More information on punter Alex Dunnachie

HA Note: "Dunnachie, who is 6 feet 2 and 220 pouinds, is one of the top punters at the Ray Guy Academy for punters, kickers and long-snappers."

About his punting ability, Dunnachie said that he:
"consistently hit it 65, 70 yards." (HA)

About Dunnachie, who has had several punts with hang times over 5 seconds, Rick Sang (co-founder of the Ray Guy Academy) said:
"He has natural power. He looks like a college tight end." (HA)

HA Note: "Dunnachie said he has never played American football. But he has a played Australian Rules Football, which emphasizing kicking, since he was 5."

About kicking in Australian Rules Football, Dunnachie said:
"We kick it end over end, back spin, spirals." (HA)

About choosing UH, Dunnachie said:
"This place is paradise." (HA)

UH gets a commitment from a punter from Australia!

HSB Note: "Alex Dunnachie, a 6-foot-3, 215-pound punter from Australia, has orally committed to join the Warriors next season, and figures to help fill the void left by the departure of senior Tim Grasso. Dunnachie's background is in Australian Rules Football, and he is still learning the American style of kicking. Dunnachie was on his way to California to attend the Ray Guy/Prokick.com Academy's camp in Walnut Creek yesterday."

About Dunnachie, Ray Guy/Prokick.com Academy camp director Rick Sang said:
"He looks like a major college tight end. He's very talented. He's got natural power, he's got a really strong leg. ... He's a raw talent, and he's getting better." (HSB)

HSB Note: "Sang said Dunnachie worked under Nathan Chapman, who runs a kicking program in Australia, and his distance figures to improve as he refines his technique. Hawaii had success with an Australian punter in the past. Mat McBriar finished his UH career second in school history with an average of 42.22 yards per kick before going on to an NFL career with the Dallas Cowboys. Sang said Dunnachie's leg strength compares favorably with McBriar and Shane Lechler of the Oakland Raiders."

JD and Mac will be in Japan for a week to market UH

About going to Japan, Mac said:
"Jim and I have a dream of going east. When I was with the 49ers we had a Japanese player (Masafumi Kawaguchi) in camp. They (the Japanese media) were crazy about it. And look what's happening in Seattle and Boston with baseball." (HSB)

HSB Note: "McMackin and Donovan have speaking engagements on coaching and sports administration scheduled over four days in a series arranged by the Pacific Rim Sports Initiative, headed by former UH football player Ross Yamasaki."

About expanding their market beyond Hawaii, JD said:
"If we're going to be more than we are, we have to look beyond Hawaii." (HSB)

JD Noted in the HSB: "no state funds were being used for the trip. McMackin said the trip was sponsored by JAL, the Oahu Visitors Bureau, Marriott and Panda Travel."

Central Arkansas is happy to open their season at Aloha Stadium

http://www.ucasports.com/sport.asp?action=news&sportid=1&article=2965

About how they will make money by playing at Aloha Stadium, University of Central Arkansas Athletic Director Brad Teague said:
“Not only is Hawaii paying all expenses of travel, ground transportation, lodging, and meals, but they will send us home with $125,000 guarantee. Additionally, the NCAA allows any program to play an extra game who plays Hawaii in the same year as incentive to get schools to travel to the islands. We are using this opportunity to play an additional home game so we are able to garner further revenues through ticket sales. This extra revenue will help our institution and program greatly." (ucasports.com)

Note: "The Bears are not eligible for postseason play until 2010 while transitioning from NCAA Division II to Division I."

UH will have their Maui Scrimmage on April 11, Warrior Bowl on April 25

UH = University of Hawaii Press Release

UH Note: "On Saturday, April 11, the Warriors will fly to Maui to hold an intrasquad scrimmage at the War Memorial Stadium beginning at 11:00 a.m. (tentative), followed by an autograph session on the field. No state funds will be used to pay for the trip and donations from McDonald’s and Oceanic Time Warner Cable, as well as support from Hawaiian Airlines and Panda Travel, and in-kind support from the County of Maui will cover the expenses.

The “Warrior Bowl” intrasquad scrimmage will be held at Aloha Stadium on Saturday, April 25, at 3:00 p.m. Prior to the game, McMackin and several UH football players will be available for autographs and photos from 1:00-2:30 p.m. on the South Endzone concourse. Fans are encouraged to bring their cameras and items to sign. Parking is $1 and fans can enter through Gate 4 beginning at 1:00 p.m. Admission is free. Beginning at 3:00 p.m., the Warriors will play the four-quarter “Warrior Bowl.” Fans are invited to sit in the stands on the Makai side of the stadium."

Happy that their sponsors will allow them to have a scrimmage and autograph session on Maui, JD said:
“We’re Hawai‘i`s Team, so we are thrilled that we’ve been able to partner with McDonald’s, Oceanic, Hawaiian Airlines, Panda Travel, and the County of Maui in making this outreach initiative a reality. Without their support, we would never have been able to take our football team to Maui and have the opportunity to interact with UH fans on a neighbor island.” (UH)


Happy that the Warriors are going to Maui, Maui Mayor Charmaine Tavares said:
“There is a very loyal UH football fan base on Maui — there were a lot of home-based ‘tailgate’ parties going on in my neighborhood on game day! This will be an exciting opportunity for our youth, as well as our entire community, to experience Warrior football action here on Maui and I’m gratified that the County is able to help make this happen.” (UH)


Happy to be a sponsor of UH's Maui trip, Oceanic Time Warner Cable VP Norman Santos said:
“We’re pleased to provide funding for the UH football team’s trip to Maui for this scrimmage. The citizens of Maui will be able to meet Coach McMackin and the players in person and that will certainly get them excited about the 2009 season. Aside from O‘ahu, Maui has the most pay-per-view subscribers, so UH definitely has a big following there and I’m sure the fans will really appreciate the opportunity to spend some time with the Warriors.” (UH)


Happy to be a sponsor of UH's Maui trip, McDonald's of Hawaii Region President Veronica Kaneko said:
”McDonald’s of Hawaii is a proud Corporate Partner of UH Athletics and we are happy to help support the team’s neighbor-island visit to Maui. In addition to assisting with the travel costs, we will also donate 300 Big Macs and bottles of water for the players and staff.” (UH)


Happy that their neighbor island fans will be able to see the Warriors in person, Mac said:
“As I repeatedly tell our players, we represent the state of Hawai‘i. We’re very excited about scrimmaging on a neighbor island and allowing our fans on Maui to see us in person. We have many great fans there and this is our chance to thank them personally for their support.” (UH)

Ka Leo article on the ASUH opposition to an athletics fee at UH

KL = Ka Leo O Hawaii

About how they will oppose a athletics fee until they see a formal proposal and take a student poll, ASUH President Jaime Sohn said:
"On February 10, we announced our stance in opposition to the proposal until a formal proposal and student poll is presented. We don't want to support the implementation of a fee unless the proper steps are taken, so that we can get the students' input." (KL)

KL Note: "A press release sent out by ASUH this week stated that Donovan "requested that ASUH not poll students and instead make an informed decision on their behalf.""

About how their might have been some miscommunication with ASUH about taking a student poll, JD said:
"I specifically told the subcommittee that it could be more powerful if the students were polled, but we just don't have that much time to get a referendum. ... We can't wait 12 to 18 months to get the results of a poll back." (KL)

KL Note: "In late January, the athletics department and student Senate met in an open meeting to discuss the proposed athletics fee for each full-time undergraduate student. With the athletics fee, Donovan stated that a percentage of seats to sporting events would be made available to students for free."

About how he feels that the athletic department has tried hard to communicate with ASUH regarding the proposed athletics fee, JD said:
"We did exactly what (ASUH) told us to do. (They) canceled two subcommittee meetings and we tried calling and rescheduling, because we told them that it was very time sensitive for us and we wanted to try to get something to the regents by May or June so that it can be approved for September 2009." (KL)

KL Note: "In a third meeting, the student Senate passed a resolution stating opposition to the implementation of the athletics fee."

About how he wants to avoid cutting a sport, JD said:
"I absolutely don't want to cut any sports. I think we have the right size programs for the University of Hawai'i and the state of Hawai'i. But at some point we may have to cut expenses, and we're going to have to look at possibly cutting a sport." (KL)

About the men's sports that might get cut, JD said:
"We can't cut football or men's basketball. So, that leaves baseball, men's volleyball, tennis, swimming (and diving), and golf." (KL)

KL Note: "Despite the possibility, Donovan said that the regents' meeting last Thursday and Friday gave him the sense that they won't be cutting a sport anytime in the near future."

About how UH is the only school in the WAC without a student athletics fee, JD said:
"The thing I kept telling the Senate was ask yourselves why we are one of the few schools in the country, and the only one in the Western Athletic Conference, that doesn't have a student athletics fee. What is the compelling argument or reason why we don't have it?" (KL)

http://www.kaleo.org/home/index.cfm?event=displayArticlePrinterFriendly&uStory_id=679e2a3f-60d1-4014-9148-4e3f5b2f2a0e

Mike Smith (Baltimore Ravens, Texas Tech) joins UH as a graduate assistant

Praising Mike Smith, Texas Tech head coach Mike Leach said:
"He was one of the toughest linebackers I've ever coached. He did it the hard way. He became a player through great determination, which, I think, says a lot about him. He'll be a good teacher. I can't say enough good things about him." (HA)

HA Note: "He was a four-year starter — two as team captain — at Texas Tech. He played four seasons with the Baltimore Ravens, serving as All-Pro Ray Lewis' backup, before negotiating a medical buyout last summer. He officially retired two months ago. He then called UH head coach Greg McMackin, who said there might be an opening on the staff this semester. David Gilmore decided not to return."

