OK = The Oklahoman
Asked how his summer has been going, Destin Stewart said:
"It’s been going good. I’ve taken two classes at OCCC and kept working out. When I’ve had a chance, I’ve done some work with my dad and my uncle to try to make a little extra money before I head off to school on Aug. 4. I worked with my dad working on yards some and with my uncle working on cars. I just don’t have enough time for a regular job." (OK)
Asked what classes he took this summer and what he's majoring in at UH, Stewart said:
"English writing and English reading. I just wanted to get a little head start before I went out there and get some credits out of the way early. I’m planning on majoring in sports medicine. It’s just something I think I’d enjoy. I don’t want to get stuck doing a job that I don’t like for the rest of my life." (OK)
Asked if he thinks that he'll get a chance to play right away at UH, Stewart said:
"I think I’m ready for the football part of it and I’d like to. At the same time, I think it might be better to redshirt just to get adjusted to college and take things slow like that. But I think I’m ready to play." (OK)
Asked what he's most looking forward to about going off to college: football or being in Hawaii, Stewart said:
"Definitely football. I just want to go there to learn new things and keep getting better. But I’m not going to lie, being in Hawaii will be nice, too." (OK)
http://newsok.com/article/3389666
Friday, July 31, 2009
Warrior Players are Supporting Coach McMackin
Supporting Mac, John Estes said:
"We wanted to support Coach Mac. He's a great person on and off the field. You can see how he cares and that came out in the press conference." (HA)
Feeling that the punishment was fair to Mac, Raphael Ieru said:
"It was hard to watch him break down. I think the punishment was fair. We've got to support our coach. We're here for him no matter what. I know it was tough for him." (HA)
About the emotions before and during the press conference, Ray Hisatake said:
"I was just as emotional as Coach Mac. We all say stupid things and I think Coach Mac really regrets it. Before we went in (into the press conference), we all met with Coach Mac and he was balling. We all feel his pain. I've never seen coach so vulnerable." (HA)
About how he went to the Press Conference to show his support for Mac, Aaron Kia said:
"It was very emotional for him, and for us. (Came) to show support for Coach. To let him know we're here for him in times of trouble. Things happen in life that don't go your way. People in need of help need to know people are here for them. It was hard to see your leader taking heat." (HA)
Feeling that the punishment was fair, Billy Ray Stutzmann said:
"I think it was fair. Everyone makes mistakes and you've got to pay for your mistakes. I feel for him. We all forgive him. We, as a team, forgive him. I'm glad he came out and apologized." (HA)
http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/20090731/BREAKING02/90731082/UH+players+reactions+to+McMackin+s+suspension++pay+reduction
"We wanted to support Coach Mac. He's a great person on and off the field. You can see how he cares and that came out in the press conference." (HA)
Feeling that the punishment was fair to Mac, Raphael Ieru said:
"It was hard to watch him break down. I think the punishment was fair. We've got to support our coach. We're here for him no matter what. I know it was tough for him." (HA)
About the emotions before and during the press conference, Ray Hisatake said:
"I was just as emotional as Coach Mac. We all say stupid things and I think Coach Mac really regrets it. Before we went in (into the press conference), we all met with Coach Mac and he was balling. We all feel his pain. I've never seen coach so vulnerable." (HA)
About how he went to the Press Conference to show his support for Mac, Aaron Kia said:
"It was very emotional for him, and for us. (Came) to show support for Coach. To let him know we're here for him in times of trouble. Things happen in life that don't go your way. People in need of help need to know people are here for them. It was hard to see your leader taking heat." (HA)
Feeling that the punishment was fair, Billy Ray Stutzmann said:
"I think it was fair. Everyone makes mistakes and you've got to pay for your mistakes. I feel for him. We all forgive him. We, as a team, forgive him. I'm glad he came out and apologized." (HA)
http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/20090731/BREAKING02/90731082/UH+players+reactions+to+McMackin+s+suspension++pay+reduction
UH Suspended Coach McMakin for 30 Days
About Mac's punishment, JD said:
"We have completed the investigation with the cooperation of Coach McMackin. Because of violations of University policies, I have decided, with the approval of Chancellor Hinshaw, on the following actions:
* Coach McMackin will be suspended without pay for 30 days. However, Coach McMackin has agreed to volunteer to coach the team for those 30 days because he doesn’t want the team or the university to be harmed by his mistake.
* In addition, Coach McMackin will be voluntarily participating in the salary reduction at the same level as myself.
There are other steps we have discussed that Coach McMackin has agreed to accomplish so I’ll ask Chancellor Hinshaw to present those.” (UH)
Chancellor Hinshaw then detailed additional measures:
"We all recognize that yesterday Coach McMackin made a serious mistake that has hurt many people and brought negative attention to our State and our University. He is clearly remorseful - as well he should be. This has been a painful experience for all involved, but we must now consider actions that will help everyone learn from this very negative event and improve for the future.
In my own interactions with Coach McMackin, he has always been respectful in dealing with all people and set an excellent example for our student-athletes. Yet he still made a serious mistake and we all know that words carry painful consequences so we are all striving to deal with the damage that was done. To lead the healing process, in addition to the actions described by Athletics Director Donovan:
* Coach McMackin will personally participate in activities directed at improving the environment for our community through working with the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community on campus. Camaron Miyamoto, coordinator for our LGBT services, has discussed with us how we can turn this into a learning experience for the whole campus.
* That will include Coach’s participating in a public service announcement describing how words can hurt, presenting during student orientations, and supporting awareness training for the athletics program.
* Also, a part of the money from his salary reduction will be used by the University to support a student intern for LGBT to assist in conducting campus-wide workshops in awareness training.
We believe these steps will move us forward by making this painful experience into a positive learning experience for Greg McMackin, our UH Manoa campus, and our community. I can assure you that UH Manoa is truly committed to providing an inclusive, supportive environment for all members of our community.” (UH)
HA Note: "McMackin will be allowed to coach the team "as a volunteer" during the suspension, and the money from his suspension will be used to fund an intern for a gay/lesbian group."
Very positive about the measures taken by UH, Camaron Miyamoto, Coordinator, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Student Services said:
"Today will strengthen a positive and on-going working relationship between LGBT Student Services, the UH Commission on the Status of LGBTI Equality and the Department of Athletics.
Continued collaboration between LGBT Student Services, the Chancellor’s Office, and the Department of Athletics is a necessary and needed first step to address homophobia and to promote institutionalized change at our university.
I am entirely devoted to providing every opportunity for Coach McMackin and the Department of Athletics to serve as advocates for change in support of LGBT people in Hawai`i.
It is my hope that our combined resources and efforts will build a more respectful and inclusive campus." (UH)
Ending the press conference with an apology, Mac said:
“I made a big mistake. I want to apologize to everyone that I offended with my remarks. I’m committed to do whatever I can to use this as a life lesson and to learn from my mistake. When we make mistakes we have to learn from it and make better people of ourselves.
I talked to Charlie (Weis) at Notre Dame and apologized to him and his outstanding football team. I should have never brought the Notre Dame program up in my interview.
I’m sorry I said something so hurtful and I’m very remorseful. I’ve offended the gay and lesbian community and now I’m going to work with the LGBT community on campus to use this as a teachable moment for me and hopefully others. I’m very pained and disappointment in myself and hope to make up for some of the pain I’ve caused others. I’ve made a mistake and now I have to show the leadership in dealing with both the football program and building respect for all people in our community.” (UH)
About the disciplinary actions taken against Mac, Chancellor Hinshaw said:
"We all recognize that yesterday Coach McMackin made a serious mistake that has hurt many people and brought negative attention to our state and university. He is clearly remorseful — as well as he should be. This has been a painful experience for all involved, but we must now consider actions that will help everyone learn from this very negative event." (HA)
HA Note: "Members of some of the campus gay/lesbian groups were at today's athletic department press conference at the Stan Sheriff Center."
About the actions taken today, Camaron Miyamoto (UH coordinator of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Student Services) said:
"Today will strengthen a positive and on-going working relationship between LGBT Student Services, the UH commission on the status of LGBTI Equality and the Department of Athletics." (HA)
Supporting his coach, Jayson Rego said:
"Coach is a great guy, I truly believe he is sorry." (HA)
JD said that Mac will coach during his 30-day suspension:
"because he doesn't want the team or the university to be harmed from his mistake." (HA)
http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/20090731/BREAKING01/90731054/UH+suspends+McMackin
http://www.hawaiiathletics.com/news/2009/7/31/GEN_0731094027.aspx
"We have completed the investigation with the cooperation of Coach McMackin. Because of violations of University policies, I have decided, with the approval of Chancellor Hinshaw, on the following actions:
* Coach McMackin will be suspended without pay for 30 days. However, Coach McMackin has agreed to volunteer to coach the team for those 30 days because he doesn’t want the team or the university to be harmed by his mistake.
* In addition, Coach McMackin will be voluntarily participating in the salary reduction at the same level as myself.
There are other steps we have discussed that Coach McMackin has agreed to accomplish so I’ll ask Chancellor Hinshaw to present those.” (UH)
Chancellor Hinshaw then detailed additional measures:
"We all recognize that yesterday Coach McMackin made a serious mistake that has hurt many people and brought negative attention to our State and our University. He is clearly remorseful - as well he should be. This has been a painful experience for all involved, but we must now consider actions that will help everyone learn from this very negative event and improve for the future.
In my own interactions with Coach McMackin, he has always been respectful in dealing with all people and set an excellent example for our student-athletes. Yet he still made a serious mistake and we all know that words carry painful consequences so we are all striving to deal with the damage that was done. To lead the healing process, in addition to the actions described by Athletics Director Donovan:
* Coach McMackin will personally participate in activities directed at improving the environment for our community through working with the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community on campus. Camaron Miyamoto, coordinator for our LGBT services, has discussed with us how we can turn this into a learning experience for the whole campus.
* That will include Coach’s participating in a public service announcement describing how words can hurt, presenting during student orientations, and supporting awareness training for the athletics program.
* Also, a part of the money from his salary reduction will be used by the University to support a student intern for LGBT to assist in conducting campus-wide workshops in awareness training.
We believe these steps will move us forward by making this painful experience into a positive learning experience for Greg McMackin, our UH Manoa campus, and our community. I can assure you that UH Manoa is truly committed to providing an inclusive, supportive environment for all members of our community.” (UH)
HA Note: "McMackin will be allowed to coach the team "as a volunteer" during the suspension, and the money from his suspension will be used to fund an intern for a gay/lesbian group."
Very positive about the measures taken by UH, Camaron Miyamoto, Coordinator, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Student Services said:
"Today will strengthen a positive and on-going working relationship between LGBT Student Services, the UH Commission on the Status of LGBTI Equality and the Department of Athletics.
Continued collaboration between LGBT Student Services, the Chancellor’s Office, and the Department of Athletics is a necessary and needed first step to address homophobia and to promote institutionalized change at our university.
I am entirely devoted to providing every opportunity for Coach McMackin and the Department of Athletics to serve as advocates for change in support of LGBT people in Hawai`i.
It is my hope that our combined resources and efforts will build a more respectful and inclusive campus." (UH)
Ending the press conference with an apology, Mac said:
“I made a big mistake. I want to apologize to everyone that I offended with my remarks. I’m committed to do whatever I can to use this as a life lesson and to learn from my mistake. When we make mistakes we have to learn from it and make better people of ourselves.
I talked to Charlie (Weis) at Notre Dame and apologized to him and his outstanding football team. I should have never brought the Notre Dame program up in my interview.
I’m sorry I said something so hurtful and I’m very remorseful. I’ve offended the gay and lesbian community and now I’m going to work with the LGBT community on campus to use this as a teachable moment for me and hopefully others. I’m very pained and disappointment in myself and hope to make up for some of the pain I’ve caused others. I’ve made a mistake and now I have to show the leadership in dealing with both the football program and building respect for all people in our community.” (UH)
About the disciplinary actions taken against Mac, Chancellor Hinshaw said:
"We all recognize that yesterday Coach McMackin made a serious mistake that has hurt many people and brought negative attention to our state and university. He is clearly remorseful — as well as he should be. This has been a painful experience for all involved, but we must now consider actions that will help everyone learn from this very negative event." (HA)
HA Note: "Members of some of the campus gay/lesbian groups were at today's athletic department press conference at the Stan Sheriff Center."
About the actions taken today, Camaron Miyamoto (UH coordinator of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Student Services) said:
"Today will strengthen a positive and on-going working relationship between LGBT Student Services, the UH commission on the status of LGBTI Equality and the Department of Athletics." (HA)
Supporting his coach, Jayson Rego said:
"Coach is a great guy, I truly believe he is sorry." (HA)
JD said that Mac will coach during his 30-day suspension:
"because he doesn't want the team or the university to be harmed from his mistake." (HA)
http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/20090731/BREAKING01/90731054/UH+suspends+McMackin
http://www.hawaiiathletics.com/news/2009/7/31/GEN_0731094027.aspx
Notre Dame's Charlie Weis accepted McMackin's apology
Accepting Mac's apology, Notre Dame head coach Charlie Weis said:
"Our media day is not until next Friday so I believe it is in the best
interests of the Notre Dame football program to address this issue promptly
then put it to rest.
Yesterday, Coach McMackin demonstrated poor judgment when, while making comments critical of our football program, he used a derogatory word. Speaking only for our football program, we were offended by the remarks.
This afternoon I received a phone call from Coach McMackin and he
apologized to me and asked I pass that along to my players and coaches. We accept his apology and we will move on.
As a parent of a daughter with global developmental delays, I am especially sensitive to offensive characterizations like the one at issue here. But in no way do I believe Coach McMackin¹s comments were intended to be offensive. In our phone conversation today, I expressed those sentiments.
It is now time to put this incident behind us and return focus to the 2009
season." (HsB)
http://www.starbulletin.com/news/breaking/52214842.html
"Our media day is not until next Friday so I believe it is in the best
interests of the Notre Dame football program to address this issue promptly
then put it to rest.
Yesterday, Coach McMackin demonstrated poor judgment when, while making comments critical of our football program, he used a derogatory word. Speaking only for our football program, we were offended by the remarks.
This afternoon I received a phone call from Coach McMackin and he
apologized to me and asked I pass that along to my players and coaches. We accept his apology and we will move on.
As a parent of a daughter with global developmental delays, I am especially sensitive to offensive characterizations like the one at issue here. But in no way do I believe Coach McMackin¹s comments were intended to be offensive. In our phone conversation today, I expressed those sentiments.
It is now time to put this incident behind us and return focus to the 2009
season." (HsB)
http://www.starbulletin.com/news/breaking/52214842.html
Pisa Tinoisamoa explains why he wanted a one-year contract with Chicago
CST = Chicago Sun-Times
CST Note: "Speaking of linebackers, the expected starter on the strong side is Pisa Tinoisamoa. He's already up to speed in the defense and said it's virtually the same as what he was used to as a rookie in St. Louis in 2003."
About how he's comfortable wiht the Bears' defense even though today was just the first day of training camp, Pisa talked about how similar the system is to the system he was in as a rookie:
"It's the exact same thing." (CST)
CST Note: "Tinoisamoa signed a one-year contract worth $1.5 million ($1 million base, $500,000 signing bonus). He was released by the St. Louis Rams in late May and acknowledged the thought process was that a one-year deal allowed him to enter the free market at a more opportune time."
About why he wanted a contract for just one year instead of a longer deal, Pisa said:
"We tossed around the idea of a two-year deal, at least, and we talked about what happened because I got released at that time. There were different options. Weighing it out and looking at free agency and the potential that we have there, and looking at the teams we had interested, it only made sense to sign the one-year [contract]. Hopefully, things work out [longterm]. But if not, you're with a good defense, an established defense and one I am familiar with, and I'm with a team that likes me. Why not?'' (CST)
http://blogs.suntimes.com/bears/2009/07/bear_tracks_recapping_a_busy_f.html
CST Note: "Speaking of linebackers, the expected starter on the strong side is Pisa Tinoisamoa. He's already up to speed in the defense and said it's virtually the same as what he was used to as a rookie in St. Louis in 2003."
About how he's comfortable wiht the Bears' defense even though today was just the first day of training camp, Pisa talked about how similar the system is to the system he was in as a rookie:
"It's the exact same thing." (CST)
CST Note: "Tinoisamoa signed a one-year contract worth $1.5 million ($1 million base, $500,000 signing bonus). He was released by the St. Louis Rams in late May and acknowledged the thought process was that a one-year deal allowed him to enter the free market at a more opportune time."
