defense."

About having the Lee brothers as his coordinators, Mack said:
"I don't know if any brothers have been offensive and defensive coordinators (on the same Division I team), but I can't think of two better brothers to do it. They've both got great experience, they're great people, they've got a great family and they're both winners. I've got the utmost confidence in them. ... I'm excited for them and excited for us that we have two guys such as the Lee brothers to be in such important positions." (HSB)

Looking forward to the season, Ron Lee said:
"That's what I enjoy, helping these guys get ready to step up, to run on the field in Gainesville (for the season opener at Florida). This season is a huge challenge for the coaches. We're all new coaches, we've got all new players, and that's the challenge, that's the excitement." (HSB)

HSB Note: "The brothers embrace the challenges of the game, and it always provides a focal point for conversation at family functions."

About how the Warriors dominate talk at their family gatherings, Cal Lee said:
"You can't go around too much without talking about football because you're around it constantly. So I don't think we talk about too many things other than football. It's ever-changing." (HSB)

Ron and Cal might have easy-going demeanors when walking around, but their older brother Tommy said:
"they're both pretty intense when they have to be. They might give you a low-key type personality, but when they have to turn it up a notch, they will." (HSB)

HSB Note: "Football has long been a central theme for Thomas and Hazel Lee's three sons. Tommy excelled as a quarterback at Saint Louis. Ron (Saint Louis) and Cal (Kalani) were rooted in defense. Reunited in college, they plugged the middle of the Willamette defense as the linebackers in the Bearcats' 5-2 alignment in the late 1960s. All three transitioned to coaching, and out of necessity Ron made a career-defining decision to turn his focus to offense upon taking over a fledgling Kaiser program in 1973. In an era played primarily between the tackles, Ron countered his team's lack of bulk by spreading four receivers across the field."

About how Ron Lee used a 4 WR offense at Kaiser, Cal Lee (who ran Kaiser's D at the time) said:
"In those days if you got 2 yards that was big, and we couldn't get 2 yards. He was smart enough to decide that he had to make a change. As a head coach he wasn't just going to bang it in there." (HSB)

HSB Note: "It was Tommy, then a high school coach in Oregon, who directed Ron to a rival coach named Mouse Davis. Davis was implementing a similar system at Portland State. Ron has been studying the run-and-shoot ever since."

About how he's run the 4 WR offense for a long time, Ron said:
"We've run this formation forever, so I think we have a pretty good understanding of how teams have to defend the four wideouts. Ask me about a tight end and two backs, I don't know much about that." (HSB)

HSB Note: "The passing attack wasn't exactly a hit at first, but the Cougars developed into a Prep Bowl champion in 1979 with the help of a former member of the swimming team the coaches convinced to give football a try."

About the Lee brothers, Rich Miano said:
"You could just tell they had something about them. 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." (HSB)

HSB Note: "Miano went on to productive careers at UH and in the NFL and has coached the Warrior defensive backs for the last nine years, working alongside Cal for the last five."

About Cal Lee, Miano said:
"You can bring in all these new techniques, but (Cal) knows it still goes back to old school, it still comes down to tackling and blocking and toughness and desire. It's very simple and it's all about just being more physical than the opponent." (HSB)

HSB Note: "At Saint Louis, Cal Lee was the head coach, with Ron coordinating the offense. They built the Crusaders into a prep dynasty, winning 15 Prep Bowl and HHSAA state titles. Although Saint Louis' success seemed to be self-sustaining, it wasn't without a little extra effort from the coaches."

About how the St. Louis coaches learned from the college coaches that came to recruit their players, Delbert Tengan (an assistant for 14 years under Cal Lee) said:
"When the recruiters came from all the different colleges, they were always picking their brains on certain techniques, certain schemes and every year they went to clinics all over the country. They were always looking to stay one step ahead of everyone else." (HSB)

HSB Note: "While the game has evolved over the years, some things remain constant, most significantly the role of family in their travels. All three brothers were on the staff when Saint Louis began its run of Prep Bowl titles in the 1980s and their parents remain regular figures in the stands -- home and away."

About their parents, Ron said:
"They're our greatest fans. When we were 8, 9 years old, their whole lives were getting us to the games and potlucks. ... Family functions were always built around football and it's still the same today. We're pretty blessed." (HSB)

Overview of the Warriors

HA Note: "Sometime before the dawn's early light tomorrow, a young man will sign a contract that will make him officially the University of Hawai'i football team's video coordinator. By 7 a.m., he will be 25 feet above ground, on a portable tower, shooting video of the first practice of the Warriors' spring training. That is how swiftly times are a-changin' in the spinning UH football world."

HA Note: "Under Jones, the quarterback usually was aligned in the shotgun, 4 yards from the line of scrimmage. Now the quarterback will be asked to take more snaps from under center. That change will open the running attack, which, in turn, should create more opportunities for the receivers. In the shotgun, the lone running back is aligned to the side of the quarterback. That limits the running options. It also gives the defense a chance to overload the weak side. When the quarterback takes snaps from under center, the running back can be aligned behind."

About having the QB under center and the RB behind him, Daniel Libre said:
"I like it better that way. You can see more things." (HA)

About having the QB more under center, Ron Lee said:
"There are a lot of advantages. The quarterback can keep an eye on the coverages. We can go on different (snap) counts. The running back can go right or left." (HA)

About how teams will have to respect the run more and not just drop up to 8 players into pass coverage, Inoke Funaki said:
"The play-action is better when (the quarterback is) under center. Hopefully, you can freeze the linebackers. It'll help the receivers get behind them." (HA)

About being the #1 QB right now, Inoke said:
"Who doesn't want to be the No. 1 guy? I put a lot of pressure on myself, too, knowing the coaches have me as the No. 1 guy. I want to be as best prepared as I can be. It's good pressure. Sometimes I'll be sitting around the house, and I'll get up and go running." (HA)

About learning the footwork to retreat quickly into the pocket after taking snaps from center, Inoke said:
"It might be tough in the beginning, but it will be worth it." (HA)

HA Note: "Funaki has proved he can cut it. When he was in middle school, the neighborhood barber died. One day his mother brought home a pair of clippers. And that was when Funaki first began to cut his own hair. There were some rough cuts early, forcing him to wear a hat."

About how learning to cut his hair is similar to how learning the offense, Inoke said:
"There were a lot of interesting haircuts. Like a lot of things, if you do it over and over, eventually you get muscle memory. You learn through trial and error, but eventually you'll get better." (HA)


HA Note: "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."

About studying film of Adrian Peterson and Darren McFadden, other tall RBs, 6'1" LWJ said:
"I like to watch and learn. There's no harm in learning." (HA)

About how participating in training this spring and in Spring Ball (which he couldn't do last year) should help him, LWJ said:
"Last spring, I wasn't here, I was at my (junior college), trying to get my AA (degree). I feel comfortable now. I'm constantly in the weight room. I've been hanging out with my teammates as much as possible. I know what the team team expects of me. I'm going to leave it in God's hands, then see what happens." (HA)

About how Greg Salas spent spring break at his family's home in California but his father was on the road at the time, Greg's father Mark Salas said:
"Bad timin." (HA)

About how JJ told him to work harder midway through last season, Salas said:
"Coach (Jones) got to me a couple of times in practice, telling me to pick up my play." (HA)

About how he put in extra workouts after practices after JJ's talk, Salas said that during practices now:
"I gave it 100 percent." (HA)

About working hard during offseason workouts, even working out with a trainer during spring break in California, Salas said:
"It's a new year, a different year." (HA)

HA Note: "A few experiments will be conducted in spring training. AhSoon, who started 13 games at left tackle last season, moves to left guard. Hisatake, who redshirted last season, and Letuli, a fourth-year junior, were expected to compete at left tackle. But Letuli and center Estes suffered pulled hamstrings during the 40-yard sprints last week. Letuli hopes to resume practicing Thursday, although he most likely will have to wait at least a week. During his UH career, Letuli has played tackle, guard, running back, tight end and defensive end. Tuioti-Mariner, who was the top center last spring, opens as the first-team right guard."

