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)