About the parking deal at Aloha Stadium for football games, JD said:
"To me, it's a really positive thing. It's going to mean raising revenue. The only downside is some people have been parking in that area for years. They might be eligible to buy the passes, but maybe some will have to go park elsewhere." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Season-ticket holders with prime seats will have more access to prime parking spots at Aloha Stadium this fall, as the University of Hawaii athletic department hopes to raise $100,000 through a new parking deal with the stadium. The Stadium Authority and management have agreed to make more than 1,000 parking spaces at the stadium available to UH to sell for Warrior home games. The money the school makes will go toward athletic scholarships. Season-ticket holders who pay premium seat contributions of $400 or more will be eligible to purchase passes for the spaces, which are in the inner ring of the parking lot, closest to the stadium entrances."
About how they haven't figured out yet how Aloha Stadium (which normally gets the parking money) will be compensated by UH, Aloha Stadium manager Scott Chan said:
"A request was made by the university. They wanted to see how we could help support their program, particularly in funding scholarships. This will also assist us by improving the traffic situation." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Donovan and Chan both said there have been only informal discussions so far about the swap meet that also uses the parking lot during game days - and is also a big money-maker for the stadium. As executive director of the Sheraton Hawaii Bowl, Donovan was able to work a deal last year in which the swap meet was not held the day of the game."
About not having swap meets on game days, JD said:
"It's among many things we've talked about. I wouldn't frame it as getting rid of the swap meet, but how to co-exist with it in a better way." (HSB)
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Friday, May 30, 2008
Warrior Quotes from the blogs from the local papers
About the arrival of QBs Greg Alexander and Brent Rausch, Inoke said:
"It's good. There's strength in numbers." (HA)
Alexander said that the open competition for a QB starter was:
"a big factor in me wanting to come here." (HA)
About being recruited by UH after Rausch gave his verbal commitment, Alexander said:
"There's going to be competition everywhere you go. I don't mind it." (HA)
About the late recruiting interest he got from SMU, Rausch said:
"They gave me a call the day before I signed here. I didn't even call them back." (HA)
Rausch said that he chose UH because of:
"the offense. The people out here are really nice. It's paradise." (HA)
About how he's been a fan of UH's offense for awhile, Alexander said:
"I watched them sling it around (on TV)." (HA)
Impressed with the new QBs (Rausch is listed at 6'4" and Alexander is listed at 6'5", 240 pounds), Inoke said:
"They have something you can't teach: height." (HA)
About the first time he saw Alexander, Inoke said:
"When I first saw him, I wanted to know: Who's the d-end?" (HA)
Inoke said that Rolo responded:
" 'This is Greg. A quarterback.' He's a big boy." (HA)
HA Note: "Rausch and Alexander kept busy working out with their JC teams this past spring."
About working out this spring, Rausch said:
"I was lifting and throwing." (HA)
About his workout regimen this spring, Alexander said:
"I would lift three days a week, run three days a week." (HA)
About how roommates Shane Austin, Joe Avery, and Royce Pollard are living in the North Shore this summer, Inoke (who used to commute daily from the North Shore) said:
"They have to drive in every day." (HA)
HSB Note: "Got a look at some of the new players yesterday. Quarterbacks Brent Rausch and Greg Alexander and receivers Mike Tinoco and Craig Bell threw passes and ran routes. The QBs were both mostly shotgun guys, so they have the same challenge the UH veterans did in the spring … work on dropbacks and timing. Rausch's passes were stunningly and consistently accurate yesterday. Inoke Funaki, Aaron Bain, Mike Washington, Jameel Dowling, Viliami Nauahi and Leon Wright-Jackson were all out there for the first day of involuntary pass-and-catch."
About how more players will work out on Wednesday, Bain said:
"We'll have more out here on Friday." (HSB)
HSB Note: "You can watch: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 3 p.m."
About his tatoos, Rausch said:
"This one's (on his back is) my last name. This one, (on his chest) is a warrior. Got to be a warrior all the time when you're a football player. I'm going to get something tribal while I'm out here." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Alexander was offered by Bowling Green and Alabama State. Hard to imagine he went under the radar with his huge physique and stats. He's thrilled to be here."
Happy to be with UH, Alexander said:
"It's Hawaii. The offense is a huge factor. Throwing the ball is always good." (HSB)
About how he's been in Hawaii since the weekend, Tinoco said:
"It's been great. Hung out and went to the beach on Monday (Memorial Day) Yesterday (Tuesday) me and Brent threw a little bit." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Tinoco is 6-2 and Bell is 6-1. Good height, and neither is what you'd call too thin."
About how Ryan Keomaka will be joining Tim Chang with the CFL Hamilton TigerCats, Player liaison Jon Nielson said:
"They weren't real impressed with one of the guys they brought in, and Ryan was on the short list. He'll be on the team in a day or two." (HSB)
"It's good. There's strength in numbers." (HA)
Alexander said that the open competition for a QB starter was:
"a big factor in me wanting to come here." (HA)
About being recruited by UH after Rausch gave his verbal commitment, Alexander said:
"There's going to be competition everywhere you go. I don't mind it." (HA)
About the late recruiting interest he got from SMU, Rausch said:
"They gave me a call the day before I signed here. I didn't even call them back." (HA)
Rausch said that he chose UH because of:
"the offense. The people out here are really nice. It's paradise." (HA)
About how he's been a fan of UH's offense for awhile, Alexander said:
"I watched them sling it around (on TV)." (HA)
Impressed with the new QBs (Rausch is listed at 6'4" and Alexander is listed at 6'5", 240 pounds), Inoke said:
"They have something you can't teach: height." (HA)
About the first time he saw Alexander, Inoke said:
"When I first saw him, I wanted to know: Who's the d-end?" (HA)
Inoke said that Rolo responded:
" 'This is Greg. A quarterback.' He's a big boy." (HA)
HA Note: "Rausch and Alexander kept busy working out with their JC teams this past spring."
About working out this spring, Rausch said:
"I was lifting and throwing." (HA)
About his workout regimen this spring, Alexander said:
"I would lift three days a week, run three days a week." (HA)
About how roommates Shane Austin, Joe Avery, and Royce Pollard are living in the North Shore this summer, Inoke (who used to commute daily from the North Shore) said:
"They have to drive in every day." (HA)
HSB Note: "Got a look at some of the new players yesterday. Quarterbacks Brent Rausch and Greg Alexander and receivers Mike Tinoco and Craig Bell threw passes and ran routes. The QBs were both mostly shotgun guys, so they have the same challenge the UH veterans did in the spring … work on dropbacks and timing. Rausch's passes were stunningly and consistently accurate yesterday. Inoke Funaki, Aaron Bain, Mike Washington, Jameel Dowling, Viliami Nauahi and Leon Wright-Jackson were all out there for the first day of involuntary pass-and-catch."
About how more players will work out on Wednesday, Bain said:
"We'll have more out here on Friday." (HSB)
HSB Note: "You can watch: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 3 p.m."
About his tatoos, Rausch said:
"This one's (on his back is) my last name. This one, (on his chest) is a warrior. Got to be a warrior all the time when you're a football player. I'm going to get something tribal while I'm out here." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Alexander was offered by Bowling Green and Alabama State. Hard to imagine he went under the radar with his huge physique and stats. He's thrilled to be here."
Happy to be with UH, Alexander said:
"It's Hawaii. The offense is a huge factor. Throwing the ball is always good." (HSB)
About how he's been in Hawaii since the weekend, Tinoco said:
"It's been great. Hung out and went to the beach on Monday (Memorial Day) Yesterday (Tuesday) me and Brent threw a little bit." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Tinoco is 6-2 and Bell is 6-1. Good height, and neither is what you'd call too thin."
About how Ryan Keomaka will be joining Tim Chang with the CFL Hamilton TigerCats, Player liaison Jon Nielson said:
"They weren't real impressed with one of the guys they brought in, and Ryan was on the short list. He'll be on the team in a day or two." (HSB)
$5 mil donation for the Clarence T.C. Ching Athletic Complex
JD said that resurfacing of Cooke Field (to be renamed the Clarence T.C. Ching Athletic Complex) might be done by the end of October:
"But we'll be seeing if we can't push that up." (HSB)
About how he had hoped that the practice field would be ready for the start of football practice in August, Mack said:
"It's scheduled to be ready when we really need it, when it starts raining a lot." (HSB)
At the Press Conference after the $5 mil donation was approved by the Board of Regents, Ching's brother Bernard said:
"This was a great, very enjoyable day. (Clarence) was a big fan." (HA)
HA Note: "The donation was the largest in history provided by the charitable foundation, and the largest the university has received specifically for its athletics program."
About how Clarence Ching would have strongly approved of this donation, his granddaughter Cathy Ching siad:
"In the old days, back at Honolulu Stadium, he sponsored football teams. He was also into boxing." (HSB)
"We're trying to fulfill (Clarence Ching's) wishes of helping out the community. He was very, very generous to his family and his extended family." (HSB)
HA Note: "The new Ching Athletic Complex is slated for 2,000 additional seats, bringing the total number of seats to as many as 3,500. It will also include two lockers rooms, a storage facility, offices, a press box and scoreboard."
About the new Athletic Complex, Mack said:
"It's going to give our department a big boost." (HA)
HA Note: "McMackin said the new field will allow his team to prepare for games played on artificial turf and help preserve the grass practice field in rainy weather."
About how this show the players that the community supports them, Mack said:
"Aside from our great fan support, it's the first message our players have gotten that the community supports them and is looking out for them." (HA)
HA Note: "The shoddy state of Cooke Field (originally constructed in 1915 for $1,500) and other facilities received national attention last year as the UH football team rose to prominence. The donation grew out of talks between UH President David McClain and retired banker and Panda Group founder Jack Tsui, who met in January in an effort to raise funds to retain former head football coach June Jones. When Jones resigned to take over at SMU, McClain faxed Tsui a list of high-priority items, topped by the Cooke Field renovation. Tsui, who sits on the Ching Foundation board of directors, then put UH officials in touch with the foundation."
Tsui said that the Foundation has just completed a $130 mil sale of Kukui Gardens and was looking to:
"to get the foundation into the 21st century. Colt (Brennan, the former UH quarterback) brought public attention to some of the UH facilities. Should we have inquired about it more? Probably. But chances are the athletic director or the administration usually brings these things to the public. I don't want to cast aspersions on (former athletic director Herman Frazier) but if the athletic director has his signals around town, we can get a lot done." (HA)
"We think it will be a great beginning to private-public partnerships." (HSB)
HA Note: "Tsui said he hopes the donation will be a "transformative gift" that spurs further private-public support of UH athletics."
HSB Note: "Tsui said he received the blessings of a member of the Cooke family in changing the name of the facility."
About the $5 mil donation, Chancellor Hinshaw said:
"Ever since I first stepped on campus, I've heard of problems that this donation will solve." (HA)
HSB Note: "The first construction phase is resurfacing of the football field, which UH athletic director Jim Donovan hopes to have done during the upcoming season. Eventually, there will be locker rooms, offices, storage areas, a press box and a scoreboard, Donovan said. The field will be used by several sports teams as well as for intramural, band and ROTC activities."
HA Note: "Hinshaw said the facility will serve not just UH athletic teams, but intramural sports, the ROTC, the UH marching band, high school sports programs and other community groups. Hawai'i High School Athletic Association executive director Keith Amemiya said he was pleased that high school sports will soon return to the Manoa campus. He said he hopes high school soccer and track and field championships will be held at the new facility."
"But we'll be seeing if we can't push that up." (HSB)
About how he had hoped that the practice field would be ready for the start of football practice in August, Mack said:
"It's scheduled to be ready when we really need it, when it starts raining a lot." (HSB)
At the Press Conference after the $5 mil donation was approved by the Board of Regents, Ching's brother Bernard said:
"This was a great, very enjoyable day. (Clarence) was a big fan." (HA)
HA Note: "The donation was the largest in history provided by the charitable foundation, and the largest the university has received specifically for its athletics program."
About how Clarence Ching would have strongly approved of this donation, his granddaughter Cathy Ching siad:
"In the old days, back at Honolulu Stadium, he sponsored football teams. He was also into boxing." (HSB)
"We're trying to fulfill (Clarence Ching's) wishes of helping out the community. He was very, very generous to his family and his extended family." (HSB)
HA Note: "The new Ching Athletic Complex is slated for 2,000 additional seats, bringing the total number of seats to as many as 3,500. It will also include two lockers rooms, a storage facility, offices, a press box and scoreboard."
About the new Athletic Complex, Mack said:
"It's going to give our department a big boost." (HA)
HA Note: "McMackin said the new field will allow his team to prepare for games played on artificial turf and help preserve the grass practice field in rainy weather."
About how this show the players that the community supports them, Mack said:
"Aside from our great fan support, it's the first message our players have gotten that the community supports them and is looking out for them." (HA)
HA Note: "The shoddy state of Cooke Field (originally constructed in 1915 for $1,500) and other facilities received national attention last year as the UH football team rose to prominence. The donation grew out of talks between UH President David McClain and retired banker and Panda Group founder Jack Tsui, who met in January in an effort to raise funds to retain former head football coach June Jones. When Jones resigned to take over at SMU, McClain faxed Tsui a list of high-priority items, topped by the Cooke Field renovation. Tsui, who sits on the Ching Foundation board of directors, then put UH officials in touch with the foundation."
Tsui said that the Foundation has just completed a $130 mil sale of Kukui Gardens and was looking to:
"to get the foundation into the 21st century. Colt (Brennan, the former UH quarterback) brought public attention to some of the UH facilities. Should we have inquired about it more? Probably. But chances are the athletic director or the administration usually brings these things to the public. I don't want to cast aspersions on (former athletic director Herman Frazier) but if the athletic director has his signals around town, we can get a lot done." (HA)
"We think it will be a great beginning to private-public partnerships." (HSB)
HA Note: "Tsui said he hopes the donation will be a "transformative gift" that spurs further private-public support of UH athletics."
HSB Note: "Tsui said he received the blessings of a member of the Cooke family in changing the name of the facility."
About the $5 mil donation, Chancellor Hinshaw said:
"Ever since I first stepped on campus, I've heard of problems that this donation will solve." (HA)
HSB Note: "The first construction phase is resurfacing of the football field, which UH athletic director Jim Donovan hopes to have done during the upcoming season. Eventually, there will be locker rooms, offices, storage areas, a press box and a scoreboard, Donovan said. The field will be used by several sports teams as well as for intramural, band and ROTC activities."
HA Note: "Hinshaw said the facility will serve not just UH athletic teams, but intramural sports, the ROTC, the UH marching band, high school sports programs and other community groups. Hawai'i High School Athletic Association executive director Keith Amemiya said he was pleased that high school sports will soon return to the Manoa campus. He said he hopes high school soccer and track and field championships will be held at the new facility."
Price cuts for tickets approved by the Board of Regents
About reducing ticket prices in certain seating sections, JD said:
"This allowed us to lower the minimum (cost) in tickets so we can make a family package and simplify the number of (pricing) tiers. Our No. 1 source of untapped revenue are those empty seats. It's like they teach you in first-year economics: lower the price and increase demand." (HA)
"This allows us to lower our minimum prices and create a family package and simplify the number of pricing tiers. The bottom line is we want more people to come to our events. Economics 101 says if you lower the price point, you'll increase the demand." (HSB)
"This allowed us to lower the minimum (cost) in tickets so we can make a family package and simplify the number of (pricing) tiers. Our No. 1 source of untapped revenue are those empty seats. It's like they teach you in first-year economics: lower the price and increase demand." (HA)
"This allows us to lower our minimum prices and create a family package and simplify the number of pricing tiers. The bottom line is we want more people to come to our events. Economics 101 says if you lower the price point, you'll increase the demand." (HSB)
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Clapp was one of those who repaid UH to keep his name off the List
HA Note: "Although Carl Clapp was invited to bring a spouse and two children with him at UH's expense under the athletic department's policy, Clapp said he was the only one who ended up traveling on the school's dime. Clapp was in charge of implementing then-athletic director Herman Frazier's travel policy and his name was listed among the 550 on the list released Friday, more than two months after an open records law request by The Advertiser. But UH staffers said no members of Clapp's family were listed among the UH travel party or in the group of 45 redacted entries."
Declining to say how many family members he personally paid for or how much money was involved, Clapp said:
"I have taken care of my obligations. I took care of what I wanted to take care of." (HA)
Declining to say how many others paid their way off the List, Clapp said:
"There is a group of people who have handled their responsibilities." (HA)
HA Note: "The 45 redactions, UH said, came at the request of the Hawai'i Government Employees Association, which demanded that names of its members and their children not be released. In addition to the redactions, UH said six names were omitted but athletic department staffers have suggested the number might be more than that."
About how it is not acceptable to retroactively remove names from the List, Hawaii's Office of Information Practices wrote on May 22:
"because an agency may not retroactively dispose of or alter requested records after receiving and prior to responding to a record request, persons on that list may not pay UH for the expense of their trip in order to have their names 'removed' from that list." (HA)
About how his 6-member family used the Sugar Bowl as a family reunion, as they are spread between Hawaii, California, and Washington state, Clapp said:
"To us it was a vacation and an opportunity to get together at an outstanding event. We don't get together too often, and we don't know when the next time will be." (HA)
HA Note: "Dan Mollway, executive director of the state Ethics Commission, said because of the unique nature of the Sugar Bowl, UH was advised in December "there was justification for staff members, who had to go for their duties, to take their spouses." But Mollway said, "with regard to children, we were told children would be going" because it would be a hardship on some families to leave them behind, "but university (funds) would not be spent for children.""