About his amazing 610 pound squat (110 pounds more than any other Warrior), Lafu Tuioti-Mariner said:
"Squatting is my main thing. Look at my legs. They're the biggest legs on the team." (HA)

HA Note: "His lower-body strength can be found in the genes. His father, who competed in volleyball at the South Pacific Games, had a 45-inch vertical jump. Tuioti-Mariner, who is under 6 feet, uses his leg strength to gain leverage against taller defensive linemen. After a year redshirting and three as a backup, Tuioti-Mariner enters the spring as the top right guard. (HA)

About being the top RG right now, Lafu said:
"I'm not going to take it for granted. I'm still going to work hard. I'm a senior. I want to make it the best for my last year." (HA)

About how he added nutritional supplements to his diet and cut out fatty food and candy, David Veikune said:
"I always liked candy. I used to eat it a lot." (HA)

"For the 3-4 (defense), I would go to 7-Eleven and grab a lot of fast food. It was just fast food and candy. I loved Twix and Reese's. John (Fonoti) and Brashton (Satele) used to see me grab a lot of candy, and they'd make fun of me. That's not my diet anymore." (HA)

HA Note: "Two years ago, Veikune needed to gain weight to play end in Jerry Glanville's 3-4 scheme. Last year, Greg McMackin implemented a 4-3 defense that required more agile ends."

HA Note: "Veikune, who is 6 feet 2, lost 25 pounds and now weighs 255. Yet he bench pressed a team-high 455 pounds, and ran 6.98 seconds in the L-test."

About wearing Spandex pants during his sprint workouts, Veikune said:
"Any little piece of friction I wanted to get off my body." (HA)

HA Note: "In recent years, it would not have been a surprise to see "Brashton Satele" appear in a medical dictionary. A variety of injuries kept Satele from fulfilling the promise expected of the offspring of one of UH's top linebackers (Alvis Satele) and volleyball players (the former Lee Ann Pestana). Several times last season, there were discussions to move Satele to running back. But his play on special teams near the end of last season and his commitment to the offseason conditioning program boosted his stock. In team testing, he squat-lifted 455 pounds, a 140-pound improvement from a year ago."

About how Brashton Satele has been hurt a lot during his Warrior career, Cal Lee said:
"He's been unfortunate. This year people will see the Satele we recruited." (HA)

About how he wants to be able to play again, Brashton said:
"I want to get on the field. I miss it." (HA)

About Mouton, Rich Miano said:
"He's the best corner we've had in the last nine years. He's athletic. He has legit 4.3 speed (in the 40-yard dash)." (HA)

HA Note: "In team testing, Mouton had a vertical jump of 39 inches and a broad jump of 10 feet, 5 inches. He played nickelback with a sore knee, and against Washington, he was used as free safety without having practiced at that position."

HA Note: "The coaches consider Monteilh, Robinson and Thomas as No. 1 safeties, even though there are only two positions. Monteilh, who can play both spots, has recovered from a torn left scapula, evidenced by his 315-pound bench press. Thomas, who was limited because of a hip flexor last season, had a 35 1/2-inch vertical jump in team testing. Robinson won't practice this spring while recovering from shoulder surgery, but Gibson, who had knee surgery in October, expects to be cleared for non-contact drills. Keep an eye on Silva, a transfer from Oregon State and former all-star quarterback from Kamehameha-Hawai'i."

About how he reported last to last year's training camp while waiting for academic clearance, which took all season for him to try to catch up, Calvin Roberts said:
"It was frustrating at times. I knew I would get my opportunity if I worked extra hard, kept working out and prayed to the man upstairs." (HA)

About running up to Koko Head Crater during offseason training, Roberts said:
"It was really nice up there. We saw Moloka'i. I liked the view." (HA)

WAC, MWC, and the Big 12 will be working together for refs

HA Note: "Beginning this season the game officials could be regional groups, an amalgam of either WAC and Mountain West Conference officials or WAC, MWC and Big 12 officials working across conference lines. And, in 2009, get ready for combined WAC, MWC, Big 12, Conference USA and, maybe, even Pac-10 officials. The WAC is in the forefront of a long overdue move toward regionalizing the officials who work college football games and the 2008 season, pending final approval this spring, will be the first step beyond the experimental stages."

HA Note: "The idea — and it is a good one — is that officials will no longer be tied to or identified with a single conference but come out of a regional pool that takes its orders and instruction together. The better to encourage a uniformity where there has sometimes been big differences in rule interpretation and enforcement."

Hawaii-based ref Frank White (who has worked as a ref for 25 years) said that under the proposed system:
"you shouldn't be able to see any differences on any game, whether it is an Air Force, Oklahoma or Hawai'i game. The (enforcement) should be identical." (HA)

About the collaboration between WAC/MWC/Big 12 for refs, WAC commisioner Karl Benson said:
"Right now the WAC, Mountain West and Big 12 are demonstrating a sincere desire and interest in creating a better officiating system." (HA)

AhSoon moving to guard and other updates

About moving Keith AhSoon to guard, OL coach Brian Smith said:
"We're going to give him the first go at left guard. If for some reason he doesn't pick it up there, we can move him back." (HSB)

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

About the competition at LT, Smith said:
"We'll try to find the best of those three to play there. We want to create some competition."

HSB Note: "The rest of the first line to start camp includes All-WAC performer John Estes at center, Lafu Tuioti-Mariner at right guard, and returning starter Keoni Steinhoff at right tackle. Coach Greg McMackin has stressed that nothing is set -- except, perhaps, Estes at center -- and the starting lineups could look a lot different Aug. 30 at Florida than they will Monday at the Manoa grass practice field."

About how LWJ and Libre are both considered first string at RB, Ron Lee said:
"Put a slash between their names. Same thing with Dave (Farmer) and Mario (Cox) as the second group." (HSB)

HSB Note: "Lee said Libre and Wright-Jackson will both see some duty at slotback this spring, but not extensively. Cox wasn't even on the team a few weeks ago, serving a second suspension for not meeting off-field team standards. But the talented junior had a sit-down with McMackin, and so far Cox has done what is necessary to be a candidate for playing time in the fall."

About Mario Cox, Ron Lee said:
"I want him to get reps. He might be in contention here." (HSB)

Leona and Keala Watson at the Speed and Quickness Clinics

About how she and her husband Keala Watson go together to the Speed and Quickness clinics, Leona Watson said:
"I guess you could say that." (HA)

HA Note: "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."

About why he participated in each Speed and Quickness clinic, Keala said:
"I wanted to get faster during the offseason." (HA)

HA Note: "As always, Leona decided to accompany Keala to the sessions. Leona and Keala have been sweethearts since his sophomore year at Nanakuli High School. They were married last November. Leona attends nearly all of the Warriors' home practices on the grass field. 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."

About Leona working out at the Speed and Quickness Clinics, Keala said:
"It's fun to work out together." (HA)

HA Note: "Keala praised his wife's athletic ability and nimble footwork. Leona played volleyball at Nanakuli High, and has paddled for 10 years, starting when she was 11. She competes as a steersman or stroker for the Leeward Kai Canoe Club. She participated in the 2002 World Sprints in Tahiti."