About why he wanted a contract for just one year instead of a longer deal, Pisa said:
"We tossed around the idea of a two-year deal, at least, and we talked about what happened because I got released at that time. There were different options. Weighing it out and looking at free agency and the potential that we have there, and looking at the teams we had interested, it only made sense to sign the one-year [contract]. Hopefully, things work out [longterm]. But if not, you're with a good defense, an established defense and one I am familiar with, and I'm with a team that likes me. Why not?'' (CST)
http://blogs.suntimes.com/bears/2009/07/bear_tracks_recapping_a_busy_f.html
More quotes about the Mac controversy
Hours after his press conference, as he was about to board a shuttle for the airport, Mac said:
"I'm so disappointed in myself. So disappointed." (HA)
About Mac's statements, JD said:
"Coach McMackin is a good man and cares for the University of Hawaii and the football program. He made a statement he shouldn't have made. I believe one of Hawaii's greatest strengths and the University of Hawaii's greatest strengths is our diversity and we're very proud of that and we wouldn't want to say or do anything that would hurt anyone." (HSB)
"Obviously we don't condone his remarks, particularly since we take such great pride in the diversity of our state and university. I've conveyed my disappointment to him and he has expressed deep regret for showing such poor judgment." (HA)
"I cannot comment on personnel matters. We'll go through the normal university procedures." (HA)
About Mac's inappropriate language, Gov. Lingle said:
"I think anybody who's in public life that talks a lot in public faces this problem. I've certainly said things I wish I could take back and I know the Coach is feeling that way right now. Nobody's going be harder on him than he's going be on himself in this situation. I read his remarks in the paper. I know he's just kicking himself right now about it. I believe him when he says this is not who he is as a person and his players have backed that up." (HSB)
UH President David McClain said that he was:
"angered and disappointed by the statement attributed to Coach McMackin. It certainly does not represent the values of the University of Hawaii. I'm glad to learn that Coach has apologized; this is the first step in the healing process." (HSB)
Declining comment, incoming UH President MRC Greenwood said:
"I think (McClain) should be the one to issue anything on behalf of the university." (HSB)
UH Manoa Chancellor Hinsaw said:
"Coach Greg McMackin's use of a derogatory term (f----- dance) during his remarks at today's WAC event is highly regrettable, offensive and surprising to those of us who know him. I know that Coach McMackin deeply regrets his comments because they do not represent his personal beliefs nor those of the University of Hawaii at Manoa, which supports an inclusive campus environment for all students. Hurtful language like this has no place in our community, and particularly not among leaders of our UH Manoa campus. Athletic Director Jim Donovan and I will be discussing with Coach McMackin further steps that will be taken to reaffirm his and our commitment to fair and equal treatment of all." (HA, HSB)
Letting UH handle things for now, WAC Commissioner Karl Benson said:
"There is a sportsmanship piece in our code that may apply and at the appropriate time we'll address it. As far as this matter today, it's going to be a University of Hawaii matter." (HSB)
About not posting Mac's press conference online, Benson said:
"Obviously his remarks were offensive and he showed his sincerity just his last couple minutes in terms of his regret. I don't know if there's any useful purpose to put that type of remark out there online." (HSB)
About how this became big news quickly, UH sports information director Derek Inouchi said:
"Seeing it on ESPN as soon as we got on the plane said it was pretty big news." (HA)
HA Note: "
Under the headline, "Hawaii's McMackin exposed at WAC media preview," ESPN.com said the coach's comments "and then his string of apologies were like a snowball running out of control. You kind of wanted someone to tell him to stop talking. Then, in his final apology, he sounded like a child who got caught doing something he shouldn't have." The Chicago Tribune called McMackin's comments "stupendously unfortunate" and compared his initial bumbling apology to "... a guy carrying a flower pot full of water to a five-alarm fire ...""
In addition to diversity training for athletic department employees and a donation from Mac to a gay support group, PFLAG-Oahu, a local gay rights group, wants Mac to fund a public service announcement on:
"the dangers of abusive language on the field, in the classroom and elsewhere." (HSB)
"PFLAG O'ahu is appalled that the head coach at UH-M would be so unprofessional, so homophobic and so prejudicial that he would voice a gay slur even in jest. Behind closed doors is bad, but to voice the 'F' at a press conference at the Western Athletic Conference Football Preview is unacceptable." (HA)
About Mac's unfortunate use of words, Carolyn Martinez Golojuch, president of the Oahu chapter of Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays said:
"Behind closed doors is bad, but to voice the 'F' at a press conference at the Western Athletic Conference Football Preview is unacceptable. This discriminatory incident is a reflection of widespread verbal abuse that many times leads to assaults in our society." (HA)
"If we let this coach slide on through, he won't have learned a lesson and neither will any other coach or students standing there listening." (HA)
HA Note: "Martinez Golojuch said McMackin needs to do more than apologize. Her organization called for the UH president to ensure McMackin funds a public service announcement on the dangers of abusive language on the field and classroom, donates $10,000 to a gay support group for LGBT youth, and that the UH athletics staff attend diversity training with a professional trainer."
Darlene Nipper, deputy executive director of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, said:
"These comments as reported are an outrage and we urge the University of Hawai'i to act swiftly to take the proper steps to ensure this does not happen again." (HA)
HSB Note: "Perhaps a huge public firestorm ensues in the wake of McMackin's triple faux pas (that's what is most remarkable: in trying to recover from his error, he utters the offending word twice more, cameras and tape recorders still running)."
HSB Note: "McMackin loves his job. He worked all his career to become a head coach, and therein lies a problem. When assistant coaches talk to reporters, they're often off the record.
Still, no excuse. McMackin had to be in a daze to realize he wasn't speaking to every major newspaper in the WAC yesterday, not to mention ESPN."
The Orlando Sentinel noted that C-USA has just had a videoconference and said:
"Ouch. McMackin is going to wish the WAC held a videoconference like Conference USA, which had multiple technical difficulties." (HA)
Idaho Statesman columnist Brian Murphy said:
"... I know I looked at my Statesman colleagues with a 'Can you believe he just said that?' look. As he repeated the word, it was obvious that this was news." (HA)
Reno Gazette Journal writer Dan Hinxman wrote on his blog:
"McMackin has endeared himself to much of the WAC press because of his politeness. He's just a genuinely nice guy who enjoys making people laugh. Does that excuse or make up for what he said? Of course not. But it was abundantly clear, and he said so later in his press conference, that he was attempting to be glib. There was no evil in his intent. There is no doubt about this: (McMackin's) demeanor in the couple hours that followed his comments was rather forlorn and somber. He most definitely learned a lesson, and he won't do that again." (HA)
On ESPN's "Pardon the Interruption" cable show, host Tony Kornheiser said Mac:
"could be fired (yesterday)." (HA)
Ferd wrote:
"Why McMackin chose to not only resurrect but compound it yesterday tossing around a term offensive to gays we'll never know and he will undoubtedly long regret. But in using — and repeating — "f-----" yesterday at the Western Athletic Conference Football Media Preview, McMackin went beyond a forgettable football game to something more regrettable, intolerance, in the worst of forums.
Before a room full of reporters and tape recorders in Salt Lake City he attempted to make light of his own failing and ended up, by reflection, disparaging the school that employs him instead. This before what became, in the age of the internet, a national audience.
Then, stumbling through an apology, he proceeded to dig the hole deeper telling reporters to "just, please ... cover for me" or he would "deny it."
Eventually, McMackin returned and made a full and heartfelt apology."
"I'm so disappointed in myself. So disappointed." (HA)
About Mac's statements, JD said:
"Coach McMackin is a good man and cares for the University of Hawaii and the football program. He made a statement he shouldn't have made. I believe one of Hawaii's greatest strengths and the University of Hawaii's greatest strengths is our diversity and we're very proud of that and we wouldn't want to say or do anything that would hurt anyone." (HSB)
"Obviously we don't condone his remarks, particularly since we take such great pride in the diversity of our state and university. I've conveyed my disappointment to him and he has expressed deep regret for showing such poor judgment." (HA)
"I cannot comment on personnel matters. We'll go through the normal university procedures." (HA)
About Mac's inappropriate language, Gov. Lingle said:
"I think anybody who's in public life that talks a lot in public faces this problem. I've certainly said things I wish I could take back and I know the Coach is feeling that way right now. Nobody's going be harder on him than he's going be on himself in this situation. I read his remarks in the paper. I know he's just kicking himself right now about it. I believe him when he says this is not who he is as a person and his players have backed that up." (HSB)
UH President David McClain said that he was:
"angered and disappointed by the statement attributed to Coach McMackin. It certainly does not represent the values of the University of Hawaii. I'm glad to learn that Coach has apologized; this is the first step in the healing process." (HSB)
Declining comment, incoming UH President MRC Greenwood said:
"I think (McClain) should be the one to issue anything on behalf of the university." (HSB)
UH Manoa Chancellor Hinsaw said:
"Coach Greg McMackin's use of a derogatory term (f----- dance) during his remarks at today's WAC event is highly regrettable, offensive and surprising to those of us who know him. I know that Coach McMackin deeply regrets his comments because they do not represent his personal beliefs nor those of the University of Hawaii at Manoa, which supports an inclusive campus environment for all students. Hurtful language like this has no place in our community, and particularly not among leaders of our UH Manoa campus. Athletic Director Jim Donovan and I will be discussing with Coach McMackin further steps that will be taken to reaffirm his and our commitment to fair and equal treatment of all." (HA, HSB)
Letting UH handle things for now, WAC Commissioner Karl Benson said:
"There is a sportsmanship piece in our code that may apply and at the appropriate time we'll address it. As far as this matter today, it's going to be a University of Hawaii matter." (HSB)
About not posting Mac's press conference online, Benson said:
"Obviously his remarks were offensive and he showed his sincerity just his last couple minutes in terms of his regret. I don't know if there's any useful purpose to put that type of remark out there online." (HSB)
About how this became big news quickly, UH sports information director Derek Inouchi said:
"Seeing it on ESPN as soon as we got on the plane said it was pretty big news." (HA)
HA Note: "
Under the headline, "Hawaii's McMackin exposed at WAC media preview," ESPN.com said the coach's comments "and then his string of apologies were like a snowball running out of control. You kind of wanted someone to tell him to stop talking. Then, in his final apology, he sounded like a child who got caught doing something he shouldn't have." The Chicago Tribune called McMackin's comments "stupendously unfortunate" and compared his initial bumbling apology to "... a guy carrying a flower pot full of water to a five-alarm fire ...""
In addition to diversity training for athletic department employees and a donation from Mac to a gay support group, PFLAG-Oahu, a local gay rights group, wants Mac to fund a public service announcement on:
"the dangers of abusive language on the field, in the classroom and elsewhere." (HSB)
"PFLAG O'ahu is appalled that the head coach at UH-M would be so unprofessional, so homophobic and so prejudicial that he would voice a gay slur even in jest. Behind closed doors is bad, but to voice the 'F' at a press conference at the Western Athletic Conference Football Preview is unacceptable." (HA)
About Mac's unfortunate use of words, Carolyn Martinez Golojuch, president of the Oahu chapter of Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays said:
"Behind closed doors is bad, but to voice the 'F' at a press conference at the Western Athletic Conference Football Preview is unacceptable. This discriminatory incident is a reflection of widespread verbal abuse that many times leads to assaults in our society." (HA)
"If we let this coach slide on through, he won't have learned a lesson and neither will any other coach or students standing there listening." (HA)
HA Note: "Martinez Golojuch said McMackin needs to do more than apologize. Her organization called for the UH president to ensure McMackin funds a public service announcement on the dangers of abusive language on the field and classroom, donates $10,000 to a gay support group for LGBT youth, and that the UH athletics staff attend diversity training with a professional trainer."
Darlene Nipper, deputy executive director of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, said:
"These comments as reported are an outrage and we urge the University of Hawai'i to act swiftly to take the proper steps to ensure this does not happen again." (HA)
HSB Note: "Perhaps a huge public firestorm ensues in the wake of McMackin's triple faux pas (that's what is most remarkable: in trying to recover from his error, he utters the offending word twice more, cameras and tape recorders still running)."
HSB Note: "McMackin loves his job. He worked all his career to become a head coach, and therein lies a problem. When assistant coaches talk to reporters, they're often off the record.
Still, no excuse. McMackin had to be in a daze to realize he wasn't speaking to every major newspaper in the WAC yesterday, not to mention ESPN."
The Orlando Sentinel noted that C-USA has just had a videoconference and said:
"Ouch. McMackin is going to wish the WAC held a videoconference like Conference USA, which had multiple technical difficulties." (HA)
Idaho Statesman columnist Brian Murphy said:
"... I know I looked at my Statesman colleagues with a 'Can you believe he just said that?' look. As he repeated the word, it was obvious that this was news." (HA)
Reno Gazette Journal writer Dan Hinxman wrote on his blog:
"McMackin has endeared himself to much of the WAC press because of his politeness. He's just a genuinely nice guy who enjoys making people laugh. Does that excuse or make up for what he said? Of course not. But it was abundantly clear, and he said so later in his press conference, that he was attempting to be glib. There was no evil in his intent. There is no doubt about this: (McMackin's) demeanor in the couple hours that followed his comments was rather forlorn and somber. He most definitely learned a lesson, and he won't do that again." (HA)
On ESPN's "Pardon the Interruption" cable show, host Tony Kornheiser said Mac:
"could be fired (yesterday)." (HA)
Ferd wrote:
"Why McMackin chose to not only resurrect but compound it yesterday tossing around a term offensive to gays we'll never know and he will undoubtedly long regret. But in using — and repeating — "f-----" yesterday at the Western Athletic Conference Football Media Preview, McMackin went beyond a forgettable football game to something more regrettable, intolerance, in the worst of forums.
Before a room full of reporters and tape recorders in Salt Lake City he attempted to make light of his own failing and ended up, by reflection, disparaging the school that employs him instead. This before what became, in the age of the internet, a national audience.
Then, stumbling through an apology, he proceeded to dig the hole deeper telling reporters to "just, please ... cover for me" or he would "deny it."
Eventually, McMackin returned and made a full and heartfelt apology."
Brashton Satele is back at LB
About how he wants to play LB, Brashton Satele said:
"That's my house, I feel comfortable there. I guess Coach McMackin appreciated it and considered taking me back. ... My goal was just to get in shape for the season and do what was best for the team." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Satele weighed close to 265 pounds during spring practice while practicing at middle linebacker along with Mana Lolotai. After the Warriors closed the spring, Satele was listed as a defensive end on the Warriors' depth chart with Lolotai slated to start at middle linebacker. Satele and Lolotai then spent much of their summer working with trainer Chad Ikei in Scottsdale, Ariz. Ikei, a Hawaii product who runs Ikei Sports Performance, also lists NFL players among his clientele and put the linebackers through a daily regimen that had them at the gym from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m."
About working out with Chad Ikei, Brashton said:
"That routine is killer. My goal was just to get in shape for the season and do what was best for the team. If I moved back to middle linebacker, I would. If not I'd play where coach wanted me." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Now at 238 pounds, Satele said he's at his lowest playing weight since his freshman year at UH, while Lolotai -- who could still be a starter at outside linebacker -- also returned in improved condition."
About how Mana Lolotai was with him in Arizona, Brashton said:
"It was a good thing that we were there pushing each other." (HSB)
About learning from Sol and Adam last year, Brashton said:
"I learned the position and I got to learn from the best." (HSB)
About the most significant lesson he learned from Sol, Brashton said:
"You have to be the man, you have to make those tough calls. You just have to take charge of that defense because they'll need somebody to look at." (HSB)
http://www.starbulletin.com/sports/sportsnews/20090731_satele_back_to_linebacker.html
"That's my house, I feel comfortable there. I guess Coach McMackin appreciated it and considered taking me back. ... My goal was just to get in shape for the season and do what was best for the team." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Satele weighed close to 265 pounds during spring practice while practicing at middle linebacker along with Mana Lolotai. After the Warriors closed the spring, Satele was listed as a defensive end on the Warriors' depth chart with Lolotai slated to start at middle linebacker. Satele and Lolotai then spent much of their summer working with trainer Chad Ikei in Scottsdale, Ariz. Ikei, a Hawaii product who runs Ikei Sports Performance, also lists NFL players among his clientele and put the linebackers through a daily regimen that had them at the gym from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m."
About working out with Chad Ikei, Brashton said:
"That routine is killer. My goal was just to get in shape for the season and do what was best for the team. If I moved back to middle linebacker, I would. If not I'd play where coach wanted me." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Now at 238 pounds, Satele said he's at his lowest playing weight since his freshman year at UH, while Lolotai -- who could still be a starter at outside linebacker -- also returned in improved condition."