About how he paid afterward for his family members (but would not say when, or if it was before the Advertiser lawsuit), Clapp said:
"because nobody could tell me the exact expense before we went." (HA)
Claiming that he did nothing wrong, Clapp said:
"It was my intention (to pay) all along. As far as what I have done, I have always planned to do what I have done, (which) I did a while ago. That's what I felt most comfortable with doing. So, that's what we did. I'm very confident that I've done nothing wrong." (HA)
Declining to say how many family members he personally paid for or how much money was involved, Clapp said:
"I have taken care of my obligations. I took care of what I wanted to take care of." (HA)
Declining to say how many others paid their way off the List, Clapp said:
"There is a group of people who have handled their responsibilities." (HA)
HA Note: "The 45 redactions, UH said, came at the request of the Hawai'i Government Employees Association, which demanded that names of its members and their children not be released. In addition to the redactions, UH said six names were omitted but athletic department staffers have suggested the number might be more than that."
About how it is not acceptable to retroactively remove names from the List, Hawaii's Office of Information Practices wrote on May 22:
"because an agency may not retroactively dispose of or alter requested records after receiving and prior to responding to a record request, persons on that list may not pay UH for the expense of their trip in order to have their names 'removed' from that list." (HA)
About how his 6-member family used the Sugar Bowl as a family reunion, as they are spread between Hawaii, California, and Washington state, Clapp said:
"To us it was a vacation and an opportunity to get together at an outstanding event. We don't get together too often, and we don't know when the next time will be." (HA)
HA Note: "Dan Mollway, executive director of the state Ethics Commission, said because of the unique nature of the Sugar Bowl, UH was advised in December "there was justification for staff members, who had to go for their duties, to take their spouses." But Mollway said, "with regard to children, we were told children would be going" because it would be a hardship on some families to leave them behind, "but university (funds) would not be spent for children.""
About how he paid afterward for his family members (but would not say when, or if it was before the Advertiser lawsuit), Clapp said:
"because nobody could tell me the exact expense before we went." (HA)
Claiming that he did nothing wrong, Clapp said:
"It was my intention (to pay) all along. As far as what I have done, I have always planned to do what I have done, (which) I did a while ago. That's what I felt most comfortable with doing. So, that's what we did. I'm very confident that I've done nothing wrong." (HA)
Feature article on Colt
R = redskins.com
About being drafted by Washington in the 6th round, Colt said:
"I was hoping to be a high draft pick just because of the success I had. As I went through the draft process, I went through a lot of adversity and I realized that the possibility of me dropping was there. It started happening, and I really started figuring, 'Maybe I may not even get drafted.' So just to get the phone call and hear that I am a Washington Redskin--it was a tremendous feeling. Growing up as a kid, wanting to play in the NFL, it is just a dream come true." (R)
About wanting to pay Washington back for drafting him, Colt said:
"Washington stepped up and I owe them so much. I can't wait to get out there and show them it was worth it." (R)
Hoping to be cleared to participate in Washington's June 2 OTAs, Colt said:
"I'm going to work hard with the rehab and training, and hopefully get cleared to participate in the OTAs. And then I'll just take it from there. I don't want to push it and I don't want to set myself back. I want to let the doctors keep me steady and going in the right direction." (R)
About Colt's accuracy, Jim Zorn said:
"The thing I look for in a quarterback is, can he hit what he is throwing at? Colt has done that. He has been a 70 percent passer. Whatever level and whatever type of defense you are going against, to have a 70 percent completion, that is great accuracy. You can see that in many of Colt's games in the last couple of seasons. You can see his accuracy. He has the ability to move around, too. He is a 4.7 runner in the 40. His lateral movement and his ability to get himself in the position to throw the ball after a play breaks down--it's tremendous." (R)
About playing in the West Coast offense at Mater Dei and Colorado, Colt said:
"I have some background in it. I can't wait to get back to it. I know I can run it. It's the offense I grew up in out in Southern California. I have some background in it. I know I can run it." (R)
Looking forward to practicing with Washington, Colt said:
"I think I am just a really diverse kid who has a lot of passion for the game of football. I've been through some ups and downs in life, and I have a lot to prove. I can't wait to get out there and show the team and the community that I can be a great football player." (R)
About being drafted by Washington in the 6th round, Colt said:
"I was hoping to be a high draft pick just because of the success I had. As I went through the draft process, I went through a lot of adversity and I realized that the possibility of me dropping was there. It started happening, and I really started figuring, 'Maybe I may not even get drafted.' So just to get the phone call and hear that I am a Washington Redskin--it was a tremendous feeling. Growing up as a kid, wanting to play in the NFL, it is just a dream come true." (R)
About wanting to pay Washington back for drafting him, Colt said:
"Washington stepped up and I owe them so much. I can't wait to get out there and show them it was worth it." (R)
Hoping to be cleared to participate in Washington's June 2 OTAs, Colt said:
"I'm going to work hard with the rehab and training, and hopefully get cleared to participate in the OTAs. And then I'll just take it from there. I don't want to push it and I don't want to set myself back. I want to let the doctors keep me steady and going in the right direction." (R)
About Colt's accuracy, Jim Zorn said:
"The thing I look for in a quarterback is, can he hit what he is throwing at? Colt has done that. He has been a 70 percent passer. Whatever level and whatever type of defense you are going against, to have a 70 percent completion, that is great accuracy. You can see that in many of Colt's games in the last couple of seasons. You can see his accuracy. He has the ability to move around, too. He is a 4.7 runner in the 40. His lateral movement and his ability to get himself in the position to throw the ball after a play breaks down--it's tremendous." (R)
About playing in the West Coast offense at Mater Dei and Colorado, Colt said:
"I have some background in it. I can't wait to get back to it. I know I can run it. It's the offense I grew up in out in Southern California. I have some background in it. I know I can run it." (R)
Looking forward to practicing with Washington, Colt said:
"I think I am just a really diverse kid who has a lot of passion for the game of football. I've been through some ups and downs in life, and I have a lot to prove. I can't wait to get out there and show the team and the community that I can be a great football player." (R)
New QBs work out with the Warriors
About his first workout with the Warriors, Greg Alexander said:
"It was good work, good to finally get started. The (dropbacks) are a little different than what I'm used to. Getting some timing down. It was a good first day." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Yesterday they were just two new guys from California trying to learn as much as they could about the UH offense. The junior college transfer quarterbacks spent an hour and a half under the afternoon sun throwing passes to some of their new teammates, under the tutelage of veteran quarterback Inoke Funaki."
HSB Note: "At 6-foot-4 and 240 pounds, Alexander is one of the biggest Warriors quarterbacks in recent years - and he arrives at UH with some gaudy stats. But the second-team JC All-American didn't draw heavy recruiting despite passing for a school-record 3,876 yards and 43 touchdowns as a sophomore at Santa Rosa College last year."
About the workout, Brent Rausch said:
"It was real good. This was definitely a workout for me. It was an eye-opener for the drops I have to learn. Inoke was teaching me a lot, so that helped. It was coming along pretty good, and I'll be working on it in the coming weeks." (HSB)
About the competition for the starting QB spot, Rausch said:
"There's going to be a lot of competition and I'm going to have to work hard, get some weight on me. I'm looking forward to it. I always look forward to competition." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Two other JC transfers, receivers Mike Tinoco and Craig Bell, joined yesterday's unsupervised workout."
About his first workout with the Warriors, Tinoco said:
"I've got to get back in shape, start running, get used to the quarterbacks." (HSB)
About his first workout with the Warriors, Bell said:
"I already learned a little bit, looking at the film they sent to me back home. I just have to get out here and get a chance to catch a few balls." (HSB)
HSB Note: "The newcomers were joined by several veterans in addition to Funaki: running back Leon Wright-Jackson, slotbacks Aaron Bain and Mike Washington and defensive backs Jameel Dowling and Viliami Nauahi."
"It was good work, good to finally get started. The (dropbacks) are a little different than what I'm used to. Getting some timing down. It was a good first day." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Yesterday they were just two new guys from California trying to learn as much as they could about the UH offense. The junior college transfer quarterbacks spent an hour and a half under the afternoon sun throwing passes to some of their new teammates, under the tutelage of veteran quarterback Inoke Funaki."
HSB Note: "At 6-foot-4 and 240 pounds, Alexander is one of the biggest Warriors quarterbacks in recent years - and he arrives at UH with some gaudy stats. But the second-team JC All-American didn't draw heavy recruiting despite passing for a school-record 3,876 yards and 43 touchdowns as a sophomore at Santa Rosa College last year."
About the workout, Brent Rausch said:
"It was real good. This was definitely a workout for me. It was an eye-opener for the drops I have to learn. Inoke was teaching me a lot, so that helped. It was coming along pretty good, and I'll be working on it in the coming weeks." (HSB)
About the competition for the starting QB spot, Rausch said:
"There's going to be a lot of competition and I'm going to have to work hard, get some weight on me. I'm looking forward to it. I always look forward to competition." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Two other JC transfers, receivers Mike Tinoco and Craig Bell, joined yesterday's unsupervised workout."
About his first workout with the Warriors, Tinoco said:
"I've got to get back in shape, start running, get used to the quarterbacks." (HSB)
About his first workout with the Warriors, Bell said:
"I already learned a little bit, looking at the film they sent to me back home. I just have to get out here and get a chance to catch a few balls." (HSB)
HSB Note: "The newcomers were joined by several veterans in addition to Funaki: running back Leon Wright-Jackson, slotbacks Aaron Bain and Mike Washington and defensive backs Jameel Dowling and Viliami Nauahi."
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Warrior Updates from Stephen Tsai
About new Warrior QB Greg Alexander, Inoke said:
"When I first saw him, I wanted to know, who's the D-end?" (HA)
HA Note: "The Warriors had their first unsupervised field drills today. Inoke Funaki served as the unofficial coach. Mike Washington, Aaron Bain, Leon Wright-Jackson, Vili Nauahi and Jameel Dowling also had leadership roles."
About transferring to a DII or DIII team (he's considering Midwestern State, Chapman or Occidental), RB Camron Carmona said:
"I spoke with coach (Greg) McMackin, and he was really helpful. It's an easy break. I'd love to stay here, but for me, it's not the best place for me as far as football situation." (HA)
HA Note: "Carmona joined the Warriors last summer, reuniting with his Mater Dei High teammate, Colt Brennan. At the suggestion of the coaches, he moved from cornerback to running back. He served on the scout team last season. Carmona was not invited to training camp, which has a 105-player roster limit. But he was asked to join the team on Aug. 25, the first day of the fall semester, when rosters may expand."
About leaving Hawaii, Carmona said:
"I love the camaraderie and friends I made in Hawai'i. I met people I'll be friends with for the rest of my life. I'm sad about leaving, but I have to look out for myself and my situation." (HA)
HA Note: "Carmona leaves in good academic standing. Because he was not on scholarship, he will not impact UH's APR rating."
HA Note: "Quarterbacks Kiran Kepo'o and Bryce Kalauokaaea will report to the Warriors on Aug. 25. That's also when quarterback Bryant Moniz will report. Moniz, a Leilehua High graduate, played at Fresno City College last season."
HA Note: "Shane Austin is on schedule for a full recovery from a broken right foot suffered on the final play of the Warrior Bowl. The cast was removed Monday."
HA Note: "Mike Wedge found this great football video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y4kyKPnuKjE"
HA Note: "Colt Brennan took a short break to attend his agent Ryan Tollner's wedding this past weekend in Irvine, Calif. Among the guests were Ben Roethlisberger and Trent Edwards."
"When I first saw him, I wanted to know, who's the D-end?" (HA)
HA Note: "The Warriors had their first unsupervised field drills today. Inoke Funaki served as the unofficial coach. Mike Washington, Aaron Bain, Leon Wright-Jackson, Vili Nauahi and Jameel Dowling also had leadership roles."
About transferring to a DII or DIII team (he's considering Midwestern State, Chapman or Occidental), RB Camron Carmona said:
"I spoke with coach (Greg) McMackin, and he was really helpful. It's an easy break. I'd love to stay here, but for me, it's not the best place for me as far as football situation." (HA)
HA Note: "Carmona joined the Warriors last summer, reuniting with his Mater Dei High teammate, Colt Brennan. At the suggestion of the coaches, he moved from cornerback to running back. He served on the scout team last season. Carmona was not invited to training camp, which has a 105-player roster limit. But he was asked to join the team on Aug. 25, the first day of the fall semester, when rosters may expand."
About leaving Hawaii, Carmona said:
"I love the camaraderie and friends I made in Hawai'i. I met people I'll be friends with for the rest of my life. I'm sad about leaving, but I have to look out for myself and my situation." (HA)
HA Note: "Carmona leaves in good academic standing. Because he was not on scholarship, he will not impact UH's APR rating."
HA Note: "Quarterbacks Kiran Kepo'o and Bryce Kalauokaaea will report to the Warriors on Aug. 25. That's also when quarterback Bryant Moniz will report. Moniz, a Leilehua High graduate, played at Fresno City College last season."
HA Note: "Shane Austin is on schedule for a full recovery from a broken right foot suffered on the final play of the Warrior Bowl. The cast was removed Monday."
HA Note: "Mike Wedge found this great football video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y4kyKPnuKjE"
HA Note: "Colt Brennan took a short break to attend his agent Ryan Tollner's wedding this past weekend in Irvine, Calif. Among the guests were Ben Roethlisberger and Trent Edwards."
Mediator will rule on the $400k with JJ's contract
HA Note: "Clyde Matsui, who helped settle the Bishop Estate trustees conflict and several other high profile issues, begins hearing the contract dispute between the University of Hawai'i and former head football coach June Jones today. Under terms of Jones' last contract with UH, the parties were to go to "final and binding arbitration" to settle the differences arising out of UH's demand for liquidated damages following his departure for Southern Methodist University in January."
About going to mediation over JJ's contract dispute, UH spokesman Gregg Takayama said:
"Jones requested, and the Chancellor (Virginia Hinshaw) agreed to, mediation prior to a 'final and binding arbitration.' If the parties cannot resolve the matter in mediation, then the parties will proceed to arbitration." (HA)
Takayama said that Matsui was chosen as the mediator and:
"a pre-mediation meeting is scheduled for (today). Mediation begins on June 9." (HA)
HA Note: "Matsui, 60, a prominent attorney, is a UH graduate and Warrior sports fan."
About his stance on the contract dispute, JJ's agent Leigh Steinberg said:
"We had an explicit agreement with (ex-athletic director) Herman Frazier that, after three years, there would be no penalty if coach Jones were to leave the university. If that were not the case, coach Jones would always honor a contractual obligation." (HA)
HA Note: "Moreover, Steinberg said he has e-mails reaffirming the agreement. UH has claimed the original contract is unchanged with no record on file allowing an early exit without liquidated damages. Frazier was terminated a day after Jones' departure to SMU. UH notes the contract "...may be amended only in writing signed by both parties." The contract says an arbitrator's fee will be shared and each party is responsible for their own attorney fees."
About going to mediation over JJ's contract dispute, UH spokesman Gregg Takayama said:
"Jones requested, and the Chancellor (Virginia Hinshaw) agreed to, mediation prior to a 'final and binding arbitration.' If the parties cannot resolve the matter in mediation, then the parties will proceed to arbitration." (HA)
Takayama said that Matsui was chosen as the mediator and:
"a pre-mediation meeting is scheduled for (today). Mediation begins on June 9." (HA)
HA Note: "Matsui, 60, a prominent attorney, is a UH graduate and Warrior sports fan."
About his stance on the contract dispute, JJ's agent Leigh Steinberg said:
"We had an explicit agreement with (ex-athletic director) Herman Frazier that, after three years, there would be no penalty if coach Jones were to leave the university. If that were not the case, coach Jones would always honor a contractual obligation." (HA)
HA Note: "Moreover, Steinberg said he has e-mails reaffirming the agreement. UH has claimed the original contract is unchanged with no record on file allowing an early exit without liquidated damages. Frazier was terminated a day after Jones' departure to SMU. UH notes the contract "...may be amended only in writing signed by both parties." The contract says an arbitrator's fee will be shared and each party is responsible for their own attorney fees."
Saturday, May 24, 2008
The Sugar Bowl List (or most of it) was released
HA Note: "Before going public yesterday with a list of people identified as the University of Hawai'i's official travel party to the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans, the school blacked out 45 of the 550 names. The release, and the estimate of $1.9 million in expenses for the game, came in response to a request filed by The Honolulu Advertiser March 13 under the state's open records law, the Uniform Information Practices Act."
HA Note: "The list was delivered to The Advertiser shortly before 4 p.m., and just after the newspaper filed a lawsuit in Circuit Court to obtain Sugar Bowl travel records."
About the lawsuit that was filed by HA attorney Jeff Portnoy, UH spokesman Gregg Takayama said he:
"was informed this morning by attorneys for the University of Hawai'i that the documents would be released this afternoon. So, we don't understand why the lawsuit was filed by Mr. Portnoy." (HA)
About why the lawsuit was filed, Portnoy said:
"After having been informed this morning that some list — with redactions — would be provided to the newspaper in the early afternoon, we waited until after 3:30 to see what might be on the list. When no list was provided as represented, the lawsuit was filed. More importantly, even if the list provided had been made available prior to the filing of the lawsuit, the lawsuit would still have been filed because the list failed to comply with the legal requirements as it contained unwarranted redactions and did not explain whether anyone was able to have their name removed from the list as a result of any repayment to the university. Moreover, providing the list more than two and a half months after it was required to be produced is, in itself, a violation. Finally, The Advertiser has spent significant sums on attorney's fees, which would not have been required had the list been produced in March or even as late as last week." (HA)
HA Note "UH told 20 to 25 staff members and others on Tuesday that they could have the option to keep their names off the list and from being made public by paying for what their charges would be, an action the state's Office of Information Practices quickly said Thursday was not allowed."
Takayama said that the HGEA employees and their family members were redacted because:
"disclosure would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy." (HA)
HA Note: "Under NCAA rules, players were allowed to take spouses and children, as were coaches. Some UH athletic department staffers were offered the opportunity to take a spouse and up to two children. At least five children of UH staff members were on the list, and department sources said some others who were said to have made the trip did not appear on the list. Then-athletic director Herman Frazier's long-time fiancee, Caroline Beal, was on the list. UH paid an average of $341 per person in per diem and incidentals."