About her volleyball career, Leona said:
"I was a middle blocker, even though I was the shortest one. I'm 5-5 1/2. I guess they put me there because I had a lot of energy." (HA)

HA Note: "That energy is well spent during the 90-minute sessions at UH. The sessions are designed to improve running techniques and jumping performances. Co-director Rich Miano emphasizes that running is "really a series of jumps." "

About how she enjoys the Speed and Quickness Clinics, Leona said:
"All of the (drills) are fun. They incorporate a lot of the things you need in sports." (HA)

About how the kids push her to keep working at the Clinics, Leona said:
"What makes you not want to quit, even though it burns and gets your heart working, is when you see the little kids out there. When you see them do it, it keeps you going. 'If they can do it, I can do it.' " (HA)

Friday, March 28, 2008

JD apologizes for HF providing false financial information to them

HA Note: "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. Donovan's account of the department's debt over the past five years and of its year-to-year financial picture was far bleaker than Frazier and other UH administrators gave when they appeared before state lawmakers at a briefing in May."

Apologizing about how the legislators were misled in the spring by HF, JD said:
"It's obvious as we collect the data that the representations that were made to you in the spring were not accurate, and so, again, I apologize on behalf of the athletic department for not being as transparent as they needed to be in those meetings." (HA)

JD said that his figures are based on financial data collected through February and he apologized:
"for the evasiveness and lack of transparency in some of the financial answers that you received." (HA)

HA Note: "The committee voted yesterday to recommend a state management and financial audit of the athletic department over the past five years. Donovan and other UH administrators opposed a state audit as unnecessary. The department is already subject to independent financial audits each year and UH has just authorized an independent management audit. But lawmakers said the lack of transparency, and the likelihood that the Legislature will make substantial investments in UH repair and maintenance projects this session, warrant a state audit.

State Rep. Michael Magaoay, D-46th (Schofield, Mokule'ia, North Shore), the committee's chairman, and state Rep. James Tokioka, D-15th (Lihu'e, Koloa), the vice chairman, also reminded Donovan and other UH administrators that some lawmakers took hits from UH football fans and boosters for questioning Frazier and others last year and for trying to micromanage the athletic department. Last May, Frazier was questioned for more than four hours about the football team's schedule, the condition of Manoa's athletic facilities and the department's finances. The briefing was called in response to comments quarterback Colt Brennan made in The Advertiser about the poor condition of athletic facilities. Magaoay and other lawmakers accepted Donovan's apology and said they want to help the new athletic director succeed."

About how the Legislature will feel good about things when UH is back in financial shape, Magaoay said:
"The day we'll feel vindicated is the day when they do it right." (HA)

HA Note; "Donovan, who started his new job on Monday, told The Advertiser earlier this week that the department's financial situation was worse than he expected. He gave a more detailed description to the committee yesterday. Although several debt figures were discussed at the briefing last year, The Advertiser reported that the department's accumulated debt was about $2 million, a number that was not disputed by Frazier or other UH administrators at the time.

Donovan said yesterday that a recent analysis put the accumulated debt over the past five years at $4.4 million. The debt figure is influenced by, but separate from, the department's year-to-year financial performance. 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."

HA Note: "Donovan told lawmakers yesterday that, because of the rewards from the UH football team's appearance in the Sugar Bowl, the department is now projecting to come out $734,000 ahead at the end of the fiscal year in June. UH expects to net $2 million to $2.5 million from the Sugar Bowl."

About how the Sugar Bowl money will save them this year, JD said:
"The Sugar Bowl will definitely save the day as far as this year's budget is concerned." (HA)

HA Note: "But he said the department is estimating a $1.6 million deficit next fiscal year and is looking at how to reduce expenses and bring in new revenue. State Rep. K. Mark Takai, D-34th (Newtown, Waiau, Pearl City), who has been critical of the department's finances, accepted Donovan's account and said he wanted to focus on the future."

Responding to JD's apology, Rep. Takai said:
"I'd like, from my standpoint, to acknowledge your apology — apologizing for the turmoil and perceived lack of transparency. That apology is appreciated and accepted, because it was tough, it was very tough, about eight months ago." (HA)

HA Note: "Tokioka, the committee's vice chairman, also questioned Donovan and UH associate athletic director Carl Clapp yesterday about how UH decided to select the 450 to 500 people that traveled to the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans at the university's expense. Tokioka said he received reports that the spouses and children of some UH staff were covered while some trainers and medical staff were not. Donovan confirmed that some staff spouses and children did travel at the university's expense, while some staff did not. Clapp said he would provide lawmakers soon with a complete accounting of the Sugar Bowl delegation."

Fale Laeli to miss Spring Practice

About how he will not be able to participate in Spring Practice, Laeli said:
"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. But I'll be out there (at practice) anyway. I'll be there every day." (HSB)

HSB Note: "Laeli had arthroscopic surgery in February to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee. He also has tendinitis in his left knee."

HSB Note: "Josh Leonard moves to the top of the list at left tackle. Junior Rocky Savaiigaea and freshman Vaughn Meatoga will also see plenty of reps when spring practice starts Monday."

About Fale missing Spring Practice, Mack said:
"Fortunately, we have a lot of depth up front, but Fale is one of our main guys. (HSB)

HSB Note: "Despite a variety of nagging injuries last year, Laeli played in all 13 games and was in on 25 tackles, including 2 1/2 sacks for 17 yards."

HSB Note: "A total of 114 players are expected to report for spring camp, McMackin said. Some will be cut after camp to make room for 25 to 28 new players coming in for fall camp."

About how some of the cut players will be able to return in the Fall, Mack said:
"Some will be able to come back when school starts." (HSB)

About how he has identified 10 Hawaii high school football players in the class of 2009 that he is "considering" offering scholarships within the next few weeks, Mack said:
"If we offer them now and they accept, we will stand by them." (HSB)

HBS Note: "Saint Louis School junior wide receiver Billy Ray Stutzmann was offered by UH last month, Stutzmann's father, Bill, said."

Thursday, March 27, 2008

Quotes from the local papers

HA Note: "Representatives of football coach June Jones are claiming he had a verbal agreement to be let out of his contract with the University of Hawai'i without a financial penalty, people involved in the process say. That is why the former Warriors coach has yet to pay the school $400,008 the contract says UH is owed in the event of termination before the June 30, 2008 expiration date, according to people familiar with the negotiations."

HA Note: "Under the terms of the five-year agreement Jones signed with UH in 2003, he owes the school $400,008 — the amount the school paid him for one season — "if he terminates this agreement prior to June 30, 2008," according to the contract. Though Jones received $800,016 per year from UH, the school said half of it was paid by donations. A clause in the agreement would have allowed him to exit in the fourth or fifth years for an NFL head coaching job under the same terms.

The contract said he was prohibited from accepting employment "under any circumstances as a men's football coach at any institution of higher education which is a member of the NCAA, or for any men's football team participating in any professional league or conference in the United States ... " prior "to the expiration date of the term of this agreement ... without first obtaining a written release or a negotiated settlement." The contract states that "in the event the university releases coach of his obligations under this agreement, coach shall be responsible for paying to the university liquidated damages ... " "

HSB Note: "Three safeties expected to contend for playing time this fall will miss Hawaii spring football practice while recovering from injuries. Senior Erik Robinson (shoulder), junior Viliami Nauahi (arm) and freshman Le'Marcus Gibson (knee) all need time to heal, but should be ready for fall practice, Warriors defensive backs coach Rich Miano said yesterday.

Two-year starting safety Jake Patek's eligibility has expired, but the Warriors return seniors Keao Monteilh and Desmond Thomas, who both started last year. Top backup Dane Porlas, also a senior, and the potential of sophomores Spencer Smith and Kenny Estes makes safety one of UH's deepest positions, despite the spring injuries."