About how Mana Lolotai was with him in Arizona, Brashton said:
"It was a good thing that we were there pushing each other." (HSB)
About learning from Sol and Adam last year, Brashton said:
"I learned the position and I got to learn from the best." (HSB)
About the most significant lesson he learned from Sol, Brashton said:
"You have to be the man, you have to make those tough calls. You just have to take charge of that defense because they'll need somebody to look at." (HSB)
http://www.starbulletin.com/sports/sportsnews/20090731_satele_back_to_linebacker.html
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Quotes from the KHON feature on the controversy
KHON Note: "At a million dollars a year, Mcmackin is the state's top paid employee. According to the coach's contract, termination for cause could be based on anything that disregards the character of the university or causes notorious and public scandal. He would have to pay back about a half million dollars if let go. Mcmackin arrives back in Hawaii Thursday night."
About the controversy, UH President David McClain said:
"I'm angered and disappointed by the statement attributed to coach Mcmackin this morning, it certainly does not represent the values of the University of Hawaii." (KHON)
About the controversy, RachelMckenna (UH Manoa XYZ Gay Straight Alliance) said:
"Whether he intended to promote personal homophobia or now, his actions had the same result, because his actions sent that same message and I don't think that's acceptable in any way." (KHON)
About the controversy, UH student Sabine Lowrey said:
"You know, if you can't stand by your school's coach, then you're not gonna really want to go out there and support the team because the coach is a reflection of the team." (KHON)
About the controversy, UH student Shawna Espere said:
"I think a lot of low attendance and maybe a lot of protesting, a lot of boycotts, I do feel so." (KHON)
KHON Note: "The Board of Regents will be taking up the matter in executive session at its next meeting."
http://www.khon2.com/news/local/story/University-of-Hawaii-Football-Coach-in-Hot-Water/ECdGEu70XU-n7_4OYwE-Ag.cspx
About the controversy, UH President David McClain said:
"I'm angered and disappointed by the statement attributed to coach Mcmackin this morning, it certainly does not represent the values of the University of Hawaii." (KHON)
About the controversy, RachelMckenna (UH Manoa XYZ Gay Straight Alliance) said:
"Whether he intended to promote personal homophobia or now, his actions had the same result, because his actions sent that same message and I don't think that's acceptable in any way." (KHON)
About the controversy, UH student Sabine Lowrey said:
"You know, if you can't stand by your school's coach, then you're not gonna really want to go out there and support the team because the coach is a reflection of the team." (KHON)
About the controversy, UH student Shawna Espere said:
"I think a lot of low attendance and maybe a lot of protesting, a lot of boycotts, I do feel so." (KHON)
KHON Note: "The Board of Regents will be taking up the matter in executive session at its next meeting."
http://www.khon2.com/news/local/story/University-of-Hawaii-Football-Coach-in-Hot-Water/ECdGEu70XU-n7_4OYwE-Ag.cspx
Statements by Chancellor Hinshaw and Jim Donovan on the controversy
Statement by UH Manoa Chancellor Virginia Hinshaw:
"Coach Greg McMackin’s use of a derogatory term during his remarks at today’s WAC event is highly regrettable, offensive and surprising to those of us who know him.
I know that Coach McMackin deeply regrets his comments because they do not represent his personal beliefs nor those of the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa, which supports an inclusive campus environment for all students.
Hurtful language like this has no place in our community, and particularly not among leaders of our UH Mānoa campus. Athletic Director Jim Donovan and I will be discussing with Coach McMackin further steps that will be taken to reaffirm his and our commitment to fair and equal treatment of all.
We have a strong relationship with our Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender community, including Student Services Coordinator Camaron Miyamoto, so we are already working with them as to the best approach to address this issue." (Idaho Statesman)
Statement by Athletics Director Jim Donovan:
"We’re very disappointed regarding the comments Coach Greg McMackin made at the WAC Media Preview earlier today in Salt Lake City. Obviously we don’t condone his remarks, particularly since we take such great pride in the diversity of our state and university. I’ve conveyed my disappointment to him and he has expressed deep regret for showing such poor judgment. Aside from today’s inexcusable statement, Coach McMackin has been a steadfast ambassador for the University and the state of Hawai`i. He has shared with me his anguish and remorse regarding what he said. Further, I have called Notre Dame Athletics Director Jack Swarbrick and apologized on behalf of our athletic department and university. I plan to meet with Coach McMackin tomorrow." (Idaho Statesman)
http://www.idahostatesman.com/sports/story/851337.html
"Coach Greg McMackin’s use of a derogatory term during his remarks at today’s WAC event is highly regrettable, offensive and surprising to those of us who know him.
I know that Coach McMackin deeply regrets his comments because they do not represent his personal beliefs nor those of the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa, which supports an inclusive campus environment for all students.
Hurtful language like this has no place in our community, and particularly not among leaders of our UH Mānoa campus. Athletic Director Jim Donovan and I will be discussing with Coach McMackin further steps that will be taken to reaffirm his and our commitment to fair and equal treatment of all.
We have a strong relationship with our Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender community, including Student Services Coordinator Camaron Miyamoto, so we are already working with them as to the best approach to address this issue." (Idaho Statesman)
Statement by Athletics Director Jim Donovan:
"We’re very disappointed regarding the comments Coach Greg McMackin made at the WAC Media Preview earlier today in Salt Lake City. Obviously we don’t condone his remarks, particularly since we take such great pride in the diversity of our state and university. I’ve conveyed my disappointment to him and he has expressed deep regret for showing such poor judgment. Aside from today’s inexcusable statement, Coach McMackin has been a steadfast ambassador for the University and the state of Hawai`i. He has shared with me his anguish and remorse regarding what he said. Further, I have called Notre Dame Athletics Director Jack Swarbrick and apologized on behalf of our athletic department and university. I plan to meet with Coach McMackin tomorrow." (Idaho Statesman)
http://www.idahostatesman.com/sports/story/851337.html
The WAC will not discipline Mac for now
HJ = Herald Journal
Mac returned to talk to the media after his press conference was over and said:
“I want to officially, officially apologize. Please don’t write that statement I said as far as Notre Dame. The reason is, I don’t care about Notre Dame, but I don’t want every homosexual ticked off at me. You know what I mean? I don’t have any problems with homosexuals, but I apologize for saying that and I’d appreciate it if you wouldn’t run that particular word. If you said dance, that’s OK. But don’t use the bad term that I chose, please. Thank you.” (HJ)
About 90 minutes after he made his comments, Mac issued this formal apology:
“I would sincerely like to apologize for the inappropriate verbiage and the words that I used. ... I have nothing against the University of Notre Dame. ... I don’t talk like that and I’m really ticked off at myself for saying that. I don’t have any prejudices and it really makes me mad that I even said that and I’m disappointed in myself.
... What I was trying to do was be funny and it wasn’t funny, and it’s not funny. Even more, it isn’t funny to me. I was trying to make a joke and it was a bad choice of words and I really, really, really feel bad about it and I wanted to apologize.
I’m going to apologize to my team, I’m going to apologize to the people in Hawaii ... All I can do is apologize and I feel bad that I used those words and it was really stupid. I just feel really bad about it and I apologize.” (HJ)
About how the WAC will not discipline Mac now and will leave things up to UH, WAC Commissioner Karl Benson said:
“This primarily will be a University of Hawaii issue. There is a sportsmanship piece in our code that may apply and at the appropriate time, we will address it.” (HJ)
http://hjnews.townnews.com/articles/2009/07/30/breaking_news/breakingnews001-07-30-09.txt
Mac returned to talk to the media after his press conference was over and said:
“I want to officially, officially apologize. Please don’t write that statement I said as far as Notre Dame. The reason is, I don’t care about Notre Dame, but I don’t want every homosexual ticked off at me. You know what I mean? I don’t have any problems with homosexuals, but I apologize for saying that and I’d appreciate it if you wouldn’t run that particular word. If you said dance, that’s OK. But don’t use the bad term that I chose, please. Thank you.” (HJ)
About 90 minutes after he made his comments, Mac issued this formal apology:
“I would sincerely like to apologize for the inappropriate verbiage and the words that I used. ... I have nothing against the University of Notre Dame. ... I don’t talk like that and I’m really ticked off at myself for saying that. I don’t have any prejudices and it really makes me mad that I even said that and I’m disappointed in myself.
... What I was trying to do was be funny and it wasn’t funny, and it’s not funny. Even more, it isn’t funny to me. I was trying to make a joke and it was a bad choice of words and I really, really, really feel bad about it and I wanted to apologize.
I’m going to apologize to my team, I’m going to apologize to the people in Hawaii ... All I can do is apologize and I feel bad that I used those words and it was really stupid. I just feel really bad about it and I apologize.” (HJ)
About how the WAC will not discipline Mac now and will leave things up to UH, WAC Commissioner Karl Benson said:
“This primarily will be a University of Hawaii issue. There is a sportsmanship piece in our code that may apply and at the appropriate time, we will address it.” (HJ)
http://hjnews.townnews.com/articles/2009/07/30/breaking_news/breakingnews001-07-30-09.txt
Colt appreciates having a former QB as a coach
About the difference between last year and this year and the benefit of having a head coach who used to be a QB, Colt said:
“It’s a progression I think. Last year he was trying to progress me into the league, going from being a college quarterback to being a pro quarterback. Now he’s starting to coach me up as if, ‘ok what would you do if you were the starter.’ I think it’s just part of being a young quarterback. It helps when your coach played the position you play. When he is telling you something he knows exactly how to do it, he’s been there before.” (warpathconfidential.com)
http://www.warpathconfidential.com/?p=235#more-235
“It’s a progression I think. Last year he was trying to progress me into the league, going from being a college quarterback to being a pro quarterback. Now he’s starting to coach me up as if, ‘ok what would you do if you were the starter.’ I think it’s just part of being a young quarterback. It helps when your coach played the position you play. When he is telling you something he knows exactly how to do it, he’s been there before.” (warpathconfidential.com)
http://www.warpathconfidential.com/?p=235#more-235
Article about the budget cuts WAC schools are facing
About how they have had to cut their budget, BSU coach Chris Petersen said:
"We've had to make some hard decisions." (HA)
About how he had to turn down a $75 purchase that his equipment manager wanted to make recently, Petersen said:
"We're not going to get it. We don't have $75. Those are the conversations we've had." (HA)
HA Note: "The California state schools also have been hit hard. There has been talk of ordering furloughs for employees."
About the budget cuts that SJSU and other California schools face, Dick Tomey said:
"We're going to have to see what the state mandates." (HA)
About cutting their budget, Tomey said:
"we're trying to go line by line (over the budget) and see where we can help the effort." (HA)
About how they might have to not have the football team stay in hotels the night before home games, Tomey said:
"The idea of staying in a hotel the night before a game might become passe. I don't think it's an essential item." (HA)
HA Note: "This year, only four WAC schools, including Hawai'i, printed media guides. Nevada cited "continuing efforts of financial responsibility" in its decision to not print "traditional media guides.""
Looking on the bright side, Hill said:
"At least we're not laying off anybody yet. There might be layoffs. It's a difficult time." (HA)
HA Note: "But Derek Dooley, Louisiana Tech's athletic director and football coach, said his athletic department "didn't get caught up in the hysteria. The first thing people tend to do is panic." Instead, Louisiana Tech made "strategic cuts" while still funding "areas we needed to invest in. We made more investments than cuts." He said the athletic department purchased a new video scoreboard, formed a partnership with TicketMaster, added new sky suites to the football stadium and formed an events-management staff. Dooley said the "investments" will help recruiting and increase the fan base by making the game-day experience more enjoyable. Dooley said the school needed to "make tough investments" that will pay off in the "back end." He cautioned against "putting money in a mattress." "
HA Note: "In his annual state-of-the-league address, WAC commissioner Karl Benson reiterated that the conference will receive an additional $5 million from the larger BCS and ESPN agreements. While ESPN's seven-year contract extension begins this football season, the extra payments won't be made until 2010. The money then will be funneled to the member schools."
http://sports.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090730/SPORTS0201/907300359&template=UHsports
"We've had to make some hard decisions." (HA)
About how he had to turn down a $75 purchase that his equipment manager wanted to make recently, Petersen said:
"We're not going to get it. We don't have $75. Those are the conversations we've had." (HA)
HA Note: "The California state schools also have been hit hard. There has been talk of ordering furloughs for employees."
About the budget cuts that SJSU and other California schools face, Dick Tomey said:
"We're going to have to see what the state mandates." (HA)
About cutting their budget, Tomey said:
"we're trying to go line by line (over the budget) and see where we can help the effort." (HA)
About how they might have to not have the football team stay in hotels the night before home games, Tomey said:
"The idea of staying in a hotel the night before a game might become passe. I don't think it's an essential item." (HA)
HA Note: "This year, only four WAC schools, including Hawai'i, printed media guides. Nevada cited "continuing efforts of financial responsibility" in its decision to not print "traditional media guides.""
Looking on the bright side, Hill said:
"At least we're not laying off anybody yet. There might be layoffs. It's a difficult time." (HA)
HA Note: "But Derek Dooley, Louisiana Tech's athletic director and football coach, said his athletic department "didn't get caught up in the hysteria. The first thing people tend to do is panic." Instead, Louisiana Tech made "strategic cuts" while still funding "areas we needed to invest in. We made more investments than cuts." He said the athletic department purchased a new video scoreboard, formed a partnership with TicketMaster, added new sky suites to the football stadium and formed an events-management staff. Dooley said the "investments" will help recruiting and increase the fan base by making the game-day experience more enjoyable. Dooley said the school needed to "make tough investments" that will pay off in the "back end." He cautioned against "putting money in a mattress." "
HA Note: "In his annual state-of-the-league address, WAC commissioner Karl Benson reiterated that the conference will receive an additional $5 million from the larger BCS and ESPN agreements. While ESPN's seven-year contract extension begins this football season, the extra payments won't be made until 2010. The money then will be funneled to the member schools."
http://sports.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090730/SPORTS0201/907300359&template=UHsports
Mac apologized for using an "offensive phrase" at the WAC Football Preview
RGJ = Reno Gazette-Journal
HA Note: "UH head coach Greg McMackin apologized for using an "offensive phrase" during his speech to reporters at today's WAC Football Preview in Salt Lake City. McMackin used the phrase — which is a derogatory term for gays — while telling a story about the chant competition between the Notre Dame and UH football teams at the Hawai‘i Bowl banquet in December. He used the term to describe Notre Dame's chant."
Apologizing for the phrase he used, Mac said:
"In trying to make a joke, I regret using an offensive phrase. It wasn't meant to cause any harm. I apologize." (HA)
“I would sincerely like to apologize for the inappropriate verbage of words that I used. I have nothing against the University of Notre Dame. I don’t talk like that. I’m really ticked off at myself for saying that. I don’t have any prejudices. It really makes me mat that I said that. I’m disappointed in myself.” (HA)
"I want to officially, officially apologize. Please don’t write that statement I said as far as Notre Dame. The reason is, I don’t care about Notre Dame. But I’m not a … I don’t want to come out and have every homosexual ticked off at me. You know what I mean. Because I don’t have any problem with homosexuals. But I apologize for saying that and I’d appreciate it if you wouldn’t run that word. If you said dance, that’s OK. But don’t use the bad term that I chose, please. Thank you." (RGJ)
HA Note: "McMackin used a variation of the phrase two more times in trying to apologize during his speech. Each of the nine WAC coaches is allotted 30 minutes to give a preview of his football team. Later, McMackin issued another apology to the reporters."
About how the loss to Notre Dame was the worst loss of his 40-year career, Mac said:
“It ticks me off that I said that because Notre Dame played a great ball game. What I was trying to do was be funny, and I wasn’t funny, and it’s not funny. Even more, it isn’t funny to me. I was trying to make a joke. It was a bad choice of words. I really, really feel that. I wanted to apologize. I’m going to apologize to my team. I’m going to apologize to the people of Hawai‘i. ... All I can do is apologize, and I feel bad that I used those words. It was really stupid. I just feel really bad. I apologize.” (HA)
About how it was unusual for Mac to use that phrase, Brashton Satele said:
“He loves everybody. He never says anything bad about anybody.” (HA)
HA Note: "WAC commissioner Karl Benson said the issue will now be handled by the university. Benson said there is a sportsmanship clause in the WAC bylaws, and that McMackin might face sanctions ranging from a reprimand to suspension."