About how Mac recruited him, Smith said:
"I was his first recruit. I've always been close to coach Mack. He believed in me since the very beginning." (HA)

About his playing style at LB, Smith said:
"I consider myself to be old school. Football should be played as a man's sport. I don't hold anything back. Football isn't a game for women or children or the faint of heart. It's a tough sport." (HA)

About joining the Ravens as a 7th round pick in 2005, joining a defense with 6 current or future All-Pros, Smith said:
"My first practice, I was already running late. They made all of the rookies tape last. I was nervous. When I got out there, (All-Pro defensive end) Terrell Suggs was just staring at me. They gave me the hardest time. But we all became good friends. I was blessed to play those years." (HA)

About how he learned from Ray Lewis, Smith said:
"He's a very intense guy. Off the field, he's the nicest person. I was lucky to play with a guy like him." (HA)

About how he and Ray Lewis (who played under Mac at Miami) would discussed Mac, Smith said:
"We always talked about the keys coach Mack told us to look for. He really helped us out a lot. Coach Mack has had such a successful career. All of the players respect him. He has so much respect in college football and the NFL. Everybody knows coach Mack. I told him: 'When I'm your age, I hope I'll have half the resume you had.' " (HA)

HA Note: "Smith said he plans to join the staff in about three weeks. He said he will assist defensive coordinator Cal Lee with the linebackers and also work with special teams coordinator Chris Tormey."

Looking forward to joining the Warriors, Smith said:
"I can't wait to meet the players, learn the system and start my coaching. I'm glad to be a Warrior. It's a great program. I'm lucky to be part of a great staff." (HA)


About how Smith's toughness will transfer to the players he coached, Leach said:
"He has that gritty tough streak that will transfer to the players he works with. He understands football is a tough game for tough people. When he left our program, that was the hardest thing to replace about him. Not just his leadership, but his toughness on the field. He's not your garden-variety guy. He's at a different level. The people in Hawai'i will enjoy that." (HA)

Associated Students of UH opposes a student fee for the athletic department

HA Note: "The Associated Students of the University of Hawai'i yesterday announced a resolution opposing the implementation of a student fee to aid the school's athletic department. The resolution, passed by a 20-1 vote Feb. 10, opposes a fee without student feedback and, in any case, the resolution says ASUH "feels that no money from this fee should be used towards salaries, administrative fees or capitol improvement projects." Release of the resolution follows by six days athletic director Jim Donovan's announced intention to a Board of Regents committee to seek help from students in retiring the department's $5.4 million accumulated debt."

About the student association's opposition of the athletics fee, JD said:
"I can appreciate where the ASUH is coming from if that's what they feel they have to do." (HA)

JD said that his job is to reduce the Athletics Department's growing deficit and he:
"will continue to look at ways, including student fees, that may be accomplished." (HA)

HA Note: "To the regents, Donovan cited student fees as a common source of revenue within the Western Athletic Conference, in particular, and college athletics, in general, that remains untapped by UH. Schools traditionally give students free or greatly reduced admission prices in exchange for fees. For example, Fresno State had a $10 fee, but recently increased it by $52 under order of president John D. Welty despite student opposition. Three years ago, San Diego State President Steven Webber imposed a $160 increase in the previous fee after a campuswide referendum voted one down. At UH, there had been talk of a $50 annual fee in 2006. Donovan said UH received approximately $50,000 per year from ASUH in the 1980s."

HA Note: "The ASUH's current resolution is a reversal from 2006 when a different ASUH senate adopted a resolution supporting the "implementation of an athletic fee." But that resolution never got to the regents, who must approve any request to impose fees."

Declining to say how much of a fee, if any, he might support, ASUH President Jaime Sohn said:
"As an elected representative of the students it would be hard for me to support any fee without seeing the proposal, hearing student input, and seeing where the money would be going. So, until a proposal is received and the proper steps have been taken I cannot accurately state a specific amount." (HA)

HA Note: "Donovan said he understood the ASUH's wish to take the issue to the student body but said he hoped it could be done in time to implement a fee for the fall semester. Donovan, who said he and administrators have twice met with student leaders since the start of the year, said he was told it could take "12 to 18 months" to get a vote and approval."

Don Weir named new Executive Director for Na Koa

UH = UH Foundation Press Release

UH Note: "The University of Hawai‘i Foundation in partnership with ‘Ahahui Koa Anuenue and the University of Hawai‘i Athletics Department, have created the new position of Executive Director for the school’s football booster club, Na Koa. Dr. Don Weir will assume the position beginning on Monday, March 2. Weir, a two-year letterwinner in football in the 1970s, is the current volunteer booster president for the UH Letterwinners Club. As executive director of Na Koa, Weir will coordinate the booster club’s fundraising campaign that supports the annual operational needs of the Warrior football program."

Happy that Weir has agreed to take this position, Na Koa President Rick Blangiardi said:
“We are very pleased and excited that Don Weir has agreed to take on this critical responsibility for Na Koa and the University of Hawai‘i football program. We are confident that Don’s passion and commitment to Warrior football will create unprecedented success for our coaches and team.” (UH)

Praising Weir, UH coach Greg McMackin said:
“Don will do a great job as our new Na Koa Executive Director. He has an excellent work ethic, is a great person, cares about the University of Hawai‘i, the state of Hawai‘i and our program. He is the final piece of the puzzle to take Na Koa to a higher level.” (UH)

Sure that Weir will do a great job with Na Koa, JD said:
“Having seen firsthand Don’s work as president of UH Letterwinners Club, I am confident of his abilities and leadership. In addition, from a personal level, I am excited that Don, as a former UH football player, has made a commitment to come home and give back to his team and university.” (UH)

Feature Interview with UH Coach Greg McMackin

About how he and Ron Lee drew plays on napkins recently, Mac said:
"I'm sitting down to lunch with my offensive coordinator. We went through a bunch of cut-ups today. We see a lot of fun things we can do." (HSB)

HSB Note: "As last season wore on, Lee took more and more heat for play calling. Some suggested McMackin was vetoing many of his calls, but there was never evidence of it, and the two remain loyal old friends."

About how they need to improve, Mac said:
"Things happened. How do you say it? There were phases that broke down. We're working to improve that. There are a lot of things we need to get better at." (HSB)

Asked last year when he would get to take a breather, Mac said:
"I don't have time. This is what I've been working toward my whole career." (HSB)

About how it is important to keep learning and work through adversity, Mac said:
"I've coached for a lot of years, but I know you have to keep learning every year. I learned it's important to really work for completion and perfection. Last year's team, they were great the way they worked through adversity, and the way they had trust in each other. They were 1-3 at one time and because everyone believed in each other, the team went to a bowl game." (HSB)

Combine Report for Ryan Mouton and David Veikune

About how his hamstring is not seriously injured and he'll run the 40 at UH's Pro Day on April 2, Mouton said:
"I'll be OK." (HA)

HA Note: "Mouton said he "popped" his left hamstring at about the 30-yard mark, and hobbled the rest of the way. Mouton was credited with an "unofficial" time of 4.48 seconds, said his agent Kenny Zuckerman."

HA Note: "Mouton said he had suffered a tight hamstring during last month's East-West Shrine Game in Houston. Mouton, who is listed at 5 feet 9 and 187 pounds, was impressive in field drills yesterday. He had a vertical jump of 39 1/2 inches, and a broad jump of 10 feet, 9 inches."

About how he bench-pressed 225 pounds 35 times, 4th highest at the combine, Veikune said that NFL officials had strict lifting guidelines:
"Anything that was a little off, they'd take off (the total)." (HA)

About how he set a goal of 35 reps, Veikune said:
"I reached it. Anything after that would have been great." (HA)

HA Note: "In the 40-yard dash, Veikune's announced official time was 4.87 seconds, ninth best among the linemen. But he said that was the slowest of the recordings by the three timers. One official clocked Veikune at 4.79 seconds. Veikune also completed the L-drill, which is not shown on the NFL Web site, in 4.20 seconds. Because of his success in field drills, Veikune will not compete in lifting or running drills at Pro Day. Instead, he will participate in position drills. He said he will spend the next few weeks working on his back-pedal moves."

About how he interviewed with every NFL team at the combine, Veikune said:
"(USC quarterback) Mark Sanchez said it was like speed dating." (HA)

HA Note: "Veikune said he also had one-on-one interviews with the head coaches of the Dallas Cowboys, Chicago Bears, Kansas City Chiefs and Arizona Cardinals."

UH may have a scrimmage and autograph session on Maui in April

About how their football scrimmage and autograph session at Maui's War Memorial Stadium in April is still in the proposal stage, JD said:
"We're hopeful it'll all come together." (HA)

HA Note: "The event would be part of the Warriors' spring practice. They still would play the Green-White game at Aloha Stadium."

HA Note: "But Donovan said it was important for "Hawai'i's team" to connect with fans throughout the state. Maui has the second-most pay-per-view customers of UH sports."

JD said that Teri Chang (assistant AD for facilities and operations) was raised in Maui and coordinated the UH-Montana game on Maui several years ago, and:
"is a natural fit to coordinate this." (HA)

David Veikune talked about the NFL combine

HSB Note: "Veikune ranked third among defensive linemen in the bench press with 35 repetitions of 225 pounds at the annual showcase for NFL Draft hopefuls. He also ranked fourth in the 3-cone drill with a time of 7.20 seconds and ninth in the 40-yard dash at 4.87 seconds, although he said he timed lower in his earlier runs. Veikune also had a vertical leap of 33 inches covered and 9 feet, 2 inches in the broad jump."

About the interviews were the most important thing at the combine, Veikune said:
"The main thing was the interview process. People like to focus on the physical stuff, but meeting with NFL teams and head coaches, that's the main thing you get out of it. ... I felt it was a positive experience." (HSB)

UH is hoping the WAC schedules them at home on September 26

About how they asked the WAC to not schedule UH on the road Sept. 26 because of their back-to-back road games on Sept. 12 (Washington State) and Sept. 19 (UNLV), JD said:
"that's all we can do. They have to put the schedule together the best way they can and I don't envy their job, especially this year." (HA)

About trying to accommodate UH, WAC associate commissioner Jeff Hurd said:
"We take special requests and try to balance them the best we can." (HA)

HA Note: "Complicating options for the WAC is the 2009 schedule comes with just 14 Saturday openings, one fewer than 2008, and there may be more midweek games this year under terms of the ESPN contract. Midweek games pose problems because teams that play Tuesday or Wednesday nights don't play Saturday of the same week. UH, because of its travel, is not required to play midweek.

Under the WAC's TV contract, ESPN first selects the games it wants and works out the dates with the conference. For example, two years ago ESPN chose to have the UH-Boise State showdown placed on Nov. 23, the penultimate weekend of the regular season.

Then, the rest of the conference schedule is assembled and, generally, released by mid-February. But ESPN, which was to have made its selections by Feb. 1, has yet to do so, WAC officials said."