HA Note: "The names of six regents whom UH paid Sugar Bowl expenses for were also released yesterday. A total of $18,030 in Sugar Bowl-related costs was incurred by the six as of May 1, but $9,963 was paid back to the school, according to UH. Costs included airfare, hotel, tickets and gifts. Regent Michael Dahilig was listed as taking his brother and a friend on the trip. He paid back $2,777 of $5,285 in costs. UH footed the bill for Dahilig's costs and a $125 ticket for his brother, according to UH. Regents Ramon de la Pena and Marlene Hapai were listed as having costs paid for themselves and spouses ($3,834), but both reimbursed the school for their spouses' costs. Regent James Haynes II reimbursed UH the total cost for himself and his spouse ($3,934). Regent Jane Tatibouet ($795) and Chairman Allan Landon ($350) incurred partial costs for themselves and spouses. Landon reimbursed the school for the total amount, while Tatibouet did not make any reimbursement, UH said."
HSB Note: "UH's total expenses for its participation in the Bowl Championship Series game were projected at $1.94 million. The school's Sugar Bowl payment is projected at $4.39 million for net revenues of $2.49 million."
HSB Note: "Of the 45 people on the redacted Sugar Bowl list, 43 were in the athletic department. The other two were in the band, including the band director."
HSB Note: "The names of 45 members of the Hawaii Government Employees Association were blacked out on the list due to a request from the union, which contended the disclosure would constitute "a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy." Most of the names fell under "UH Manoa and Athletics Department Staff," with two under the band."
About blacking out the 45 names, Carl Clapp said:
"This was done on the advice of our legal counsel. We have released what amounts to our official party. We've made that available as best we can." (HSB)
About the 6 people who paid back UH for their trip and are not on the list, Takayama said:
"They decided to pay their own personal expenses for the trip, and it is not considered a state expense. The list that was made available today includes only those for whom the state paid their way. So they were not on the list." (HSB)
About releasing the list now instead of the first week of June, Takayama said:
"She wanted to try to clear the air at this point." (HSB)
HSB Note: "The list was drawn up under the direction of former athletic director Herman Frazier, who was fired later in January. Current athletic director Jim Donovan was hired in March.
Happy that the list of names was released, JD said:
"I'm glad we're releasing this information. We're a public entity, and so we need to be transparent and provide the information. This was an issue that existed before I came on board and needs to be taken care of." (HSB)
HSB Note: "According to "Travel Guidelines" provided by UH, the school offered to pay for immediate family members (spouses and children) of coaches, players, full-time trainers and equipment managers. The Warriors' roster included 111 players, and the student-athlete and staff list was made of 178 people. Also making the trip were 263 band members, 21 cheerleaders and Rainbow Dancers, 82 athletic department staff members and six from the UH system, including President David McClain. UH paid $753,645 for three charter flights and another $46,381 for domestic air travel. Housing the travel party at the New Orleans Marriott cost $250,467, and the school distributed $187,591 in per diems and incidentals. The school spent $39,761 on player gifts (aloha shirts and iPod Touch personal Internet and multimedia devices), and coaches were paid $137,968 in bonuses. According to a report in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Georgia spent about $2.2 million for a travel party of 745 for the game."
HA Note: "The list was delivered to The Advertiser shortly before 4 p.m., and just after the newspaper filed a lawsuit in Circuit Court to obtain Sugar Bowl travel records."
About the lawsuit that was filed by HA attorney Jeff Portnoy, UH spokesman Gregg Takayama said he:
"was informed this morning by attorneys for the University of Hawai'i that the documents would be released this afternoon. So, we don't understand why the lawsuit was filed by Mr. Portnoy." (HA)
About why the lawsuit was filed, Portnoy said:
"After having been informed this morning that some list — with redactions — would be provided to the newspaper in the early afternoon, we waited until after 3:30 to see what might be on the list. When no list was provided as represented, the lawsuit was filed. More importantly, even if the list provided had been made available prior to the filing of the lawsuit, the lawsuit would still have been filed because the list failed to comply with the legal requirements as it contained unwarranted redactions and did not explain whether anyone was able to have their name removed from the list as a result of any repayment to the university. Moreover, providing the list more than two and a half months after it was required to be produced is, in itself, a violation. Finally, The Advertiser has spent significant sums on attorney's fees, which would not have been required had the list been produced in March or even as late as last week." (HA)
HA Note "UH told 20 to 25 staff members and others on Tuesday that they could have the option to keep their names off the list and from being made public by paying for what their charges would be, an action the state's Office of Information Practices quickly said Thursday was not allowed."
Takayama said that the HGEA employees and their family members were redacted because:
"disclosure would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy." (HA)
HA Note: "Under NCAA rules, players were allowed to take spouses and children, as were coaches. Some UH athletic department staffers were offered the opportunity to take a spouse and up to two children. At least five children of UH staff members were on the list, and department sources said some others who were said to have made the trip did not appear on the list. Then-athletic director Herman Frazier's long-time fiancee, Caroline Beal, was on the list. UH paid an average of $341 per person in per diem and incidentals."
HA Note: "The names of six regents whom UH paid Sugar Bowl expenses for were also released yesterday. A total of $18,030 in Sugar Bowl-related costs was incurred by the six as of May 1, but $9,963 was paid back to the school, according to UH. Costs included airfare, hotel, tickets and gifts. Regent Michael Dahilig was listed as taking his brother and a friend on the trip. He paid back $2,777 of $5,285 in costs. UH footed the bill for Dahilig's costs and a $125 ticket for his brother, according to UH. Regents Ramon de la Pena and Marlene Hapai were listed as having costs paid for themselves and spouses ($3,834), but both reimbursed the school for their spouses' costs. Regent James Haynes II reimbursed UH the total cost for himself and his spouse ($3,934). Regent Jane Tatibouet ($795) and Chairman Allan Landon ($350) incurred partial costs for themselves and spouses. Landon reimbursed the school for the total amount, while Tatibouet did not make any reimbursement, UH said."
HSB Note: "UH's total expenses for its participation in the Bowl Championship Series game were projected at $1.94 million. The school's Sugar Bowl payment is projected at $4.39 million for net revenues of $2.49 million."
HSB Note: "Of the 45 people on the redacted Sugar Bowl list, 43 were in the athletic department. The other two were in the band, including the band director."
HSB Note: "The names of 45 members of the Hawaii Government Employees Association were blacked out on the list due to a request from the union, which contended the disclosure would constitute "a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy." Most of the names fell under "UH Manoa and Athletics Department Staff," with two under the band."
About blacking out the 45 names, Carl Clapp said:
"This was done on the advice of our legal counsel. We have released what amounts to our official party. We've made that available as best we can." (HSB)
About the 6 people who paid back UH for their trip and are not on the list, Takayama said:
"They decided to pay their own personal expenses for the trip, and it is not considered a state expense. The list that was made available today includes only those for whom the state paid their way. So they were not on the list." (HSB)
About releasing the list now instead of the first week of June, Takayama said:
"She wanted to try to clear the air at this point." (HSB)
HSB Note: "The list was drawn up under the direction of former athletic director Herman Frazier, who was fired later in January. Current athletic director Jim Donovan was hired in March.
Happy that the list of names was released, JD said:
"I'm glad we're releasing this information. We're a public entity, and so we need to be transparent and provide the information. This was an issue that existed before I came on board and needs to be taken care of." (HSB)
HSB Note: "According to "Travel Guidelines" provided by UH, the school offered to pay for immediate family members (spouses and children) of coaches, players, full-time trainers and equipment managers. The Warriors' roster included 111 players, and the student-athlete and staff list was made of 178 people. Also making the trip were 263 band members, 21 cheerleaders and Rainbow Dancers, 82 athletic department staff members and six from the UH system, including President David McClain. UH paid $753,645 for three charter flights and another $46,381 for domestic air travel. Housing the travel party at the New Orleans Marriott cost $250,467, and the school distributed $187,591 in per diems and incidentals. The school spent $39,761 on player gifts (aloha shirts and iPod Touch personal Internet and multimedia devices), and coaches were paid $137,968 in bonuses. According to a report in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Georgia spent about $2.2 million for a travel party of 745 for the game."
$5 mil donation offered by the T.C. Ching Foundation!
Asked about the Ching Foundation donation offer, UH spokesman Gregg Takayama said:
"We have agreed not to talk about it until an appropriate time." (HA)
HA Note: "The Clarence T.C. Ching Foundation has offered what is believed to be the largest gift in University of Hawai'i athletic history, approximately $5 million to help underwrite a $10 million renovation and expansion of aging Cooke Field."
HA Note: "If approved, UH hopes to gather matching funds from a mix of public and private sources. The university has been assured a $1.5 million state appropriation, meaning approximately $3.5 million would still have to be raised, according to people familiar with the planning."
HA Note: "The remodeled facility, which could be finished in 2010 or 2011, would be renamed the "Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex," and could be used for track and field, soccer, football and intramural activities."
HA Note: "The Clarence T.C. Ching Foundation, Hawai'i's third largest charitable foundation accepting grant applications, was established in 1967 as a private 501(c)(3) organization. Ching, a local developer and UH fan, died in 1985. He has given millions to Catholic schools and organizations. He also developed Kukui Gardens, which recently sold for $131 million."
"We have agreed not to talk about it until an appropriate time." (HA)
HA Note: "The Clarence T.C. Ching Foundation has offered what is believed to be the largest gift in University of Hawai'i athletic history, approximately $5 million to help underwrite a $10 million renovation and expansion of aging Cooke Field."
HA Note: "If approved, UH hopes to gather matching funds from a mix of public and private sources. The university has been assured a $1.5 million state appropriation, meaning approximately $3.5 million would still have to be raised, according to people familiar with the planning."
HA Note: "The remodeled facility, which could be finished in 2010 or 2011, would be renamed the "Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex," and could be used for track and field, soccer, football and intramural activities."
HA Note: "The Clarence T.C. Ching Foundation, Hawai'i's third largest charitable foundation accepting grant applications, was established in 1967 as a private 501(c)(3) organization. Ching, a local developer and UH fan, died in 1985. He has given millions to Catholic schools and organizations. He also developed Kukui Gardens, which recently sold for $131 million."
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Advertiser is going to find out the names from the Sugar Bowl trip
HA Note: "The Honolulu Advertiser intends to file suit in Circuit Court tomorrow to force the University of Hawai'i to disclose the list of its state-funded traveling party to the Jan. 1 Sugar Bowl in New Orleans."
About how the Advertiser's lawsuit will charge that by witholding the Sugar Bowl names UH is twice violating Hawaii's open-records laws, Jeff Portnoy (HA's attorney) said:
"First is the ongoing refusal to produce records which are clearly public and should have been produced at or about the time of the trip, but certainly no later than early March when The Advertiser first made a formal request." (HA)
HA Note: "The second challenges UH's ability to remove names of people in the travel party from the list if they have reimbursed the school for the trip."
About UH trying to allow people to remove their names from the list, Portnoy said:
"This blatant and illegal attempt to modify public records is unacceptable and cannot go unchallenged." (HA)
HA Note: "UH-Manoa spokesman Gregg Takayama, declined comment "at this time." The Advertiser's case was supported late today by state Office of Information Practices opinions affirming UH's responsibility to disclose the records in a timely manner and inability to alter records."
Portnoy said that OIP opinions are:
"highly persuasive when a court is asked to resolve the matter." (HA)
HA Note: "Takayama declined comment on OIP's stance."
About how UH has been trying to keep the list of names secret, HA editor Mark Platte said:
"It's bad enough that the University of Hawai'i has been stonewalling us for more than two months on a simple request about who traveled at taxpayer expense to the Sugar Bowl. But for university officials to now allow those same people to have their names removed from the list by reimbursing the expense is unethical and illegal." (HA)
The OIP ruled today that UH's response was "untimely" and that:
"UH's failure to provide this record within the time period set by rule is effectively a denial of access." (HA)
The OIP also ruled that UH's:
"response must be based upon the list as it existed at the time of (the) request. We believe that the list of people who were on airplanes chartered by UH to New Orleans would meet (The Advertiser's) request. Because an agency may not retroactively dispose of or alter requested records after receiving and prior to responding to a record request, persons on that list may not pay UH for the expense of their trip in order to have their names 'removed' from that list." (HA)
HA Note: "Moreover, the OIP ruled that while UH had concerns about the "privacy of individuals who are on that list," it noted "... it is unlikely that OIP would generally find that individuals who were on a chartered plane have a significant privacy interest in that fact that would justify UH's withholding of their identities under (the state's) privacy exemption." "
HA Note: "UH officials have been in discussions about how to deal with The Advertiser's request since March, according to people familiar with the situation. Tuesday, UH administrators told a group of 20 to 25 staff members and others they had the option to have their names removed from the travel list if they paid UH for their portions. Today a UH spokesman declined to say how many people have taken advantage of the opportunity to pay. One school official with knowledge of the situation who asked not to be named estimated the number at "maybe a dozen." The staff members were told the list of the UH travel party would be made available "early next month." In response, The Advertiser Wednesday morning asked for the OIP's assistance in compelling UH to disclose the information immediately."
HA Note: "The composition of the traveling party has been an item of controversy since the travel policy was drawn up by then-athletic director Herman Frazier in December in consultation with UH-Manoa administrators. Some staffers complained that people with little or no official duties were taken and, in some cases, spouses and family members also were extended spots, while others were not offered places in the group. Earlier this month, the University of Georgia detailed to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution its 745-member Sugar Bowl travel party and accounted for $2.2 million in expenses."
About how the Advertiser's lawsuit will charge that by witholding the Sugar Bowl names UH is twice violating Hawaii's open-records laws, Jeff Portnoy (HA's attorney) said:
"First is the ongoing refusal to produce records which are clearly public and should have been produced at or about the time of the trip, but certainly no later than early March when The Advertiser first made a formal request." (HA)
HA Note: "The second challenges UH's ability to remove names of people in the travel party from the list if they have reimbursed the school for the trip."
About UH trying to allow people to remove their names from the list, Portnoy said:
"This blatant and illegal attempt to modify public records is unacceptable and cannot go unchallenged." (HA)
HA Note: "UH-Manoa spokesman Gregg Takayama, declined comment "at this time." The Advertiser's case was supported late today by state Office of Information Practices opinions affirming UH's responsibility to disclose the records in a timely manner and inability to alter records."
Portnoy said that OIP opinions are:
"highly persuasive when a court is asked to resolve the matter." (HA)
HA Note: "Takayama declined comment on OIP's stance."
About how UH has been trying to keep the list of names secret, HA editor Mark Platte said:
"It's bad enough that the University of Hawai'i has been stonewalling us for more than two months on a simple request about who traveled at taxpayer expense to the Sugar Bowl. But for university officials to now allow those same people to have their names removed from the list by reimbursing the expense is unethical and illegal." (HA)
The OIP ruled today that UH's response was "untimely" and that:
"UH's failure to provide this record within the time period set by rule is effectively a denial of access." (HA)
The OIP also ruled that UH's:
"response must be based upon the list as it existed at the time of (the) request. We believe that the list of people who were on airplanes chartered by UH to New Orleans would meet (The Advertiser's) request. Because an agency may not retroactively dispose of or alter requested records after receiving and prior to responding to a record request, persons on that list may not pay UH for the expense of their trip in order to have their names 'removed' from that list." (HA)
HA Note: "Moreover, the OIP ruled that while UH had concerns about the "privacy of individuals who are on that list," it noted "... it is unlikely that OIP would generally find that individuals who were on a chartered plane have a significant privacy interest in that fact that would justify UH's withholding of their identities under (the state's) privacy exemption." "
HA Note: "UH officials have been in discussions about how to deal with The Advertiser's request since March, according to people familiar with the situation. Tuesday, UH administrators told a group of 20 to 25 staff members and others they had the option to have their names removed from the travel list if they paid UH for their portions. Today a UH spokesman declined to say how many people have taken advantage of the opportunity to pay. One school official with knowledge of the situation who asked not to be named estimated the number at "maybe a dozen." The staff members were told the list of the UH travel party would be made available "early next month." In response, The Advertiser Wednesday morning asked for the OIP's assistance in compelling UH to disclose the information immediately."
HA Note: "The composition of the traveling party has been an item of controversy since the travel policy was drawn up by then-athletic director Herman Frazier in December in consultation with UH-Manoa administrators. Some staffers complained that people with little or no official duties were taken and, in some cases, spouses and family members also were extended spots, while others were not offered places in the group. Earlier this month, the University of Georgia detailed to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution its 745-member Sugar Bowl travel party and accounted for $2.2 million in expenses."
UH Sugar Bowl travel party update, Athletic Department to lose money in 2009
HA Note: "The state's Office of Information Practices said it has asked the University of Hawai'i to explain why the school has so far refused to release the list of people who made up the official traveling party to the Sugar Bowl. An OIP spokesman declined further comment. The question comes a day after UH held what a spokesman described as an "informational" meeting with staffers who attended the Jan. 1 game in New Orleans. At the meeting, 20 or more staffers were told they could have their names taken off the list prior to release if they reimbursed the school for the trip.
As many as 600, including players and band members, may have made up the UH traveling party, although the school has yet to announce a figure. Athletic department officials have estimated approximately $2 million was spent but have yet to provide an accounting despite requests filed under the Freedom of Information Act. The Advertiser has asked OIP to assist in expediting release of the list."
HA Note: "Takayama said the university, which has so far maintained the list is "not finalized" according to the counsel's office, would be releasing the list early next month. Staffers Tuesday were told, according to Takayama, that if they wanted their names removed from that list they should reimburse the school "ASAP" but "probably in the next week to 10 days they need to" make the payment. Takayama said "20 to 30" people had family members attending the game as part of the UH travel party. He would not say what the costs were or how many had indicated they would reimburse the school."