The Reno Gazette-Journal included these parts of Mac's statements:
"I know most of the coaches in the country are rooting for us to beat Notre Dame. Charlie gives this talk, 'We do something special at Notre Dame,' and (the players) get up and they do this little cheer ... this little faggot dance." (RGJ)
"Don't write that 'faggot' down. I was misquoted. Just please … cover for me," McMackin said Thursday. "Go ahead, say ‘faggot dance.’ No. Please cover for me on that, too — right Karl? I’ll deny it. Anything else?" (RGJ)
Transcript of part of Mac's speech:
"I think I screwed up, because the night before the game — getting back to Notre Dame — they'd been in a slump, and I think we were favored in the game for a while. I don't know why. They had 48 Parade All-Americans, and we have none. But what happened is we had a banquet the night before, so Charlie (Weis) gets up with the, you, we're up with the presidents and all that, and my team is over here and his team is over here. And I know most of the coaches in the country were rooting for us to beat Notre Dame. Charlie gave this talk, and then he goes — any Notre Dame fans in here? Anybody like Notre Dame? OK, good, good. See, that's the bad thing. Not many people do unless you're a true Notre Dame guy. And I knew, the whole country's watching and they want us to win. It made me sick after that game. It made me sick. But I screwed up, and I'll never do this again. He had his guys. 'We do something special at Notre Dame,' he said, and they get up and they do this little cheer, like this (clap), you know, this little faggot dance. And you remember, Jason and Stephen, so my guys were looking at me. They're all looking at me trying not to laugh. So I gave them the shaka. Don't write that 'faggot' down. I was misquoted. Anyway, I gave them the shaka. So our guys get up, and it was the best (ha‘a) I've ever seen. I mean, they're on their chair. They have beads on, they're ripping their beads off. I mean, it was a little scary. I think Notre Dame watched that and said: 'We better have ourselves ready,' because they really played a good game. I can't take away. Their quarterback was on fire. I even challenged the last play of the half because there's no way that guy could have caught it. We had two guys on him. He caught it out of bounds with his toes in, and it wasa. It was just great execution. So, anyway, just please. Last year, you covered for me as far as (inavertently mentioning a) recruit. Cover for me. Go ahead. Say 'faggot dance.' No, please cover for me on that, too. Right, Karl? I'll deny it. Anything else?" (HA)
http://warriorbeat.honadvblogs.com/2009/07/30/bump-and-go-coverage
HA Note: "UH head coach Greg McMackin apologized for using an "offensive phrase" during his speech to reporters at today's WAC Football Preview in Salt Lake City. McMackin used the phrase — which is a derogatory term for gays — while telling a story about the chant competition between the Notre Dame and UH football teams at the Hawai‘i Bowl banquet in December. He used the term to describe Notre Dame's chant."
Apologizing for the phrase he used, Mac said:
"In trying to make a joke, I regret using an offensive phrase. It wasn't meant to cause any harm. I apologize." (HA)
“I would sincerely like to apologize for the inappropriate verbage of words that I used. I have nothing against the University of Notre Dame. I don’t talk like that. I’m really ticked off at myself for saying that. I don’t have any prejudices. It really makes me mat that I said that. I’m disappointed in myself.” (HA)
"I want to officially, officially apologize. Please don’t write that statement I said as far as Notre Dame. The reason is, I don’t care about Notre Dame. But I’m not a … I don’t want to come out and have every homosexual ticked off at me. You know what I mean. Because I don’t have any problem with homosexuals. But I apologize for saying that and I’d appreciate it if you wouldn’t run that word. If you said dance, that’s OK. But don’t use the bad term that I chose, please. Thank you." (RGJ)
HA Note: "McMackin used a variation of the phrase two more times in trying to apologize during his speech. Each of the nine WAC coaches is allotted 30 minutes to give a preview of his football team. Later, McMackin issued another apology to the reporters."
About how the loss to Notre Dame was the worst loss of his 40-year career, Mac said:
“It ticks me off that I said that because Notre Dame played a great ball game. What I was trying to do was be funny, and I wasn’t funny, and it’s not funny. Even more, it isn’t funny to me. I was trying to make a joke. It was a bad choice of words. I really, really feel that. I wanted to apologize. I’m going to apologize to my team. I’m going to apologize to the people of Hawai‘i. ... All I can do is apologize, and I feel bad that I used those words. It was really stupid. I just feel really bad. I apologize.” (HA)
About how it was unusual for Mac to use that phrase, Brashton Satele said:
“He loves everybody. He never says anything bad about anybody.” (HA)
HA Note: "WAC commissioner Karl Benson said the issue will now be handled by the university. Benson said there is a sportsmanship clause in the WAC bylaws, and that McMackin might face sanctions ranging from a reprimand to suspension."
The Reno Gazette-Journal included these parts of Mac's statements:
"I know most of the coaches in the country are rooting for us to beat Notre Dame. Charlie gives this talk, 'We do something special at Notre Dame,' and (the players) get up and they do this little cheer ... this little faggot dance." (RGJ)
"Don't write that 'faggot' down. I was misquoted. Just please … cover for me," McMackin said Thursday. "Go ahead, say ‘faggot dance.’ No. Please cover for me on that, too — right Karl? I’ll deny it. Anything else?" (RGJ)
Transcript of part of Mac's speech:
"I think I screwed up, because the night before the game — getting back to Notre Dame — they'd been in a slump, and I think we were favored in the game for a while. I don't know why. They had 48 Parade All-Americans, and we have none. But what happened is we had a banquet the night before, so Charlie (Weis) gets up with the, you, we're up with the presidents and all that, and my team is over here and his team is over here. And I know most of the coaches in the country were rooting for us to beat Notre Dame. Charlie gave this talk, and then he goes — any Notre Dame fans in here? Anybody like Notre Dame? OK, good, good. See, that's the bad thing. Not many people do unless you're a true Notre Dame guy. And I knew, the whole country's watching and they want us to win. It made me sick after that game. It made me sick. But I screwed up, and I'll never do this again. He had his guys. 'We do something special at Notre Dame,' he said, and they get up and they do this little cheer, like this (clap), you know, this little faggot dance. And you remember, Jason and Stephen, so my guys were looking at me. They're all looking at me trying not to laugh. So I gave them the shaka. Don't write that 'faggot' down. I was misquoted. Anyway, I gave them the shaka. So our guys get up, and it was the best (ha‘a) I've ever seen. I mean, they're on their chair. They have beads on, they're ripping their beads off. I mean, it was a little scary. I think Notre Dame watched that and said: 'We better have ourselves ready,' because they really played a good game. I can't take away. Their quarterback was on fire. I even challenged the last play of the half because there's no way that guy could have caught it. We had two guys on him. He caught it out of bounds with his toes in, and it wasa. It was just great execution. So, anyway, just please. Last year, you covered for me as far as (inavertently mentioning a) recruit. Cover for me. Go ahead. Say 'faggot dance.' No, please cover for me on that, too. Right, Karl? I'll deny it. Anything else?" (HA)
http://warriorbeat.honadvblogs.com/2009/07/30/bump-and-go-coverage
Q&A with John Estes
HA Note: "The University of Hawai'i football team today launches its campaign to promote senior center John Estes as an All-America candidate."
HA Note: "UH is set to unveil a Web site that will report Estes' progress this season. What's more, Estes has agreed to post updates on his Tweeter account."
About posting updates via Twitter, John Estes said:
"We'll see how it goes. (School officials) asked me if I'd do it, and I said, 'I'll try.' It's going to be football-related. I have a Facebook (account), but I don't do — what do they call it? — status updates." (HA)
Asked about the pressure of being the face of UH football, Estes said:
"If we play well, it will be fine. But we have to win. If we don't win, it's not going to mean anything. The main thing is to win. But I don't feel any pressure. Once I go on the field, the only thing I think about is winning. Everything else goes away. It's not going to affect my performance." (HA)
Asked about his summer training, Estes said:
"I've been working out every day. I lift every day. (UH conditioning coaches) Tommy Heffernan and Mel deLaura have helped me out. I work out twice a day. I'm doing drills. I'm eating well. I've gained weight. I'm around 300 pounds now. My freshman year I was 275. I was 293 last year, now I'm 300. It's a good weight. I think I can get bigger in my upper body. I'm working on my upper-body strength this summer." (HA)
About all of the OL coaches he's had at UH, Estes said:
"If you count (Mike) Cavanaugh (who resigned shortly after signing day), it's five. It's six if you count (former center) Samson (Satele). I still take what I was taught when I got here. It's set and punch. I take little things from each coach. Coach Gordy (Shaw) has helped me on run-blocking a lot this year, getting up to the next level, and hitting your landmarks. Zone-blocking and inside zone are helping me out a lot. We'll see how it goes." (HA)
About the NCAA cracking down on personal fouls, Estes said:
"My personal fouls are never retaliation. If somebody is going to hit me, I'm not going to hit them back. (The foul) usually means you're hitting someone in the face during the play or hitting somebody right before the whistle. That's how I get personal fouls. It's never for retaliating or punching someone with a closed fist. It's always for an open hand. You're in the trenches. Every once in a while your hands are going hit someone. (The defensive linemen) do it to us. I had two late hits (last year). One wasn't even a late hit. The guy just fell. The one against San Jose, the guy was standing near the pile, so I just hit him. The running back was still on his feet. Those were personal fouls. I've been hit a couple of times, after the whistle. I'm not going to hit back and get kicked out by an idiot. I can control myself." (HA)
About his UH career, Estes said:
"When I came (in August 2005), I didn't have too many expectations. Coming to Hawai'i, I knew there was a good offensive line — Samson (Satele), Derek (Fa'avi), Dane (Uperesa), Tala (Esera). I knew I wasn't going to play right away. I wanted to learn the first year. When that spot opened up, I did good on one-on-ones. Coach June (Jones) saw that, and he put me in, even though I didn't know the whole system. Every year I kept getting better. Hopefully this year I take the next step." (HA)
http://sports.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090730/SPORTS0201/907300354&template=UHsports
HA Note: "UH is set to unveil a Web site that will report Estes' progress this season. What's more, Estes has agreed to post updates on his Tweeter account."
About posting updates via Twitter, John Estes said:
"We'll see how it goes. (School officials) asked me if I'd do it, and I said, 'I'll try.' It's going to be football-related. I have a Facebook (account), but I don't do — what do they call it? — status updates." (HA)
Asked about the pressure of being the face of UH football, Estes said:
"If we play well, it will be fine. But we have to win. If we don't win, it's not going to mean anything. The main thing is to win. But I don't feel any pressure. Once I go on the field, the only thing I think about is winning. Everything else goes away. It's not going to affect my performance." (HA)
Asked about his summer training, Estes said:
"I've been working out every day. I lift every day. (UH conditioning coaches) Tommy Heffernan and Mel deLaura have helped me out. I work out twice a day. I'm doing drills. I'm eating well. I've gained weight. I'm around 300 pounds now. My freshman year I was 275. I was 293 last year, now I'm 300. It's a good weight. I think I can get bigger in my upper body. I'm working on my upper-body strength this summer." (HA)
About all of the OL coaches he's had at UH, Estes said:
"If you count (Mike) Cavanaugh (who resigned shortly after signing day), it's five. It's six if you count (former center) Samson (Satele). I still take what I was taught when I got here. It's set and punch. I take little things from each coach. Coach Gordy (Shaw) has helped me on run-blocking a lot this year, getting up to the next level, and hitting your landmarks. Zone-blocking and inside zone are helping me out a lot. We'll see how it goes." (HA)
About the NCAA cracking down on personal fouls, Estes said:
"My personal fouls are never retaliation. If somebody is going to hit me, I'm not going to hit them back. (The foul) usually means you're hitting someone in the face during the play or hitting somebody right before the whistle. That's how I get personal fouls. It's never for retaliating or punching someone with a closed fist. It's always for an open hand. You're in the trenches. Every once in a while your hands are going hit someone. (The defensive linemen) do it to us. I had two late hits (last year). One wasn't even a late hit. The guy just fell. The one against San Jose, the guy was standing near the pile, so I just hit him. The running back was still on his feet. Those were personal fouls. I've been hit a couple of times, after the whistle. I'm not going to hit back and get kicked out by an idiot. I can control myself." (HA)
About his UH career, Estes said:
"When I came (in August 2005), I didn't have too many expectations. Coming to Hawai'i, I knew there was a good offensive line — Samson (Satele), Derek (Fa'avi), Dane (Uperesa), Tala (Esera). I knew I wasn't going to play right away. I wanted to learn the first year. When that spot opened up, I did good on one-on-ones. Coach June (Jones) saw that, and he put me in, even though I didn't know the whole system. Every year I kept getting better. Hopefully this year I take the next step." (HA)
http://sports.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090730/SPORTS0201/907300354&template=UHsports
New Mexico State's new coach wants to continue to recruit in Hawaii
About wanting to use Hawaii as a recruiting base, NMSU's new head coach DeWayne Walker said:
"I do have a lot of friends in Hawai'i. I want to keep recruiting Polynesian players." (HA)
About continuing NMSU's pre-game haka, Walker said:
"That's something we need to talk about as a staff. I'm not opposed to it at all." (HA)
http://sports.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090730/SPORTS0201/907300359&template=UHsports
"I do have a lot of friends in Hawai'i. I want to keep recruiting Polynesian players." (HA)
About continuing NMSU's pre-game haka, Walker said:
"That's something we need to talk about as a staff. I'm not opposed to it at all." (HA)
http://sports.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090730/SPORTS0201/907300359&template=UHsports
More quotes from the WAC Football Preview
Understanding why UH was picked 5th in the WAC, Mac said:
"Right now we're an unknown team. We have some unknown players and inexperienced guys. I can understand what they're thinking, but no one knows this team like our coaches know this team. Every team has a personality and this team has a good work ethic. That's why you play the games, to see how it plays out." (HSB)
About their defense replacing nine starters, Brashton Satele said:
"There aren't any household names. No one knows us so we have to go out every week and show people who we are." (HSB)
With DE Carl Ihenacho leading the way, Dick Tomey said that SJSU is:
"on a trajectory that's unmistakably positive." (HSB)
About UH this season, John Estes said:
"We know what we've got and what kind of team we can be if we'll stick together and work hard as a team." (HSB)
About how BSU ignores how everyone picks them to win the WAC, BSU senior CB Kyle Wilson said:
"You definitely have to keep your blinders on and never fall into the hype. I really don't think we get too much respect nationally and outside of the conference. That's why we're going to continue to play with this chip on our shoulder, continue to play hungry." (HSB)
About how he's worked all summer on improving his accuracy throwing the ball, Colin Kaepernick said:
"The more I've been throwing the more consistent I've gotten with throwing all the different routes, throwing touch passes, deep balls. I want to be able to put the ball wherever I want it." (HSB)
About how their 5-1 finish to the season and bowl win has raised expectations for their season, La Tech QB Ross Jenkins (6-2 as a starter last season) said:
"The expectations are high as they've ever been and we embrace that." (HSB)
About how his team got into bowling this summer, Nevada QB Colin Kaepernick said:
"This summer, we got into bowling. We bowled here and there." (HA)
HA Note: "Kaepernick said his usual score was between 170 and 180."
http://www.starbulletin.com/sports/sportsnews/20090730_wac_voters_go_with_boise.html
"Right now we're an unknown team. We have some unknown players and inexperienced guys. I can understand what they're thinking, but no one knows this team like our coaches know this team. Every team has a personality and this team has a good work ethic. That's why you play the games, to see how it plays out." (HSB)
About their defense replacing nine starters, Brashton Satele said:
"There aren't any household names. No one knows us so we have to go out every week and show people who we are." (HSB)
With DE Carl Ihenacho leading the way, Dick Tomey said that SJSU is:
"on a trajectory that's unmistakably positive." (HSB)
About UH this season, John Estes said:
"We know what we've got and what kind of team we can be if we'll stick together and work hard as a team." (HSB)
About how BSU ignores how everyone picks them to win the WAC, BSU senior CB Kyle Wilson said:
"You definitely have to keep your blinders on and never fall into the hype. I really don't think we get too much respect nationally and outside of the conference. That's why we're going to continue to play with this chip on our shoulder, continue to play hungry." (HSB)
About how he's worked all summer on improving his accuracy throwing the ball, Colin Kaepernick said:
"The more I've been throwing the more consistent I've gotten with throwing all the different routes, throwing touch passes, deep balls. I want to be able to put the ball wherever I want it." (HSB)
About how their 5-1 finish to the season and bowl win has raised expectations for their season, La Tech QB Ross Jenkins (6-2 as a starter last season) said:
"The expectations are high as they've ever been and we embrace that." (HSB)
About how his team got into bowling this summer, Nevada QB Colin Kaepernick said:
"This summer, we got into bowling. We bowled here and there." (HA)
HA Note: "Kaepernick said his usual score was between 170 and 180."
http://www.starbulletin.com/sports/sportsnews/20090730_wac_voters_go_with_boise.html
Other quotes from the WAC Football Preview
HSB Note: "Benson touted the WAC's recent stability during his remarks yesterday, citing five years of steady membership and he foresees at least five more with the current nine-team alignment."