UH Regents have not set a deadline for JD to close the AD deficit

About how they understand it will take time to close the Athletic Department budget deficit, Board chairman Al Landon said:
"in the current (economic) environment we simply acknowledge that the challenges that our university and other universities face with athletics. There was a comment from the auditors that we need to be mindful and, absolutely, Jim is on it. There are lots of levers to pull here on how to focus on the financial aspect." (HA)

"we recognize that the financial aspects of this are pretty important and we're pleased that Jim and the entire staff are focused on making the athletic department as efficient as they can." (HA)

About when they will balance their budget, JD said:
"I did not give a timeline (for a balanced budget) because so much of it is dependent upon the economy. If the economy settles down this year, even a little bit, that will help us start to make a comeback. The first goal is to get back to a balanced budget and our second goal is to retire the accumulated deficit." (HA)

Supporting JD, Chancellor Hinshaw said:
"I have a lot of confidence in Jim (Donovan's) ability to lead." (HA)

About their "precarious" financial status, JD told a regents' committee that:
"right now the plan is to try to get to break even and I don't know (when it will happen). I know it is not possible this year. I don't know if it is possible next year. Hopefully the year following that." (HA)

Trying not to cut a sport, JD said:
"I do not want to cut a sport. Depending on how the economy continues, that could be put on the table but that is not my intent. That (cutting a sport) would be an absolutely last resort." (HA)

About how fans can help UH Athletics by attending games, JD said:
"people ask, 'How can I help?' I tell them it is as simple as buying a ticket." (HA)


http://sports.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090221/SPORTS02/902210335/1312&template=UHSports

JD has to save on coaching salaries due to UH's budgetary problems

About how he'll stop the record growth of coaching salaries at UH and try to get to level off, JD said:
"Over time, as coaches change, we can lower salary amounts." (HA)

Asked if that was realistic, JD said:
"that's the reality. That would be my approach." (HA)

HA Note: "The tightening up on salaries comes as UH is running a $5.4 million deficit accumulated over the previous five years. Only a $4,385,555 Sugar Bowl payment put UH in the black for the fiscal year that closed June 30, 2008. For the year that concludes June 30, UH is currently projecting a $3 million deficit."

About how leveling off salaries at UH comes at a time where coaching salaries are rising quickly at the rest of the country, especially in football and men's basketball, JD said:
"Although (leveling salaries) would be counter to everything that is happening in the industry across the country, I think the time is changing with all the reports that I see coming out." (HA)

HA Note: "Wilton and Trapasso could be the first to test Donovan's plan. They are among those whose contracts are scheduled to expire this year."

UH might have to cut a sport

About how their "very fragile" financial state might force them to cut a sport, JD said:
"I would sort of describe it as I'm trying to save the ship from sinking and then I'll start thinking about winning the war." (HA)

"We're not spending frivolously. We don't want to cut a sport, but it may become a fiscal reality at some point. But it will only be done as the last resort." (HSB)

HA Note: "Ironically, the dire talk followed discussion of an independent auditor's report that will show the athletic department had a surplus from the 2007-08 fiscal year (ending June 30, 2008) when the audit goes to the full board today for approval. Only a $4,385,555 payment for the football team's appearance in the 2008 Sugar Bowl kept the department from a deficit for the year. Even with the Sugar Bowl, which produced a $300,000 surplus, UH has a net deficit of $5.4 million built up over the past five years, officials have said. The $300,000 was used to pay down the deficit from $5.7 million."

About the difficult financial situation of UH athletics, the audit report by Accuity LLP said:
"we believe the financial condition of UH athletics is fragile. It requires close scrutiny and monitoring both at the department and campus (levels)." (HA)

HA Note: "With UH looking at the possibility of a $3 million deficit for the current fiscal year that ends June 30, Donovan, who replaced fired Herman Frazier last March, described the department's finances as "very precarious." Donovan said cutting a sport would be a last resort if the economic picture doesn't improve. Under questioning by UH President David McClain and board members, Donovan said that men's swimming and diving, baseball, men's tennis or men's volleyball would be leading possibilities. UH last cut a sport when it dropped women's track and field in 1985 to add softball. The last men's sports cuts were track and field and wrestling in 1977."

About how they cannot cut any of their 11 women's sports or co-ed sailing, only one of the 7 men's sports, JD said:
"Only one men's program (can be cut) and it can't be football or men's basketball." (HA)

"We talk about self-sufficiency, but I am not sure we can ever be completely self-sufficient. There's a lot of revenue leakage that other athletic departments get to keep that we don't. If we don't get those revenue sources, we'll keep running at a deficit. The definition of business insanity is to keep doing the same things over and over, and expect different results. It's a disconnect." (HSB)

HA Note: "The NCAA has a formula for a minimum number of sports a school must offer to retain Division I membership, and UH could not have fewer than six to meet it. UH can't drop a women's sport until it comes into compliance with Title IX, the federal law on equality in education."

HA Note: "It is unlikely that baseball would be dropped except under the most calamitous circumstances because of the strong affinity to the sport here and the investment in the 4,312-seat Les Murakami Stadium. Though no baseball figures for the just-completed fiscal year were given yesterday, previous audits have shown the sport spending $600,000 to $900,000 more than it brings in. Men's volleyball, until recently, was a money maker, turning a $233,114 profit in 2004-05 and $29,144 in 2005-06. Figures were not available for 2007-08. Figures also weren't provided for swimming or tennis, where expenses traditionally exceed revenue."

About how nearly $25 million of their $30 million operating budget is committed to salaries, travel, scholarships and athletes' welfare, JD said:
"If you look at our operating expenses, it is fairly difficult to for us to make horizontal cuts. We would, potentially, make a vertical cut." (HA)

Asked by McClain how he would characterize UH's financial condition in comparison to the rest of the WAC, JD said:
"Through June 30, 2008, we're probably in the middle of the pack. Looking out over the next 18 months, we might be there in the hunt for the worst." (HA)

JD said that UH's operating budget of $29.5 million probably:
"puts us at one or two (in the WAC and), a lot of the schools like Idaho, Utah State and New Mexico State are probably around $13 million to $15 million, so they don't have as far to fall and won't be able to build up the net deficits that we'll be able to." (HA)

HA Note: "McClain said NCAA President Myles Brand told him that the manner in which the school subsidizes athletics at UH is the "normal rather than abnormal" model in college athletics today. McClain said that only six of more than 100 Division I programs operate on their own dime. McClain said "it is too early to tell" if the school will have to drop a sport. He said the university is bracing for a $30 million cut in the $725 million it gets from the state but the figures could change, based on the economy. Athletics generates about five-sixths of its operating budget, with the school underwriting scholarships and lower campus operations."

About how the financial situation for UH and its Athletic Department will be clearer in April, UH President McClain said:
"I think we'll know (the financial picture) better sometime in April, probably near the close of the Legislature. What Virginia (UH-Manoa Chancellor Virginia Hinshaw) will be doing is figuring out what she's able to do for the athletic department from the central administration, and, at the same time, Jim is already taking action on his own looking for revenues and cutting expenses." (HA)

Praising JD, McClain said:
"I do feel we are progressing. We're doing very well under Jim's leadership. He understands Hawaii, the university and the business end of athletics. Sports is an important front porch for the university. With no professional teams, we have a special responsibility to Hawaii. Our athletes are Hawaii's stars." (HSB)

About how their financial statement from the 2007-2008 fiscal year was accepted by the UH Board of Regents committee on university audits, JD said:
"It is by no means a pass. They (the committee) understand how bad the economic situation is. This is the worst fiscal times of our lifetime for anyone who is 60 and younger. I'm not sure if we can ever be completely self-sufficient, but there is a lot of revenue leakage that other schools get to keep that we don't." (HSB)

HSB Note: "The athletic department does not retain any revenue from parking or concessions at sports events. Those are among the "revenue leakage" to which Donovan alluded. Another proposal being revisited is an assessment of a student-activities fee, a portion of which would go to the athletic department."

About adding a student fee for Athletics, McClain said:
"When one of my daughters went to (the University of Colorado), I saw the list of student fees. I'm not saying we have to emulate everything other schools do, but it's worth paying attention." (HSB)

HSB Note: "Various forms of a student activity fee have been presented to the UH student senate over the past several decades, each time being voted down. The effort has been made by the athletic department to boost student attendance at events, including free admission this season to men's volleyball. McClain compared attendance figures for the five theaters in the UH system to those at athletic events in pointing out the impact sports has on the community. He said that annually 150,000 attend events at the theaters as opposed to 700,000 for sports."

About their financial situation, JD said:
"The audit showed that there are some concerns, that we have to understand how we got to where we're at. The good thing is the committee understands how bad the economics are. What would help us the most? Parking revenue, concessions ... all of those would help make it easier to start paying off some of the accumulated debt. If it hadn't been for the Sugar Bowl and the Ching Foundation, we would have been in a deficit." (HSB)

Chris Tormey (former Idaho and Nevada head coach) hired as UH Special Teams Coordinator

About taking the special teams coordinator position at UH, Chris Tormey said:
"It's not about how much money you make. It's the people you're working with, and your chances to be successful. ... I'm looking to being part of a very bright future at the University of Hawai'i." (HA)

HA Note: "Tormey was head coach at Idaho (1995-99) and Nevada (2000-03). The past five seasons, he was the linebackers coach at Washington."

HSB Note: "Tormey, who has 28 years of experience, coached against UH during his tenure at Nevada from 2000 to 2003. He had been an assistant at Washington since 2004, coaching the Huskies' linebackers and serving as recruiting coordinator."

About how he looks for 3 things in a job: location, a good employer and a chance to be successful, Tormey said:
"Hawai'i's a home run on all three counts." (HA)

About wanting to work with his college coach (Mac), Tormey said:
"He coached me at the University of Idaho." (HA)

"(McMackin's) the same guy I knew as a player. I really responded to him and it's the same (with UH)." (HSB)

About Tormey as a player, Mac said:
"He was an excellent player. He was the captain, and probably our best player on defense. We were talking the other day. I remembered he had an interception. I thought he ran it back, but he got tackled on the 1, against Montana State. I think a big offensive tackle chased him down. (HA)

About how he knew that Tormey would be a good coach, Mac said:
"But I always knew he'd be a good coach. You can really tell the guys who have a good personality and a great work ethic and are good people. You know they have the potential to be a good coach. He has all of those things." (HA)

HA Note: "McMackin said Tormey will work with the safeties. Associate head coach Rich Miano is in charge of the defensive secondary. Assistant head coach George Lumpkin will work with the defensive tackles. Dave Aranda is in charge of the defensive line."