HSB Note: "Senior Ryan Mouton will likely start at one corner after making big contributions as a nickelback and emergency safety last year. Miano said he is also excited about Oregon transfer Jameel Dowling, a senior who can play corner or safety. The plan for now is corner."

About Dowling, Miano said:
"He's rangy and long, but he's also very tough. He has the skills to play anywhere in the secondary." (HSB)

HSB Note: "Dowling is listed at 6-foot-3 and 205 pounds. He played in 11 games at Oregon in 2006 as a first-year JC transfer. Senior Calvin Roberts is also in the mix, Miano said."

HSB Note: "Brothers Cameron Allen-Jones and C.J. Allen-Jones will both give defensive end a shot this spring, coming from different directions. Cameron was an offensive lineman and H-back. C.J. was an outside linebacker who started four games in 2006. At 6-foot-2, 275 pounds, Cameron has the bulk for strong side end, while C.J. is listed at 6-2 and 200, making him more suited for pass rush."

About how they will take their time before figuring out where Les Soliai will play, Mack said:
"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. We're going to move some guys back and forth." (HSB)

Hoping that UH doesn't get hurt by the APR, Clapp said:
"I can say I believe we are making good progress." (HSB)

HSB Note: "UH lost five football and one baseball scholarship in 2006 and one football scholarship last year."

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

JD says the budget deficit is worse that he thought

HA Note: "University of Hawai'i athletic director Jim Donovan began his first day on the job yesterday with the sobering realization that the financial situation "is a little worse than I thought it would be."

JD spent his weekend looking at balance sheets and said he was dismayed to discover:
"with just three months left (in the current fiscal year), it doesn't look like we're on an even keel. There's an (overall operating) deficit, which everybody knew about, but I'm still working to figure out exactly what it is. It is somewhere between $4 million and $6 million." (HA)

HA Note: "Donovan said the current fiscal year, which closes June 30, would add to the deficit if not for the expected Sugar Bowl receipts that will have to be used to balance the books for the year. UH had hoped to use much of the Sugar Bowl proceeds to help make a dent in the $4.2 million net operating deficit auditors said the department carried into the current fiscal year."

About the Sugar Bowl money, JD said:
"We're also looking at the on-going budget for this (fiscal) year. The Sugar Bowl funds will be a nice shot in the arm (but) the reality is it looks like there is an operating deficit if we didn't have those funds." (HA)

HA Note: "UH is expected to receive at least $4 million from its share of the Bowl Championship Series appearance money and may realize $2 million to $2.5 million after expenses. UH is responsible for its travel, hotel, meals and other bowl expenses."

JD said that hte amount of deficit he inherits will be determined:
"after I meet with the Manoa chancellor, the chief financial people and some of our own (athletic department) people. I'll be able to put an exact figure on it. Until then, I'd rather not name a (precise) figure." (HA)

Asked if he eventually could put the budget back on solid footing, JD said:
"We have to. That's the way I look at it. It is gonna take some time for those issues. It (the deficit) didn't get here overnight and it is not going to be fixed overnight, either." (HA)

UH will have a spring football game

HSB Note: "For the first time this millennium, Hawaii will have a 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."

About having a spring football game, Mack said:
"We're still formulating, but we'll have a game where we keep score." (HSB)

HSB Note: "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."

About how the Spring game will be for the younger players, Mack said:
"The guys we already know about, we don't need to have them out there. We have a lot of younger guys we need to evaluate." (HSB)

HSB Note: "The teams in the spring game will be coached by Ron and Cal Lee, the UH offensive and defensive coordinators, McMackin said. Cal Lee said he can't remember a previous time the brothers coached against each other. They were on the same high school staffs for decades at Kaiser and Saint Louis."

About having the Lee brothers coaching against each other in the game, Mack said:
"We're going to have to have them wager a pizza or something. The draft should be a lot of fun." (HSB)

HSB Note: "Spring practice begins Monday. Twelve of the 15 sessions are at the UH grass practice field on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings at 7. Scrimmages are scheduled at UH for two Saturdays, April 12 and 19. All practices, as well as the spring game/Ohana Football Festival (which includes autograph and photo opportunities as well as activities for children) are open to the public with free admission. Parking is free for the Aloha Stadium event."

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Brian Kajiyama feature article

About being a graduate assistant with the Warriors, Brian said:
"I've always loved football and always thought I'd be just a fan. Now I'm a grad assistant for the football team. I've never thought it would be possible." (HA)

HA Note: "He became a paid graduate assistant in August after volunteering hundreds of hours for the team. Kajiyama also serves on the state's Disability and Communication Access Board, and he is the former co-executive director of Pathways, an electronic forum for the National Institute on Multicultural Competence. Two weeks ago, he flew to Los Angeles to accept the Jacqueline Brand Leadership in Assistive Technology Award."

About how Brian inspires others, Rep. Gene Ward said:
"Brian is an inspiration to all those who watch UH football and saw him living his dream. He couldn't physically play, but he could be a part of what he loved. He's an inspiration to the community and a lesson to go for what's your passion." (HA)

About why he is motivated to volunteer and get out in the community, Brian said:
"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. I feel everyone has a responsibility to give back to their community." (HA)

Quotes from Jim Donovan's first day as AD

About how they would have a budget deficit if the Sugar Bowl money is not counted, JD said:
"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." (HSB)

HSB Note: "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."

About how the Sugar Bowl money would erase their deficit, JD said:
"If you apply that money to the athletic department, it appears that net money would move us from a deficit to a surplus." (HSB)

HSB Note: "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."

About how he walked around Cooke Field during his first day as AD, JD told the Honolulu Quarterback Club (in his first public appearance as AD):
"I did an hour walking around the track, taking a look at our asphalt football field." (HSB)

HSB Note: "The goal is to have Cooke Field ready for use by the start of the 2008 football season. For spring practice, which begins Monday, the Warriors will continue to use the grass practice field. In reality, Donovan has been on the job since even before the Board of Regents approved his appointment March 13. Much of this past weekend was spent determining that the department will probably finish in the red for the 2007-08 fiscal year."

HA Note: "To gather his thoughts and prepare for the day ahead, Donovan spent more than an hour circling the rainbow-hued track, each step of which seemed to drive home either memories of his 20 years spent at the school or furnish additional fodder for the ambitious to-do list he was gathering. 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."

About how they will be in a deficit at the end of this fiscal year, JD said:
"There are about three months left, so it's just a projection. It could still change. But the number I was told, I don't see how it would change to be a surplus in a three-month time period." (HSB)

About how he's been going over the budget numbers, JD said:
"I spent about 10 hours on Saturday and another 7 hours (Sunday) going through a whole bunch of documents, including extensive budget information and I have my interpretations now. But if there's anything I've learned about numbers, it's that people can interpret them different ways, so I want to sit down with three key stakeholders and see if they agree with my interpretations before I start throwing numbers around." (HSB)

HSB Note: "There's good news though: If the athletic department gets to keep the money for playing in the Sugar Bowl (around $2.5 million), it will be in the black for the year. As for the cumulative deficit, the number is still not clear. Different interpretations have it between $4.5 million and $4.9 million. One obvious way to chip away at the deficit is to increase revenue via ticket sales. Attendance in most UH sports has been on a steady decline. Donovan wants to win back the fans, and get new young ones."

About how he wants to attract the fans to go to their games, JD said:
"We're going through a transition period. A whole generation went out and found something else to do. For people in their 20s and 30s now, it wasn't part of their culture." (HSB)

HSB Note: "Premium seating surcharges for the revenue sports aren't going away, Donovan said. But he added that pricing structures will be revisited to make more seats affordable for more people."