About how they will not expand, WAC Commissioner Karl Benson said that the WAC Board of Directors and Athletic Directors met in June and:
"put to rest the notion the WAC is interested in going to 10 teams." (HSB)
About BSU wanting to go to the MWC, Benson said that he is in contact with MWC commissioner Craig Thompson and he doesn't:
"sense there's the momentum by the Mountain West. It appears they're satisfied with their existing membership." (HSB)
About how it was "unfortunate" that the MWC campaigned against the BCS on its own terms this offseason, Benson said:
"It was disappointing. ... It did create some angst, yet we all recognize what they were attempting to do was needed. We just wish there had been more inclusion in how they did it." (HSB)
HSB Note: "One means of generating funds is playing road games against big-name opponents for big paydays. It's a strategy San Jose State is following and one Louisiana Tech is shifting away from. SJSU opens at USC this season and has road games against Alabama, Wisconsin and Utah next year."
About playing at USC to open this season, Dick Tomey said:
"(Playing USC) is a good challenge. I see it as a real opportunity also. If you're a golfer you'd love a chance to play at Augusta. Now it might tear you a new one, but you can't wait to tee it up." (HSB)
About how he doesn't want to schedule one-time road games (for pay days) and wants to move to home-and-home deals, La Tech head coach and AD Derek Dooley said:
"Although it's appealing when the check comes in, it's not my belief that's the best way to build a program." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Fresno State has a typically challenging nonconference schedule with games at Wisconsin, Cincinnati and Illinois."
About Fresno State's tough schedule, Fresno State WR Marlon Moore said:
"What would Fresno State be without a tough schedule?" (HSB)
http://www.starbulletin.com/sports/sportsnews/20090730_earlier_starts_in_hawaii_requested_by_fresno_state_and_sjsu.html
About how they will not expand, WAC Commissioner Karl Benson said that the WAC Board of Directors and Athletic Directors met in June and:
"put to rest the notion the WAC is interested in going to 10 teams." (HSB)
About BSU wanting to go to the MWC, Benson said that he is in contact with MWC commissioner Craig Thompson and he doesn't:
"sense there's the momentum by the Mountain West. It appears they're satisfied with their existing membership." (HSB)
About how it was "unfortunate" that the MWC campaigned against the BCS on its own terms this offseason, Benson said:
"It was disappointing. ... It did create some angst, yet we all recognize what they were attempting to do was needed. We just wish there had been more inclusion in how they did it." (HSB)
HSB Note: "One means of generating funds is playing road games against big-name opponents for big paydays. It's a strategy San Jose State is following and one Louisiana Tech is shifting away from. SJSU opens at USC this season and has road games against Alabama, Wisconsin and Utah next year."
About playing at USC to open this season, Dick Tomey said:
"(Playing USC) is a good challenge. I see it as a real opportunity also. If you're a golfer you'd love a chance to play at Augusta. Now it might tear you a new one, but you can't wait to tee it up." (HSB)
About how he doesn't want to schedule one-time road games (for pay days) and wants to move to home-and-home deals, La Tech head coach and AD Derek Dooley said:
"Although it's appealing when the check comes in, it's not my belief that's the best way to build a program." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Fresno State has a typically challenging nonconference schedule with games at Wisconsin, Cincinnati and Illinois."
About Fresno State's tough schedule, Fresno State WR Marlon Moore said:
"What would Fresno State be without a tough schedule?" (HSB)
http://www.starbulletin.com/sports/sportsnews/20090730_earlier_starts_in_hawaii_requested_by_fresno_state_and_sjsu.html
Fresno State and San Jose State requested earlier kickoff times at Aloha Stadium
About how an earlier kickoff time would allow his team to catch a red-eye flight out of Hawaii and avoid paying for an extra night's stay, Fresno State's Pat Hill said:
"I just don't want to spend an extra night when you're trying to save money. That's a way to save. After a game, what are you going to do? Go to sleep so you can catch a 7 o'clock flight? You're not going to get much sleep." (HA, HSB)
HA Note: "He estimated that it cost between $12,000 and $15,000 each day for food, hotel rooms and transportation."
Agreeing with Pat Hill, SJSU's Dick Tomey said:
"For all of us on the mainland who go to Hawaii to play it would be helpful if the kickoff was back (earlier) 1 hour. At the same time, if Hawaii needs an adjustment in the kickoff time at San Jose Sate or at Fresno, I think that school could accommodate them. I think that's a conversation that needs to be had. Now, whether anything can be done, I have no idea." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Hawaii athletic director Jim Donovan said Fresno State officials contacted him in the spring about possibly playing this season's game in Honolulu at 2 or 3 p.m. But the possible hardship on the fans with the mid-afternoon start and the presence of the Aloha Stadium Swap Meet led UH to keep the game at 6."
JD said that with the swap meet canceled on game days an earlier kickoff might be:
"something we would consider if Aloha Stadium was OK with it and if it was only an hour or a half-hour (change)." (HSB)
HSB Note: "The California schools have been hit hard by the economic downturn. Employees in the state university system have taken a 10 percent pay cut and will take 24 furlough days during the fiscal year."
About their budget cuts, Tomey said:
"The cuts are a real thing and we just have to see what the state mandates. I don't think we're going to be greatly affected when it comes down to what we have to do to play the game." (HSB)
HSB Note: "As all of the schools deal with the shrinking budgets, Benson said help will come next year when the league's revenues are boosted by a new ESPN contract and the new BCS rights fee which offers higher payouts to the conferences."
http://www.starbulletin.com/sports/sportsnews/20090730_earlier_starts_in_hawaii_requested_by_fresno_state_and_sjsu.html
"I just don't want to spend an extra night when you're trying to save money. That's a way to save. After a game, what are you going to do? Go to sleep so you can catch a 7 o'clock flight? You're not going to get much sleep." (HA, HSB)
HA Note: "He estimated that it cost between $12,000 and $15,000 each day for food, hotel rooms and transportation."
Agreeing with Pat Hill, SJSU's Dick Tomey said:
"For all of us on the mainland who go to Hawaii to play it would be helpful if the kickoff was back (earlier) 1 hour. At the same time, if Hawaii needs an adjustment in the kickoff time at San Jose Sate or at Fresno, I think that school could accommodate them. I think that's a conversation that needs to be had. Now, whether anything can be done, I have no idea." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Hawaii athletic director Jim Donovan said Fresno State officials contacted him in the spring about possibly playing this season's game in Honolulu at 2 or 3 p.m. But the possible hardship on the fans with the mid-afternoon start and the presence of the Aloha Stadium Swap Meet led UH to keep the game at 6."
JD said that with the swap meet canceled on game days an earlier kickoff might be:
"something we would consider if Aloha Stadium was OK with it and if it was only an hour or a half-hour (change)." (HSB)
HSB Note: "The California schools have been hit hard by the economic downturn. Employees in the state university system have taken a 10 percent pay cut and will take 24 furlough days during the fiscal year."
About their budget cuts, Tomey said:
"The cuts are a real thing and we just have to see what the state mandates. I don't think we're going to be greatly affected when it comes down to what we have to do to play the game." (HSB)
HSB Note: "As all of the schools deal with the shrinking budgets, Benson said help will come next year when the league's revenues are boosted by a new ESPN contract and the new BCS rights fee which offers higher payouts to the conferences."
http://www.starbulletin.com/sports/sportsnews/20090730_earlier_starts_in_hawaii_requested_by_fresno_state_and_sjsu.html
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Bess is happy the Dolphins have continuity this year
NP = News-Press
Happy that things are pretty much the same as last season, Bess said:
"We'll take continuity into the next season. We can just go out now and play football and not have to worry about learning the playbook still." (NP)
About the second chance he got at UH, Bess said:
"But I got a second opportunity to play ball at the University of Hawaii." (NP)
NP Note: "Bess, who was the first person on his father's side of the family to attend high school and the first on his mother's side to attend college."
About his role this season with the Dolphins, Bess said:
"Whatever the coaches want me to do, I'll do." (NP)
About how they should use the Wildcat again this season, Bess said:
"I'm one of these guys who says, 'If it ain't broke, don't fix it.' It's exciting. But we're not going to surprise people with it any more." (NP)
http://news-press.com/article/20090730/SPORTS/907300363
Happy that things are pretty much the same as last season, Bess said:
"We'll take continuity into the next season. We can just go out now and play football and not have to worry about learning the playbook still." (NP)
About the second chance he got at UH, Bess said:
"But I got a second opportunity to play ball at the University of Hawaii." (NP)
NP Note: "Bess, who was the first person on his father's side of the family to attend high school and the first on his mother's side to attend college."
About his role this season with the Dolphins, Bess said:
"Whatever the coaches want me to do, I'll do." (NP)
About how they should use the Wildcat again this season, Bess said:
"I'm one of these guys who says, 'If it ain't broke, don't fix it.' It's exciting. But we're not going to surprise people with it any more." (NP)
http://news-press.com/article/20090730/SPORTS/907300363
Davone Bess likes participating in community events and meeting fans
SFSS = South Florida Sun-Sentinel
SFSS Note: "The Dolphins literally – and figuratively – put down roots in Southwest Florida this afternoon. Dolphins players, alumni, cheerleaders, T.D., and team officials stopped at Germain Toyota in Naples signed autographs, posed for photos and yes, raised an aqua Dolphins flag high above the dealership. And so began a new team initiative to reach out to current and prospective Dolphins fans in Collier, Lee and Charlotte counties."
SFSS Note: "The group that included wide receiver Davone Bess, tackle Vernon Carey, linebacker Akin Ayodele and running back Patrick Cobbs, then moved to Buckingham Community Park in Fort Myers for a football clinic and cheerleading camp for some 500 kids."
About why he likes to meet with their fans, Bess said:
“They’re the reason why we do what we do. They’re a big part of why we’re who we are and our identity, so it’s always good to go out and meet them and give back.” (SFSS)
http://blogs.trb.com/sports/custom/business/blog/2009/07/dolphins_plant_flag_launch_gam.html
SFSS Note: "The Dolphins literally – and figuratively – put down roots in Southwest Florida this afternoon. Dolphins players, alumni, cheerleaders, T.D., and team officials stopped at Germain Toyota in Naples signed autographs, posed for photos and yes, raised an aqua Dolphins flag high above the dealership. And so began a new team initiative to reach out to current and prospective Dolphins fans in Collier, Lee and Charlotte counties."
SFSS Note: "The group that included wide receiver Davone Bess, tackle Vernon Carey, linebacker Akin Ayodele and running back Patrick Cobbs, then moved to Buckingham Community Park in Fort Myers for a football clinic and cheerleading camp for some 500 kids."
About why he likes to meet with their fans, Bess said:
“They’re the reason why we do what we do. They’re a big part of why we’re who we are and our identity, so it’s always good to go out and meet them and give back.” (SFSS)
http://blogs.trb.com/sports/custom/business/blog/2009/07/dolphins_plant_flag_launch_gam.html
List of what D-1A football teams made in 2007-2008
Go to this link for the chart:
http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/sports_college/2009/07/how-much-revenue-did-your-favorite-fbs-school-take-in-in-200708-this-chart-will-tell-you.html
http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/sports_college/2009/07/how-much-revenue-did-your-favorite-fbs-school-take-in-in-200708-this-chart-will-tell-you.html
Ryan Grice-Mullen may get a shot on special teams this week
About returning punts, RGM said:
"That's you against 12 guys then, and that can be tough. It's about staying in the scheme. You do what's called and it sets up other stuff." (Canada.com)
http://www.canada.com/sports/Lions+special+teams+none+sharp/1840154/story.html
"That's you against 12 guys then, and that can be tough. It's about staying in the scheme. You do what's called and it sets up other stuff." (Canada.com)
http://www.canada.com/sports/Lions+special+teams+none+sharp/1840154/story.html
Mac is optimistic about his "unknown team"
HA Note: "Last year, McMackin had to replace nine offensive starters. This year, he has to rebuild a defense that returns two starters — defensive end Fetaiagogo "John" Fonoti and linebacker Brashton Satele. While many publications predict the Warriors will finish in the second tier of the nine-team Western Athletic Conference, McMackin insisted that he expects a more optimistic performance from his admittedly "unknown team." "
About his outlook on the season, Mac said:
"I think we're an unknown team at this point in time. Last year, we lost our offense. This year, we lost our defense, and our kickers, and our snapper. There are some unknown portions of our team. But we have a better feel for it this time because we've been working with them and we know how the players we brought in fit. That type of thing. What we have to do as a team is coach the heck out of it, and the players have to learn." (HA)
About UH's offense, Mac said:
"They have to continue to get better. We have a better starting point than we did last year. Last year, we scrambled around and had to find ways to move the football. I think we've got depth at the receiver position. We've got some quarterbacks who know the package. We've got competition on offense. We've got four running backs who are very capable in Leon (Wright-Jackson), Inoke Funaki, Alex (Green) and Chizzy (Dimude). We have a lot of talent on offense. The coaches have done an outstanding job of teaching them. We're way ahead of where we were last year.
We only have one player who is an outstanding standout, a top NFL prospect, in John Estes. He is the focal point of our offense. We have three starters back on the offensive line. But I think John Estes' leadership has brought that group together." (HA)
About UH's defense, Mac said:
"Defensively, we have really one starter back — John Fonoti. Brashton Satele started five games, I think. I feel the players we have on defense are very confident and competitive. They had a good spring. It's a matter of chemistry and playing together. That will come in the first ball game. We have playmakers in guys who can run. We have speed on defense. We have a lot of newcomers who are inexperienced." (HA)
About how Brashton Satele's weight loss (26 pounds this offseason) will keep him at MLB, Mac said:
"He's going to start out at middle linebacker. He wanted to play linebacker, but he was getting a little big. But he worked hard, and he got his speed back. He's got experience at middle linebacker. We're going to give him a shot there." (HA)
About Mana Lolotai, a backup MLB last year, Mac said:
"We still feel good about Mana Lolotai. We're going to play him at middle and outside linebacker. He could be one of the three starters (in the 4-3 defense) or the fourth guy we roll (as part of a rotation). Same thing we did with (former Warrior) Jeff Ulbrich when he was with the 49ers. He played middle and outside." (HA)
About Blaze Soares' return, Mac said:
"It all depends on how he comes back. He hasn't played in a year. He said he's been working out. We have to be real careful with him, and see how he comes along." (HA)
About UH's difficult financial situation, Mac said:
"We're being positive, and getting ready for the football season. As far as the cutbacks, salary-wise, that type of thing, I've always been a team player. Even though my contract doesn't require me to contribute, I will give my fair share on behalf of the football program." (HA)
About the coming season, Mac said:
"I think we've got a challenging schedule, which we had last year. I like the work ethic of the team. We've got a lot of playmakers. We've got a great tradition here. We have to do a great job of coaching, and the fellas have to do a great job of learning. I know those are cliches. But we want to be a team that gets better as the season goes on because we're an inexperienced, young team. We've got one guy who is one of the top in college football. The rest of the team are good football players. We have to play together, and come together as a football team." (HA)
http://sports.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090729/SPORTS0201/907290350&template=UHsports
About his outlook on the season, Mac said:
"I think we're an unknown team at this point in time. Last year, we lost our offense. This year, we lost our defense, and our kickers, and our snapper. There are some unknown portions of our team. But we have a better feel for it this time because we've been working with them and we know how the players we brought in fit. That type of thing. What we have to do as a team is coach the heck out of it, and the players have to learn." (HA)
About UH's offense, Mac said:
"They have to continue to get better. We have a better starting point than we did last year. Last year, we scrambled around and had to find ways to move the football. I think we've got depth at the receiver position. We've got some quarterbacks who know the package. We've got competition on offense. We've got four running backs who are very capable in Leon (Wright-Jackson), Inoke Funaki, Alex (Green) and Chizzy (Dimude). We have a lot of talent on offense. The coaches have done an outstanding job of teaching them. We're way ahead of where we were last year.