About his coaching staff, Mac said:
"I'm really excited about our staff. I really feel comfortable with our staff. They all care about our players. They're experienced, and they're excellent coaches." (HA)

HA Note: "McMackin said there were about 200 applicants for the recent opening. Tormey, who has recruited in Hawai'i the past decade, said he welcomes this opportunity. Tormey had successfully rebuilt a Nevada program that had fallen severely."

About joining UH, Tormey said:
"I'm coming to work for a bowl team. The winning work ethic has been established. They've got a lot of good, young talent at the University of Hawai'i." (HA)

HA Note: "Tormey said he expects to recruit in Hawai'i, Washington and California."

HA Note: "Tormey and wife, Kellie, have two daughters. One attends Washington, the other is at Yale."

About how he's kept track of Tormey's coaching career, Mac said:
"We've never coached together. We've always remained friends. I've always followed him. We've been in the same football family, as you would say. He's always been successful. I'm fortunate to have Chris and his family join us." (HA)

"He was a captain and a great player and after he graduated I followed his career. He and I have been friends and I've always admired him." (HSB)

Happy with being able to hire Tormey, Mac said:
"He's a very valued addition to the staff." (HSB)

"He's a great person and a great coach. I've known him a long time and really trust him. I think he's one of the best in the game so I'm really excited about him." (HSB)

About how he was Washington's primary recruiter in Hawaii, Tormey said:
"I know a lot of the high school coaches in Hawaii and have relationships there, so I think I'll be able to hit the ground running on recruiting." (HSB)

About the importance of special teams, Tormey said:
"I've always thought special teams is the X-factor. It's the difference between winning and losing games. The first thing is just to be sound across the board and the second thing is to make the big plays." (HSB)

Article about Coach Shaw leaving South Dakota for UH

Not surprised that Shaw left their program, University of South Dakota head coach Ed Meierkort said:
"We knew this could happen when we hired him. We're talking about one of the premier offensive line coaches in the country. He's going to double his salary, get a condo on Waikiki - I guess you have to go when that's the offer. We're going to miss him as a coach and as a friend. He's a good person." (Argus Leader)

Feature on UH recruiting from ESPN 1420 Magazine

1420 = ESPN 1420 magazine

Note: I could not find this magazine online, so I apologize in advance for any typos.

About how he discovered Greg Alexander, UH associate head football coach Rich Miano said:
"We were looking high and dry for quarterbacks. There's a book listing all the junior colleges, and I just cold-called [Santa Rosa J.C.] out of the book. I said, 'Hey, do you have a quarterback?' And they said, 'Do we have a quarterback? He threw 71 touchdowns and broke the national record, and nobody's recruiting him!' It was like a financial advisor or insurance person sitting at a desk, cold-calling people. Nick Rolovich and Ron Lee did a great job following up with [Alexander], but it all started with a cold call." (1420)

About how they are at a disadvantage in recruiting because of their distance from the mainland, Miano said:
"The distance factor is obviously a challenge. Logistically, we're at a disadvantage because we're so far away from the kids' schools. We can't be there all the time at the combines and clinics, so you don't have that presence that other schools might have." (1420)

About why their most successful players have generally come from JCs, transfers, or other countries, UH men's basketball associate coach Jackson Wheeler said:
"Yeah, there are some players we bring in that think we're still living in huts over here. A lot of them have never been to Hawaii before. That's why, throughout the history of our program, our most successful players have been our foreign, junior college and transfer players. It takes a more mature person who's used to being away from home, who really appreciates the Hawaii experience. Some high school kids don't mature as quickly as they need in order to make that adjustment." (1420)

About recruiting JC and international players, UH women's basketball assistant coach Matthew Paton said:
"Distance isn't a factor for the international kids. When they're in the United States, they're a long way from home no matter what. For them, it's a unique opportunity for them to play the sport that they enjoy and get a high-cost education. And the JC kids, they have that certain level of independence and maturity. They know what it's like to be away from mom and dad, and they know what it's like to travel on the road. So in that sense, they're already proven." (1420)

About how their lack of TV exposure (just two scheduled ESPN appearances this season) hurts their recruiting, Wheeler said:
"A few years ago, when we were on TV all the time, that really helped us. When AC [former UH guard Anthony Carter] was here, we'd have 10 exposures on ESPN. In other years we'd have at least four or five." (1420)

About how the internet has really changed recruiting, Miano said:
"I'll look at my [e-mail] inbox and have a hundred messages, and 80 of them are from recruits. Before, when I first entered coaching in 1999, you'd get these rich kids who'd pay for these recruiting services, and that's all you'd get. Now it's so much more diverse. There are so many different recruiting services, and they bombard you with e-mails with video highlights. It's made things easier, but it's also much more work. It's harder to find that 'diamond in the rough,' so to speak, because everybody has access to these services. If you're a player, somebody's going to be looking at your tape somewhere." (1420)

About the change in UH's recruiting under Mac, Miano said:
"We didn't have a camp around here for eight or nine years. Under [head coach Greg McMackin], we're having camps and clinics, and reestablishing relationships with all the local coaches. Everything is being done much more professionally in terms of structure." (1420)

About the importance of networking by recruiters, Paton said:
"With an expansive network of high school, junior college and AAU coaches that we've come to know over time, in case of an emergency we can turn around and say, 'All right, I know I can call these half-dozen people and potentially get a very good recruit on short notice.' " (1420)

About how they use the same contacts over and over for recruits, Wheeler said:
"We use a lot of the same [contacts] all the time, and they've been good to us. Take Roderick Flemings. He was in a JUCO program that had sent us players before. He was getting recruited by everybody in the country, but we just hung in there and it worked out in our favor." (1420)

About how recruiting priorities are adjusted for a number of reasons, Paton said:
"You sign a recruit expecting certain attributes to be brought to the program and develop within the program; sometimes you get all of those attributes you're hoping for, and sometimes you only get some of them. Also, injuries can throw a wrench into the works. So you always need to be flexible and fluid in your recruiting." (1420)

About how recruiters must pay attention to detail when they talk with recruits, Paton said:
"If you've recruited very well over previous years and you've built your program to a certain level, then to a certain extent your program becomes self-sustaining. The players want to be there, and they want to be a part of that success. But it definitely takes time and dedication. You have to take a personal interest in each recruit. The last thing you want is to have the recruit feel that she's just a generic name on a page. If you say, 'What position are you again?' or 'Where are you from again?' that's a conversation killer with a recruit. There's a lot of attention to detail and time invested." (1420)

About how teams are getting more aggressive in their recruiting now, Miano said:
"I think it's much more aggressive. A lot of schools will over-offer, giving more scholarships than they have. Even after kids make verbal commitments to you, other schools will continue to recruit them, hoping to change their minds with very aggressive tactics. They'll almost circumvent the rules. If the rule says you can't attend practice, they'll go in before practice starts. They're doing everything and anything to survive and provide for their livelihood. It's a very aggressive game where one big recruit can make a difference." (1420)

Asked what makes a great recruiter, Miano said:
"Certain people can sell, no matter what they're selling. Those guys are big-time recruiters because they can sell the product. Other guys can sell only if they really believe in the product, and I think I come across as one of those guys. I graduated from the University of Hawaii, I played for the University of Hawaii, and I live in the state of Hawaii. I'm very passionate about Hawaii and what I do. In the end, it's like any other job: The more you put into it, the more you get out of it." (1420)

About recruiters can never give up on a recruit, Wheeler said:
"You can't give up easily. You just have to stay competitive, and sometimes it just falls your way. We've had many great players here that, at one time, we didn't think we were going to get. A lot of recruiting is just staying on task and trying to be positive." (1420)

About how giving recruits an opportunity to get an education and play for UH is his reward, Paton said:
"My key thing is opportunity. To see a kid who has worked really hard aand who values the opportunity you're presenting her with - to get an education and play for an elite basketball program - that's the most rewarding thing." (1420)

About how he loves seeing players take their Senior Walk and get their degrees, Miano said:
"The most satisfying thing is seeing them walking the "Senior Walk" and seeing them get their diplomas. We get to see them grow from 18-year-old kids into young men, and hopefully we've taught them about punctuality, teamwork, resiliency and perseverance. A lot of these kids, they're going to go back into our community, and they're going to be able to help their community, be good people and make Hawaii a better place." (1420)

Bess spoke to kids last week about the keys for success

When speaking to kids at the Chris Fuamatu Ma'afala football camp, Bess said:
"There was never a doubt in my mind that I couldn't do it, and just to have the confidence to get things done and you could do anything you want to if you put your mind and your work ethic into it and God's blessed me tremendously to give me the opportunity, and that's the key, getting the opportunity, and when it comes, to make the most of it." (KHNL)

UH will freeze several positions in their Athletic Department

HA Note: "Athletic director Jim Donovan said at least five "administrative-type" posts, including that of Okimoto, who is his secretary, are going unfilled as the department attempts to save money. Donovan said he projects a savings of $395,911 in salary and benefits this year by freezing the positions."

JD said that they will fill 4 other positions (2 assistant football coaches and 2 athletic trainers) because:
"they directly impact student-athletes." (HA)

HA Note: "Officials, citing the impact of a declining economy on revenue, have said the athletic department is staring at the possibility of a "$2 million to $3 million" deficit for the current fiscal year that ends June 30, 2009."

HA Note: "Although the audit report has yet to be released, it is expected to show as much as a $300,000 surplus for 2008-09 thanks to a $4,385,555 payment for the Warriors' appearance in the 2008 Sugar Bowl. Much — if not all — of the $300,000 was expected to go to retiring a portion of the more than $4 million net deficit accumulated over five previous years."