About how they need to study the pricing policies for their tickets, JD said:
"What I think we need to do is see if we can financially do some price modeling, to see what the attendance was when the prices were lower as opposed to now. Where are we? Have we outpriced ourselves with some of our seats?" (HSB)

HSB Note: "UH has had some tickets as low as $10 for football games at Aloha Stadium in recent years."

About how low prices aren't useful if the public doesn't know about it, JD said:
"It's one thing to have the pricing, but if no one knows it, it's not necessarily effective. Especially when the perception is that prices are too high in general and they don't know the lower prices exist." (HSB)

About how he'll meet with UH student government leaders, JD said:
"We've given them things in the past, but we never sat down with them and asked them what they want." (HSB)

HSB Note: "On facilities, Donovan said a bill that would give UH control of Aloha Stadium was "gutted" last week, and now building a stadium on university land in Kapolei is being explored."

About how the Aloha Stadium site is the best location for a stadium, JD said:
"I cannot see a location on Oahu better than where Aloha Stadium is now. Three major roads meet there. The parking situation, I think we all use that as a crutch." (HSB)

JD talked about how the UH baseball stadium was one of the best in the country when it was built in 1984, but:
"I don't think it's in the top 20 now. We haven't had the repair and maintenance funds." (HSB)

Monday, March 24, 2008

Interview with Ikaika

Asked what it felt like to get a break after such a long year, Ikaika said:
“Last year was a very long year. It was so hectic. Right after the (college) season, you have to get ready for the combine. Then I had that (pectoral) injury, so it was even more of a burden – it was even longer, but I knew what I had to do to get here. It was a good year – I learned a lot – but it was a much-needed break. That two months was much needed to just to get away from it all – get mentally right and physically right. Now I’m ready to get back to work.” (DetroitLions.com)

Asked if he did anything in particular, Ikaika said:
"I went whale and dolphin watching (laughing), went fishing and, of course, I worked out because it never ends. I knew I had to stay in shape because it was a big year coming up. It was a good year to recover health-wise and mentally and I’m just glad to be back here working out again." (DL)

Asked if he's feeling good physically, Ikaika said:
“Yeah, I feel fantastic. I feel really good. I know I can be in better shape and it’s only going to get better from here.” (DL)

Asked what it was like to walk into the Lions' facility and know he wasn't a rookie anymore, Ikaika said:
“Oh man. Well, they keep on giving me grief about it that it’s three more games but I officially think I’m not a rookie. My rookie year was a lot of bumps and curves in that road but you have to run right through it. You just have to go. This year I have a better understanding of what to expect so it’s a lot easier.” (DL)

Asked what was his biggest on-field struggle last year, Ikaika said:
“I think learning the system and getting the feel of the NFL – the NFL mindset, basically. You don’t have school anymore and it’s just an all-football, all-day thing; preparing week-in and week-out and a longer season. I think the longer season does take a toll, but you get used to it. You just kind of go with the flow and everything, and it all just comes together.” (DL)

Asked if he's looking forward to the offseason program as a more calm preparation process for training camp, Ikaika said:
“Definitely. When I was in Hawaii, I couldn’t wait to get back – get back to training and everything – so I was really excited about the upcoming season. It’s a big year for us and a lot of big things are going to happen here. I’m really excited; the coaches are excited, the players are excited and I’m excited.” (DL)

Asked if he's talked with Coach Marinelli or Coach Cullen about anything specific he will be working on this offseason, Ikaika said:
“Well, they evaluated the year and there are a lot of things I need to work on but I feel if I keep working on those things day-in and day-out, it’s going to come together. Over time, I don’t know what’s going to happen but all I can do is work and get better at those things so I can have a better year this year.” (DL)

Asked what he thought about all of the defensive changes that were made in the offseason, Ikaika said:
“I understand (the changes) because it is the NFL and there are going to be changes every year. There’s nothing you can do but just look forward to the year that’s coming up. We’ve got a bunch of great guys coming in – they’re really good guys, good players – and you’ve got to respect that. All I can do is suit up and go to battle with what we’ve got. So I’m going to go in full steam.” (DL)

Asked if there is anything in particular he feels he needs to improve, whether it's off the field or on the field, Ikaika said:
“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.” (DL)

Asked about his lightheared off-the-field personality and he he feels he fits with what the NFL is, Ikaika said:
“You know, going into last year I didn’t know what to expect – but it’s football. It’s football and everybody’s good. It’s how much work you put into the offseason and during the season that is going to determine how good you do. The coaches always preach that: you’ve got to stay on top of things, you’ve got to be smart and you really do. You have to stay on top of things because you don’t know what’s going to happen. You don’t know about sudden changes that happen and your number’s going to be called. So you’ve just got to be ready. Like last year: I got a lot of playing time toward the end of the year and I think that helped me out game-experience-wise to get a feel of what to expect this year.” (DL)

Asked if he looked back at his hamstring injury last year as the thing that kept him from really taking off as a rookie, as Coach Marinelli was excited with his progress and the way he looked in practice and was ready to play him, Ikaika said:
“I feel everything happens for a reason and at that moment I didn’t know (what the reason was). (What was) going through my mind – I was so down because I was having really good practices and I felt really good about my body and where I was at and the injury happened. There was nothing I could do but try to stay focused. I knew there would be another opportunity to play if I kept working hard. It was an unfortunate thing but it just wasn’t my time and something was telling me that it wasn’t my time.” (DL)

Asked what he thought about playing both outside and inside this year, Ikaika said:
“I feel comfortable at all the positions because I played a little bit of both last year. Overall, I think that helped me out knowing our entire D-line scheme and not knowing just one specific area. It gives me a better idea of what I can do and what I can work with. I feel the more you can do, the better you are and the more valuable you are. So, heck, do you want me to play linebacker, free safety, what do you want? It was a good experience and I can feel confident going into a game that I can play inside or outside.” (DL)

Asked who he was most excited to see when he came back, Ikaika said:
“Well, it was just the whole atmosphere – everybody. Just seeing all the guys back – all the faces from last year. I haven’t seen them in two months so it was good. Just to be back with all these guys; talking with them, seeing how their vacation was, looking forward to the upcoming year – it’s really exciting.” (DL)

Asked if he felt the excitement in the building, Ikaika said:
“Oh yeah. Definitely. Everybody’s all amped up and ready for this year to start, but I know we’ve got a long way to go and it’s only going to get better.” (DL)

Sunday, March 23, 2008

Impressive numbers from the UH strength tests last week

HA Note: "Defensive end David Veikune and linebacker R.J. Kiesel-Kauhane each bench pressed a maximum 455 pounds. While matching last year's total, Veikune's lift was impressive because he had lost 30 pounds and now weighs 250. He wanted to be faster to play in the 4-3 alignment UH implemented last year."

Unhappy with his 455 pound bench press, David Veikune said:
"I was disappointed (in the bench total). I didn't feel 100 percent that day." (HA)

HA Note: "Veikune, who once benched 495 pounds, seeks to break the 500-pound barrier. He will attempt a lift of 465 pounds this week. This year, 13 Warriors bench pressed at least 400 pounds. Mel deLaura, who coordinates the offseason workouts, believes another 12 should be able to reach that bench mark. For instance, linebacker Brashton Satele, who is recovering from a shoulder injury, and center Matagisila "Sila" Lefiti did not bench press this year. Both have benched 400-plus pounds in the past.

Weakside linebacker Adam Leonard, who played all of last season despite a broken right thumb, benched 405 pounds. The injury had prevented him from lifting most of last season. Kiesel-Kauhane, who is 5 feet 11 and 225 pounds, also bench pressed 225 pounds 40 times."