We only have one player who is an outstanding standout, a top NFL prospect, in John Estes. He is the focal point of our offense. We have three starters back on the offensive line. But I think John Estes' leadership has brought that group together." (HA)
About UH's defense, Mac said:
"Defensively, we have really one starter back — John Fonoti. Brashton Satele started five games, I think. I feel the players we have on defense are very confident and competitive. They had a good spring. It's a matter of chemistry and playing together. That will come in the first ball game. We have playmakers in guys who can run. We have speed on defense. We have a lot of newcomers who are inexperienced." (HA)
About how Brashton Satele's weight loss (26 pounds this offseason) will keep him at MLB, Mac said:
"He's going to start out at middle linebacker. He wanted to play linebacker, but he was getting a little big. But he worked hard, and he got his speed back. He's got experience at middle linebacker. We're going to give him a shot there." (HA)
About Mana Lolotai, a backup MLB last year, Mac said:
"We still feel good about Mana Lolotai. We're going to play him at middle and outside linebacker. He could be one of the three starters (in the 4-3 defense) or the fourth guy we roll (as part of a rotation). Same thing we did with (former Warrior) Jeff Ulbrich when he was with the 49ers. He played middle and outside." (HA)
About Blaze Soares' return, Mac said:
"It all depends on how he comes back. He hasn't played in a year. He said he's been working out. We have to be real careful with him, and see how he comes along." (HA)
About UH's difficult financial situation, Mac said:
"We're being positive, and getting ready for the football season. As far as the cutbacks, salary-wise, that type of thing, I've always been a team player. Even though my contract doesn't require me to contribute, I will give my fair share on behalf of the football program." (HA)
About the coming season, Mac said:
"I think we've got a challenging schedule, which we had last year. I like the work ethic of the team. We've got a lot of playmakers. We've got a great tradition here. We have to do a great job of coaching, and the fellas have to do a great job of learning. I know those are cliches. But we want to be a team that gets better as the season goes on because we're an inexperienced, young team. We've got one guy who is one of the top in college football. The rest of the team are good football players. We have to play together, and come together as a football team." (HA)
http://sports.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090729/SPORTS0201/907290350&template=UHsports
Arizona transfer Kaniela Tuipulotu accepted a scholarship from UH
HA Note: "Thanks to a surprising offer, defensive tackle Kaniela Tuipulotu will be able to hit the books — and University of Hawai'i football players in practice — this coming fall semester. Last month, Tuipulotu, a former Kahuku High standout, announced he would transfer from Arizona to UH."
About how he couldn't afford to pay his tuition and school expenses for UH without a scholarship, Tuipulotu said:
"I didn't qualify for any of the Pell grants. I was thinking of taking a year off and working." (HA)
HA Note: "But those plans changed yesterday when Tuipulotu received — and accepted — a football scholarship from the Warriors. Now Tuipulotu will be able to practice with the Warriors and attend classes."
Happy when UH offered him a scholarship, Tuipulotu said:
"I was worried about missing school. This is a big relief. I felt good when I got the call. I was stoked." (HA)
Tuipulotu said that he chose Arizona out of high school because:
"I got caught up in the hype of 'We want you to come in and compete for a starting job.' They said a lot of things that made you want to go there. It was the Pac-10. I would be playing against top competition." (HA)
About how he will be able to play in front of family and friends (his parents live in Lahaina and his sister recently moved back to Hawaii), Tuipulotu said:
"You can stay home and play big teams from big conferences, like Wisconsin. I got caught up in the hype of going to a Pac-10 school." (HA)
About how his parents will travel to Oahu to watch Warrior home games, Tuipulotu said:
"It's going to be great. It's going to be a family atmosphere." (HA)
http://sports.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090729/SPORTS0201/907290358&template=UHsports
About how he couldn't afford to pay his tuition and school expenses for UH without a scholarship, Tuipulotu said:
"I didn't qualify for any of the Pell grants. I was thinking of taking a year off and working." (HA)
HA Note: "But those plans changed yesterday when Tuipulotu received — and accepted — a football scholarship from the Warriors. Now Tuipulotu will be able to practice with the Warriors and attend classes."
Happy when UH offered him a scholarship, Tuipulotu said:
"I was worried about missing school. This is a big relief. I felt good when I got the call. I was stoked." (HA)
Tuipulotu said that he chose Arizona out of high school because:
"I got caught up in the hype of 'We want you to come in and compete for a starting job.' They said a lot of things that made you want to go there. It was the Pac-10. I would be playing against top competition." (HA)
About how he will be able to play in front of family and friends (his parents live in Lahaina and his sister recently moved back to Hawaii), Tuipulotu said:
"You can stay home and play big teams from big conferences, like Wisconsin. I got caught up in the hype of going to a Pac-10 school." (HA)
About how his parents will travel to Oahu to watch Warrior home games, Tuipulotu said:
"It's going to be great. It's going to be a family atmosphere." (HA)
http://sports.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090729/SPORTS0201/907290358&template=UHsports
Mac is willing to take a pay cut
About how he's willing to take a pay cut due to UH's budget shortfall, Mac said:
"I've always been a team player and I will give my fair share on behalf of the football program." (HSB)
HSB Note: "McMackin signed a five-year contract for $1.1 million annually when hired as head coach in January 2008, making him the state's highest-paid employee. McMackin said he has not been asked to take a pay reduction. The UH system faces a budget shortfall of $155 million over the next two years. The Manoa campus is bracing for $48.8 million in cuts this fiscal year. UH athletic director Jim Donovan has accepted a voluntary 7 percent pay cut. Associate athletic directors and coaches may have to take pay cuts as well."
http://www.starbulletin.com/sports/sportsnews/20090729_McMackins_OK_with_salary_cut.html
"I've always been a team player and I will give my fair share on behalf of the football program." (HSB)
HSB Note: "McMackin signed a five-year contract for $1.1 million annually when hired as head coach in January 2008, making him the state's highest-paid employee. McMackin said he has not been asked to take a pay reduction. The UH system faces a budget shortfall of $155 million over the next two years. The Manoa campus is bracing for $48.8 million in cuts this fiscal year. UH athletic director Jim Donovan has accepted a voluntary 7 percent pay cut. Associate athletic directors and coaches may have to take pay cuts as well."
http://www.starbulletin.com/sports/sportsnews/20090729_McMackins_OK_with_salary_cut.html
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
JD voluntarily took a 7% pay cut and other athletic administrators and coaches may take pay cuts
HA Note: "University of Hawai'i athletic director Jim Donovan has voluntarily accepted a 7 percent pay cut and other athletic administrators are expected to sustain mandatory trims while coaches could also be asked to accept reductions to contribute to the school's belt tightening. The cuts come as UH addresses approximately $155 million in budget cuts over the next two years, including $48.8 million on the Manoa campus.
UH President David McClain Friday announced that he and his successor, M.R.C. Greenwood, will take 10 percent reductions. McClain said he will ask the board of regents to approve cuts for 210 other executives in the UH system. He is asking for reductions ranging from 6 to 9 percent, based upon the most recent performance evaluations."
About how JD could not be forced to take a pay cut because he is under contract but he's voluntarily taking a 7% cut (giving up about $16,800 of his $240,000 salary), President McClain said:
"I think it shows what kind of a leader he is." (HA)
About taking the pay cut, JD said:
"My thinking is that we are in leadership positions so sometimes we have to lead and sacrifice by example." (HA)
HA Note: "UH's three associate athletic directors, Carl Clapp, John McNamara and Marilyn Moniz-Kaho'ohanohano, would be required to take cuts if the regents approve. McClain said he has not submitted the request but plans to send the action memo to the regents in time for their Aug. 27 meeting. They are each believed to make between $100,000 and $150,000 in salary. The cuts, if approved, could become effective Sept. 1. Head coaches earn between $45,000 to $1.1 million each but would likely have to make their cuts voluntarily or through negotiation since they are under contract and are HGEA members."
HA Note: "Several coaches, including women's volleyball coach Dave Shoji and associate head football coach Rich Miano, have said in recent months they would be willing to consider voluntary cuts if instituted elsewhere on campus."
About how he would accept a pay cut, Dave Shoji said:
"I'll accept whatever they come up with. I don't think we should be exempt from any kind of cuts (if the rest of the campus is cut). .. I'll do my part." (HA)
http://sports.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090728/SPORTS02/907280339&template=UHsports
UH President David McClain Friday announced that he and his successor, M.R.C. Greenwood, will take 10 percent reductions. McClain said he will ask the board of regents to approve cuts for 210 other executives in the UH system. He is asking for reductions ranging from 6 to 9 percent, based upon the most recent performance evaluations."
About how JD could not be forced to take a pay cut because he is under contract but he's voluntarily taking a 7% cut (giving up about $16,800 of his $240,000 salary), President McClain said:
"I think it shows what kind of a leader he is." (HA)
About taking the pay cut, JD said:
"My thinking is that we are in leadership positions so sometimes we have to lead and sacrifice by example." (HA)
HA Note: "UH's three associate athletic directors, Carl Clapp, John McNamara and Marilyn Moniz-Kaho'ohanohano, would be required to take cuts if the regents approve. McClain said he has not submitted the request but plans to send the action memo to the regents in time for their Aug. 27 meeting. They are each believed to make between $100,000 and $150,000 in salary. The cuts, if approved, could become effective Sept. 1. Head coaches earn between $45,000 to $1.1 million each but would likely have to make their cuts voluntarily or through negotiation since they are under contract and are HGEA members."
HA Note: "Several coaches, including women's volleyball coach Dave Shoji and associate head football coach Rich Miano, have said in recent months they would be willing to consider voluntary cuts if instituted elsewhere on campus."
About how he would accept a pay cut, Dave Shoji said:
"I'll accept whatever they come up with. I don't think we should be exempt from any kind of cuts (if the rest of the campus is cut). .. I'll do my part." (HA)
http://sports.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090728/SPORTS02/907280339&template=UHsports
UH will only print a limited number of media guides this year
HSB Note: "The school will print its normal run for football and women's volleyball. The UH sports media relations department will continue to produce media guide content for 17 other sports as well, but those will be available on the UH athletic department Web site only. UH posted all of its media guides online last year along with producing printed versions. By not printing the guides, the department is expected to save about $50,000 this year. Along with being tools for the media covering the teams and collector's items for some fans, media guides have become part of the recruiting process, providing prospects a glimpse of the program."
About continuing to print media guides for football for recruiting purposes, JD said:
"In football we bring in a large number of recruits and with our location in the middle of the Pacific, we felt producing the printed guide was important for football." (HSB)
HSB Note: "With volleyball firmly entrenched as the school's top-drawing women's sport, Donovan said it was decided to publish guides for the Rainbow Wahine as well. The availability of information online also factored into the decision to stop printing schedule posters -- which will also save close to $30,000 -- as part of the department's "going green" effort. The media relations department instead designed computer wallpapers which are available online. Among Western Athletic Conference schools, Boise State, Fresno State and Nevada will not have printed guides this year. The WAC office will also move some of its publications online as part of its cost containment plan."
HSB Note: "Donovan noted there is a proposal going before the NCAA that would eliminate printed media guides. If the legislation passes, this year's football guide -- commemorating the program's 100th anniversary -- could become a collectible in more ways than one."
http://www.starbulletin.com/sports/sportsnews/20090728_Hawaii_limits_printing_of_media_guides.html
About continuing to print media guides for football for recruiting purposes, JD said:
"In football we bring in a large number of recruits and with our location in the middle of the Pacific, we felt producing the printed guide was important for football." (HSB)
HSB Note: "With volleyball firmly entrenched as the school's top-drawing women's sport, Donovan said it was decided to publish guides for the Rainbow Wahine as well. The availability of information online also factored into the decision to stop printing schedule posters -- which will also save close to $30,000 -- as part of the department's "going green" effort. The media relations department instead designed computer wallpapers which are available online. Among Western Athletic Conference schools, Boise State, Fresno State and Nevada will not have printed guides this year. The WAC office will also move some of its publications online as part of its cost containment plan."
HSB Note: "Donovan noted there is a proposal going before the NCAA that would eliminate printed media guides. If the legislation passes, this year's football guide -- commemorating the program's 100th anniversary -- could become a collectible in more ways than one."
http://www.starbulletin.com/sports/sportsnews/20090728_Hawaii_limits_printing_of_media_guides.html
Monday, July 27, 2009
Warrior coaches Dave Aranda and Rich Miano have NFL training camp internships this week
HSB Note: "Aranda began his week-long stay with the Denver Broncos today. Miano will attend camp with the Cincinnati Bengals later this week Aranda arrived in Denver today and went straight into a day of meetings with the Broncos staff. He was invited to the internship by defensive coordinator Mike Nolan and will work with defensive line coach Mike Nunnely."
About being in the meetings with the Broncos staff, Aranda said:
"Just to go from one meeting to the next and talk about schemes is a neat experience." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Miano leaves Wednesday and will start working when the Bengals open training camp on Thursday. Dr. Edison Miyawaki, a part-owner of the Bengals, helped arrange the internship."
About being at the Bengals training camp, Miano said:
"Being around the pro guys and being around the team when they’re getting ready for the season will be exciting." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Like the Warriors, both the Broncos and Bengals run 4-3 systems, giving Aranda and Miano a chance to pick up some notes to bring back to Manoa. Both coaches will return to Honolulu in time for the start of the Warriors’ fall camp next week."
http://blogs.starbulletin.com/uhsportsextra/coaches-going-camping/
About being in the meetings with the Broncos staff, Aranda said:
"Just to go from one meeting to the next and talk about schemes is a neat experience." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Miano leaves Wednesday and will start working when the Bengals open training camp on Thursday. Dr. Edison Miyawaki, a part-owner of the Bengals, helped arrange the internship."
About being at the Bengals training camp, Miano said:
"Being around the pro guys and being around the team when they’re getting ready for the season will be exciting." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Like the Warriors, both the Broncos and Bengals run 4-3 systems, giving Aranda and Miano a chance to pick up some notes to bring back to Manoa. Both coaches will return to Honolulu in time for the start of the Warriors’ fall camp next week."