HA Note: "The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, which filed similar requests regarding UH's Sugar Bowl opponent Georgia, received information concerning a 745-member Bulldog traveling party and $2.2 million in expenses, all of which were detailed in a May 6 story."
HA Note: "How UH was putting together its travel party was a big enough concern in December that the State Ethics Commission — which said it had fielded questions about the process — had a meeting with school officials in an effort to head off possible problems."
About how the Athletic Department could face a $1.7 mil deficit in 2009, adding to their $4.5+ mil cumulative deficit, JD said:
"The budget in the near term is a challenge, and it's a challenge we're going to start to address." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Donovan said the department, which has operated on a $26 million annual budget, would have encountered a similar deficit for the 2008 fiscal year if not for the payout from the Warrior football team's appearance in the Sugar Bowl, about $2.3 million after expenses."
About how they will figure out ways to deal with the deficit, JD said:
"I anticipate the (deficit) number to change as we do different things to address it. It really encompasses enhancing existing revenue streams and finding new revenue streams." (HSB)
About how fans help the Athletic Department by buying tickets to the games, JD said:
"The easiest way (to help) is to buy season tickets or come out to a game." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Donovan wouldn't rule out the possibility of selling tickets for sports that don't currently charge admission, such as softball, down the road. But added that such a move would be weighed against maintaining the current fan base for those teams."
As many as 600, including players and band members, may have made up the UH traveling party, although the school has yet to announce a figure. Athletic department officials have estimated approximately $2 million was spent but have yet to provide an accounting despite requests filed under the Freedom of Information Act. The Advertiser has asked OIP to assist in expediting release of the list."
HA Note: "Takayama said the university, which has so far maintained the list is "not finalized" according to the counsel's office, would be releasing the list early next month. Staffers Tuesday were told, according to Takayama, that if they wanted their names removed from that list they should reimburse the school "ASAP" but "probably in the next week to 10 days they need to" make the payment. Takayama said "20 to 30" people had family members attending the game as part of the UH travel party. He would not say what the costs were or how many had indicated they would reimburse the school."
HA Note: "The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, which filed similar requests regarding UH's Sugar Bowl opponent Georgia, received information concerning a 745-member Bulldog traveling party and $2.2 million in expenses, all of which were detailed in a May 6 story."
HA Note: "How UH was putting together its travel party was a big enough concern in December that the State Ethics Commission — which said it had fielded questions about the process — had a meeting with school officials in an effort to head off possible problems."
About how the Athletic Department could face a $1.7 mil deficit in 2009, adding to their $4.5+ mil cumulative deficit, JD said:
"The budget in the near term is a challenge, and it's a challenge we're going to start to address." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Donovan said the department, which has operated on a $26 million annual budget, would have encountered a similar deficit for the 2008 fiscal year if not for the payout from the Warrior football team's appearance in the Sugar Bowl, about $2.3 million after expenses."
About how they will figure out ways to deal with the deficit, JD said:
"I anticipate the (deficit) number to change as we do different things to address it. It really encompasses enhancing existing revenue streams and finding new revenue streams." (HSB)
About how fans help the Athletic Department by buying tickets to the games, JD said:
"The easiest way (to help) is to buy season tickets or come out to a game." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Donovan wouldn't rule out the possibility of selling tickets for sports that don't currently charge admission, such as softball, down the road. But added that such a move would be weighed against maintaining the current fan base for those teams."
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
The new TV deal is done...at least $550k more per year!
About the increased money under the new TV deal, JD said:
"This is a very significant improvement and one we can put to good use." (HA)
HA Note: "The Sugar Bowl season continues to be sweet for the University of Hawai'i athletic department, which cashed in with a 30-percent hike in guaranteed rights fees for a new local television contract announced yesterday. Coming off its 12-1 football season and Sugar Bowl appearance, the athletic department will receive at least $2.3 million per year for a minimum of three years and a provision for six years under the terms of an agreement with Oceanic Time Warner Cable and KFVE. That is a $550,000 per year increase on the $1.75 million UH had been receiving and the school will earn more if pay-per-view sales of its games reach higher levels."
JD said that this money will not balance their budget, but:
"it is money we can use." (HA)
About their TV deal, JD said:
"I believe this is one of the most lucrative local television packages in the country. Through this relationship, our fans have enjoyed extensive coverage of UH sporting events and the revenue has really helped support our (athletes)." (HA)
HA Note: "Pay-per-view rates for the 2008-09 school year have yet to be announced but John Fink, vice president and general manager of KFVE/KHNL, said he expects them to be "similar" to 2007 when season packages on O'ahu were $330 for renewals and $385 for new customers."
HA Note: "For the first time, UH will offer football season ticket holders a 50-percent discount on a special road pay-per-view package. Season tickets must be purchased by July 18 to qualify for the discount, UH said."
HA Note: "If revenues reach $7.5 million in the first three years of the contract, it automatically rolls into a six-year deal, officials said. If not, the parties may still agree to extend it but are not obligated to do so. In addition to the rights fees, UH said it will receive "more than $350,000" annually in production and advertising time on KFVE, KHNL and Oceanic."
HA Note: "While the contract extends what has been a 25-year relationship with KFVE/KHNL and its predecessors, who pioneered a UH package in 1984, it also marks a shift in how the partnership is weighted. Heretofore all contracts were with KFVE/KHNL while Oceanic and the stations had a subcontract. But the new agreement calls for Oceanic to be the majority partner, paying $1.8 million per year in rights fees with the remaining $500,000 coming from KFVE, according to people involved. Splits of the proceeds will reflect the investment, officials said."
About whether or not Jim Leahey will retain his job, John Fink said:
"we're in discussions and, hopefully, we can work something out." (HA)
HA Note: "New athletic director Jim Donovan and associate athletic director John McNamara were able to enlist them in the vision of "growing the product" at a time when it has become a necessity for UH. It is a vision Donovan has been preaching to anyone who will listen — and, now, some influential folks have. This after a school-best 12-1 football season and heading into one of its toughest schedules in a challenging economic climate."
Oceanic President Nate Smith said about the TV deal:
"part of the reason of giving them a bigger base is we're only as good as what they produce, so, really, it is an investment for us. UH needs the means to grow." (HA)
Thanking their TV partners, JD said:
"I'd like to extend my warm mahalo to Norm Santos and Nate Smith (of Oceanic) and John Fink (of KFVE) for their support in stepping up again. I asked them along the way to make sure we protect the product." (HSB)
"I asked them to protect the product, because we've had some tremendous success here at UH athletics. It all starts with exposure and revenue, and in both cases they stepped up to the plate and helped us." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Oceanic will again shoulder Pay-Per-View revolving around a UH football package, but now takes on more than half of the payment in the contract with the option of new mediums (Webcasting, podcasting) in the future."
About KFVE keeping the regular TV rights, Fink said:
"The viewer will notice no changes. I think the most important thing for us is the pay-per-view concept and package remains as it is. At the end of the day, it's the same old, same old, but that's a positive, as opposed to often when we lament that things don't change. I think there's something to be said for continuity and as it's been said by UH and us, the patient's not sick -- let's not dissect him." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Oceanic, in contrast, intends to apply new mediums to its experience in the coming years -- interactive TV input during games, Webcasting, and podcasting. In the new contract, Oceanic absorbs a greater share than KFVE of the front-loaded amount due to UH each year, a switch from their previous role. Essentially, KFVE pays less, but also stands to gain less from pay-per-view and other revenue."
About how they will come out about the same under this TV deal, Fink said:
"At the end of the day it's probably going to be about even (as a positive thing for KFVE)." (HSB)
About how Oceanic will look to grow its revenue from other means under this contract, Smith said:
"I think the Hawaii audience has gotten very comfortable with the traditional broadcast (on KFVE). And you're always at risk on change, and I'd rather evolve. If we took over the broadcast, did new announcers and a new style of direction, all of that, you're at risk of alienating some of your existing audience. Now we can evolve, keep the existing audience and start building a new one. I think it's a much healthier way to look at that in terms of long-term." (HSB)
Asked about broadcasting in HD, Smith said:
"I'd say it's within the next couple years. Which year and when is a little difficult to predict, but it's coming." (HSB)
About their tough budgetary situation, JD said:
"Certainly we are facing some financial challenges here in the athletic department on an annual basis, and we're working to try and knock that down and get our arms around it, go forward without increasing our overall, carryover deficit. It won't solve our budget problems, but it's a step in the right direction." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Donovan reiterated that getting people to events in person was still a top priority, and mentioned an upcoming family ticket package deal thought up by associate athletic director John McNamara."
"This is a very significant improvement and one we can put to good use." (HA)
HA Note: "The Sugar Bowl season continues to be sweet for the University of Hawai'i athletic department, which cashed in with a 30-percent hike in guaranteed rights fees for a new local television contract announced yesterday. Coming off its 12-1 football season and Sugar Bowl appearance, the athletic department will receive at least $2.3 million per year for a minimum of three years and a provision for six years under the terms of an agreement with Oceanic Time Warner Cable and KFVE. That is a $550,000 per year increase on the $1.75 million UH had been receiving and the school will earn more if pay-per-view sales of its games reach higher levels."
JD said that this money will not balance their budget, but:
"it is money we can use." (HA)
About their TV deal, JD said:
"I believe this is one of the most lucrative local television packages in the country. Through this relationship, our fans have enjoyed extensive coverage of UH sporting events and the revenue has really helped support our (athletes)." (HA)
HA Note: "Pay-per-view rates for the 2008-09 school year have yet to be announced but John Fink, vice president and general manager of KFVE/KHNL, said he expects them to be "similar" to 2007 when season packages on O'ahu were $330 for renewals and $385 for new customers."
HA Note: "For the first time, UH will offer football season ticket holders a 50-percent discount on a special road pay-per-view package. Season tickets must be purchased by July 18 to qualify for the discount, UH said."
HA Note: "If revenues reach $7.5 million in the first three years of the contract, it automatically rolls into a six-year deal, officials said. If not, the parties may still agree to extend it but are not obligated to do so. In addition to the rights fees, UH said it will receive "more than $350,000" annually in production and advertising time on KFVE, KHNL and Oceanic."
HA Note: "While the contract extends what has been a 25-year relationship with KFVE/KHNL and its predecessors, who pioneered a UH package in 1984, it also marks a shift in how the partnership is weighted. Heretofore all contracts were with KFVE/KHNL while Oceanic and the stations had a subcontract. But the new agreement calls for Oceanic to be the majority partner, paying $1.8 million per year in rights fees with the remaining $500,000 coming from KFVE, according to people involved. Splits of the proceeds will reflect the investment, officials said."
About whether or not Jim Leahey will retain his job, John Fink said:
"we're in discussions and, hopefully, we can work something out." (HA)
HA Note: "New athletic director Jim Donovan and associate athletic director John McNamara were able to enlist them in the vision of "growing the product" at a time when it has become a necessity for UH. It is a vision Donovan has been preaching to anyone who will listen — and, now, some influential folks have. This after a school-best 12-1 football season and heading into one of its toughest schedules in a challenging economic climate."
Oceanic President Nate Smith said about the TV deal:
"part of the reason of giving them a bigger base is we're only as good as what they produce, so, really, it is an investment for us. UH needs the means to grow." (HA)
Thanking their TV partners, JD said:
"I'd like to extend my warm mahalo to Norm Santos and Nate Smith (of Oceanic) and John Fink (of KFVE) for their support in stepping up again. I asked them along the way to make sure we protect the product." (HSB)
"I asked them to protect the product, because we've had some tremendous success here at UH athletics. It all starts with exposure and revenue, and in both cases they stepped up to the plate and helped us." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Oceanic will again shoulder Pay-Per-View revolving around a UH football package, but now takes on more than half of the payment in the contract with the option of new mediums (Webcasting, podcasting) in the future."
About KFVE keeping the regular TV rights, Fink said:
"The viewer will notice no changes. I think the most important thing for us is the pay-per-view concept and package remains as it is. At the end of the day, it's the same old, same old, but that's a positive, as opposed to often when we lament that things don't change. I think there's something to be said for continuity and as it's been said by UH and us, the patient's not sick -- let's not dissect him." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Oceanic, in contrast, intends to apply new mediums to its experience in the coming years -- interactive TV input during games, Webcasting, and podcasting. In the new contract, Oceanic absorbs a greater share than KFVE of the front-loaded amount due to UH each year, a switch from their previous role. Essentially, KFVE pays less, but also stands to gain less from pay-per-view and other revenue."
About how they will come out about the same under this TV deal, Fink said:
"At the end of the day it's probably going to be about even (as a positive thing for KFVE)." (HSB)
About how Oceanic will look to grow its revenue from other means under this contract, Smith said:
"I think the Hawaii audience has gotten very comfortable with the traditional broadcast (on KFVE). And you're always at risk on change, and I'd rather evolve. If we took over the broadcast, did new announcers and a new style of direction, all of that, you're at risk of alienating some of your existing audience. Now we can evolve, keep the existing audience and start building a new one. I think it's a much healthier way to look at that in terms of long-term." (HSB)
Asked about broadcasting in HD, Smith said:
"I'd say it's within the next couple years. Which year and when is a little difficult to predict, but it's coming." (HSB)
About their tough budgetary situation, JD said:
"Certainly we are facing some financial challenges here in the athletic department on an annual basis, and we're working to try and knock that down and get our arms around it, go forward without increasing our overall, carryover deficit. It won't solve our budget problems, but it's a step in the right direction." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Donovan reiterated that getting people to events in person was still a top priority, and mentioned an upcoming family ticket package deal thought up by associate athletic director John McNamara."
Monday, May 19, 2008
UH TV deal almost done
About how he expects the final agreement on the TV deal with KHNL/KFVE and Oceanic Time Warner Cable to be completed within the next 2 weeks, JD said:
"It's moving along, it's moving forward. Barring any unforeseen circumstance, we should be able to put a deal together." (HSB)
HSB Note: "It is believed the upcoming contract will be similar to the two previous three-year deals with UH, KFVE-TV (the 25-year rights-holder) and Oceanic Time Warner Cable (the pay-per-view supplier), or possibly a little longer. The UH legal counsel still needs to approve the final contract, Donovan said. Details of the contract are not yet available. However, an agreement with KKEA (1420-AM) for radio broadcasts has been tentatively reached and will be officially signed when the TV contract is in place. Pay-per-view decisions -- how many UH events will be in the PPV package and its pricing -- will be negotiated annually, similar to the last six years, Donovan said."
"It's moving along, it's moving forward. Barring any unforeseen circumstance, we should be able to put a deal together." (HSB)
HSB Note: "It is believed the upcoming contract will be similar to the two previous three-year deals with UH, KFVE-TV (the 25-year rights-holder) and Oceanic Time Warner Cable (the pay-per-view supplier), or possibly a little longer. The UH legal counsel still needs to approve the final contract, Donovan said. Details of the contract are not yet available. However, an agreement with KKEA (1420-AM) for radio broadcasts has been tentatively reached and will be officially signed when the TV contract is in place. Pay-per-view decisions -- how many UH events will be in the PPV package and its pricing -- will be negotiated annually, similar to the last six years, Donovan said."
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Jason Ferguson thinks he'll help Samson improve
About how he helped the centers at his previous teams (both played in the Pro Bowl) improve, new Miami NT Jason Ferguson said:
"The last two teams I played with, I faced the best two centers in the league. That was Kevin Mawae when I was with the Jets and Andre Gurode with the Cowboys. When you go against Pro Bowlers every day in practice, it made me better. And I think I helped make them better." (MH)
MH Note: "Ferguson says he and Satele should become close -- just as he did with the other two centers -- because it suits everyone's best interest as well as the team's."
About how he became close to the centers on his previous teams, Ferguson said:
"You become one of the guy's best friends because you go and check with him every day and ask questions that help each other. You say, 'What about my technique? How was it then?' And they ask me the same about themselves. That's what I expect from the young guy here." (MH)
About Samson, Ferguson said:
"I think he's a good worker. He's a good, athletic kid. When I watch him, I say, 'Hey, he's not going to sit there and just take it.' You don't want no offensive lineman taking it." (MH)
Asked how he did in his practice work against Mawae and Gurode, Ferguson said:
"You don't go in thinking I'll win this one and he'll win that one. I want to win nine out of 10." (MH)
"The last two teams I played with, I faced the best two centers in the league. That was Kevin Mawae when I was with the Jets and Andre Gurode with the Cowboys. When you go against Pro Bowlers every day in practice, it made me better. And I think I helped make them better." (MH)
MH Note: "Ferguson says he and Satele should become close -- just as he did with the other two centers -- because it suits everyone's best interest as well as the team's."
About how he became close to the centers on his previous teams, Ferguson said:
"You become one of the guy's best friends because you go and check with him every day and ask questions that help each other. You say, 'What about my technique? How was it then?' And they ask me the same about themselves. That's what I expect from the young guy here." (MH)
About Samson, Ferguson said:
"I think he's a good worker. He's a good, athletic kid. When I watch him, I say, 'Hey, he's not going to sit there and just take it.' You don't want no offensive lineman taking it." (MH)
Asked how he did in his practice work against Mawae and Gurode, Ferguson said:
"You don't go in thinking I'll win this one and he'll win that one. I want to win nine out of 10." (MH)
Hawthorne gets a shot with the Bills
ST wrote in the Warrior Beat: "Wideout C.J. Hawthorne has earned a private workout with the Buffalo Bills. Hawthorne said the audition is scheduled for Wednesday. He said he leaves Tuesday. Hawthorne competed in the Atlanta Falcons’ rookie camp, but was not retained."
About his private workout with the Bills, Hawthorne said:
“We’ll see how this goes." (HA)
About his private workout with the Bills, Hawthorne said:
“We’ll see how this goes." (HA)
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Charter expenses skyrocket, 6 road games per season in the Warriors' future
About how the closing of Aloha and ATA, plus skyrocketing fuel prices, have affected charter prices, JD said:
"Charter costs are just unbelievable now for us. It is getting to be stratospheric." (HA)
HA Note: "For example, Donovan said the Warriors paid $85,000 to charter to San Jose, Calif. for last year's game with the Spartans and $125,000 to Idaho for the game with the Vandals, but have been quoted a $319,000 fare for Fresno State this year."