About his weight training, Kiesel-Kauhane (who lifts 6 days per week) said:
"I kind of do heavy reps and heavy weights to get my endurance up. I kind of focused on getting my body into better shape. As you do that, you get stronger at the same time." (HA)

HA Note: "He missed the team record of 42 reps of 225 pounds, set by Chris Brown, now a student assistant who assists the lifters. Brown also had the power clean record for a linebacker. He watched his record of 304 pounds go down with Blaze Soares' 318-pound clean."

About how Blaze broke his power clean record for a LB, Chris Brown said:
"He definitely let me know he broke my record. I'm glad it was by a local boy from the East Side. He's from Kane'ohe. I'm from Kahalu'u. Records are made to be broken. I told them, 'Go get it.' " (HA)

HA Note: "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."

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

HA Note: "Leonard had a power clean of 308 pounds. He started at 296 pounds, then moved up. The power clean is considered to be one of the best measurements of strength for a football player. It combines power, lower- and upper-body strength, and leverage."

About how Lafu Tuioti-Mariner did 610 pounds in the squat, 110 pounds more than the second place lifters, Brown said:
"That was really impressive to see the six plates go up." (HA)

HA Note: "Former UH player Houston Ala has the team record with a 625-pound squat lift."

UH is fighting the Daniel Smith lawsuit

HSB Note: "Legal precedent could be on the side of the University of Hawaii in a suit filed by a high school football player's family, attorneys for the university told the Star-Bulletin. The suit alleges UH illegally revoked a scholarship offer to defensive back Daniel Smith of Boise, Idaho. In 2006, a Kentucky jury ruled against Louisville walk-on offensive lineman Ryan Holifield. Holifield had claimed that then-Cardinals coach Bobby Petrino promised him a scholarship if he paid for his first semester of school. Ryan Akamine, UH's lead lawyer on the Smith case, said the Louisville verdict could have bearing on this one."

About how the Louisville verdict could be a precedent that helps UH in the lawsuit, Ryan Akamine said:
"This case is similar to the Petrino case in the claim that a scholarship was promised, and Petrino claimed that a scholarship was not promised." (HSB)

Note: Akamine noted that the Louisville trial was held before a jury and the UH trial will be in front of a judge.

HSB NotE: "Greg McMackin replaced Warriors coach June Jones when Jones left to coach SMU in January 2008. UH and former assistant coach Jeff Reinebold (also now at SMU) are named defendants in the suit filed in circuit court last month.

HSB Note: "The university's response requests that the complaint be dismissed, and that the school be awarded attorney fees and costs."

HSB Note: "Akamine said Reinebold is a "central figure" in the case. Smith said Reinebold told him to not entertain any offers from other schools after he made his oral commitment to UH in the summer of 2007. Smith said he agreed, thinking that UH would honor its commitment."

About the lawsuit, Smith said:
"I kept my end of the deal. I want the university to keep its end of the deal." (HSB)

HSB Note: "Oral commitments, however, have never been considered binding in college sports recruiting. Players often "de-commit" when a better offer comes along, and schools do the same if they "overbook," or find a better player. In a phone interview yesterday, Portland State coach Jerry Glanville confirmed that he had offered Smith a scholarship in 2007, which Smith said he turned down after he accepted an offer to UH from Reinebold. Smith said he tried to find a scholarship somewhere else after he learned UH didn't have one for him, but was unsuccessful. Glanville said it is common knowledge that oral commitments are not binding in recruiting."

About how oral commits are not binding in recruiting, Glanville said:
"I had a kid commit to me, and then he commits to Washington State four days before signing day, so now I don't have a defensive end. Am I suing him? No. It works both ways." (HSB)

HSB Note: "McMackin has declined comment, other than to say that Reinebold was not on the UH staff while McMackin was putting together his first recruiting class in late January and early February. UH general counsel Darolyn Lendio said the defense will try to "narrow" the case, but it could last "anywhere from a minimum of a year and a half to three years." Akamine and Lendio said the next step is deposition, where both sides attain more information."

About what they want from the deposition process, Akamine said:
"We're going to request that they clarify what they claim. We do know that all they're alleging will not stand up to the facts. We believe we have a good case and the allegations will not be all correct." (HSB)

About the Smith lawsuit, Lendio said:
"They're not specific in the complaint. They're very general about the allegations, unclear." (HSB)

About how "it will be a while" before a trial date is set, Akamine said:
"In about two months we'll have a lot more information." (HSB)

Saturday, March 22, 2008

Rick Taylor will miss spring practice due to injury

About how he got his injury, Rick Taylor said:
"I tore my pectoral muscle and tendon off the bone while bench-pressing. My arm's going to be in a sling for six weeks." (HSB)

HSB Note: "Slotback Rick Taylor will have to settle for mental repetitions when Hawaii spring football practice starts March 31. Taylor injured himself lifting weights March 10 and underwent surgery two days later. The sophomore is out for all of the month-long camp."

About how Rick was going to get a chance to get reps in the spring, Ron Lee said:
"We were looking forward to Rick getting out there. He understands the offense. He's kind of struggled with injuries so far in his career. He's had hamstring and groin, and shoulder problems, too. We're going to get him involved in practice, keep him busy." (HSB)

About how he's looking forward to the 15 practice sessions even though he can't suit up, Rick said:
"I'm down, but I'm hopeful. I want to help out the younger guys in learning the offense." (HSB)

HSB Note: "The competition is open, Lee said. But veterans Greg Salas, Mike Washington, Aaron Bain and Malcolm Lane will get the first look at replacing Jason Rivers, Davone Bess, Ryan Grice-Mullins and C.J. Hawthorne."

Thursday, March 20, 2008

Quotes from the local papers on 3/20/08

HSB Note: "Throw 100 football players three basketballs. Tell them there are no rules. Something had to give yesterday at Klum Gym. 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."

About how Farmer is fine, Mack said:
"It looked worse than it was. It gives them all something to talk about. That's how it is because they're competitive." (HSB)

About how the game was physical than some of their practices, Keala Watson said:
"Basketball's dangerous. I feel safer playing football. But it was all fun. It might look violent to a bystander, but it's all fun. No rules just puts that extra twist on the game." (HSB)

HSB Note: "In the end, the Gladiators, drafted and captained by Watson, won the championship game. It gave them the overall championship, too, when combined with firsts in earlier weeks in tug of war and water polo and several second and third places. The Super Games were designed to give the players a break from the drudgery of offseason conditioning. McMackin had 10 seniors draft teams. In addition to the weekly sports competitions, they were judged for accountability in the classroom and in team activities such as meetings."

About how the players have been more accountable due to the Super Game competition, DL coach Dave Aranda said:
"The last two weeks there's been great improvement in accountability. No one wanted to let their teammates down." (HSB)

HSB Note: "You could tell that Les Soloai -- a former Brigham Young-Hawaii hoopster -- felt right at home as he helped the Gladiators win the championship of UH's offseason intra-team Super Games competition. The 6-foot-5, 290-pound Australian took a no-look, cross-court pass from 6-4, 290-pound point guard/defensive tackle Chris Leatigaga in full stride while cutting to the basket and converted the layup. The Gladiators rode the momentum to the win."

About his layup, Les Soloai said:
"That wasn't planned, just running around and I found myself open." (HSB)

HSB Note:"Neither was playing college football. Soloai has never played the American version of the game. He's a former rugby player."

About adjusting to football, Soloai said:
"The plays and the techniques are very different. I'm just getting used to everything." (HSB)

HSB Note: "Soloai has been working out with the defensive linemen, with extra tutoring from senior Keala Watson. But there's talk about Soloai switching to offensive tackle."