About how position freezes and operating cutbacks are necessary, JD said:
"I know it (the hiring freeze) creates a hardship on the remaining administrative staff having to do the work with less people but it is the most immediate and fiscally responsive thing we can do, so we're doing it." (HA)

About how layoffs and cutting sports is a last resort, JD said:
"We don't want to lay anyone off or look at dropping sports, but based upon the the financial conditions we'll do whatever we have to do." (HA)

About the retirement of Margie Okimoto, JD said:
"we'll certainly feel the loss of Margie, who has worked with six athletic directors and does a super job, but the fact is we need to save some money right now." (HA)

Feature articles on new OL coach Gordy Shaw

About how his daughter Aubrey, currently a high school senior in Minnesota, has decided to enroll at UH, Gordon "Gordy" Shaw said:
"She's got it figured out." (HA)

About how Shaw will be in charge of the OL, with Brian Smith reassigned on the offensive side of the ball, Mac said:
"Gordy is going to be our offensive line coach. There will only be one voice in the offensive line room. I brought him in to coach the offensive line. ... Brian still has a place on the offensive staff." (HA)

Mac said that the change in OL coaches is:
"not a knock on (Smith). Brian is a good, young coach. He's going to be in our offensive plans. He's going to become a better coach working with a veteran coach like Gordy." (HA)

HA Note: "UH received more than 300 applicants. The field was narrowed to five, and then to three finalists. Last week, Shaw was invited to interview in Hawai'i."

About how his family wanted him to apply for the UH job, Shaw said:
"It was a no-brainer for my family. They obviously wanted me to take a look at that job. The thing that really said, 'Yes, I want to really look into it,' was coach McMackin. I really didn't know him. But I know a lot of people who know him. I found he's a great person to work for. He's really big on family." (HA)

About how he met with the OL and watched weight-training sessions during his visit to Hawaii, Shaw said:
"I saw how hard they worked. They're very motivated." (HA)

About how UH's OL need to work on their pass blocking fundamentals, Shaw said:
"The biggest thing, for me, is to clean up the fundamentals of their pass protection. The players, shoot, they're ready to go. They're good players." (HA)

"In any system you have to have good fundamentals." (HSB)

HA Note: "Shaw, who also has coached the defensive line, has experience in a variety of offenses, including four-wide schemes and empty sets."

About how he was impressed with Shaw, Mac said:
"He's got some things that he's done at other places that will strengthen our pass protection. I was impressed with his interview. He sees things on video that the normal person doesn't see. He has a lot of great experience. I really believe he'll fit in with our coaches and players." (HA)

HA Note: "Shaw will participate in spring training. His wife, Debra, will remain in Minnesota until Audrey graduates in June. The couple's eldest daughter, Whitney, is a chemical engineer. Another daughter, Jenna, is a biomedical engineer. The Shaws also own a time-share on Kaua'i."

Happy that he was able to hire Shaw, Mac said:
"I'm really excited about him. I've got a lot of friends in the business who think he's one of the top line coaches in the country. They have a lot of respect for him." (HA)

"He's been recommended to me by a lot of the top-name coaches in the business. ... He's got a very good name in the offensive-line world. We researched the country and I wanted to make sure we got a good one. He'll fit in with our staff." (HSB)

HSB Note: "Shaw returns to the Football Bowl Subdivision (Division I-A) level after one season as offensive coordinator at South Dakota. He spent the previous 14 years at Minnesota, where he coached on both sides of the ball but devoted most of his time coaching the Golden Gophers' offensive line."

When considering the UH job, Shaw said that he called some of his:
"friends I have in the profession and they were telling me how good a coach and person (McMackin) is." (HSB)

About his impression of UH players when he coached against them 3 times when he was with Wyoming and once with Minnesota, Shaw said:
"I really thought their players played really hard, and that's what I want to do, coach guys that are highly motivated." (HSB)

HSB Note: "Shaw said he's a stickler for fundamentals and will take a back-to-basics approach to blocking when he begins working with the Warriors."

Gordy Shaw named UH's new OL coach!

About choosing Gordon "Gordy" Shaw to be their new OL coach, Mac said:
“We had an extensive nationwide search and I feel we got one of the best offensive line coaches in the country. We have one of the top centers in the country coming out this year in John Estes and Gordy not only played the position but coached a Rimington Award winner at Minnesota so we feel it will only help John’s development. Gordy fits into our staff, he’s a student of the game and is one of the top offensive line gurus in the country.” (UH)

Note: Shaw was the offensive coordinator at South Dakota in 2008. Before that, he spent 14 seasons at Minnesota where he coached both the OL and DL. Before that, he was the OL coach at Wyoming from 1990-1992. In 1989 he was the defensive coordinator at Idaho. From 1985-1988 he was the offensive coordinator/OL coach at Northern Colorado. From 1982-1984 he was the DL coach at Northern Arizona. He was the DL coach at Cal Poly from 1980-1981. He was the DL coach at Cal State-Northridge in 1979. He was a graduate assistant at Cal Poly-San Luis Obispo from 1977-1978.

David Veikune update

scout = scout.com

Crediting his success to his coaches at UH and Colorado, Veikune said:
"It's really a tribute to the great coaching that I've gotten both in Hawaii and Colorado. I've had four of five different position coaches, and I've just tried to take everything that I've learned from them and put it out there on the field." (scout)

scout note: "Veikune, who was originally a redshirt freshman at the University of Colorado, spent a year at Fresno City College before heading to the University of Hawaii for his sophomore season. And while he notched seven sacks during his junior year, he didn't become a full-time starter until the 2008 season. With the right coaching at the next level, he should continue to build upon his success."

Looking forward to learning in the NFL, Veikune said:
"The NFL has the best coaches in the land, and I can't wait to start working with them. I know I'll learn some new techniques from them, and I'll continue to get stronger and faster. I'm a versatile player and a guy who just wants to keep getting better to help his team win." (scout)

JoPierre Davis was suspended from the Warriors

HA Note: "Davis was arrested on numerous counts of sexual assault and assault. He also was booked for burglary and promoting a detrimental drug. Police said Davis is a suspect in the Sept. 28 sexual assault of a woman and the Jan. 19 beating of that woman and another man."

About Davis being suspended for violating UH's Code of Conduct, JD said:
"Per the Student-Athlete Handbook, the player was immediately suspended for an indefinite period. He is suspended from participating in all (team-related) activities." (HA)

Mac said that Davis is:
"suspended indefinitely." (HA)

HA Note: "Davis, a 6-foot senior from San Francisco, played in all 14 games for the Warriors in 2008. He was the "gunner" on punts, where his job was to race down on punt coverage and either tackle or down the punt. He made a total of five tackles, four unassisted in 2008."

HA Note: "He was a redshirt in 2005, saw action in two games in 2006 and appeared in 11 games, mainly on special teams and as a backup cornerback in 2007. He returned an interception for a score against New Mexico State Oct. 27, 2007."

Jordan Loeffler will grayshirt and then redshirt at UH

HTH = Hawaii Tribune-Herald

HTH Note: "When University of Hawaii football coaches saw Hilo High School's Jordan Loeffler as a junior at a clinic in Honokaa, they saw a potential diamond in the rough. After all, at 6-foot-5 and 260 pounds, the young Loeffler had the size and potential to impress head coach Greg McMackin and well-known assistant Cal Lee."

About what the UH coaches told him when he was a junior, Loeffler said:
"They told me, "We'll keep an eye on you.' That was pretty awesome, being around all of those other guys at the signing. I got to see a lot of guys who will eventually be my teammates." (HTH)

HTH Note: "Loeffler, 17, a senior at Hilo High, has grown to almost 6-6 and 280 pounds since the Hawaii coaches first saw him. And they have been impressed enough by the young offensive lineman and his enormous potential over the past two years to award him with a football scholarship."

About how he will grayshirt and then redshirt, Loeffler said:
"I'm very excited about playing for the Warriors. I'm going to keep working hard and see what happens. The coaches want me to gray shirt this coming year and then red shirt a year. That will give me time to mature, and to get stronger and faster. I totally agree with coach Mack's decision. I think it's the best thing for me. I'll play in the 2011 season. But it gives me time to get better and I just want to help Hawaii win." (HTH)

Praising Cal Lee, the coach who convinced him to choose UH over Washington and Washington State, Loeffler said:
"Coach Cal is a good coach and he makes a lot of sense when he talks. He speaks the truth." (HTH)

Planning to major in communications or physical education, Loeffler said:
"I'm taking everything one step at a time. I want to get a good degree. I'm going to work hard to get better, and if I have a chance to go pro one day, then I'll look at my options." (HTH)

HTH Note: "In the meantime, Loeffler will throw the discus and shot put for Hilo High during the upcoming track season. He finished third in the shot put and fifth in the discus during last year's Big Island Interscholastic Federation championships."

About preparing for football after track season, Loeffler said:
"Then over the summer, I'll keep working out, trying to get stronger and quicker. 'm really looking forward to going to the University of Hawaii. I want to make a name for myself." (HTH)

HTH Note "Loeffler earned All-State honorable mention this past season while playing for Viking coach Kalani Siliga. He also played in the Hawaii/Polynesia-Mainland Bowl on Oahu."

Thanking the people who have supported him, Loeffler said:
"I'd like to thank my family, my grandparents, my coaches and my former coaches for supporting me. They've been there all along and I really appreciate it." (HTH)

Warriors sign an excellent 29 recruit class

When his news conference announcing their 2009 recruiting class was over, Mac said:
"We're starting to work on next year." (HA)

HA Note: "The Warriors signed 29 prospects, a number that actually swells to 32 when factoring three grayshirts — defensive end Alema Tachibana, and linebackers Art Laurel and Waylon Lolotai."

Mac said that they went over the NCAA's limit of 25 new scholarships, but he said that is isn't like an airline's overbooking in which:
"if a guy loses a seat, he's in big trouble." (HA)

HA Note: "The UH coaches felt they needed to use this recruiting class to restock the defensive secondary and bring in young quarterbacks who can be developed over the next couple of seasons."

HA Note: "Tony Tuioti, UH football's director of player personnel, said the plan was to land physical cornerbacks with speed in an effort to improve the Warriors' bump-and-run coverage."

HA Note: "While remaining true to a four-wide offense, the Warriors also wanted to add a complementary running attack. They signed three running backs — speedster Chizzy Dimude, and bruisers Alex Green and John Lister. Those additions create a ripple effect. Kealoha Pilares now can focus on being a full-time slotback, and Jake Heun can move to rush end."