HA Note: "UH, like the traveling public, is at the mercy of rapidly rising jet fuel costs. Fuel that was $52 a barrel in January 2007 when UH secured last season's air travel has rocketed to more than $120 a barrel. Moreover, Aloha Airlines, which has carried the bulk of UH charters in recent years, shut down March 31. ATA, a low-cost operator between Hawai'i and the West Coast, ceased operations three days later."
About why Aloha's charter flights were cheaper than other airlines, JD said:
"Aloha Airlines had planes here so they would fly us over and bring us back but with some of the others they'd have to fly an empty plane over or back and those costs, including the gasoline, add up." (HA)
About how they might have to mix charter with commercial flights for road trips, JD said:
"Combos are going to have to become more of a reality." (HA)
HA Note: "The Warriors had hoped to charter from Honolulu to Gainesville, Fla., for their season-opening game at Florida. But the limited availability of affordable charters means they will fly commercially to and from Atlanta and only charter between Atlanta and Gainesville, officials said."
About their difficulty in getting a charter to Florida, JD said:
"We found only one company that would fly us to Florida but they couldn't get us in there (Gainesville) the day before the game." (HA)
About how they are playing a school-record-tying 6 road games in 2008, JD said that 6 road games will be common now:
"More and more it looks like it is going to be a 7 (home games) and 6 (road games) split." (HA)
HA Note: "For the trend marks a significant turnaround from recent years in which UH usually played four road games — or less. Just seven years ago UH played but three road games in a 12-game regular season. When Donovan played on the offensive line at UH (1981-82), the Warriors never played more than three beyond these shores, a considerable bone of contention when they were under consideration for national rankings. But with a four/four split of the eight mandated WAC games, and the increasing difficulty in getting non-conference opponents to play games only in Aloha Stadium, the road portion is getting deeper. And tougher. The 2008 season will be only the second time UH has played six regular-season road games. Both the 2009 schedule (which has one opening remaining) and 2011 (fully booked) already have six road games, and it is looking like 2010 could end up that way as well."
HA Note: "What UH is increasingly looking at, under the best conditions, is two-for-one deals in which an opponent comes to Aloha Stadium twice in return for a Warrior trip."
About how teams want to play in Hawaii but also want home games in return, JD said:
"There are definitely schools out there that want to come to Hawai'i and play us — I talked to four of five in Phoenix last week — but the devil is going to be in the details." (HA)
"Charter costs are just unbelievable now for us. It is getting to be stratospheric." (HA)
HA Note: "For example, Donovan said the Warriors paid $85,000 to charter to San Jose, Calif. for last year's game with the Spartans and $125,000 to Idaho for the game with the Vandals, but have been quoted a $319,000 fare for Fresno State this year."
HA Note: "UH, like the traveling public, is at the mercy of rapidly rising jet fuel costs. Fuel that was $52 a barrel in January 2007 when UH secured last season's air travel has rocketed to more than $120 a barrel. Moreover, Aloha Airlines, which has carried the bulk of UH charters in recent years, shut down March 31. ATA, a low-cost operator between Hawai'i and the West Coast, ceased operations three days later."
About why Aloha's charter flights were cheaper than other airlines, JD said:
"Aloha Airlines had planes here so they would fly us over and bring us back but with some of the others they'd have to fly an empty plane over or back and those costs, including the gasoline, add up." (HA)
About how they might have to mix charter with commercial flights for road trips, JD said:
"Combos are going to have to become more of a reality." (HA)
HA Note: "The Warriors had hoped to charter from Honolulu to Gainesville, Fla., for their season-opening game at Florida. But the limited availability of affordable charters means they will fly commercially to and from Atlanta and only charter between Atlanta and Gainesville, officials said."
About their difficulty in getting a charter to Florida, JD said:
"We found only one company that would fly us to Florida but they couldn't get us in there (Gainesville) the day before the game." (HA)
About how they are playing a school-record-tying 6 road games in 2008, JD said that 6 road games will be common now:
"More and more it looks like it is going to be a 7 (home games) and 6 (road games) split." (HA)
HA Note: "For the trend marks a significant turnaround from recent years in which UH usually played four road games — or less. Just seven years ago UH played but three road games in a 12-game regular season. When Donovan played on the offensive line at UH (1981-82), the Warriors never played more than three beyond these shores, a considerable bone of contention when they were under consideration for national rankings. But with a four/four split of the eight mandated WAC games, and the increasing difficulty in getting non-conference opponents to play games only in Aloha Stadium, the road portion is getting deeper. And tougher. The 2008 season will be only the second time UH has played six regular-season road games. Both the 2009 schedule (which has one opening remaining) and 2011 (fully booked) already have six road games, and it is looking like 2010 could end up that way as well."
HA Note: "What UH is increasingly looking at, under the best conditions, is two-for-one deals in which an opponent comes to Aloha Stadium twice in return for a Warrior trip."
About how teams want to play in Hawaii but also want home games in return, JD said:
"There are definitely schools out there that want to come to Hawai'i and play us — I talked to four of five in Phoenix last week — but the devil is going to be in the details." (HA)
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Several Warriors to transfer
About transferring to Portland State, LB Erik Pedersen said:
"It's a great opportunity for me to go up there and start." (HA)
HA Note: "Pedersen will be reunited with his twin brother David, who signed in February, and PSU head coach Jerry Glanville, who was the Warriors' defensive coordinator in 2005 and 2006."
HA Note: "The Vikings run a 3-4 defense, and Pedersen is expected to compete for one of the two inside-linebacker positions. David Pedersen is an outside linebacker."
When Erik sought his blessing before requesting a release from his scholarship, Mack told Erik:
"I respect you as a person. We want the best for you." (HA)
About how it was hard to leave the Warriors, Pedersen said:
"It's like my family here. It was hard to go up to the coaches and tell them what I wanted to do." (HA)
HA Note: "Pedersen, who will be a fourth-year junior in the fall, was expected to contribute on special teams this coming season. But he would have had difficulty breaking into the playing rotation at linebacker. The Warriors run a 4-3 defense. Adam Leonard, Solomon Elimimian, Blaze Soares, R.J. Kiesel-Kauhane, Tyson Kafentzis and Brashton Satele occupy the spots on the two-deep chart. Mana Lolotai also is expected to have a significant role."
About wanting playing time at LB, Pedersen said:
"I know I would have played special teams. I wanted to play linebacker." (HA)
HA Note: "Pedersen will have two years to play two seasons at Portland State. Because he is transferring from a I-A program to a I-AA team, he is eligible to play in 2008."
About the people at UH, Pedersen said:
"Everybody is cool with it. I'm going to miss them a lot. A lot of my best friends are here." (HA)
HA Note: "The past two years, Pedersen's roommate was former UH quarterback Colt Brennan."
About leaving UH, Le'Marcus Ginson said:
"Right now I'm thinking about going to a JC. Nothing against Hawaii. I just think it's a more comfortable situation here for me." (HSB)
HSB Note: "As a true freshman last fall, Gibson played on special teams in the season-opening game against Northern Colorado and tore the ACL in his left knee, requiring surgery. He was still rehabilitating it during spring practice, but did participate in some individual drills. UH's safety situation is crowded this fall, with returning starters Keao Monteilh and Desmond Thomas and potential starters Mana Silva and Eric Robinson. Still, Gibson was expected to compete for playing time in fall camp and his future was considered very bright. He chose Hawaii over offers from Vanderbilt and Tulsa. His hometown school, Mississippi State, suggested he go to a junior college out of high school."
About how he misses home, Gibson said:
"The knee's getting to 100 percent now, so it's nothing to do with that. I enjoyed Hawaii, but yes, there was a lot of homesickness for me and that's a factor in this." (HSB)
HSB Note: "A source said the same was true for speedy wide receiver Eric Shaffer, who is leaving UH without having played a down. Shaffer put up big numbers in high school football in Fayetteville, Ark., and was a state sprint champ with a 10.57 in the 100 meters. He redshirted last year, and got quite a few reps at slotback in spring practice last month.
Gibson and Shaffer are among several scholarship players leaving the program following the end of spring practice. Junior linebacker Erik Pedersen and freshman running back Korey Reynolds are also gone. The transferring players will count against UH's Academic Progress Report rankings, but they do free up scholarships for other players, including some projected starters."
"It's a great opportunity for me to go up there and start." (HA)
HA Note: "Pedersen will be reunited with his twin brother David, who signed in February, and PSU head coach Jerry Glanville, who was the Warriors' defensive coordinator in 2005 and 2006."
HA Note: "The Vikings run a 3-4 defense, and Pedersen is expected to compete for one of the two inside-linebacker positions. David Pedersen is an outside linebacker."
When Erik sought his blessing before requesting a release from his scholarship, Mack told Erik:
"I respect you as a person. We want the best for you." (HA)
About how it was hard to leave the Warriors, Pedersen said:
"It's like my family here. It was hard to go up to the coaches and tell them what I wanted to do." (HA)
HA Note: "Pedersen, who will be a fourth-year junior in the fall, was expected to contribute on special teams this coming season. But he would have had difficulty breaking into the playing rotation at linebacker. The Warriors run a 4-3 defense. Adam Leonard, Solomon Elimimian, Blaze Soares, R.J. Kiesel-Kauhane, Tyson Kafentzis and Brashton Satele occupy the spots on the two-deep chart. Mana Lolotai also is expected to have a significant role."
About wanting playing time at LB, Pedersen said:
"I know I would have played special teams. I wanted to play linebacker." (HA)
HA Note: "Pedersen will have two years to play two seasons at Portland State. Because he is transferring from a I-A program to a I-AA team, he is eligible to play in 2008."
About the people at UH, Pedersen said:
"Everybody is cool with it. I'm going to miss them a lot. A lot of my best friends are here." (HA)
HA Note: "The past two years, Pedersen's roommate was former UH quarterback Colt Brennan."
About leaving UH, Le'Marcus Ginson said:
"Right now I'm thinking about going to a JC. Nothing against Hawaii. I just think it's a more comfortable situation here for me." (HSB)
HSB Note: "As a true freshman last fall, Gibson played on special teams in the season-opening game against Northern Colorado and tore the ACL in his left knee, requiring surgery. He was still rehabilitating it during spring practice, but did participate in some individual drills. UH's safety situation is crowded this fall, with returning starters Keao Monteilh and Desmond Thomas and potential starters Mana Silva and Eric Robinson. Still, Gibson was expected to compete for playing time in fall camp and his future was considered very bright. He chose Hawaii over offers from Vanderbilt and Tulsa. His hometown school, Mississippi State, suggested he go to a junior college out of high school."
About how he misses home, Gibson said:
"The knee's getting to 100 percent now, so it's nothing to do with that. I enjoyed Hawaii, but yes, there was a lot of homesickness for me and that's a factor in this." (HSB)
HSB Note: "A source said the same was true for speedy wide receiver Eric Shaffer, who is leaving UH without having played a down. Shaffer put up big numbers in high school football in Fayetteville, Ark., and was a state sprint champ with a 10.57 in the 100 meters. He redshirted last year, and got quite a few reps at slotback in spring practice last month.
Gibson and Shaffer are among several scholarship players leaving the program following the end of spring practice. Junior linebacker Erik Pedersen and freshman running back Korey Reynolds are also gone. The transferring players will count against UH's Academic Progress Report rankings, but they do free up scholarships for other players, including some projected starters."
Friday, May 9, 2008
RGM Update
Before his first minicamp with the Houston Texans, RGM said:
“Basically, I’ll get in where I fit in. I’m just looking to come some place where I can contribute. It’s not about myself. It’s just about winning. That’s what I did in Hawaii. Whatever is asked of me, that’s what I’m here to do.” (HoustonTexans.com)
“Basically, I’ll get in where I fit in. I’m just looking to come some place where I can contribute. It’s not about myself. It’s just about winning. That’s what I did in Hawaii. Whatever is asked of me, that’s what I’m here to do.” (HoustonTexans.com)
Thursday, May 8, 2008
UH will drop ticket prices for some seats
HA Note: "The UH athletic department said it will be recommending that some ticket prices be dropped. It is seeking permission to lower the price of at least some tickets in all six of the sports for which it currently charges admission — baseball, football, men's basketball, women's basketball, women's volleyball and men's volleyball."
HA Note: "The concept began its demise in March, just days after Jim Donovan was named the new athletic director. The timing was not coincidental. Donovan took his family to a men's volleyball match at the Stan Sheriff Center and said he was disturbed by the price of upstairs seats at $11. With parking and concessions — and, yes, he maintains he paid the parking charge — he was out over $70."
About how he was shocked at how expensive it was to take his family to a men's volleyball game, JD said:
"Sitting in the upper levels for men's volleyball was more than going to see a $200 million blockbuster movie. That's something we have to think about because, beside being in the business of education, we're also selling entertainment." (HA)
About reducing prices, John McNamara said:
"we're trying to find prices that will encourage more families and keiki to attend." (HA)
JD said that UH's proposal:
"may not (drop prices) for every single area of our facilities, but at least it will make some areas more affordable, especially for families." (HA)
HA Note: "If approved, the new pricing structure could be in place for women's volleyball and football, the first sports of the school year."
HA Note: "The concept began its demise in March, just days after Jim Donovan was named the new athletic director. The timing was not coincidental. Donovan took his family to a men's volleyball match at the Stan Sheriff Center and said he was disturbed by the price of upstairs seats at $11. With parking and concessions — and, yes, he maintains he paid the parking charge — he was out over $70."
About how he was shocked at how expensive it was to take his family to a men's volleyball game, JD said:
"Sitting in the upper levels for men's volleyball was more than going to see a $200 million blockbuster movie. That's something we have to think about because, beside being in the business of education, we're also selling entertainment." (HA)
About reducing prices, John McNamara said:
"we're trying to find prices that will encourage more families and keiki to attend." (HA)
JD said that UH's proposal:
"may not (drop prices) for every single area of our facilities, but at least it will make some areas more affordable, especially for families." (HA)
HA Note: "If approved, the new pricing structure could be in place for women's volleyball and football, the first sports of the school year."
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
APR results in 1 scholarship lost for the Warriors
About how one of their current scholarship basketball players has to sacrifice for the team, Bob Nash said:
"We'll have to ask one player to sacrifice and pay his own schooling for one year. But we are planning on keeping everybody on the roster." (HA)
HA Note: "The men's basketball team was docked two scholarships, reducing its total from 13 to 11 for the 2008-09 season. The Rainbow Warriors currently have 12 players on scholarship."
HA Note: "The UH football team was penalized one scholarship, and the baseball team was penalized 0.48 of a scholarship. The 16 other athletic programs at UH received passing grades by the NCAA, including perfect scores of 1,000 during the 2006-07 academic year for women's basketball, women's volleyball, cross country, and indoor and outdoor track and field."
About the scholarship losses for basketball, football, and baseball, Jim Donovan said:
"I can't say I'm happy about three of these scores — the rest are acceptable or above average. With that said, we have new coaches, who are working hard to change these scores, we have an academic staff that's working hard to change theses scores, and a faculty athletic representative who's working closely with our coaches and academic staff to develop processes and build a culture to raise these scores. From my perspective having been here for only 40 days, I'm satisfied that we're putting in a culture and we have a support system that should improve these APR scores." (HA)
HSB Note: "The Warriors football team, though suffering a scholarship loss for the third straight year, provides an example of the gains possible in a year. The team posted a score of 980 in 2006-07 to raise its cumulative score from 902 to 921 in a year's time. That score was two years removed from a 869 showing, when five scholarships were lost."
About their huge improvement in their APR, Mack said:
"It's got to be the biggest turnaround in scholastic history. We got one of the top scores in the country. We're really proud of that." (HSB)
HSB Note: "McMackin said the Warriors lost a scholarship because of a player who left school several years ago who wasn't in good academic standing -- an 0-for-2."
About how the scholarship loss will not hurt them right now, Mack said:
"It won't hurt this recruiting class." (HSB)
HSB Note: "UH lost five football scholarships in 2006 and one last year due to APR."
About how he doesn't want to change his philosophy of trying to help unhappy backup players transfer to schools where they could get playing time, Mack said:
"We're straight with them and if we can help them get somewhere we will. But any transfer, you end up losing points. It's a tough rule. I hope there's some reform." (HSB)
"We'll have to ask one player to sacrifice and pay his own schooling for one year. But we are planning on keeping everybody on the roster." (HA)
HA Note: "The men's basketball team was docked two scholarships, reducing its total from 13 to 11 for the 2008-09 season. The Rainbow Warriors currently have 12 players on scholarship."
HA Note: "The UH football team was penalized one scholarship, and the baseball team was penalized 0.48 of a scholarship. The 16 other athletic programs at UH received passing grades by the NCAA, including perfect scores of 1,000 during the 2006-07 academic year for women's basketball, women's volleyball, cross country, and indoor and outdoor track and field."
About the scholarship losses for basketball, football, and baseball, Jim Donovan said:
"I can't say I'm happy about three of these scores — the rest are acceptable or above average. With that said, we have new coaches, who are working hard to change these scores, we have an academic staff that's working hard to change theses scores, and a faculty athletic representative who's working closely with our coaches and academic staff to develop processes and build a culture to raise these scores. From my perspective having been here for only 40 days, I'm satisfied that we're putting in a culture and we have a support system that should improve these APR scores." (HA)
HSB Note: "The Warriors football team, though suffering a scholarship loss for the third straight year, provides an example of the gains possible in a year. The team posted a score of 980 in 2006-07 to raise its cumulative score from 902 to 921 in a year's time. That score was two years removed from a 869 showing, when five scholarships were lost."