About how he doesn't want to lose Soloai from the DL group, Keala Watson said:
"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. 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." (HSB)

About Soloai, Aranda said:
"He's very impressive in the weight room in terms of his work ethic. He puts his nose to the grindstone and does everything you ask. Les has skyrocketed from a guy nobody knew to someone everybody's excited about." (HSB)

About the great potential he sees in Soloai, Mack said:
"He's an excellent athlete, but he never played football before. He's like Ikaika, he could be that kind of guy." (HSB)

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Tyler Graunke reinstated!

About being reinstated to the team after his 40-day suspension, Tyler said:
"I had to do my part, and I'm back. Everything is behind us." (HA)

"We've put it behind us and I'm on the team. I'm sorry I put myself in this situation, and I apologize to my teammates and fans and especially myself." (HSB)

"I'm sorry I put myself in that position and I'm never going to let it happen again." (HSB)

About how Tyler completed academic improvements, community service, and paid a fine, Mack said:
"Tyler and I did meet (yesterday) and he has fulfilled his obligations. He's done a good job. What that is is between he and I. He'll be back (today)." (HSB)

HSB Note: "Graunke was to participate in the team's Super Games "no rules basketball" event at Klum Gym this morning, then throw passes with the other quarterbacks and receivers this afternoon. Before Graunke's suspension, he was considered almost a sure thing to be the Warriors' starting quarterback to open the season Aug. 30 at Florida. But McMackin said last week the quarterback spot is "wide open." Junior Inoke Funaki will be No. 1 going into spring practice, which starts March 31. Senior Jake Santos, and freshmen Shane Austin, Kiran Kepo'o and Bryce Kalauokaaea will also be in camp. Junior college transfers Greg Alexander and Brent Rausch join the team in the summer."

HSB Note: "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."

About the reasons for his suspension, Tyler said:
"It was pretty much all academics, but I had a hold on my records and I had to get that off. 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." (HSB)

About how part of his academic issue was because he wasn't taking enough classes to be a full-time student, Tyler said:
"I had three classes when you need to be in four to be a full-time student. I had to scramble to get in one." (HSB)

About how he didn't work out with his teammates during his suspension, Tyler said:
"It was really depressing to not be around the team when I'm supposed to be a leader." (HA)

"Everybody was pretty supportive. But I kept to myself, I was embarrassed and depressed. I worked out on my own, one to three times a week." (HSB)

"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." (HA)

Excited about rejoining the team, Tyler said:
"This is going to be fun for me, getting back out there with the team and showing I deserve to be there. It's over and I'm not going to look back." (HSB)

Reminded that Colt overcame adversity also, Tyler said:
"We all have our speed bumps in life. I think I'm passed mine." (HSB)

About how he is 6' and 192 pounds now, Tyler said:
"I want to put on 10 more pounds, maybe (get up to) 205. That would be cool." (HA)

About how Inoke will enter the Spring as the #1 QB, Tyler said:
"If I have to start on the bottom of the depth chart again, it's not going to bother me. I've done it before. I'm willing to accept any challenge." (HA)

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

JJ still owes UH $400k

HA Note: "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. Under the terms of his final contract with UH, Jones owes the school liquidated damages representing half his base salary in the event he left before the June 30, 2008, expiration of the agreement to take another football coaching position. According to the contract, the payment was due within 60 days of the departure. That would have been March 7, 2008, since Jones announced his exit for SMU on Jan. 7, six days after the Warriors completed their school-record 12-1 season in the Sugar Bowl."

About how they haven't received the $400k from JJ yet, Chancellor Hinshaw said:
"We have not received any payment from Coach Jones. We are in contact with June and his representatives in an effort to resolve this matter." (HA)

About the payment to UH, JJ's agent Leigh Steinberg said:
"We're attempting to work it out. We've been in discussions (and) we're working on a resolution." (HA)

HA Note: "The UH contract said Jones was prohibited from accepting employment "under any circumstances as a men's football coach at any institution of higher education which is a member of the NCAA, or for any men's football team participating in any professional league or conference in the United States ..." prior "to the expiration date of the term of this agreement ... without first obtaining a written release or a negotiated settlement." The contract states that "in the event the university releases coach of his obligations under this agreement, coach shall be responsible for paying to the university liquidated damages ..." So-called buy-out clauses are a common element in coaching contracts."

More quotes about Jim Donovan being UH AD

Asked how difficult it was to swallow what had to be a huge disappointment when HF got the AD job instead of him in 2002, JD said:
"Herman (Frazier) was actually very good to me. He had a welcoming party in the Ed Wong room, and it went from 12 to 1 (p.m.). I left there around 12:35. He came to my office at around 12:45 and said, "I've heard a lot of good things about you and you can keep your job, don't worry about that, I definitely would like to have you on my team, and you'll be evaluated just like everybody else."

Just so happens, the next day ESPN called me and asked me if I was interested in being executive director (of the Hawaii Bowl). The way I looked at it was if I stay people will come to me and try to get Herman to change his mind on something. If I keep on going to Herman I become the squeaky wheel that gets replaced, if I don't go to Herman I become ineffective to the people that are approaching me. So I thought it might be best to take the opportunity to go to the Sheraton Hawaii Bowl.

Herman asked me to stay for six weeks, so my first day at the Sheraton Hawaii Bowl was Sept. 16. We had no paperwork, no nothing, and we had basically 100 days to pull off a bowl game. I didn't have time to be down or anything. I was just so focused on pulling off a bowl game.

I realized when I took that job how important it was for the UH football program to have this bowl game that would be on national TV in the middle of recruiting season. I've always wanted what's best for the university. I don't have any regrets. I think I've grown through having the Sheraton Hawaii Bowl job." (HSB)


Asked about how his wife Tracy worked in the UH athletic department for quite a few years and how she still works at UH and if that will be helpful for him, JD said:
"I think the most important thing is that because she's worked in athletics, she knows the hours and the commitment that it takes to really make athletics successful and flourish. That's the biggest help to me, that she's very understanding in that regard. Because she worked in athletics for 10 to 12 years she can really give me some input and be someone I can bounce things off of. That's very helpful." (HSB)

Asked if he needs to find a way to balance family and work, especially with 2 teenagers, JD said:
"I'll be going to a lot of games, because my daughter (Jaqueline) plays three sports: judo, volleyball and basketball, and my son (Joshua) plays baseball and football. Between the UH sports and their sports, hopefully I won't be sleeping while I'm driving. Both of them go to Mid-Pac, so at least the location is convenient." (HSB)

Asked about his parents and their influence on his career and values and if he has brothers and sisters, JD said:
"I do have one brother and two sisters, came from a family of six. We're very middle class. Mom (Mary) didn't have to work, Dad (Jim) was an aerospace engineer. They provided us with everything that they could, mostly support and love. They sent me to a college-prep school and that was fantastic. My brother and sisters are very happy for me, and in their own right have been very successful." (HSB)

Asked what it was like growing up in the shadow of Disneyland, JD said:
"I spent most of my years growing up in Anaheim. Walt Disney is one of the people I respect the most. If there was a person I could meet who had passed away, for me, Walt Disney would be in my top three. His imagination and vision, to see it lasting 50 years later is beyond description. What a visionary he was.