About their 5 JC transfers, the 3 grayshirts from last year's class, and freshman Billy Ray Stutzmann, who are all enrolled at UH and participating in their offseason conditioning program and will compete in spring practice, Tony Tuioti said:
"We get a whole eight extra months to get these guys ready." (HA)

HA Note: "Tuioti also said that most of the remaining recruits will report to the team in May, allowing them to take summer-school classes. The strategy has a double benefit. Recruits can earn extra credits and participate in the summer workouts."

About how they wanted to sign recruits that could be at UH at the beginning of the summer and not require summer school classes to be eligible to go to UH, Tuioti said:
"All of the guys we signed, we made a point of making sure they'll be here at the beginning of summer and not the end of summer. That'll be big for us. They can come out here and train with their teammates." (HA)

About signing 11 players from local high schools, the most since 2003, Mac said:
"When I came here, I wanted to keep the good Hawaiian players home." (HSB)

About the importance on finishing the recruiting season strong, Mac said:
"Something that is really important to me is closing on guys. In this business ... you're going to lose some and you're going to get some. We've been very aggressive in our recruiting, as aggressive as I've ever been. ... Our commitment of guys decommitting and not decommitting is at 85 percent, which if I was in the business world, that would be a winning number." (HSB)

Mac said that Billy Ray's commitment last summer was:
"the foundation of this recruiting class. He was the first guy and he stayed with it. He had the guts to stay with it." (HSB)

About taking 3 freshman QBs in this class, Mac said:
"I don't ever want to get in the quarterback situation we were in this year, ever. I thought about it and you know what, he's a good quarterback. He's a great kid. He can fit in here, so that's what got us three quarterbacks." (HSB)

HSB Note: "The recruits are split almost evenly between offense (14) and defense (15). Nine of the 29 recruits are junior college players, a trend that the coaching staff hopes to slim down in the coming years."

About how they are trying to get balance in their recruiting, director of football player personnel Tony Tuioti said:
"Slowly we're trying to get to the point where we're balanced out every year. Last year it was offense. This year it was defense. We tried to get a balance and we want to get to the point that we're going with all high school guys, because they get into the program and have four years to develop." (HSB)

Happy to put the recruiting process behind him, Aulola Tonga said:
"I feel relieved it's over. I feel good. My mom probably feels relieved, too. Coach Mack said, 'We're ready for you, No. 3.' " (HSB)

About how he had doubts about his BYU commitment after making an early commitment, Jray Galeai said:
"I was thinking about staying home and playing in front of my family." (HSB)

About committing to BYU, Jray said:
"When I used to live there, I dreamed of playing for them." (HSB)

Surprised Manti Te'o chose BYU, Cayman Shutter said:
"I was kind of shocked about Manti. I know he liked Charlie Weis a lot, but I would've bet the house on USC." (HSB)

About how he'd love for Te'o to transfer to the Warriors, Shutter said:
"Hey, we'll still accept a transfer. He can always come back." (HSB)

About decommitting from UH and choosing Washington, Kimo Makaula (who wants to play TE) said:
"I wanted to play offense and Washington is a great school. They want me to play right away. Coach Mack's a great person. I got to be friends with him." (HSB)

About 6'2", 200-pound safety Kamalani Alo, Tuioti said:
"He's kind of like a 'tweener. He might be a linebacker-safety-type of guy. He slipped through the cracks. He was a safety, but they had to use him as a linebacker. He'll be a big asset because he can run and he's an athletic player." (HA)

About 6'2", 240-pound LB T.J. Alofipo, Tuioti said:
"T.J. has closing speed. He has a knack for the ball. With this attacking defense, he can excel. He played in (a similar) defense. Hopefully, the transition will be smooth. He's a basketball kid, he's an athlete. He has great hands, and great feet. He has natural instinct to know where the ball is." (HA)

About 5'11", 165-pound CB Kalani Brackenridge, Tuioti said:
"He covers a lot of ground. He's a playmaker. He can run. He's athletic. I noticed he's around the ball every time. He's like an Ed Reed. He gets interceptions and he makes plays." (HA)

About 6'1", 190-pound WR Rodney Bradley, Tuioti said:
"He catches everything with his hands. Everything thrown at him, he catches. That's because he doesn't get a lot of passes, so he couldn't afford to drop any." (HA)

About 6'1", 216-pound safety Aaron Brown, Tuioti said:
"He plays fast. He's got the instinct. He's a football player. He looks the part. He's physical. He'll be a steal for us." (HA)

About 5'11", 220-pound LB George Daily-Lyles, Tuioti said:
"I love the way he plays. He plays the game right. Every time I watch him, body-wise, he reminds me of Solly (Solomon Elimimian). He can find the football. He makes a lot of plays, a lot of tackles. He's a vocal leader. A lot of guys follow him. Any time you can get a football player who's a leader, that's a good gift." (HA)

About 5'11", 180-pound CB Lametrius Davis, Tuioti said:
"He's rangy, but he can cover and he can run. The advantage is he's in school now. He can play in spring ball." (HA)

About 5'11", 180-pound Chizzy Dimude, Tuioti said:
"Chizzy is explosive. He's like Michael Brewster. He's a scatback, and he can go the distance if he gets out there." (HA)

About 6'0", 190-pound QB David Graves, Tuioti said:
"He's accurate and very smart. We're excited about him." (HA)

About 6'2", 220-pound RB Alex Green, Tuioti said:
"Alex has power and speed. He likes to be physical. He looks like Marion Barber when he runs the football. He's got a great attitude." (HA)

About 6'1", 315-pound DT David Hafoka, Tuioti said:
"We need a guy like him. We need guys to help us stop the run, and David Hafoka is that type of player for us. He can clog those gaps, and let the linebackers make some plays." (HA)

About 5'9", 160-pound CB Melvin "Tank" Hopkins, Tuioti said:
"Hopkins has that attitude where he wants to be physical. He can flat-out run." (HA)

About 6'1", 190-pound safety Joey Iosefa, Tuioti said:
"He played quarterback, and he has a quarterback's mentality. He's an athlete. His role coming out might be on special teams. That's an important role." (HA)

About 6'5", 305-pound OT Brett Leonard, Tuioti said:
"He's agile and he's athletic. We want to put some good weight on him." (HA)

About 6'1", 205-pound RB John Lister, Tuioti said:
"He's a young guy. But when his number is called, he'll come out of the gates. With his frame, it looks like he can hold 230 easy and still be a good running back. He doesn't have any fat on his body. He's a downhill runner. He's a legit 4.5, 4.6 runner." (HA)

About 6'5", 280-pound OT Jordan Loeffler, Tuoiti said:
"He'll be a project for us, but that's good. That's what you want to do sometimes. You want to bring him in, get him bigger and faster, and he'll pay off. He'll learn the system." (HA)

About 6'2", 250-pound LB Chad Lopati, Tuioti said:
"Man, Chad is a good player. He's a big, physical guy. He also can play defensive end." (HA)

About 6'3", 305-pound OL Benson Ma'afala, Tuoiti said:
"He'll be good for the line. He has a big body, and he can play." (HA)

About 6'2", 245-pound DT Marcus Malepeai, Tuioti said:
"He's got a lot of talent." (HA)

About 6'4", 230-pound DE Veni Manu, Tuioti said:
"He can run. He's got long arms. He's another guy who can become a good player. He's got a lot of upside. And Ma'a Tanuvasa coached him, so you know he's had good coaching." (HA)

About 6'2", 285-pound DT Zach Masch, Tuioti said:
"He's physical. He can add depth to our tackles." (HA)

About 5'11", 185-pound QB Corey Nielsen, Tuioti said:
"He's a smart kid. He loves Hawai'i football. He wants to be here for the right reasons. Some people might have questions about his height. But he's smart, and he finds ways to make plays. He's a playmaker, and he's proved that. He has a big heart and a lot of confidence." (HA)

About 5'8", 160-pound SB Deondre Powell, Tuioti said:
"He's a Davone Bess-type; he gets a lot of yards after catches. He's fun to watch." (HA)

About 6'1", 180-pound QB Cayman Shutter, Tuioti said:
"It's a great thing when you can get a quarterback who won a state championship. It shows what it takes to win. We need guys like that in our program. Hopefully, he'll be a leader for us." (HA)

About 6'4", 200-pound WR Destin Stewart, Tuioti said:
"He's big and he's physical. A lot of guys see him and think he's a senior (in college)." (HA)

About 6'0", 160-pound WR Billy Ray Stutzmann, Tuioti said:
"He's a player. He proved he can play at a top level. He's done everything the right way." (HA)

About 6'3", 200-pound safety Aulola Tonga, Tuioti said:
"He has a great attitude. He's a physical player. He can be a linebacker or a safety. He has a knack for the ball. He can jump. He's a basketball guy." (HA)

About 6'1", 190-pound safety Michael Wadsworth, Tuioti said:
"He's smart, a 4.0 guy. And he can play." (HA)

About 6'4", 325-pound OL Chauncy Winchester-Makainai, Tuioti said:
"He's big and athletic. He can help us in a lot of different ways." (HA)

LB Sage Nua walk on to the Warriors

LVS = Las Vegas Sun

LVS Note: "Liberty linebacker Sage Nua has already left his stamp on Patriots history as the six-year-old school's leading tackler (275). On Wednesday he added another honor as the team's first player to reach a Division-I program."

About being a preferred walk-on for the Warriors, native Hawaiian Nua said:
"It's nice to be going back home. Plus they have a good program where if you work hard you'll play. It's not just all about the guys on scholarship. I hope to contribute to a few wins and work my way onto the field." (LVS)

About how Nua has been their leader and their top defender, Liberty coach Lou Markouzis said:
"Sage has been the rock that our team could lean on for the last few years. He's meant a lot to this team and this program. He'll bring a lot to anyone he plays for. Depending on the system he could be a middle linebacker or outside guy. He could even grow into a defensive end or tight end." (LVS)

Recruiting updates from the Advertiser

About how NLI day is today, Mac said:
"There are two minutes left in the game, and we're in the red zone." (HA)

HA Note: "But according to people close to the situation, the coaches had a recruiting meeting yesterday morning. Two numbers were posted: 80 and 90. Of their scholarship offers, about 80 percent of them were accepted. Of those who accepted, they believe 90 percent will honor their commitments. But estimates must be adjusted. Long Beach (Calif.) Poly defensive end Iuta Tepa will sign with UCLA. Palo Verdes (Nev.) linebacker Liloa Nobriga will go to Colorado. Wai'anae High defensive tackle Wade Keli'ikipi is leaning toward accepting a late-scholarship offer from Oregon."