About their huge improvement in their APR, Mack said:
"It's got to be the biggest turnaround in scholastic history. We got one of the top scores in the country. We're really proud of that." (HSB)
HSB Note: "McMackin said the Warriors lost a scholarship because of a player who left school several years ago who wasn't in good academic standing -- an 0-for-2."
About how the scholarship loss will not hurt them right now, Mack said:
"It won't hurt this recruiting class." (HSB)
HSB Note: "UH lost five football scholarships in 2006 and one last year due to APR."
About how he doesn't want to change his philosophy of trying to help unhappy backup players transfer to schools where they could get playing time, Mack said:
"We're straight with them and if we can help them get somewhere we will. But any transfer, you end up losing points. It's a tough rule. I hope there's some reform." (HSB)
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Quotes from Miami's head coach relating to Bess
SFSS = South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Asked how much Bess impressed him, Dolphins' coach Tony Sparano said:
"I see a player that has pretty good ball skills right now. He certainly needs to do some things from a conditioning standpoint. He knows his stamina. To play receiver in our league you are running an awful lot and there is not a lot of numbers. The one thing with him is he has been in an offense where they are running a bunch of routes every game. They are not handing it off. He is running a bunch of routes every game and I think that is a positive. I do see good ball skills from him." (SFSS)
Asked how much Bess impressed him, Dolphins' coach Tony Sparano said:
"I see a player that has pretty good ball skills right now. He certainly needs to do some things from a conditioning standpoint. He knows his stamina. To play receiver in our league you are running an awful lot and there is not a lot of numbers. The one thing with him is he has been in an offense where they are running a bunch of routes every game. They are not handing it off. He is running a bunch of routes every game and I think that is a positive. I do see good ball skills from him." (SFSS)
Shane Austin injury, APR Note, BCS payday info
About fracturing his right foot after throwing a shovel pass to Jake Heun (that went for a TD) during the Warrior Bowl, Shane Austin said:
"Nobody was around me. I just planted on it wrong and something popped." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Austin said a stress fracture from earlier in camp may have weakened the bone."
About how being injured after Spring Practice is not as bad as it would be in other times, Austin said:
"There's no good time to be injured, but if there was this would be it. I'll be back by early June." (HSB)
About how they do not know how many QBs they will have for Fall camp, Ron Lee said:
"We don't know yet, it depends on the summer." (HSB)
HA Note about the APR: "UH football could lose one scholarship from its allowable limit of 85, and baseball is expected to be docked the equivalent of half a grant in aid from its 11.7. Baseball is an equivalency sport, allowed to award portions of a scholarship. Meanwhile, as many as five of UH's 19 teams — expected to be women's volleyball, women's basketball, track, indoor track and cross country — could be commended for exemplary standing. Last year UH had two exemplary teams, softball and women's volleyball."
HA Note: "UH football has been sanctioned in each of the two previous years, losing five scholarships in 2006 and one last year. Baseball lost 1.17, the maximum in its sport, two years ago but was spared additional penalties last year due to squad-size considerations. Football is also coming off a year in which it had its most scholar-athletes (32) in school history and, like baseball, has been making annual progress in firming up its APR numbers."
HA Note: "The University of Hawai'i's rebuilding men's basketball team is bracing for what is expected to be the heaviest penalty of the three UH sports sanctioned when the NCAA today announces Academic Progress Rates for 2006-07 school year. The Rainbow Warriors could lose two scholarships — 15 percent of the maximum number of 13 they are permitted to grant."
About how UH will not be the only WAC team to lose scholarships due to the APR, Karl Benson said:
"We are going to be penalized, but I can't be specific at this time. Some had a long ways to go and it isn't always possible to do it in one, two, three years. It does require time. However, I'm confident that our schools have plans in place to rectify" the situations." (HA)
BCS payout info in the HA: "UH realizes $4,385,555 from its 41-10 loss to Georgia, 70 percent of the WAC's share of the Sugar Bowl payout, when checks go out in July. Other WAC members will receive $410,555 each from UH's BCS appearance. Benson declined to say what the future figure would be but said it would be "significantly" less than what UH received. Among the six BCS conferences and five affiliated conferences, the WAC pays one of the highest returns to its participating teams. Georgia, for example, said it will get $1.74 million off the top of its Sugar Bowl victory and "about $800,000" in travel expenses. The rest will go into the Southeastern Conference pool from which all members draw. In the Pac-10, where bowl receipts are also pooled, Southern California earned just $1.846 million from its Rose Bowl victory over Illinois, the Los Angeles Times reported."
"Nobody was around me. I just planted on it wrong and something popped." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Austin said a stress fracture from earlier in camp may have weakened the bone."
About how being injured after Spring Practice is not as bad as it would be in other times, Austin said:
"There's no good time to be injured, but if there was this would be it. I'll be back by early June." (HSB)
About how they do not know how many QBs they will have for Fall camp, Ron Lee said:
"We don't know yet, it depends on the summer." (HSB)
HA Note about the APR: "UH football could lose one scholarship from its allowable limit of 85, and baseball is expected to be docked the equivalent of half a grant in aid from its 11.7. Baseball is an equivalency sport, allowed to award portions of a scholarship. Meanwhile, as many as five of UH's 19 teams — expected to be women's volleyball, women's basketball, track, indoor track and cross country — could be commended for exemplary standing. Last year UH had two exemplary teams, softball and women's volleyball."
HA Note: "UH football has been sanctioned in each of the two previous years, losing five scholarships in 2006 and one last year. Baseball lost 1.17, the maximum in its sport, two years ago but was spared additional penalties last year due to squad-size considerations. Football is also coming off a year in which it had its most scholar-athletes (32) in school history and, like baseball, has been making annual progress in firming up its APR numbers."
HA Note: "The University of Hawai'i's rebuilding men's basketball team is bracing for what is expected to be the heaviest penalty of the three UH sports sanctioned when the NCAA today announces Academic Progress Rates for 2006-07 school year. The Rainbow Warriors could lose two scholarships — 15 percent of the maximum number of 13 they are permitted to grant."
About how UH will not be the only WAC team to lose scholarships due to the APR, Karl Benson said:
"We are going to be penalized, but I can't be specific at this time. Some had a long ways to go and it isn't always possible to do it in one, two, three years. It does require time. However, I'm confident that our schools have plans in place to rectify" the situations." (HA)
BCS payout info in the HA: "UH realizes $4,385,555 from its 41-10 loss to Georgia, 70 percent of the WAC's share of the Sugar Bowl payout, when checks go out in July. Other WAC members will receive $410,555 each from UH's BCS appearance. Benson declined to say what the future figure would be but said it would be "significantly" less than what UH received. Among the six BCS conferences and five affiliated conferences, the WAC pays one of the highest returns to its participating teams. Georgia, for example, said it will get $1.74 million off the top of its Sugar Bowl victory and "about $800,000" in travel expenses. The rest will go into the Southeastern Conference pool from which all members draw. In the Pac-10, where bowl receipts are also pooled, Southern California earned just $1.846 million from its Rose Bowl victory over Illinois, the Los Angeles Times reported."
Monday, May 5, 2008
Jason Rivers quote
DNJ = Daily News Journal (a Tennessee newspaper)
DNJ Note: "Undrafted receiver Jason Rivers has the most difficult travel schedule of all the rookies taking part in the three-day orientation. The University of Hawaii product traveled from Honolulu on Wednesday and will return to the islands on Sunday."
About how he doesn't mind his tough travel schedule, Jason Rivers said:
"I'm the kind of person where when it's nighttime it nighttime and when it's daytime its daytime, no matter where you are. I'm happy to be here. I'm not worried about it.'' (DNJ)
DNJ Note: "Undrafted receiver Jason Rivers has the most difficult travel schedule of all the rookies taking part in the three-day orientation. The University of Hawaii product traveled from Honolulu on Wednesday and will return to the islands on Sunday."
About how he doesn't mind his tough travel schedule, Jason Rivers said:
"I'm the kind of person where when it's nighttime it nighttime and when it's daytime its daytime, no matter where you are. I'm happy to be here. I'm not worried about it.'' (DNJ)
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Great reports on Bess, both about his background and his good job in Miami's mini-camp
MN = Miami Herald
PBP = Palm Beach Post
SFSS = South Florida Sun-Sentinel
About how he regretted what happened that led to his 15-month sentence, Bess said:
''Everyone knew I was getting ready to go to college. And here I was, away from my family, not knowing what was next.'' (MH)
MH Note: "Bess knew only what was over. He had been arrested for possession of stolen weapons, a situation he said occurred when he gave a ride to a few friends who had lifted the goods when he wasn't present. What happened in the months after his arrest, however, didn't just put Bess on a fascinating journey that has led him to an opportunity to make an NFL roster. It also humbled a person who realizes a second chance completely changed his life."
About the film taken of him in 7-on-7 football in the youth rehabilitation facility, Bess said:
''I wasn't even in football shape. I hadn't been doing much of anything at the time.'' (MH)
MH Note: "Serving his time at the facility in Byron, Calif., Bess' turnaround began when he earned a spot on a 7-on-7 football team that played squads from other rehabilitation centers in the area."
MH Note: "But apparently, his athletic ability was still impressive enough. Bess didn't know it, but a friend of his high school coach had video taped of Bess' games. The person, Keith Bhonapha, was working as a graduate assistant under Hawaii coach June Jones. Grainy footage of Bess resulted in immediate interest."
About how UH was interested in him after seeing the film taken from him while he was incarcerated, Bess said:
''He liked what he saw. I guess he saw potential.'' (MH)
MH Note: "When Bess finished his sentence, he immediately scheduled a trip to Hawaii, where he not only proved to the staff that he was athletic, but also revealed a personality that was far different than the one painted by his arrest. He enrolled at the school, something his former college teammates said was the best thing that could have happened to him."
About how going to UH helped Bess start his life over again, RGM said:
''I think Hawaii was a really good getaway for him from his old lifestyle, from all of that stuff. When you go to Hawaii, you get away from everything. It was a way for him to start new, and he made the most of it. He was a real humble guy when he got there. You could tell he just loved the game, and he seemed to feel really thankful and blessed to be in the situation he was in.'' (RGM)
MH Note: "When the NFL Draft advisory board projected he'd be a third-round choice this year, Bess decided to leave school early. But a slow 40-yard dash at the combine caused his stock to slip, which also caused him to slide on draft day. The Dolphins, however, called in the fifth round to make sure Bess knew they were watching him closely. When he went undrafted, Miami pounced on his potential. And at this weekend's minicamp, Bess has begun to reveal why."
Praising Bess, Miami coach Tony Sparano said:
''I see a player that has pretty good ball skills right now. He certainly needs to do some things from a conditioning standpoint. But the one thing with him is, he has been in an offense where they are running a bunch of routes every game. I think that is a positive.'' (MH, PBP)
MH Note: "The curious thing about that is Bess played at Hawaii and they threw the ball on practically every down. So he should be used to running route after route after route without losing his breath."
PBP Note: "Following Saturday's morning practice, Sparano questioned all the rookies' conditioning. But Bess showed his endurance during a strong practice in the afternoon. Bess, 22, can run pass routes all day. He had no choice in Hawaii's high-scoring passing offense, but he left school a year early when coach June Jones bolted for SMU and quarterback Colt Brennan headed to the NFL."
MH Note: "For an undrafted free agent to make an NFL roster takes both chance and opportunity. But given a thin corps of wide receivers and the Dolphins' decision to go without drafting any other players at the position -- Bess might be in a good situation. If indeed he manages to make the team, Bess said, he will remember his past as he plans for his future."
Thankful for his opportunity to make an NFL team, Bess said:
''I'm really thankful. I owe several people a lot for taking a chance on me. First, at Hawaii. Now, in Miami. I'm just trying to work hard and make this team.'' (MH)
About Bess' chance to make Miami's roster, SFSS wrote:
"Of the five receivers in camp Davon Bess looks like he has the potential to be the best. He's quick, catches everything with his hands, and has a stout frame. He's short (5-foot-10), but has a super thick lower body. His quads are huge. Kind of reminds me of a quicker version of Darnell Jenkins, who the Dolphins did try to sign by the way.
Please do remember that quick and fast are two totally different things. There's something called short speed, which helps you get in and out of cuts, creating separation. And then there's long speed, which helps receivers make big plays down-field. I personally would rather have quickness."
PBP Note: "Offensive coordinator Dan Henning, a veteran of 28 NFL seasons, likes what he has seen from rookie wideout Davone Bess. Sure hands. Sharp routes. Nice dreads. Henning, 65, looked to narrow the generational gap when he complimented Bess' signature blond-tipped dreadlocks during Saturday's practice. Henning, who even asked Bess for the name of his hairdresser, may have been joking. But for Bess, it was nice to be noticed again. During last weekend's NFL draft, Bess was ignored for two days."
About why he chose to sign with Miami, Bess said:
"They didn't have any receiver that was contributing." (PBP)
PBP Note: "no one on Miami's current roster caught more than two touchdowns or had more than 425 receiving yards."
About leaving for the NFL instead of returning to UH for his senior year, Bess said:
"I decided I was ready to move on to the next phase of my life." (PBP)
About how they are looking for a slot receiver for their offense, which already has 3 WRs that are 6'2" or taller, Bess said:
"For us it was just a combination of finding enough big receivers out there and certainly some guys that can create a little bit." (PBP)
PBP = Palm Beach Post
SFSS = South Florida Sun-Sentinel
About how he regretted what happened that led to his 15-month sentence, Bess said:
''Everyone knew I was getting ready to go to college. And here I was, away from my family, not knowing what was next.'' (MH)
MH Note: "Bess knew only what was over. He had been arrested for possession of stolen weapons, a situation he said occurred when he gave a ride to a few friends who had lifted the goods when he wasn't present. What happened in the months after his arrest, however, didn't just put Bess on a fascinating journey that has led him to an opportunity to make an NFL roster. It also humbled a person who realizes a second chance completely changed his life."
About the film taken of him in 7-on-7 football in the youth rehabilitation facility, Bess said:
''I wasn't even in football shape. I hadn't been doing much of anything at the time.'' (MH)
MH Note: "Serving his time at the facility in Byron, Calif., Bess' turnaround began when he earned a spot on a 7-on-7 football team that played squads from other rehabilitation centers in the area."
MH Note: "But apparently, his athletic ability was still impressive enough. Bess didn't know it, but a friend of his high school coach had video taped of Bess' games. The person, Keith Bhonapha, was working as a graduate assistant under Hawaii coach June Jones. Grainy footage of Bess resulted in immediate interest."
About how UH was interested in him after seeing the film taken from him while he was incarcerated, Bess said:
''He liked what he saw. I guess he saw potential.'' (MH)
MH Note: "When Bess finished his sentence, he immediately scheduled a trip to Hawaii, where he not only proved to the staff that he was athletic, but also revealed a personality that was far different than the one painted by his arrest. He enrolled at the school, something his former college teammates said was the best thing that could have happened to him."
About how going to UH helped Bess start his life over again, RGM said:
''I think Hawaii was a really good getaway for him from his old lifestyle, from all of that stuff. When you go to Hawaii, you get away from everything. It was a way for him to start new, and he made the most of it. He was a real humble guy when he got there. You could tell he just loved the game, and he seemed to feel really thankful and blessed to be in the situation he was in.'' (RGM)
MH Note: "When the NFL Draft advisory board projected he'd be a third-round choice this year, Bess decided to leave school early. But a slow 40-yard dash at the combine caused his stock to slip, which also caused him to slide on draft day. The Dolphins, however, called in the fifth round to make sure Bess knew they were watching him closely. When he went undrafted, Miami pounced on his potential. And at this weekend's minicamp, Bess has begun to reveal why."
Praising Bess, Miami coach Tony Sparano said:
''I see a player that has pretty good ball skills right now. He certainly needs to do some things from a conditioning standpoint. But the one thing with him is, he has been in an offense where they are running a bunch of routes every game. I think that is a positive.'' (MH, PBP)
MH Note: "The curious thing about that is Bess played at Hawaii and they threw the ball on practically every down. So he should be used to running route after route after route without losing his breath."
PBP Note: "Following Saturday's morning practice, Sparano questioned all the rookies' conditioning. But Bess showed his endurance during a strong practice in the afternoon. Bess, 22, can run pass routes all day. He had no choice in Hawaii's high-scoring passing offense, but he left school a year early when coach June Jones bolted for SMU and quarterback Colt Brennan headed to the NFL."
MH Note: "For an undrafted free agent to make an NFL roster takes both chance and opportunity. But given a thin corps of wide receivers and the Dolphins' decision to go without drafting any other players at the position -- Bess might be in a good situation. If indeed he manages to make the team, Bess said, he will remember his past as he plans for his future."
Thankful for his opportunity to make an NFL team, Bess said:
''I'm really thankful. I owe several people a lot for taking a chance on me. First, at Hawaii. Now, in Miami. I'm just trying to work hard and make this team.'' (MH)
About Bess' chance to make Miami's roster, SFSS wrote:
"Of the five receivers in camp Davon Bess looks like he has the potential to be the best. He's quick, catches everything with his hands, and has a stout frame. He's short (5-foot-10), but has a super thick lower body. His quads are huge. Kind of reminds me of a quicker version of Darnell Jenkins, who the Dolphins did try to sign by the way.
Please do remember that quick and fast are two totally different things. There's something called short speed, which helps you get in and out of cuts, creating separation. And then there's long speed, which helps receivers make big plays down-field. I personally would rather have quickness."
PBP Note: "Offensive coordinator Dan Henning, a veteran of 28 NFL seasons, likes what he has seen from rookie wideout Davone Bess. Sure hands. Sharp routes. Nice dreads. Henning, 65, looked to narrow the generational gap when he complimented Bess' signature blond-tipped dreadlocks during Saturday's practice. Henning, who even asked Bess for the name of his hairdresser, may have been joking. But for Bess, it was nice to be noticed again. During last weekend's NFL draft, Bess was ignored for two days."