When it comes to the entertainment, education side of it, believe me, we will try to model ourselves, on the entertainment side of it, the way he has set it up, that whole Disney structure. In that sense, growing up next to Disney helped me understand what customer service was all about, how to make people smile, how to create memories." (HSB)

Asked if he ever worked at Disneyland as a kid, JD said:
"No, I didn't. I tried out for one of their electric light parade things. I didn't make the cut. I was an offensive lineman and didn't have the ballerina skills. Didn't have the right body frame." (HSB)

Asked what was his first job, JD said:
"I was a newspaper boy when I was 12. On Sundays the Orange County Register seemed like it had 400 pages, had to make three trips. But it was very good, you interacted with people, you knew if you gave good customer service you'd get tips. It was a great experience for me. You were held financially responsible for every paper, so you learned real quickly about expenses and revenues." (HSB)

Asked if he was always on offensive lineman, JD said:
"I always played offense and defensive line. I always wished I could play linebacker. I loved playing defensive line because it was usually take a couple of steps and then kill the guy with the ball and that was a lot of fun. Moving up to the intercollegiate level, I didn't have the upper body size or height to be a real effective defensive lineman. But I was fine as an offensive guard, I could move quickly. A lot of sweeps and pulling guard stuff." (HSB)

Told that most good football players compete with controlled rage, JD was asked how that translates into the business of being a good athletic administrator and he replied:
"I think athletics teach you how to accomplish extreme focus. The thing I learned through athletics is if you get angry, in all likelihood you will lose that one-on-one battle against the person across from you. You have assignments to do and the assignments don't always translate to one individual, sometimes you don't block that person in front of you, but you seal off a linebacker.

But if you get angry at that person in front of you, you over focus on him and you never get to the linebacker and he makes the play. So who really wins? The other guy does, because you got angry. You learn to focus, and don't get angry. It distracts you, and ultimately causes you to lose." (HSB)

Asked if football was always his favorite sport, JD said:
"I'd play around in basketball and baseball, but football was by far what I enjoyed the most and excelled in. I was a physical kid, I loved getting in there and grappling. Wrestled in junior high. The thing about football I really loved was I'm out there with 10 other guys, so there's real team bonding, and you get to hit somebody. I never wanted to hurt somebody. I just wanted, at the end of the game, to feel like I did my job, I beat the other person, and we got more points on the scoreboard than they did." (HSB)

Asked where he wanted to go to college and why he went to a junior college, JD said:
"That's a great question. I actually signed to go to Cal Poly. I didn't have many scholarship offers, the academies, Cal Poly, Santa Clara, and San Diego State were looking at me. I wanted to go to USC or UCLA. I was 6-2, they were looking for 6-4. They both said I could walk on, but I wanted a scholarship.

About two weeks after I got the Cal Poly scholarship, Purdue contacted my head coach and they said they wanted to offer me a scholarship. I tried to get out of Cal Poly and they wouldn't let me. So I enrolled in junior college and was there two years. (UH offensive line coach) Tom Freeman came in and recruited me." (HSB)

Asked how long he was able to keep the dream of being a professional player alive and when he realized he might have to do something else, JD said:
"In 1982 we had Jesse Sapolu, Gary Allen, Mark Tuinei, a pretty good team with some talented players. The Dallas Cowboys came and set up a table in our weight room. Their defensive coordinator, Ernie Stautner, talked to six of us. He asked me if I would like to become a free agent for the Dallas Cowboys. I said well, honestly, what's my chances (of making the team)? He said, son, I'm not going to lie to you. You don't have a chance in hell. But I need some very good young players to come in and block Randy White and Ed Too Tall Jones in practice and make them earn their spots and get better, and I know you can do that."

He said I'd get paid $2,000 a week and he figured I'd last about five weeks. "But the only catch is you have to take care of your own medical if you get hurt." I said can I think about it for a day? The next day, I said, I really appreciate it, but I really appreciate your honesty and I'm gonna pass." (HSB)

Asked if that was when he started thinking about athletic administration, or if he thought about coaching at that point, JD said:
"I wanted to be a coach. It just so happened at the end of the two years (as a graduate assistant at UH), Rockne Freitas gave me, through my hanai mom or dad, he said there's an opening at the baseball stadium. As much as I loved coaching, the coaching paid $400 a month and the baseball stadium job paid about $1,500 a month. So I decided to go and do that and it was great he gave me that opportunity and it went from there." (HSB)

Asked if there is something he's good at that maybe a lot of people don't know, JD said:
"I'm really good at walking. I walk almost every day from my house down to Sandy's or Blowhole and back. Anywhere from 4 to 6 miles. I don't think I'll be able to do that as much anymore. I'm sure the time constraints won't allow that. Now probably a treadmill with a TV on to keep up with the news. I know how important working out is on several levels." (HSB)

Asked if there is something he's not so good at that people might be surprised to learn, JD said:
"I play tennis, but I can never get that ball onto that square on the other side. Not very good at tennis." (HSB)

Asked what he learned from Hugh Yoshida, JD said:
"For me, Hugh was my last mentor in a sense. I work very closely with Pete Derzis at ESPN, and he helped me grow too, but he's in Charlotte, N. C., and I'm in Honolulu, thousands of miles away. Hugh was my last hands-on mentor. He taught me how to listen, how people will often come to a solution to a problem if you let them work to it. If they're headed in the wrong direction, maybe you steer them back. The ambassador qualities that you need as an athletic director.

He taught me how to create an ohana environment in the athletic department, which I think is very important, because these people work very long hours and they need to know they're appreciated and loved and cared for. Hugh was very good at that. He taught me how to build consensus and view the lay of the land politically and determine what is appropriate and not appropriate." (HSB)

Told about how the thing many people remember about Hugh and him is the firing of Bob Wagner, JD was asked about his thoughts on that situation and said:
"Bob Wagner is a great man. He brought us to the Holiday Bowl, to the Aloha Bowl. I didn't think he should be present at the press conference announcing the change. But I was associate athletic director and that was decided in the president's office, so you don't win on that one. I felt bad for Bob, and I still do, because I think people should focus on the good he did, not how he got let go.

Stage two was the whole interaction with Riley (Wallace at the press conference). Somehow it's become urban legend that I was threatening Riley, that I was going to fire him.

Riley was upset, and you can't blame him because he felt Bob was brought out there to be beaten up by everybody, and he was speaking up to that. I saw President Mortimer's face getting more and more upset, so I went over to him and said "Coach, you need to cool it." He told me to get lost in different words than get lost.

I went back over to where I was, and Riley got into it again, more and more heated. I was getting worried that this might cost Riley his job. I told him, "Are you trying to make it a two for one deal?"

I thought Riley did an admirable job with our program.

It's tough to be the men's basketball coach at the University of Hawaii. I loved his fiery style. I just didn't want to see him get fired that day." (HSB)

Asked about his role in bringing JJ to UH in 1999, JD said:
"I think June always wanted to come back to Hawaii. Of course, the selection committee did a great job. My role is, I talked with him at Jack Murphy Stadium at a Chargers game, and he said he'd always be interested in coming back to coach at Hawaii. I had some follow-up conversations with him and he got more excited about it.

Ed Wong, Dr. Miyawaki and John Fink, and Hugh, the committee, did the rest. I was there, but didn't have to say much because I'd already been talking with June. And everyone knows the rest of the story." (HSB)


Praising JD, WAC Commissioner Karl Benson said:
"The WAC has been involved in (the Hawaii Bowl) for five years, so he's done an excellent job positioning that bowl." (HSB)

HSB Note: "Benson worked with Donovan when the latter was the No. 2 person in the UH athletic department in the late 1990s until 2002. Their working relationship continued, as Donovan became executive director of the Hawaii Bowl."

HSB Note: "Although this is Donovan's first job heading an athletic department, Benson said his connections in the islands and those he has developed throughout the NCAA makes him well rounded."

About how JD's connections in Hawaii and those he developed through the Hawaii Bowl will serve him well as AD, Benson said:
"He's a Hawaii guy, he knows the landscape and I think the last five years being in the bowl business has probably expanded his national connections, so I look forward to working with Jim. I'm happy for him and happy for his family." (HSB)

About how the forecasted lean economic times will make the AD job even tougher, Benson said:
"Any athletic director has tremendous financial challenges and he, like all of his colleagues, are going to be under the gun to generate new revenues and provide more resources to all the sports." (HSB)