About how Kapolei LB Chad Lopati is split between UH and Oregon State, Kapolei coach Darren Hernandez said:
"Chad is taking it to the midnight hour." (HA)

HA note: "What's more, three other UH recruits have not met the academic requirements, and offensive tackle Pierce Burton decided to sign with San Jose State. UH was going to bring Burton in as a grayshirt; Burton will join the Spartans this summer."

About how Arizona and Colorado State made late pushes to recruit him, George Daily-Lyles said:
"They were really pushing. But I'm going to be a Warrior. They are pretty much the NFL team of Hawai'i. The people of Hawai'i are really cool. They really stood out to me. And I love the coaching staff and coach McMackin." (HA)

About choosing UH over Oregon and Arizona State, safety Aaron Brown said:
"Signing with Hawai'i is an obvious decision. It wasn't a hard decision at all." (HA)

About his recruiting visit the weekend UH played Cincinnati, Brown said:
"I got to see the fans and meet the team. It's a great atmosphere. And the coaches are great." (HA)

HA Note: "UCLA is on the academic quarter system. Masch had hoped he would be able to join the Bruins at next month's start of the new quarter and participate in spring practice. But he was told the Bruins also were out of mid-year scholarships, and he would not be able to report until summer. With all starting dates being equal, he decided to turn down the UCLA offer and sign with UH."

About choosing UH, Zach Masch said:
"I'm stoked for Hawai'i. Who wouldn't want to spend two years in Hawai'i for free and play for a great program?" (HA)

Mac said that he believes they got a lot of quality players and that:
"we competed against some big-time programs. We competed hard." (HA)

Praising Tony Tuioti and his assistant coaches, Mac said:
"They worked really hard." (HA)

HA Note: "McMackin said recruiting is "the lifeblood" of a football program, and that the signings are "four- and five-year" investments. McMackin said Tuioti has helped craft a system in which the Warriors will know their position needs and available scholarships for the next five years. McMackin said he wants to avoid a top-heavy situation like last season, when there were 35 seniors. That is forcing the Warriors, who had to rebuild the offense last year, to focus on restocking the defense with this year's new scholarships."

HA Note: "Kevin Bell of Kelly Walsh High in Casper, Wyo., will compete at placekicker. Brett Symonds, who redshirted in 2008, also will challenge for the job. Kahuku High's St. John Lessary will join UH as a preferred walk-on, and will compete for the punter's job. And Ingram's younger brother, Luke Ingram, is expected to compete for the long-snapper's job."

About UH's push for Jray Galeai, who committed to BYU two years ago, Kahuku coach Reggie Torres said:
"The best trip he had was UH's. He enjoyed it." (HA)

Clinton Portis is looking forward to shark diving with Colt Brennan

Looking forward to going shark diving with Colt, Portis said:
"Me and Colt (talked) about going swimming with some sharks. Get in a little tank, and do a shark adventure. I'm excited about it, Colt's setting it up. Hopefully we get to do it." (HSB)

Asked if there was a clause in his contract forbidding an activity like shark diving, Portis said:
"I mean, I'm going to be in a cage! If a shark bites through the cage and they can't pull me up in time, I deserved it, boy." (HSB)

Looking forward to shark diving, Colt said:
"It's gonna be a great time. I'm gonna make sure to videotape it for our teammates." (HSB)

Feeling that Colt deserves a chance to play, Portis said:
"Now that he's healthy I think he feels like he's one of the better quarterbacks in the NFL. He deserves a shot. When he gets his shot, I think he'll go out and be real exciting." (HSB)

Colt is back in Hawaii and raising money for the Leukemia Lymphoma Society

KGMB Note: "The Redskins Quarterback and former Warrior is in Hawaii to host a dinner benefitting the Leukemia Lymphoma Society. Brennan just got back yesterday and says he plans to stay about a month. he's thrilled to be back in the state where he set 31 NCAA records."

About going to Hawaii for a month during the offseason and raising money for charity during his stay, Colt said:
"Looking back now, this is exactly what I want to do, I want to come back here, want to make a difference, I want to leave this place which gave me a second chance and gave me everything, every dream i ever wanted. I want to do a lot back for this place and show my appreciation." (KGMB)

Recruiting updates in the Advertiser

About 6'0, 190-pound RB/WR/P John Lessary, who will join UH as a preferred walk-on, Kahuku coach Reggie Torres said:
"He can run, and he can catch. They're getting the whole package. He brings versatility to the program." (HA)

At Kahuku, Torres said that Lessary kicked a:
"few 60-(yard)-plus punts — not rolling, but in the air." (HA)

HA Note: "Lessary's punting earned him the Most Valuable Player honor for a victory against Farrington."

HA Note: "Palo Verdes (Nev.) High's Liloa Nobriga, a defensive end who attended 'Iolani School as a freshman and sophomore, is split in deciding between UH and Colorado. Wai'anae High defensive tackle Wade Keli'ikipi, whose older brother West Keli'ikipi was a UH running back, is now mulling a late offer from Oregon."

About how he will sign with UH despite a late recruiting pitch from Missouri, Destin Stewart said:
"Hawai'i is a different environment, and I want to try something new. And I really like the Hawai'i program." (HA)

HA Note: "Linebacker Chad Lopati of Kapolei High and George Daily-Lyles of Long Beach Poly also rebuffed other offers."

HA Note: "In accepting the head coaching job in January 2008, Greg McMackin vowed to improve the recruiting efforts. Athletic director Jim Donovan doubled the recruiting budget, and Hawaiian Airlines donated 100 roundtrip tickets. McMackin hired Tony Tuioti as director of player personnel. McMackin also started a football camp. That enabled prospects from across the country to tour the Manoa campus. And McMackin also changed UH's recruiting strategy. In the last few years of June Jones' tenure as head coach, the Warriors, who were under financial constraints, brought in the majority of the prospects in the three weekends before the signing day."

HA Note: "The Warriors were the first to make offers to defensive players from Long Beach Poly, a traditional powerhouse. Sometimes the early offers paid off (Daily-Lyles); sometimes they invited competition from area schools such as USC and UCLA (Tepa)."

HA Note: "Running back Jack Sula and defensive tackle Jesse Williams need to fulfill academic requirements. They will not sign tomorrow, although there is a possibility they might still join the team this summer. Cornerback Kevin Williams also does not meet the requirements to play for the Warriors. Overall, this could be one of the most talented UH recruiting classes. Junior college wideout Rodney Bradley, offensive tackle Brett Leonard, defensive tackle David Hafoka, and cornerbacks Lametrius Davis and Tank Hopkins already are enrolled at UH."

Clarence T.C. Ching Field was dedicated yesterday!

HA Note: "The Clarence T.C. Ching Field was dedicated yesterday morning in front of university officials, coaches and state legislators, marking a new chapter in the university's athletic makeover. The $1.2 million turf replacement on the former Cooke Field is the first phase of the Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex, and the project was ushered forward from a $5 million donation last year from the Clarence T.C. Ching Foundation."

About Ching Field, UH-Manoa Chancellor Virginia Hinshaw said:
"The most beautiful attribute of this field is the fact it represents a terrific public and private partnership among the state Legislature, the Clarence T.C. Ching Foundation and the university. Investing in facility is meeting the goal of making UH Manoa as a destination of choice." (HA)

HA Note: "The new artificial playing surface, which includes the school's "H" logo at midfield and the school name in the end zones, will play host to the UH football team's spring practice opening March 30. The field renovation was the first phase of complex work — which will later include construction of a 5,000-seat stadium with locker rooms and coaches offices."

About how the new field surface was desperately needed, JD said:
"The AstroTurf that was put in in 1983 had a 10-year warranty, so we went 25 years with the field that was supposed to last 10. Of course, there was nothing here the last four, five years but asphalt. It's not very easy for people to utilize that." (HA)

HA Note: "The new field will welcome UH athletic teams, band, ROTC and the community. UH cross country and track and field coach Carmyn James said the new field will make her competitions a first-class act. Aside from its usual track meets, UH hosted the WAC championships in 2005 and the U.S. Masters Nationals in 2004."

About how the new field benefits the track events also, Carmyn James said:
"Despite the fact the track is a world-class track, it didn't look very presentable with the infield the way it was. It was just an eyesore." (HA)

Mac said that the field is:
"the staring point of what we want to do in the future. For us in football, it's going to allow us to come down when it gets rainy and won't ruin the grass fields. And we'll always practice on Fridays down here. It's going to be a great addition for us." (HA)

Hoping that high school football teams can use the new field in the fall and track teams can use it in the spring, JD said:
"Our intent is to get other people to come in here to use it. It's good for them, it's good for us because you're bringing athletes onto our campus. In the very least it'll encourage high school kids to consider going to college, and if they're really good athletes maybe it'll help them decide to come to UH." (HA)

About how the Ching Foundation's donation (believed to be the largest in UH Athletics history) is especially important during this weak economy, House Speaker Calvin Say said:
"The current time of economic hardship makes the gift more remarkable and important. More than ever, philanthropic donations are needed. More than ever, philanthropic organizations are finding it harder to give." (HA)

HA Note: "State Sen. Shan Tsutsui, D-4th (Kahului), the vice chair of the Senate Ways and Means Committee, said the complex project is special in "the matching of public and private partners." "

Tsutsui hopes that by the completion of the project:
"lower campus wouldn't be recognizable to many in five years. We just played our role in the state legislature to try to maximize state dollars. It's a good example of what you do when you all work together, have the same vision. I'd like to see more of this happening. Given the tough economic times, it makes the most sense to partner up whenever you can." (HA)

Kalani Brackenridge will play football and baseball at UH

About UH's late offer, Brackenridge said:
"I was surprised, actually. (UH) came to my school and watched us practice before, but I never heard from them until I got a phone call a couple weeks ago from (defensive backs coach) Rich Miano. He was just saying he likes the way I play." (HSB)

Note: Brackenridge had scholarship offers from Washington State and Idaho, but Washington State didn't want him to play baseball and Idaho doesn't have a baseball team.

HSB Note: "Brackenridge visited the Manoa campus over the weekend and got the two-sport offer -- something not very common for UH athletes as freshmen."