http://blogs.starbulletin.com/uhsportsextra/coaches-going-camping/
Q&A with Colt Brennan
SN = Sporting News
Asked if he's looking forward to training camp and to talk about his situation with Washington, Colt said:
"Well, I love the team. You can't ask for a better franchise. The fans are passionate, awesome. I love where I'm at right now. Right now, it's a big preseason for me. I get to step in this year. They've already made it clear that they're going to play me a ton in the preseason. We get to play four very talented teams and talented defenses, and that's going to be my test. And right now, it seems like it's in everyone's hands. For Jason Campbell it's his last year (of his contract)—it's in his hands to go out and earn that second contract. And for me, it's my chance to go out there for the second year and prove I belong, have a great preseason and show maybe I could be a starter one day." (SN)
Asked about how it appeared he had a lot of fun in college, Colt said:
"Well it's hard not to when you're in Hawaii, right?" (SN)
Asked about how he made something out of a difficult situation and have succeeded, Colt said:
"Definitely. When you look around the NFL, college, every day we read stories about kids that have risen up through adversity. And for me, it was the adversity that I faced early in my career really sparked me to go out and achieve more and put myself out there. And by doing so, a lot of great things happened to me." (SN)
Asked to talk about the mental part of his game because it is hard to go from being a walk-on to where he is now, Colt said:
"My cousin (Brad Brennan), who was really my hero growing up, went to the University of Arizona. I followed his path. I went to a prep school. He walked on at the U of A, and he was on that team that went (12-1) and beat Nebraska (in the 1998 Holiday Bowl). He was a big inspiration for me and the one thing I prided myself on was that I was a walk-on at Colorado, I was a walk-on at Hawaii. People really focused on a lot of other things in my career, but that was one thing that really separated me from a lot of people who have had success in the past—the fact that I was a walk-on and I was a kid who went out there and paid his own way and tried to earn it." (SN)
Asked if he ever talks to recruits to tell them his story, Colt said:
"For me, my life—especially when I went through adversity— was just kind of normal because I lived it my whole life and it just stepped into this unreal area that I never thought was possible. But what it did for me was give me the ability to step out, want more and reach more in life. And that was one thing that I did: have a passion for turning people's perception of me around and going out and achieving a lot in my life—especially when the chips were down and people didn't think it was possible. So having that title and watching my cousin as a walk-on, it was an inspiration to me and something I really wanted to do." (SN)
Asked if he attributed a lot of his numbers and success to JJ, Colt said:
"Absolutely, hands down, and hopefully I'll have a long career in the NFL. But I think he'll be one of the most talented coaches I've ever been around. He's an absolute guru on the football field. I remember going through his offense, and his one goal was to make it through a game without running the football. I swear that was a goal of his, and he got close a lot of times. But he was so good at throwing the ball on people that it really gave me these outstanding numbers that got myself out there on the map. And what happened was we started winning football games, and when you win games everything falls into place." (SN)
http://www.sportingnews.com/nfl/article/2009-07-27/qa-redskins-qb-colt-brennan
Asked if he's looking forward to training camp and to talk about his situation with Washington, Colt said:
"Well, I love the team. You can't ask for a better franchise. The fans are passionate, awesome. I love where I'm at right now. Right now, it's a big preseason for me. I get to step in this year. They've already made it clear that they're going to play me a ton in the preseason. We get to play four very talented teams and talented defenses, and that's going to be my test. And right now, it seems like it's in everyone's hands. For Jason Campbell it's his last year (of his contract)—it's in his hands to go out and earn that second contract. And for me, it's my chance to go out there for the second year and prove I belong, have a great preseason and show maybe I could be a starter one day." (SN)
Asked about how it appeared he had a lot of fun in college, Colt said:
"Well it's hard not to when you're in Hawaii, right?" (SN)
Asked about how he made something out of a difficult situation and have succeeded, Colt said:
"Definitely. When you look around the NFL, college, every day we read stories about kids that have risen up through adversity. And for me, it was the adversity that I faced early in my career really sparked me to go out and achieve more and put myself out there. And by doing so, a lot of great things happened to me." (SN)
Asked to talk about the mental part of his game because it is hard to go from being a walk-on to where he is now, Colt said:
"My cousin (Brad Brennan), who was really my hero growing up, went to the University of Arizona. I followed his path. I went to a prep school. He walked on at the U of A, and he was on that team that went (12-1) and beat Nebraska (in the 1998 Holiday Bowl). He was a big inspiration for me and the one thing I prided myself on was that I was a walk-on at Colorado, I was a walk-on at Hawaii. People really focused on a lot of other things in my career, but that was one thing that really separated me from a lot of people who have had success in the past—the fact that I was a walk-on and I was a kid who went out there and paid his own way and tried to earn it." (SN)
Asked if he ever talks to recruits to tell them his story, Colt said:
"For me, my life—especially when I went through adversity— was just kind of normal because I lived it my whole life and it just stepped into this unreal area that I never thought was possible. But what it did for me was give me the ability to step out, want more and reach more in life. And that was one thing that I did: have a passion for turning people's perception of me around and going out and achieving a lot in my life—especially when the chips were down and people didn't think it was possible. So having that title and watching my cousin as a walk-on, it was an inspiration to me and something I really wanted to do." (SN)
Asked if he attributed a lot of his numbers and success to JJ, Colt said:
"Absolutely, hands down, and hopefully I'll have a long career in the NFL. But I think he'll be one of the most talented coaches I've ever been around. He's an absolute guru on the football field. I remember going through his offense, and his one goal was to make it through a game without running the football. I swear that was a goal of his, and he got close a lot of times. But he was so good at throwing the ball on people that it really gave me these outstanding numbers that got myself out there on the map. And what happened was we started winning football games, and when you win games everything falls into place." (SN)
http://www.sportingnews.com/nfl/article/2009-07-27/qa-redskins-qb-colt-brennan
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Feature on the Noga brothers--Falaniko, Al and Pete
About Falaniko, Pete and Al Noga playing for UH between 1980 and 1987, Dick Tomey said:
"They were a tremendous family who made such a difference in our program. All three Noga brothers were great people — hard-working players who competed with high energy." (HA)
About how the Nogas fit UH's defensive scheme perfectly, Bob Wagner (defensive coordinator at UH until he became head coach in 1987) said:
"We approached defense aggressively; people talk about weapons on offense, but we talked about having weapons on defense. And all three Noga brothers were definitely in that category. They all were difference-makers." (HA)
HA Note: "Falaniko Noga first made his mark as an All-State defensive lineman at Farrington, but what opened many eyes was his performance during the 1980 track and field season. At 6 feet 2 and 210 pounds, Noga was a state champion in the shot put. But maybe more impressive was his ability to also compete in the 200-meter dash against some of the state's fastest runners."
About Falaniko Noga competing in sprinting events in high school, Boyd Yap (an All-State RB for Kaiser during Falaniko's senior year) said:
"If you ever saw him run track, it was like watching Hercules. His physique was phenomenal, he was chiseled, even in high school. And as big as he was, he ran the 200 just like the other sprinters. It reminded me of what a terrific athlete he was. It was a sight to see." (HA)
HA Note: "Noga joined UH's football team that fall and earned first-team All-Western Athletic Conference honors as a true freshman nose guard. His extraordinary athleticism was on full display at New Mexico on Oct. 18, 1980. In that game, Noga set a school record with five tackles for loss (for 47 yards, including three sacks) among 15 tackles overall, forced a fumble, deflected a pass, and also blocked a field goal and an extra point to help the Rainbows win, 31-18."
About Falaniko's athleticism, Wagner said:
"He was just a gifted athlete, very explosive. We did a lot of movement stuff up front, and a lot of angling. He played at only 220 pounds, maybe 225 or 230 later on, but he had so much quickness and strength. He was a heck of an athlete." (HA)
HA Note: "Noga repeated as a first-team All-WAC selection in 1981 after recording six sacks and five blocked kicks and was named a first-team Sophomore All-American by Blue Chips Magazine. He was selected in the eighth round of the 1984 NFL draft and played eight seasons as a linebacker for the St. Louis/Arizona Cardinals and Detroit Lions."
Pete Noga came into UH with much less fanfare as a walk-on from Farrington in 1982, and Wagner said he did not blossom into a major contributor until his junior season (1985).
About how Pete Noga walked-on to UH and didn't become a major contributor until his Junior season (1985), Wagner said:
"He was shorter (5-11) and lighter (215 pounds) than Niko and Al, and he kind of was in their shadow. But he was a real tough guy, and he had a great motor. I was not only his defensive coordinator, but also his position coach at outside linebacker, and we had to slow him down in practice sometimes or else he would have hurt some people." (HA)
HA Note: "Pete eventually earned a starting job as a junior and was named second-team All-WAC as a senior. And he developed an intimidating presence on his own."
About Pete's intimidating presence, Tomey said:
"We played at Fresno State (in 1985), and it was a really hot day. (Bulldogs coach) Jim Sweeney yelled out to Pete and said, 'How's the heat?' And Pete said, 'I love it — turn it up some more!' That's when Sweeney said, 'Uh-oh. It's going to be a long afternoon ...' " (HA)
HA Note: "The game ended in a 24-24 tie, the only blemish on Fresno State's 11-0-1 season."
HA Note: "Al Noga came to UH as an All-State defensive lineman out of Farrington in 1983, and redshirted his first season. By 1984, he earned a starting position — while wearing Falaniko's No. 54 jersey — and in 1985 was named first-team All-WAC at nose guard. Then, in 1986, the 6-1, 254-pound Noga put together perhaps the greatest season by any defensive player in UH history. He had a school-record 36 tackles for loss totaling 136 yards, including a staggering school-record 17 sacks, and forced a school-record six fumbles. Playing across Michigan All-America lineman Jumbo Elliott in the season finale, Noga wreaked havoc on the Wolverines' offense all day on national TV. He became UH's first Associated Press first-team All-American."
About Al Noga's amazing season in 1986, Wagner said:
"Brigham Young had (defensive lineman) Jason Buck, who won the Outland Trophy, but the WAC coaches voted unanimously for Al as WAC Defensive Player of the Year. His junior year was incredible. His first-step quickness was phenomenal and I thought he was much more physical than Niko. He played nose guard, tackle and defensive end, and he was effective up and down the line." (HA)
HA Note: "Noga repeated as a first-team All-WAC selection as a senior despite some injuries and a weaker supporting cast, Wagner said. He was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the third round of the 1988 NFL draft. Noga played seven seasons with the Vikings, Washington Redskins and Indianapolis."
About how the fans appreciated UH's defense during the Noga era, Wagner said:
"Hawai'i was somewhat of a blue-collar state, and the fans respected toughness. It was a different mentality back then, and we had to play against BYU when they were leading the nation in offense. But we would hold them to 13 points, 18 points." (HA)
About George Noga playing for UH in the 1990s and wearing teh #54 that Falaniko and Al wore, Wagner said:
Another Noga brother, George, later joined UH football in the 1990s and wore the same No. 54 as Falaniko and Al.
"The funny thing is, George might have been the most heavily recruited out of all of them. But I think part of that is because of what Niko, Pete and Al did before him." (HA)
http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/20090726/SPORTS04/907260376/sportsfront/Noga+brothers+put+a+hurting++on+opposition
"They were a tremendous family who made such a difference in our program. All three Noga brothers were great people — hard-working players who competed with high energy." (HA)
About how the Nogas fit UH's defensive scheme perfectly, Bob Wagner (defensive coordinator at UH until he became head coach in 1987) said:
"We approached defense aggressively; people talk about weapons on offense, but we talked about having weapons on defense. And all three Noga brothers were definitely in that category. They all were difference-makers." (HA)
HA Note: "Falaniko Noga first made his mark as an All-State defensive lineman at Farrington, but what opened many eyes was his performance during the 1980 track and field season. At 6 feet 2 and 210 pounds, Noga was a state champion in the shot put. But maybe more impressive was his ability to also compete in the 200-meter dash against some of the state's fastest runners."
About Falaniko Noga competing in sprinting events in high school, Boyd Yap (an All-State RB for Kaiser during Falaniko's senior year) said:
"If you ever saw him run track, it was like watching Hercules. His physique was phenomenal, he was chiseled, even in high school. And as big as he was, he ran the 200 just like the other sprinters. It reminded me of what a terrific athlete he was. It was a sight to see." (HA)
HA Note: "Noga joined UH's football team that fall and earned first-team All-Western Athletic Conference honors as a true freshman nose guard. His extraordinary athleticism was on full display at New Mexico on Oct. 18, 1980. In that game, Noga set a school record with five tackles for loss (for 47 yards, including three sacks) among 15 tackles overall, forced a fumble, deflected a pass, and also blocked a field goal and an extra point to help the Rainbows win, 31-18."
About Falaniko's athleticism, Wagner said:
"He was just a gifted athlete, very explosive. We did a lot of movement stuff up front, and a lot of angling. He played at only 220 pounds, maybe 225 or 230 later on, but he had so much quickness and strength. He was a heck of an athlete." (HA)
HA Note: "Noga repeated as a first-team All-WAC selection in 1981 after recording six sacks and five blocked kicks and was named a first-team Sophomore All-American by Blue Chips Magazine. He was selected in the eighth round of the 1984 NFL draft and played eight seasons as a linebacker for the St. Louis/Arizona Cardinals and Detroit Lions."
Pete Noga came into UH with much less fanfare as a walk-on from Farrington in 1982, and Wagner said he did not blossom into a major contributor until his junior season (1985).
About how Pete Noga walked-on to UH and didn't become a major contributor until his Junior season (1985), Wagner said:
"He was shorter (5-11) and lighter (215 pounds) than Niko and Al, and he kind of was in their shadow. But he was a real tough guy, and he had a great motor. I was not only his defensive coordinator, but also his position coach at outside linebacker, and we had to slow him down in practice sometimes or else he would have hurt some people." (HA)
HA Note: "Pete eventually earned a starting job as a junior and was named second-team All-WAC as a senior. And he developed an intimidating presence on his own."
About Pete's intimidating presence, Tomey said:
"We played at Fresno State (in 1985), and it was a really hot day. (Bulldogs coach) Jim Sweeney yelled out to Pete and said, 'How's the heat?' And Pete said, 'I love it — turn it up some more!' That's when Sweeney said, 'Uh-oh. It's going to be a long afternoon ...' " (HA)
HA Note: "The game ended in a 24-24 tie, the only blemish on Fresno State's 11-0-1 season."
HA Note: "Al Noga came to UH as an All-State defensive lineman out of Farrington in 1983, and redshirted his first season. By 1984, he earned a starting position — while wearing Falaniko's No. 54 jersey — and in 1985 was named first-team All-WAC at nose guard. Then, in 1986, the 6-1, 254-pound Noga put together perhaps the greatest season by any defensive player in UH history. He had a school-record 36 tackles for loss totaling 136 yards, including a staggering school-record 17 sacks, and forced a school-record six fumbles. Playing across Michigan All-America lineman Jumbo Elliott in the season finale, Noga wreaked havoc on the Wolverines' offense all day on national TV. He became UH's first Associated Press first-team All-American."
About Al Noga's amazing season in 1986, Wagner said:
"Brigham Young had (defensive lineman) Jason Buck, who won the Outland Trophy, but the WAC coaches voted unanimously for Al as WAC Defensive Player of the Year. His junior year was incredible. His first-step quickness was phenomenal and I thought he was much more physical than Niko. He played nose guard, tackle and defensive end, and he was effective up and down the line." (HA)
HA Note: "Noga repeated as a first-team All-WAC selection as a senior despite some injuries and a weaker supporting cast, Wagner said. He was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the third round of the 1988 NFL draft. Noga played seven seasons with the Vikings, Washington Redskins and Indianapolis."
About how the fans appreciated UH's defense during the Noga era, Wagner said:
"Hawai'i was somewhat of a blue-collar state, and the fans respected toughness. It was a different mentality back then, and we had to play against BYU when they were leading the nation in offense. But we would hold them to 13 points, 18 points." (HA)
About George Noga playing for UH in the 1990s and wearing teh #54 that Falaniko and Al wore, Wagner said:
Another Noga brother, George, later joined UH football in the 1990s and wore the same No. 54 as Falaniko and Al.
"The funny thing is, George might have been the most heavily recruited out of all of them. But I think part of that is because of what Niko, Pete and Al did before him." (HA)
http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/20090726/SPORTS04/907260376/sportsfront/Noga+brothers+put+a+hurting++on+opposition
Saturday, July 25, 2009
David Veikune signed a 4-year, $3.5 million deal with the Cleveland Browns!
HA Note: "David Veikune and the Cleveland Browns have reached agreement on a four-year contract worth about $3.5 million, an NFL source said. Of that amount, $1.8 million is guaranteed."
About Veikune's contract, his agent Kenny Zuckerman said:
"David has worked very hard to make this happen, and I feel fortunate ot be able to help him. He's a model client." (HA)
HA Note: "He received roughly a 6 percent increase over last year's selection in the second round."
On draft day, Browns GM George Kokinis said that Veikune:
"is a guy we did some homework on. He's got a big-time motor. When you look at the tape the thing really jumps out is the way he finished plays and ran to the football. He can get to the quarterback." (HA)
About Veikune, Browns head coach Eric Mangini said:
"I love the guy's motor. He has toughness, aggressiveness and I like his ability to change direction. There's a smoothness to the way he changes directions." (HA)
http://warriorbeat.honadvblogs.com/2009/07/25/veikune-agrees-to-4-year-35-million-deal
http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/20090725/BREAKING02/90725057/Ex-Warrior+Veikune+reaches+4-year+++3.5M+deal+with+Browns
About Veikune's contract, his agent Kenny Zuckerman said:
"David has worked very hard to make this happen, and I feel fortunate ot be able to help him. He's a model client." (HA)
HA Note: "He received roughly a 6 percent increase over last year's selection in the second round."
On draft day, Browns GM George Kokinis said that Veikune:
"is a guy we did some homework on. He's got a big-time motor. When you look at the tape the thing really jumps out is the way he finished plays and ran to the football. He can get to the quarterback." (HA)
About Veikune, Browns head coach Eric Mangini said:
"I love the guy's motor. He has toughness, aggressiveness and I like his ability to change direction. There's a smoothness to the way he changes directions." (HA)
http://warriorbeat.honadvblogs.com/2009/07/25/veikune-agrees-to-4-year-35-million-deal
http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/20090725/BREAKING02/90725057/Ex-Warrior+Veikune+reaches+4-year+++3.5M+deal+with+Browns
Jesse Sapolu is Centurians #6
HSB note: "A heart condition, caused by a rheumatic fever infection when he was a 5-year-old in American Samoa, made little Jesse Sapolu stick out as an elementary school kid in Kalihi."
About how his heart condition prevented him from playing sports in Elementary School, Jesse Sapolu said:
"I was old enough to be embarrassed, not speaking English, but not here long enough to know the territory. I couldn't play P.E. all the way to seventh grade, not even kickball. Whenever I got to play, I said I'm never going to complain." (HSB)
HSB Note: "That's why, on the night of Dec. 1, 1979, it could've been easy for Sapolu to call it a career night. Not only had he become a stellar athlete at Farrington High School, Sapolu was an anchor for Hawaii in a 29-17 upset win over nationally-ranked Arizona State. Sapolu was a true freshman who had played brilliantly on the offensive and defensive lines. Then-UH coach Dick Tomey hasn't forgotten."
About how Sapolu played both OL and DL as a freshman in their win over Arizona State, Dick Tomey said:
"He was very willing to play both ways. We'd complete a series, I'd wave my hand. Stay in there and play. He was willing to do whatever it took to help." (HSB)
About talking with Sapolu as the Arizona State game was about to end, Tomey said:
"The game was winding down and I said, 'You could've been over there.' He said, 'I'm so glad I'm over here.'" (HSB)
HSB Note: "Just months earlier, Sapolu was set to become a Sun Devil before Tomey talked him into staying home. That gave UH an O-line that also featured future pros Kani Kauahi, Jim Mills and Bernard Carvalho, clearing the way for super back Gary Allen. The season-ending win gave UH a 6-5 winning mark in its first campaign as a Western Athletic Conference member. It was especially sweet because ASU had dumped the WAC the year before to join the Pac-10."