About why he chose to sign with Miami, Bess said:
"They didn't have any receiver that was contributing." (PBP)
PBP Note: "no one on Miami's current roster caught more than two touchdowns or had more than 425 receiving yards."
About leaving for the NFL instead of returning to UH for his senior year, Bess said:
"I decided I was ready to move on to the next phase of my life." (PBP)
About how they are looking for a slot receiver for their offense, which already has 3 WRs that are 6'2" or taller, Bess said:
"For us it was just a combination of finding enough big receivers out there and certainly some guys that can create a little bit." (PBP)
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Quotes about Bess
SFSS = South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Crediting his mother and sports for keeping him away from other problems, Bess said:
"I could've easily got caught up in the streets instead of staying focused and doing sports to get out of it. But my mom [Chinell Carpenter], who had me at 15, kept me and my little brother busy with sports. I watched my uncle [Clark Robinson] get killed right in front of me at a block party for his birthday. Some guy jumped the fence and shot him on my auntie's porch. I knew life isn't promised to anybody and that it and football can be taken away at any time." (SFSS)
SFSS Note: "When you witness an uncle's murder at age 10, and get sentenced to a 15-month term in a juvenile delinquent facility at 17, making the 53-man roster of the Dolphins as an undrafted college free agent doesn't seem so daunting. Just 22, former Hawaii receiver Davone Bess has been through a lot growing up in East Oakland, Calif., but the 5-foot-9, 190-pounder with shoulder-length dreadlocks has come a long way on and off the field."
SFSS Note: "Bess insists he had no idea what his friends were up to until they started loading DVDs, laptops and Playstations into the car."
About the sentence given him, Bess said:
"The judge said she wanted to make me an example. I learned not to associate with certain individuals. I was getting ready to play college football and they took it away faster than a blink of an eye." (SFSS)
SFSS Note: "So Bess formed a 7-on-7 football team at Orin Allen Rehabilitation Facility in nearby Byron. Keith Bhonapha, a former graduate assistant coach at Hawaii, filmed Bess at the request of John Beam, their mutual high school coach. Bhonapha sent the tape to then-Hawaii coach June Jones, well known for giving young men second chances. Bess repaid Jones with three of the most prolific receiving seasons in NCAA history, finishing with a Western Athletic Conference record 293 receptions for 3,610 yards and 41 touchdowns in the Warriors' pass-happy, run-and-shoot offense."
About Bess not being drafted, JJ said:
"It's unbelievable that he didn't get drafted anywhere from the second to fourth round. Sometimes these kids' pasts scare the pros and scouts. But he's a great kid with an unbelievable work ethic. Our practices would start at 7 a.m., and I'd get there at 6, and Davone would be catching balls on the jugs machine in the dark." (SFSS)
SFSS Note: "Bess' slow 40 time (4.64) at the NFL Scouting Combine also scared teams, but his agent, Kenny Zuckerman, said Bess' 1.53 seconds time in the 10-yard sprint compared favorably to Donnie Avery, the first receiver taken in the draft."
About how Bess could fill a Wes Welker-type role, Bess' agent Kenny Zuckerman said:
"After having Wes Welker, I think the Dolphins know what he's worth and Davone could be the same kind of find." (SFSS)
SFSS Note: "Dolphins coach Tony Sparano realizes that there is a need for a quick, slot receiver with Bess' "good ball skills," but suggested he improve his conditioning."
About how Bess' ability shows up on tape, Sparano said:
"Sometimes you can look long and hard at receivers and not see ability for a long time. With him, you see a bunch of it when you watch their tape. He's running and catching constantly." (SFSS)
SFSS Note: "Bess' former receivers coach, Hawaii offensive coordinator Ron Lee, is fed up with the lack of respect shown to Warriors receivers, three of whom averaged more than 100 catches and 1,000 yards but didn't get drafted."
About how UH's WRs did not get the respect they deserved, Ron Lee said:
"I don't understand it. We throw the ball, pitch the ball and we run fast routes. Why wouldn't you want a receiver who studies defenses, knows coverages and how to get open off the line?" (SFSS)
Praising Bess, Ron Lee said:
"Davone is so quick, no one will be able to jam him at the line. He has a tremendous feel about the seam and not getting there until the ball is in the air. You can't teach that." (SFSS)
SFSS Note: "The most renowned receiver from Hawaii under Jones and Lee is the 49ers' Ashley Lelie, the 19th pick in 2002. Lelie has had a solid career, topping off with 54 catches for 1,084 yards and seven touchdowns for Denver in 2004. Jones said that of the seven best NFL receivers he has coached, none has anything on Bess, including five-time Pro Bowler Andre Rison. He also compared Bess' punt-return skills to that of three-time Pro Bowl returner Eric Metcalf."
About how Parcells will like Bess, JJ said:
"[Dolphins vice president Bill Parcells] is going to like him. When the game gets big, Davone gets bigger. I'd be shocked if he doesn't make plays for the Dolphins this year." (SFSS)
Asked if the WRs at their mini-camp fit their needs, Miami Dolphins' coach Tony Sparano said:
“It depends on the fit. We have several big receivers on our team right now that aren’t out here. Ernest Wilford is a big guy. (Derek) Hagan is a big guy. So when you look at these guys – Tab Perry is a big player – I think for us it was just a combination of finding enough big receivers out there and certainly some guys maybe that can create a little bit – a smaller guy that can create a little bit in the slot and maybe do some things that way as well.” (SFSS)
About about Bess, Sparano said:
“I see a player that has pretty good ball skills right now. He certainly needs to do some things from a conditioning standpoint. He knows his stamina. To play receiver in our league you are running an awful lot and there is not a lot of numbers. The one thing with him is he has been in an offense where they are running a bunch of routes every game. They are not handing it off. He is running a bunch of routes every game and I think that is a positive. I do see good ball skills from him.” (SFSS)
Crediting his mother and sports for keeping him away from other problems, Bess said:
"I could've easily got caught up in the streets instead of staying focused and doing sports to get out of it. But my mom [Chinell Carpenter], who had me at 15, kept me and my little brother busy with sports. I watched my uncle [Clark Robinson] get killed right in front of me at a block party for his birthday. Some guy jumped the fence and shot him on my auntie's porch. I knew life isn't promised to anybody and that it and football can be taken away at any time." (SFSS)
SFSS Note: "When you witness an uncle's murder at age 10, and get sentenced to a 15-month term in a juvenile delinquent facility at 17, making the 53-man roster of the Dolphins as an undrafted college free agent doesn't seem so daunting. Just 22, former Hawaii receiver Davone Bess has been through a lot growing up in East Oakland, Calif., but the 5-foot-9, 190-pounder with shoulder-length dreadlocks has come a long way on and off the field."
SFSS Note: "Bess insists he had no idea what his friends were up to until they started loading DVDs, laptops and Playstations into the car."
About the sentence given him, Bess said:
"The judge said she wanted to make me an example. I learned not to associate with certain individuals. I was getting ready to play college football and they took it away faster than a blink of an eye." (SFSS)
SFSS Note: "So Bess formed a 7-on-7 football team at Orin Allen Rehabilitation Facility in nearby Byron. Keith Bhonapha, a former graduate assistant coach at Hawaii, filmed Bess at the request of John Beam, their mutual high school coach. Bhonapha sent the tape to then-Hawaii coach June Jones, well known for giving young men second chances. Bess repaid Jones with three of the most prolific receiving seasons in NCAA history, finishing with a Western Athletic Conference record 293 receptions for 3,610 yards and 41 touchdowns in the Warriors' pass-happy, run-and-shoot offense."
About Bess not being drafted, JJ said:
"It's unbelievable that he didn't get drafted anywhere from the second to fourth round. Sometimes these kids' pasts scare the pros and scouts. But he's a great kid with an unbelievable work ethic. Our practices would start at 7 a.m., and I'd get there at 6, and Davone would be catching balls on the jugs machine in the dark." (SFSS)
SFSS Note: "Bess' slow 40 time (4.64) at the NFL Scouting Combine also scared teams, but his agent, Kenny Zuckerman, said Bess' 1.53 seconds time in the 10-yard sprint compared favorably to Donnie Avery, the first receiver taken in the draft."
About how Bess could fill a Wes Welker-type role, Bess' agent Kenny Zuckerman said:
"After having Wes Welker, I think the Dolphins know what he's worth and Davone could be the same kind of find." (SFSS)
SFSS Note: "Dolphins coach Tony Sparano realizes that there is a need for a quick, slot receiver with Bess' "good ball skills," but suggested he improve his conditioning."
About how Bess' ability shows up on tape, Sparano said:
"Sometimes you can look long and hard at receivers and not see ability for a long time. With him, you see a bunch of it when you watch their tape. He's running and catching constantly." (SFSS)
SFSS Note: "Bess' former receivers coach, Hawaii offensive coordinator Ron Lee, is fed up with the lack of respect shown to Warriors receivers, three of whom averaged more than 100 catches and 1,000 yards but didn't get drafted."
About how UH's WRs did not get the respect they deserved, Ron Lee said:
"I don't understand it. We throw the ball, pitch the ball and we run fast routes. Why wouldn't you want a receiver who studies defenses, knows coverages and how to get open off the line?" (SFSS)
Praising Bess, Ron Lee said:
"Davone is so quick, no one will be able to jam him at the line. He has a tremendous feel about the seam and not getting there until the ball is in the air. You can't teach that." (SFSS)
SFSS Note: "The most renowned receiver from Hawaii under Jones and Lee is the 49ers' Ashley Lelie, the 19th pick in 2002. Lelie has had a solid career, topping off with 54 catches for 1,084 yards and seven touchdowns for Denver in 2004. Jones said that of the seven best NFL receivers he has coached, none has anything on Bess, including five-time Pro Bowler Andre Rison. He also compared Bess' punt-return skills to that of three-time Pro Bowl returner Eric Metcalf."
About how Parcells will like Bess, JJ said:
"[Dolphins vice president Bill Parcells] is going to like him. When the game gets big, Davone gets bigger. I'd be shocked if he doesn't make plays for the Dolphins this year." (SFSS)
Asked if the WRs at their mini-camp fit their needs, Miami Dolphins' coach Tony Sparano said:
“It depends on the fit. We have several big receivers on our team right now that aren’t out here. Ernest Wilford is a big guy. (Derek) Hagan is a big guy. So when you look at these guys – Tab Perry is a big player – I think for us it was just a combination of finding enough big receivers out there and certainly some guys maybe that can create a little bit – a smaller guy that can create a little bit in the slot and maybe do some things that way as well.” (SFSS)
About about Bess, Sparano said:
“I see a player that has pretty good ball skills right now. He certainly needs to do some things from a conditioning standpoint. He knows his stamina. To play receiver in our league you are running an awful lot and there is not a lot of numbers. The one thing with him is he has been in an offense where they are running a bunch of routes every game. They are not handing it off. He is running a bunch of routes every game and I think that is a positive. I do see good ball skills from him.” (SFSS)
Friday, May 2, 2008
Updates on rookie camps for the Warriors
Praising Bess' performance on the first day of rookie mini-camp, Dolphins head coach Tony Sparano said:
"You could see his ability when you watch him catch. When you watch his tape, he's running and catching constantly.'' (South Florida Sun-Sentinel)
About how Colt was on the field but not allowed to practice during the rookie mini-camp, Washington head coach Jim Zorn said:
"We're going to hold him out now. He's not ready. He's antsy. We had to tell him four or five times, 'You're not throwing today."' (WJLA)
"You could see his ability when you watch him catch. When you watch his tape, he's running and catching constantly.'' (South Florida Sun-Sentinel)
About how Colt was on the field but not allowed to practice during the rookie mini-camp, Washington head coach Jim Zorn said:
"We're going to hold him out now. He's not ready. He's antsy. We had to tell him four or five times, 'You're not throwing today."' (WJLA)
ESPN Feature: UH plans on continuing success, not rebuilding from scratch
About how they are going to continue their success, not rebuild, Mack said:
"We're the defending WAC champions, and that's how we're going to play. We lost some good players, but we have some good players in our program, and we have some good recruits to complement the guys that we lost. I'm really excited about this football team. We just have to build our personality." (ESPN)
ESPN Note: "McMackin, who spent two stints as Jones' defensive coordinator at Hawaii, has no plans to uproot what his predecessor put in place. The offensive and defensive systems won't change dramatically. Both the haka, a New Zealand Maori war chant, and the ha'a, a version chanted in Hawaiian, will continue to be performed at games, and McMackin wants to get fans, band members and cheerleaders more involved."
About how they have much more intense practices under Mack, Tyler said:
"In my four years with coach Jones here, we went full pads about three times, maybe. Every day [this spring] we were out there in full pads, pants, everything, and we were going full-go. We've got our helmets on during stretching. [McMackin] doesn't put up with much b.s. It's just a whole other level of intensity." (ESPN)
Adam Leonard said that the change reflects Mack, as it is:
"just the defensive side of him." (ESPN)
About how he will direct UH games from a defensive perspective, Mack said:
"I'm going to call the game, and I'm going to call it from a defensive standpoint. We're not going to go down and just try to outscore people." (ESPN)
About how defense will be their strength, Adam Leonard said:
"Defense is our strong point. We're going to be even stronger than we've been in the past." (ESPN)
ESPON said: "The secondary boasts playmaking cornerbacks in Ryan Mouton and Jameel Dowling, a transfer from Oregon who recorded six interceptions during spring scrimmages. Leonard passed up the NFL draft to rejoin fellow first-team All-WAC linebacker Solomon Elimimian and Blaze Soares, whom McMackin calls one of the best linebackers he's ever coached. Sacks leader David Veikune returns to flank tackle Fale Laeli."
Praising their DL and LBs, Mack said:
"Our front seven is one of the top in the country. We're a top 20 front seven." (ESPN)
ESPN Note: "Hawaii's athletic facilities are unlikely to ever crack the national rankings, but long-awaited upgrades may no longer be a pipe dream. The substandard facilities were in the national spotlight throughout the team's rise last year, as players and coaches refused to bite their tongues about the poor working conditions. Star quarterback Colt Brennan sounded off in May, complaining that players "can't even get soap in our locker room." Jones mentioned that the ratty carpet in his office hadn't changed since Dick Tomey last coached Hawaii in 1986. Despite a statewide campaign to retain Jones that involved Gov. Linda Lingle, the coach's growing frustration about the facilities helped push him to SMU. In comparing SMU's facilities with Hawaii's at his introductory news conference, Jones fired a parting shot: "You're talking about the NFL and a Pop Warner team." "
About how the negative publicity on their facilities was needed for them to get the resources to fix them, JD said:
"A lot of times it takes something negative to turn into a positive. Even though there was a lot of focus on the facilities and there was some negative publicity and stuff, it becomes the catalyst for the [state] legislature, the university, the donors, to step forward and make things much better than they were. We're seeing that starting to happen." (ESPN)
ESPN Note: "Hawaii is in the process of installing a new turf practice field -- "It's definitely getting done," Donovan said -- and wants to move the football offices to refurbished space. Donovan's long-term goals include improvements to the locker rooms, equipment rooms, training rooms and weight rooms. In February, the school signed an eight-year, $4.1 million agreement with Under Armour, thought to be the most lucrative apparel deal among WAC schools. McMackin said increased donations since the Sugar Bowl have led to more summer school scholarships and an upgraded video system for the coaches."
Happy with the direction their funding is going, Mack said:
"Things are being done. I really believe it's the right time to be at Hawaii." (ESPN)
About how JJ's leaving was a gift to UH because it forced people to help them improve their facilities, JD said:
"Even by leaving, it might have been his last gift to the university to get people to focus on the things that we needed to improve. It's starting to happen." (ESPN)
About how their offense was more complicated last year, John Estes said:
"Last year, we got really complicated with game planning every week and getting away from our base rules. This year, it's just more clear-cut. We're just going to go off our base rules." (ESPN)
ESPN Note: "Graunke, who rallied Hawaii to a win against Nevada last season after Brennan sustained a concussion, expected to enter the spring as the acknowledged starter. But he was suspended from the team Feb. 7 because of academic reasons and other unresolved missteps on his school record. Jones had told Graunke to take care of things before the semester ended, but McMackin moved up the deadline."
About his suspension, Tyler said:
"It was killing me. It was probably the most depressing month of my life." (ESPN)
ESPN Note: "Graunke and Funaki finished spring ball in a dead heat for the top job, but several players boosted their stock at Hawaii's iffiest position, wide receiver. McMackin praised the spring performances of outside receiver Greg Salas and slotbacks Aaron Bain and Kealoha Pilares, a converted running back. Graunke said senior Mike Washington has been on par with leading receiver Davone Bess the past few seasons and simply needed an opportunity."
About how their offense is expected to not be as good as last year, Adam Leonard said:
"It's a given that any time your starting quarterback and your starting four wide receivers leave, it's going to be some kind of slide. The new guys just need that playing experience, and then they're going to be just fine." (ESPN)
About how they are not going to call this a rebuilding year, Tyler said:
"A lot of people are going to think it's a rebuilding year, but that's exactly what it's not going to be. We don't like to hear that around here. We're not backing down to anybody. We're just going to keep rolling." (ESPN)
"We're the defending WAC champions, and that's how we're going to play. We lost some good players, but we have some good players in our program, and we have some good recruits to complement the guys that we lost. I'm really excited about this football team. We just have to build our personality." (ESPN)
ESPN Note: "McMackin, who spent two stints as Jones' defensive coordinator at Hawaii, has no plans to uproot what his predecessor put in place. The offensive and defensive systems won't change dramatically. Both the haka, a New Zealand Maori war chant, and the ha'a, a version chanted in Hawaiian, will continue to be performed at games, and McMackin wants to get fans, band members and cheerleaders more involved."