About how he played in Les Murakami Stadium recently in the Perfect Games Tournament, Brackridge said:
"There's no dirt (in the infield). I like that field, all natural hops, no bad hops. The ball gets on you quicker. But it doesn't matter what kind of field it is." (HSB)

HSB Note: "Brackenridge is awaiting results of his recent SAT. He has a 2.5 grade-point average, but expects to meet UH's academic requirements."

About a thumb injury ended his senior football season early, Brackenridge said:
"I was frustrated when I got hurt. I wanted to play with my cast (on), but my doctor wouldn't allow it because of the surgery." (HSB)

HSB Note: "Rather than committing early to other schools -- New Mexico, Utah State and Wyoming were also interested -- Brackenridge's patience is being rewarded."

About next football season, Brackenridge said:
"I just want a shot to play and compete at my position." (HSB)

CB Kalani Brackenridge, RB John Lister, and DE Bon Jon Watts commit to the Warriors!

About playing shortstop for UH's baseball team as well as CB for the Warriors, Brackenridge said that he look forward to being able to play the two sports:
"in front of my family and friends." (HA)

HA Note: "Brackenridge is 5 feet 11 and 165 pounds. Kapolei coach Darren Hernandez said Brackenridge can cover 40 yards in 4.5 seconds."

HA Note: "Brackenridge is a member of an athletic family. His father, Lyle Brackenridge, was a baseball player in the Los Angeles Dodgers' and Minnesota Twins' organizations. His brother, Tyron Brackenridge, is a cornerback who recently signed with the New York Jets."

About the offer from UH, Brackenridge said:
"It's a blessing." (HA)

About how Brackenridege moved to Oahu in the spring of his sophomore year, Kapolei head football coach Hernandez said:
"He played baseball, and he was a star there." (HA)

About Brackenridge's ability at CB, Hernandez said:
"This kid has really good cover skills. He's fast, and he can really jump. He has a 36-inch vertical. He has all of the measurables." (HA)

HA Note: "Hernandez predicted that Brackenridge's "best football is ahead of him." Because football is considered to be the dominant financial sport, Brackenridge's scholarship will be in football even though he also will compete as a middle infielder. Brackenridge turned down football offers from Wyoming, Utah State and Idaho because those schools do not compete in baseball."

About how he was a catcher on the 2004 Little League team that won the US championship, Lister said:
"It was a great experience for a 12-year-old to be on (national) television. It was fun. I got a little taste of being part of a high-media sport." (HA)

HA Note: "Lister is 6 feet 1 1/2 and 210 pounds. He ran 40 yards in a laser-timed 4.49 seconds."

About choosing UH over offers from Nevada and UNLV, Lister said:
"I loved it out there. I love the coaches. They've got a good thing going there. They've got a good football team. They're going to win the WAC, and I want to be a part of it." (HA)

HA Note: "Watts, who is 6-2 and 225 pounds, is capable of running 40 yards in 4.56 seconds and benching 360 pounds."

About being raised in Gainesville, Florida, Watts said:
"I'm from the Swamp." (HA)

HA Note: "Watts said he moved to California at the invitation of a friend. He said Lametrius Davis, a UH cornerback and former Butte teammate, was influential in him choosing the Warriors."

About choosing UH, Watts referred to Lametrius Davis when he said:
"I really like the program. The coaches are really nice. And I have a good friend out here. It's a good fit." (HA)

Feature on Angela Curley (Travis LaBoy's Mom)

MIJ = Marin Independent Journal

MIJ Note: "When the confetti rained down on the Glendale, Ariz., football field after the Arizona Cardinals earned a berth in the Super Bowl two weeks ago, the 56-year-old mother of Cardinals defensive starter Travis LaBoy ran on the field with the other families. That's when the Larkspur resident saw the young son of one of LaBoy's teammates playing in a pile of the red-and-white stuff. Curley couldn't resist. She took the plunge next to the little boy, spread out and moved her arms and legs back and forth - making snow angels in the desert."

About making snow angels after Arizona won the NFC Championship game, Curley said:
"I'm ridiculous." (MIJ)

Asked how she felt when her youngest son (17-year-old Preston) showed her a written account of how she acted after that game, Curley said:
"I thought, 'Oh, no. Travis is going to be so embarrassed.' " (MIJ)

MIJ Note: "It wasn't the first time Curley has wondered if she did anything to make LaBoy shake his head and roll his eyes. Yet, the 6-foot-3, 250-pound defensive end/linebacker knows and appreciates that there are few mothers so involved in their children's athletic endeavors, so passionate about them, so opinionated and expressive. Now Curley and the rest of Travis' family are taking their support to the biggest stage of all: the Super Bowl in Tampa, Fla."

MIJ Note: "She stood behind Travis and his older brother CJ when they were down on their luck and homeless for three weeks, living out of a van in Hawaii. They went to the drive-in theater for entertainment and parked at the beach to sleep. Curley vowed to her preschool-age boys that there would be better days ahead."

About Curley, her son CJ said:
"Without her, Travis and I would have had a completely different life." (MIJ)

About how she taught her sons to prevail over challenges, Curley said:
"I knew my kids were going to have to be tough to survive. It was more about preservation and how are we going to prevail. I'm going to show everybody that we can do this. We can win. We're going to be the best. I've always been a charger." (MIJ)

MIJ Note: "Curley, who was a cheerleader and competitive swimmer in high school, always has been beside Travis when he needed a pep talk during critical stages in his life. She was there in kindergarten when Travis was diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Curley told her son that the initials ADHD stood for "athletes determined to dominate." She added that the "h" is "for staying happy while you do it." Curley backed Travis when, as a 9-year-old who was big for his age, he was banned from Dixie Little League by parents who decided he was a physical threat to other players after a competitor's leg was broken by a sliding LaBoy."

About how Travis felt when he was banned from football as a 9-year-old, Curley said:
"He was crushed - devastated. I told him, 'One day all those people are going to be calling your name.'" (MIJ)

MIJ Note: "Who knew then that LaBoy would someday make the starting lineup of a Super Bowl team? It wasn't easy. Travis was not a starter on the Marin Catholic High squad as a junior until his older brother, a defensive tackle, convinced his coach, Mark Haering, that Travis would do well if he lined him up next to him at defensive end. Travis was not a model student or a teacher's pet either so, after he flunked out of Utah State, Curley literally marched him over to College of Marin to take summer classes to get his grades up so he could walk on and play football at the University of Hawaii. By his senior year at Hawaii, LaBoy was the Western Athletic Conference defensive player of the year and was picked in the second round of the NFL draft in 2004. He joined the Tennessee Titans and his mom joined the NFL Moms on a Mission Squad with mothers of other NFL players. Curley still does charitable work for the squad and for her son's foundation set up to combat autism."

About how Curley's personality, her husband Art Curley said:
"She's the ultimate cheerleader. That's part of her personality. She's a get-it-done type person." (MIJ)

MIJ Note: "Curley's charitable work has taken her to four Super Bowls, but this is the first time she will go to cheer on her son. Each player in the game is allotted 15 tickets, so Curley, along with CJ, Preston and Art, flew on a team family charter flight from Phoenix to Tampa."

About how his Mom is loud during Travis' games, CJ said:
"No matter if Travis is on the field or not, she is trying to be the loudest, most obnoxious screamer in the stands. She is nonstop, full tilt from the moment she gets to her seat to the second the game is over. It's amazing how much energy she has on game days." (MIJ)

MIJ Note: "Curley has a large white pro-Cardinals sign with red lettering - "NFL's new pecking order" - that she brought to the stadium for the NFC title game two weeks ago. However, at the players' entrance she was asked to unfurl the banner and it was determined it surpassed sign size limits. Curley asked the inspector to check the sign manual and, when the inspector's back was turned, Curley handed the sign to her ex-husband, Cliff LaBoy, who sneaked it into the stadium."

About her enthusiasm during games, Curley said:
"I bring a sense of energy and optimism and a certain amount of dynamics. Maybe it's because I'm (the astrological sign) Leo and a leader. (Cardinals family friends) need someone like me as a catalyst." (MIJ)

About how Travis appreciates the support his family has given him, Preston Curley said:
"He will never accept the (notion) he got to the NFL on his own. He says, 'You all got me here.'" (MIJ)

MIJ Note: "But LaBoy persevered. He had a rough childhood and a lot of things went wrong for him. But this season everything has gone right. He was an unrestricted free agent last summer and his brother CJ, now an NFL players' agent, helped him choose the Cardinals, believing they had enough talent to make the playoffs. Aside from injuries, life couldn't be better for LaBoy and his family. Two weeks ago, his mother seized the moment and made sure he knew that."

About what she said to Travis during the wild celebration on the field after the NFC Championship game, Curley said:
"You're 27 years old and you've reached your dream. You did it." (MIJ)

Travis looked into his mother's eyes and responded:
"Yeah, mom. We did it." (MIJ)

Recruiting updates from the Star-Bulletin

About why he wants to go straight to UH and avoid needing to play at a junior college in the fall, James Smith said:
"If I take the junior college route, I'd have to wait two years (to graduate). You only get three years of D-I experience. I want to go straight to UH and get my experience, build my confidence." (HSB)

HSB Note: "If Smith, a Star-Bulletin All-State first-team football selection, can thrive in his academics this spring, a spot on the University of Hawaii roster may be in his future. The academic part: passing Algebra II -- a UH requirement -- and recording a solid score on his SAT in March. At 5-foot-11, 190 pounds, his play at safety was one of many defensive strengths for the Governors." Several of his teammates, All-State selections in their own right, will play at junior colleges this fall. For Smith, JC is Plan B.

About how Rich Miano has been his contact to the UH coaching staff, Smith said:
"He likes the way I play. My techniques and the way I get over the top." (HSB)

HSB Note: "Simione Vehikite raised eyebrows last week by making a visit to Washington even though he had committed to USC. Vehikite (6-1, 245) had been on Hawaii's radar early in the season, going back to UH's summer camp. Vehikite, who is not yet a qualifier, was not offered by the Warriors and he nearly fell through the cracks. However, then-USC assistant coach Steve Sarkisian was intrigued with Vehikite. After he watched the Hawaii/Polynesia vs. Mainland Bowl live on Fox Sports West, the Trojans offered the Hurricanes senior a scholarship. Vehikite figures to play at fullback in USC's West Coast offense."