About how they have much more intense practices under Mack, Tyler said:
"In my four years with coach Jones here, we went full pads about three times, maybe. Every day [this spring] we were out there in full pads, pants, everything, and we were going full-go. We've got our helmets on during stretching. [McMackin] doesn't put up with much b.s. It's just a whole other level of intensity." (ESPN)
Adam Leonard said that the change reflects Mack, as it is:
"just the defensive side of him." (ESPN)
About how he will direct UH games from a defensive perspective, Mack said:
"I'm going to call the game, and I'm going to call it from a defensive standpoint. We're not going to go down and just try to outscore people." (ESPN)
About how defense will be their strength, Adam Leonard said:
"Defense is our strong point. We're going to be even stronger than we've been in the past." (ESPN)
ESPON said: "The secondary boasts playmaking cornerbacks in Ryan Mouton and Jameel Dowling, a transfer from Oregon who recorded six interceptions during spring scrimmages. Leonard passed up the NFL draft to rejoin fellow first-team All-WAC linebacker Solomon Elimimian and Blaze Soares, whom McMackin calls one of the best linebackers he's ever coached. Sacks leader David Veikune returns to flank tackle Fale Laeli."
Praising their DL and LBs, Mack said:
"Our front seven is one of the top in the country. We're a top 20 front seven." (ESPN)
ESPN Note: "Hawaii's athletic facilities are unlikely to ever crack the national rankings, but long-awaited upgrades may no longer be a pipe dream. The substandard facilities were in the national spotlight throughout the team's rise last year, as players and coaches refused to bite their tongues about the poor working conditions. Star quarterback Colt Brennan sounded off in May, complaining that players "can't even get soap in our locker room." Jones mentioned that the ratty carpet in his office hadn't changed since Dick Tomey last coached Hawaii in 1986. Despite a statewide campaign to retain Jones that involved Gov. Linda Lingle, the coach's growing frustration about the facilities helped push him to SMU. In comparing SMU's facilities with Hawaii's at his introductory news conference, Jones fired a parting shot: "You're talking about the NFL and a Pop Warner team." "
About how the negative publicity on their facilities was needed for them to get the resources to fix them, JD said:
"A lot of times it takes something negative to turn into a positive. Even though there was a lot of focus on the facilities and there was some negative publicity and stuff, it becomes the catalyst for the [state] legislature, the university, the donors, to step forward and make things much better than they were. We're seeing that starting to happen." (ESPN)
ESPN Note: "Hawaii is in the process of installing a new turf practice field -- "It's definitely getting done," Donovan said -- and wants to move the football offices to refurbished space. Donovan's long-term goals include improvements to the locker rooms, equipment rooms, training rooms and weight rooms. In February, the school signed an eight-year, $4.1 million agreement with Under Armour, thought to be the most lucrative apparel deal among WAC schools. McMackin said increased donations since the Sugar Bowl have led to more summer school scholarships and an upgraded video system for the coaches."
Happy with the direction their funding is going, Mack said:
"Things are being done. I really believe it's the right time to be at Hawaii." (ESPN)
About how JJ's leaving was a gift to UH because it forced people to help them improve their facilities, JD said:
"Even by leaving, it might have been his last gift to the university to get people to focus on the things that we needed to improve. It's starting to happen." (ESPN)
About how their offense was more complicated last year, John Estes said:
"Last year, we got really complicated with game planning every week and getting away from our base rules. This year, it's just more clear-cut. We're just going to go off our base rules." (ESPN)
ESPN Note: "Graunke, who rallied Hawaii to a win against Nevada last season after Brennan sustained a concussion, expected to enter the spring as the acknowledged starter. But he was suspended from the team Feb. 7 because of academic reasons and other unresolved missteps on his school record. Jones had told Graunke to take care of things before the semester ended, but McMackin moved up the deadline."
About his suspension, Tyler said:
"It was killing me. It was probably the most depressing month of my life." (ESPN)
ESPN Note: "Graunke and Funaki finished spring ball in a dead heat for the top job, but several players boosted their stock at Hawaii's iffiest position, wide receiver. McMackin praised the spring performances of outside receiver Greg Salas and slotbacks Aaron Bain and Kealoha Pilares, a converted running back. Graunke said senior Mike Washington has been on par with leading receiver Davone Bess the past few seasons and simply needed an opportunity."
About how their offense is expected to not be as good as last year, Adam Leonard said:
"It's a given that any time your starting quarterback and your starting four wide receivers leave, it's going to be some kind of slide. The new guys just need that playing experience, and then they're going to be just fine." (ESPN)
About how they are not going to call this a rebuilding year, Tyler said:
"A lot of people are going to think it's a rebuilding year, but that's exactly what it's not going to be. We don't like to hear that around here. We're not backing down to anybody. We're just going to keep rolling." (ESPN)
Hawthorne signs with Atlanta!
About how he has a chance to compete for a job in Atlanta, Hawthorne said:
"I've got an opportunity. "I'll make the best of it. If it's God's will, it'll be OK." (HA)
HA Note: "Wideout C.J. Hawthorne said he has reached an agreement on a free-agent contract with the Atlanta Falcons. He will report to the Falcons' minicamp May 8. Hawthorne has been told he will compete as wide receiver and "gunner" on punt and kickoff coverages."
Happy for Hawthorne, Mack said:
"I'm so happy for him. He's really worked hard." (HA)
Not discouraged about having to wait until yesterday for a contract, Hawthrone said:
"When you have high expectations and things don't work out, you have rebrace yourself. I did that." (HA)
About how Atlanta is just a 6-hour drive from his home in Biloxi, Mississippi, Hawthorne said:
"It's an easy drive." (HA)
"I've got an opportunity. "I'll make the best of it. If it's God's will, it'll be OK." (HA)
HA Note: "Wideout C.J. Hawthorne said he has reached an agreement on a free-agent contract with the Atlanta Falcons. He will report to the Falcons' minicamp May 8. Hawthorne has been told he will compete as wide receiver and "gunner" on punt and kickoff coverages."
Happy for Hawthorne, Mack said:
"I'm so happy for him. He's really worked hard." (HA)
Not discouraged about having to wait until yesterday for a contract, Hawthrone said:
"When you have high expectations and things don't work out, you have rebrace yourself. I did that." (HA)
About how Atlanta is just a 6-hour drive from his home in Biloxi, Mississippi, Hawthorne said:
"It's an easy drive." (HA)
UH will lose scholarships due to the APR
HSB Note: "Hawaii will lose athletic scholarships, including one or two in men's basketball, when the NCAA releases its annual Academic Progress Rate numbers Tuesday. Baseball is also expected to lose a half scholarship, and football might also be affected for a third year in a row, sources told the Star-Bulletin yesterday. More severe penalties, including postseason bans, can be levied on teams that fall below a score of 900, which represents around a 50 percent graduation rate. Baseball (904) and men's basketball (913) received APR scores last year that drew warnings. Squad-size adjustments to the rankings kept them from losing scholarships."
About how they will not lose any football scholarships due to the APR, Mack said:
"We have a 925 score, which is the highest it's been. We also had 32 scholar-athletes this year, which is also the most ever." (HSB)
HSB Note: "In 2006, Hawaii lost five football scholarships and one in baseball. Last year, one football scholarship was forfeited."
About how they will not lose any football scholarships due to the APR, Mack said:
"We have a 925 score, which is the highest it's been. We also had 32 scholar-athletes this year, which is also the most ever." (HSB)
HSB Note: "In 2006, Hawaii lost five football scholarships and one in baseball. Last year, one football scholarship was forfeited."
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Quote from Bess before the start of Miami's rookie minicamp
About what he has to do in the minicamp, Bess said:
"I need to learn the system, the playbook, give it my all and open some eyes of the coaches." (South Florida Sun-Sentinel)
"I need to learn the system, the playbook, give it my all and open some eyes of the coaches." (South Florida Sun-Sentinel)
KHNL article on Colt
About Colt's amazing stats at UH, Jim Zorn said:
"Oh my gosh. This guy really had an industrious career, to say the least. And so, if he can transfer what he did there, and learn how to be efficient the way I want to be efficient, I think he can be successful at this level as well." (KHNL)
About some of Colt's other strengths, Zorn said:
"I think he's got some leadership skills, I think he's got some talent to move around." (KHNL)
Happy to be going to Washington, Colt said:
"The main thing is, at the end of the day, I went to the team that I really wanted to go to. And I'm really excited about the situation." (KHNL)
Happy that the coaching staff at Washington will give him time to develop, Colt said:
"Just to hear them say they wanna bring me in and develop me and really give me some time to prove myself, is really all I can ask for, is the opportunity and they did that, and I feel very grateful for the opportunity, and I can't wait to get out there and get started." (KHNL)
KHNL: "Colt starts Rookie Mini Camp on Friday. By the way, Redskins coach Jim Zorn was previously quarterbacks coach at Seattle, where he coached Matt Hasselbeck. Hasselbeck started in a Super Bowl and is a three-time Pro Bowler. And he -- just like Colt -- was drafted in the 6th round."
"Oh my gosh. This guy really had an industrious career, to say the least. And so, if he can transfer what he did there, and learn how to be efficient the way I want to be efficient, I think he can be successful at this level as well." (KHNL)
About some of Colt's other strengths, Zorn said:
"I think he's got some leadership skills, I think he's got some talent to move around." (KHNL)
Happy to be going to Washington, Colt said:
"The main thing is, at the end of the day, I went to the team that I really wanted to go to. And I'm really excited about the situation." (KHNL)
Happy that the coaching staff at Washington will give him time to develop, Colt said:
"Just to hear them say they wanna bring me in and develop me and really give me some time to prove myself, is really all I can ask for, is the opportunity and they did that, and I feel very grateful for the opportunity, and I can't wait to get out there and get started." (KHNL)
KHNL: "Colt starts Rookie Mini Camp on Friday. By the way, Redskins coach Jim Zorn was previously quarterbacks coach at Seattle, where he coached Matt Hasselbeck. Hasselbeck started in a Super Bowl and is a three-time Pro Bowler. And he -- just like Colt -- was drafted in the 6th round."
Update on the $400k JJ contract termination dispute
About his verbal agreement with HF, Leigh Steinberg said:
"There was an explicit agreement between June and Herman Frazier on behalf of the University of Hawaii ... that after three years June would be able to accept another job opportunity without penalty. These oral agreements are quite common in the field of sports and always honored." (HSB)
HSB Note: "An e-mail written by then-Hawaii athletic director Herman Frazier last December acknowledged a spoken agreement that football coach June Jones would not have to pay a penalty of $400,008 if he left UH before the end of his contract, sources told the Star-Bulletin. But while that may indicate Frazier was willing to let Jones go without a buyout, language in the contract indicates it doesn't meet the standard needed to change the deal. According to paragraph 17.0 of the contract, "This Agreement contains all the terms between the parties and may be amended only in writing signed by both parties." The e-mail in question was sent by Frazier to Jones' agent, Leigh Steinberg, on Dec. 24, two weeks before Jones resigned from UH to be the coach at SMU. Steinberg said Frazier orally agreed to the arrangement when the five-year contract was being put together in 2003."
About how JJ could have made more money if he wasn't so concerned about helping UH, Steinberg said:
"June went above and beyond what I've ever seen a coach do in terms of his foundation and personal dedication to attempting to enhance the financial situation of the Hawaii athletic department. (Around 2006) he offered at mid-contract to reduce his own pay by $300,000, and give 40 percent of his salary to the university for coaches salaries and facility improvement and extend his term. That offer was refused. His own financial welfare has never been his primary concern." (HSB)
Asked if SMU is not interested in scheduling UH due to the contract dispute with JJ, JD said:
"You could get that impression." (HA)
HA Note: "Is the ongoing dispute over the $400,008 that the University of Hawai'i claims former football coach June Jones owes the Warriors standing in the way of booking a UH-Southern Methodist showdown? It doesn't take much reading between the lines to come to that conclusion. On one hand we have UH asking the Mustangs if they'd be interested in playing in 2009 or 2010, the first two seasons the Warriors have an opening. On the other, UH athletic director Jim Donovan said the Warriors were told by SMU, "our schedule is full for the next 10 years." "
HA Note: "By why not take this out of the hands of the lawyers and settle it on the field, where it belongs? Forget arbitration and make it winner-take-all. Here's how you settle it. Square off at Aloha Stadium in a 2009 game with added incentive the kind of reality challenge college football has never seen: If UH wins, Jones pays up at midfield after the game with one of those 5-foot cardboard checks. If SMU prevails, Jones gets to tear up the contract at midfield. Think that would pack the stands and grab TV's attention?"
HA Note: "Donovan said UH has "initiated conversations with four schools" that McMackin expressed an interest in about the 2009 opening. Other than SMU, he declined to name the others except to say "some are Bowl Championship Series (members)." "
"There was an explicit agreement between June and Herman Frazier on behalf of the University of Hawaii ... that after three years June would be able to accept another job opportunity without penalty. These oral agreements are quite common in the field of sports and always honored." (HSB)
HSB Note: "An e-mail written by then-Hawaii athletic director Herman Frazier last December acknowledged a spoken agreement that football coach June Jones would not have to pay a penalty of $400,008 if he left UH before the end of his contract, sources told the Star-Bulletin. But while that may indicate Frazier was willing to let Jones go without a buyout, language in the contract indicates it doesn't meet the standard needed to change the deal. According to paragraph 17.0 of the contract, "This Agreement contains all the terms between the parties and may be amended only in writing signed by both parties." The e-mail in question was sent by Frazier to Jones' agent, Leigh Steinberg, on Dec. 24, two weeks before Jones resigned from UH to be the coach at SMU. Steinberg said Frazier orally agreed to the arrangement when the five-year contract was being put together in 2003."
About how JJ could have made more money if he wasn't so concerned about helping UH, Steinberg said:
"June went above and beyond what I've ever seen a coach do in terms of his foundation and personal dedication to attempting to enhance the financial situation of the Hawaii athletic department. (Around 2006) he offered at mid-contract to reduce his own pay by $300,000, and give 40 percent of his salary to the university for coaches salaries and facility improvement and extend his term. That offer was refused. His own financial welfare has never been his primary concern." (HSB)
Asked if SMU is not interested in scheduling UH due to the contract dispute with JJ, JD said:
"You could get that impression." (HA)
HA Note: "Is the ongoing dispute over the $400,008 that the University of Hawai'i claims former football coach June Jones owes the Warriors standing in the way of booking a UH-Southern Methodist showdown? It doesn't take much reading between the lines to come to that conclusion. On one hand we have UH asking the Mustangs if they'd be interested in playing in 2009 or 2010, the first two seasons the Warriors have an opening. On the other, UH athletic director Jim Donovan said the Warriors were told by SMU, "our schedule is full for the next 10 years." "
HA Note: "By why not take this out of the hands of the lawyers and settle it on the field, where it belongs? Forget arbitration and make it winner-take-all. Here's how you settle it. Square off at Aloha Stadium in a 2009 game with added incentive the kind of reality challenge college football has never seen: If UH wins, Jones pays up at midfield after the game with one of those 5-foot cardboard checks. If SMU prevails, Jones gets to tear up the contract at midfield. Think that would pack the stands and grab TV's attention?"
HA Note: "Donovan said UH has "initiated conversations with four schools" that McMackin expressed an interest in about the 2009 opening. Other than SMU, he declined to name the others except to say "some are Bowl Championship Series (members)." "
UH and KKEA agree upon radio deal
About how they want to sign the radio and TV deals at the same time, JD said:
"We have talked to the current contractor in radio and come to an agreement in principle. But we don't want to sign anything, pending the television deal being completed." (HSB)
"How the TV (negotiations) go could dramatically change the value of the radio contract." (HA)
About the TV and radio negotiations, JD said:
"There were two projects (TV and radio) I had to get done in my first 30 to 90 days. I'm satisfied with the progress we've made on both sides -- I'll just leave it at that." (HSB)
About how they have been talking with current TV broadcaster KHNL/KFVE and PPV service provider Oceanic Time Warner Cable, JD said:
"We've had several discussions with them individually and together, and I think things are progressing well. It's just that I'm on the mainland for about the next eight days." (HSB)
"Negotiations are still in progress. I'm hopeful there is an end in sight." (HA)
Asked if another 3-party contract would be beneficial, JD said:
"Suffice it to say I think I'm doing what's in the best interest of the UH athletic department. At the same time, I realize there's partnerships out there, and of course our fans. But first and foremost, my goal is to do what's in the best interest of the UH athletic department." (HSB)
HA Note: "UH received approximately $330,000 per year for the current three-year radio deal that expires in June and was guaranteed $1.75 million from KFVE, its TV partner. UH shares in pay-per-view revenue with KFVE and Oceanic, earning an additional $794,000 for its slice of PPV in 2007."
"We have talked to the current contractor in radio and come to an agreement in principle. But we don't want to sign anything, pending the television deal being completed." (HSB)
"How the TV (negotiations) go could dramatically change the value of the radio contract." (HA)
About the TV and radio negotiations, JD said:
"There were two projects (TV and radio) I had to get done in my first 30 to 90 days. I'm satisfied with the progress we've made on both sides -- I'll just leave it at that." (HSB)
About how they have been talking with current TV broadcaster KHNL/KFVE and PPV service provider Oceanic Time Warner Cable, JD said:
"We've had several discussions with them individually and together, and I think things are progressing well. It's just that I'm on the mainland for about the next eight days." (HSB)
"Negotiations are still in progress. I'm hopeful there is an end in sight." (HA)
Asked if another 3-party contract would be beneficial, JD said:
"Suffice it to say I think I'm doing what's in the best interest of the UH athletic department. At the same time, I realize there's partnerships out there, and of course our fans. But first and foremost, my goal is to do what's in the best interest of the UH athletic department." (HSB)
HA Note: "UH received approximately $330,000 per year for the current three-year radio deal that expires in June and was guaranteed $1.75 million from KFVE, its TV partner. UH shares in pay-per-view revenue with KFVE and Oceanic, earning an additional $794,000 for its slice of PPV in 2007."
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