About Sapolu, Kani Kauahi (who transferred from Arizona State to UH) said:
"The first time I met Jesse, we were talking about him going to Arizona State. Jesse was a tiger, man. He was an animal." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Hawaii went 8-3 and 9-2 in the next two seasons and earned the respect of pollsters nationwide. Jim Donovan, now UH's athletic director, was a backup on the O-line during that ride."
Praising Sapolu, JD said:
"Jesse was one helluva offensive lineman, maybe the best ever from Hawaii. Certainly the best guard-center combination." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Keith Ah Yuen was a reserve tackle-guard when Sapolu arrived as a freshman."
About how Sapolu remember their first meeting years later, Keith Ah Yuen said:
"He came to his first meeting on crutches with a sprained ankle. Years later, he's back for his second Pro Bowl and he asks me how he's doing. I said, 'You're playing in the Pro Bowl.' But he says, 'I'm asking you because when I came in as a freshman, you were thinking this guy's not going to amount to anything. That's the look you had. I was going to prove you wrong.'" (HSB)
About how Sapolu and he were among the few players who regularly competed against DT Tom Tuinei in practice, Ah Yuen said:
"Jesse came in and he was cultured, could speak well, but all the Kalihi guys had that competitive, 'hood mentality on the field. People would be scared to go up against Tom. Jesse wanted to go up against the best. He always tried to line up against Tom." (HSB)
HSB Note: "How did Sapolu choose UH over Arizona State? His mother, Lila, wanted to see her son stay close to home -- no surprise considering the family had already come a long way. The Sapolus moved to Hawaii from American Samoa after Jesse became ill. By his senior year in high school, though, he had overcome his heart condition and became one of the state's top prospects."
About how Coach Tomey recruited him, Sapolu said:
"Dick Tomey came to our home. Ross (Hannemann), Mufi's brother, had told him, 'You sit on the floor because that's the ultimate sign of respect.' My mom was so shocked, they got out of their seats and sat him on the couch." (HSB)
HSB Note: "On another occasion, Tomey paid a visit on a Sunday morning. Jesse's father, Pa'apa'a, was preaching at Samoan Congregational Christian Church of Honolulu, but Jesse was out of sight."
About Tomey visiting his church on a Sunday morning, Sapolu said;
"It was a good thing and a bad thing. I'd snuck out to go watch NFL games on TV. My dad was told by my sister that Tomey was there and they called me back into church." (HSB)
About how he stayed at Sapolu's church for a long time, Tomey said:
"Jesse wasn't in church, but I went to listen to his dad. It seemed like the service lasted a long time and I'm not understanding what's going on. I'm sitting there in the pew for a half-hour and his sister comes back, motions to me, 'Coach, Coach, we can go in the house now. This is the financial report.' I'm listening there like it's the sermon." (HSB)
HSB Note: "They can laugh about it now, but underneath the misunderstanding was Tomey's diligent approach to recruiting."
About that church incident, Tomey said:
"I'm this dumb haole, just trying to be respectful to his family and his dad's church." (HSB)
About how Sapolu was patient and cautious through the recruiting process, Tomey said:
"He deliberated for a long time. I never take anything for granted. I just felt recruiting's the lifeblood of football. If you're not out there working, in every single home as many times as you're allowed and making contact, you're not doing everything you can do. That was my feeling. I have so much respect for Jesse and his family." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Players like Blane Gaison, who arrived on campus a few years before Sapolu, had opted to stay and give Tomey a try rather than leave. Among local high school recruits, Tomey puts Sapolu in a category of his own."
About the importance of Sapolu picking UH, Tomey said:
"He was the first terrific player to stay home." (HSB)
About why he chose UH, Sapolu said:
"Dick Tomey's a helluva recruiter." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Sapolu did his part, of course. All-WAC honors preceded four Super Bowl rings during the San Francisco 49ers dynasty of the 1980s and '90s.
Even with a monumental pro career, he's quick to rattle off his favorite wins in a UH uniform. The Arizona State win was big, but so was the victory over Colorado State, another game that called for his defensive play.
He remembers the loss to Nebraska. Hawaii led 16-7 in the fourth quarter before falling, 37-16. Wins over South Carolina and West Virginia -- the latter saved on a blocked field goal by Niko Noga -- also stand out."
About their 1981 season, Sapolu said:
"We were 9-2. Ranked 17th in the UPI, 16th in the AP." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Shortly after losing to Hawaii, Arizona State was placed on two-year probation by the NCAA for 30 rules violations. Sapolu seemed to have a knack for picking the right path, even if the road was bumpy early on."
About the opportunity he had at Damien, Sapolu said;
"I went there on scholarship after begging my doctors to relent." (HSB)
HSB Note: "But the school later learned about his heart condition and wouldn't allow him to play. Then he went to McKinley, but came back to his district school, Farrington, and flourished under head coach Al Espinda, Harry Pacarro and line coach Gordon Miyashiro.
These days, Sapolu is busy with his duties as the 49ers alumni coordinator, and his four children. His only daughter, Lila, played volleyball at Chaminade. Son London recently committed to play football at UH and another son, Roman, plays for Edison High in Huntington Beach, Calif."
About the example he set for his kids, Sapolu said:
"The thing that makes me happy is my kids can understand the impact, to make a name for themselves. What people remember is how you treated them off the field. I make time, and if I don't, I make an effort to explain. Without the fans, none of us exist." (HSB)
HSB Note: "EVEN WITH ALL the injuries -- three during his first three pro seasons -- and the constant checkups on his heart condition, Sapolu became an elite athlete in the trenches. At 6-foot-4 and 285 pounds, he was a highly mobile offensive lineman who was an easy fit in the 49ers' West Coast offense."
About how both he and Bob McKittrick believed in the Crowther, a sled that is still the basis for fundamental OL technique at many programs, Tomey said:
"Bob McKittrick was their line coach and he liked players that could really move. Jesse understood that progression and could execute it perfectly. That was something they felt was unique with Jesse. Most college players had not been taught that progression. It takes a long time to learn. Jesse's mastery of it made a difference. There's a videotape out there someplace of Jesse with the fundamental use of the Crowther that's perfect." (HSB)
HSB Note: "That ability to stay ahead of the pack wasn't new. Sapolu was drilled and disciplined by the time he arrived at UH thanks to Farrington's coaching staff."
About how Farrington prepared him for UH, Sapolu said:
"UH was pleasantly surprised at how far along I came." (HSB)
Gordon Miyashiro, now at Word of Life, was the O-line coach, and they still keep in touch.
About how he still keeps in touch with his OL coach at Farrington, Gordon Miyashiro, who is now at Word of Life, Sapolu said:
"Last year, the first thing out of his mouth is, 'Jesse, I have a kid 6-4, 6-5, who might be better than you.' I said, 'You've said that 14, 15 times.'" (HSB)
HSB Note: "In 1997, Sapolu became prominent in medical journals as the first U.S. patient to undergo the Ross procedure, which repaired his damaged left aortic valve and prolonged his NFL career for one final season."
About how he had heart surgery instead of retire from the 49ers, Sapolu said:
"The doctor said, 'Your heart is like one in an old man.'" (HSB)
HSB Note: "Instead, he opted in favor of surgery. His right aortic valve had done virtually all the work and his left valve had enlarged. The procedure required two delicate steps: replacing the faulty valve with his own pulmonary valve and proximal pulmonary artery; then, replacing the pulmonary valve with a human cadaver aortic valve and proximal aorta."
About why he had that procedure, Sapolu said:
"It's crazy if you look at it from the outside, but I didn't want kids with the same condition to suffer like I did. You can do the procedure, go back and chase your dream." (HSB)
HSB NOte: "Four days after the surgery, Sapolu left the hospital. After one week, his enlarged valve had shrunk. After three weeks, he was running again. Eight months later, each valve was basically normal-sized again, and he was cleared to play a final season."
http://www.starbulletin.com/sports/sportsnews/20090725_heart_of_the_matter.html
About how his heart condition prevented him from playing sports in Elementary School, Jesse Sapolu said:
"I was old enough to be embarrassed, not speaking English, but not here long enough to know the territory. I couldn't play P.E. all the way to seventh grade, not even kickball. Whenever I got to play, I said I'm never going to complain." (HSB)
HSB Note: "That's why, on the night of Dec. 1, 1979, it could've been easy for Sapolu to call it a career night. Not only had he become a stellar athlete at Farrington High School, Sapolu was an anchor for Hawaii in a 29-17 upset win over nationally-ranked Arizona State. Sapolu was a true freshman who had played brilliantly on the offensive and defensive lines. Then-UH coach Dick Tomey hasn't forgotten."
About how Sapolu played both OL and DL as a freshman in their win over Arizona State, Dick Tomey said:
"He was very willing to play both ways. We'd complete a series, I'd wave my hand. Stay in there and play. He was willing to do whatever it took to help." (HSB)
About talking with Sapolu as the Arizona State game was about to end, Tomey said:
"The game was winding down and I said, 'You could've been over there.' He said, 'I'm so glad I'm over here.'" (HSB)
HSB Note: "Just months earlier, Sapolu was set to become a Sun Devil before Tomey talked him into staying home. That gave UH an O-line that also featured future pros Kani Kauahi, Jim Mills and Bernard Carvalho, clearing the way for super back Gary Allen. The season-ending win gave UH a 6-5 winning mark in its first campaign as a Western Athletic Conference member. It was especially sweet because ASU had dumped the WAC the year before to join the Pac-10."
About Sapolu, Kani Kauahi (who transferred from Arizona State to UH) said:
"The first time I met Jesse, we were talking about him going to Arizona State. Jesse was a tiger, man. He was an animal." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Hawaii went 8-3 and 9-2 in the next two seasons and earned the respect of pollsters nationwide. Jim Donovan, now UH's athletic director, was a backup on the O-line during that ride."
Praising Sapolu, JD said:
"Jesse was one helluva offensive lineman, maybe the best ever from Hawaii. Certainly the best guard-center combination." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Keith Ah Yuen was a reserve tackle-guard when Sapolu arrived as a freshman."
About how Sapolu remember their first meeting years later, Keith Ah Yuen said:
"He came to his first meeting on crutches with a sprained ankle. Years later, he's back for his second Pro Bowl and he asks me how he's doing. I said, 'You're playing in the Pro Bowl.' But he says, 'I'm asking you because when I came in as a freshman, you were thinking this guy's not going to amount to anything. That's the look you had. I was going to prove you wrong.'" (HSB)
About how Sapolu and he were among the few players who regularly competed against DT Tom Tuinei in practice, Ah Yuen said:
"Jesse came in and he was cultured, could speak well, but all the Kalihi guys had that competitive, 'hood mentality on the field. People would be scared to go up against Tom. Jesse wanted to go up against the best. He always tried to line up against Tom." (HSB)
HSB Note: "How did Sapolu choose UH over Arizona State? His mother, Lila, wanted to see her son stay close to home -- no surprise considering the family had already come a long way. The Sapolus moved to Hawaii from American Samoa after Jesse became ill. By his senior year in high school, though, he had overcome his heart condition and became one of the state's top prospects."
About how Coach Tomey recruited him, Sapolu said:
"Dick Tomey came to our home. Ross (Hannemann), Mufi's brother, had told him, 'You sit on the floor because that's the ultimate sign of respect.' My mom was so shocked, they got out of their seats and sat him on the couch." (HSB)
HSB Note: "On another occasion, Tomey paid a visit on a Sunday morning. Jesse's father, Pa'apa'a, was preaching at Samoan Congregational Christian Church of Honolulu, but Jesse was out of sight."
About Tomey visiting his church on a Sunday morning, Sapolu said;
"It was a good thing and a bad thing. I'd snuck out to go watch NFL games on TV. My dad was told by my sister that Tomey was there and they called me back into church." (HSB)
About how he stayed at Sapolu's church for a long time, Tomey said:
"Jesse wasn't in church, but I went to listen to his dad. It seemed like the service lasted a long time and I'm not understanding what's going on. I'm sitting there in the pew for a half-hour and his sister comes back, motions to me, 'Coach, Coach, we can go in the house now. This is the financial report.' I'm listening there like it's the sermon." (HSB)
HSB Note: "They can laugh about it now, but underneath the misunderstanding was Tomey's diligent approach to recruiting."
About that church incident, Tomey said:
"I'm this dumb haole, just trying to be respectful to his family and his dad's church." (HSB)
About how Sapolu was patient and cautious through the recruiting process, Tomey said:
"He deliberated for a long time. I never take anything for granted. I just felt recruiting's the lifeblood of football. If you're not out there working, in every single home as many times as you're allowed and making contact, you're not doing everything you can do. That was my feeling. I have so much respect for Jesse and his family." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Players like Blane Gaison, who arrived on campus a few years before Sapolu, had opted to stay and give Tomey a try rather than leave. Among local high school recruits, Tomey puts Sapolu in a category of his own."
About the importance of Sapolu picking UH, Tomey said:
"He was the first terrific player to stay home." (HSB)
About why he chose UH, Sapolu said:
"Dick Tomey's a helluva recruiter." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Sapolu did his part, of course. All-WAC honors preceded four Super Bowl rings during the San Francisco 49ers dynasty of the 1980s and '90s.
Even with a monumental pro career, he's quick to rattle off his favorite wins in a UH uniform. The Arizona State win was big, but so was the victory over Colorado State, another game that called for his defensive play.
He remembers the loss to Nebraska. Hawaii led 16-7 in the fourth quarter before falling, 37-16. Wins over South Carolina and West Virginia -- the latter saved on a blocked field goal by Niko Noga -- also stand out."
About their 1981 season, Sapolu said:
"We were 9-2. Ranked 17th in the UPI, 16th in the AP." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Shortly after losing to Hawaii, Arizona State was placed on two-year probation by the NCAA for 30 rules violations. Sapolu seemed to have a knack for picking the right path, even if the road was bumpy early on."
About the opportunity he had at Damien, Sapolu said;
"I went there on scholarship after begging my doctors to relent." (HSB)
HSB Note: "But the school later learned about his heart condition and wouldn't allow him to play. Then he went to McKinley, but came back to his district school, Farrington, and flourished under head coach Al Espinda, Harry Pacarro and line coach Gordon Miyashiro.
These days, Sapolu is busy with his duties as the 49ers alumni coordinator, and his four children. His only daughter, Lila, played volleyball at Chaminade. Son London recently committed to play football at UH and another son, Roman, plays for Edison High in Huntington Beach, Calif."
About the example he set for his kids, Sapolu said:
"The thing that makes me happy is my kids can understand the impact, to make a name for themselves. What people remember is how you treated them off the field. I make time, and if I don't, I make an effort to explain. Without the fans, none of us exist." (HSB)
HSB Note: "EVEN WITH ALL the injuries -- three during his first three pro seasons -- and the constant checkups on his heart condition, Sapolu became an elite athlete in the trenches. At 6-foot-4 and 285 pounds, he was a highly mobile offensive lineman who was an easy fit in the 49ers' West Coast offense."
About how both he and Bob McKittrick believed in the Crowther, a sled that is still the basis for fundamental OL technique at many programs, Tomey said:
"Bob McKittrick was their line coach and he liked players that could really move. Jesse understood that progression and could execute it perfectly. That was something they felt was unique with Jesse. Most college players had not been taught that progression. It takes a long time to learn. Jesse's mastery of it made a difference. There's a videotape out there someplace of Jesse with the fundamental use of the Crowther that's perfect." (HSB)
HSB Note: "That ability to stay ahead of the pack wasn't new. Sapolu was drilled and disciplined by the time he arrived at UH thanks to Farrington's coaching staff."
About how Farrington prepared him for UH, Sapolu said:
"UH was pleasantly surprised at how far along I came." (HSB)
Gordon Miyashiro, now at Word of Life, was the O-line coach, and they still keep in touch.
About how he still keeps in touch with his OL coach at Farrington, Gordon Miyashiro, who is now at Word of Life, Sapolu said:
"Last year, the first thing out of his mouth is, 'Jesse, I have a kid 6-4, 6-5, who might be better than you.' I said, 'You've said that 14, 15 times.'" (HSB)
HSB Note: "In 1997, Sapolu became prominent in medical journals as the first U.S. patient to undergo the Ross procedure, which repaired his damaged left aortic valve and prolonged his NFL career for one final season."
About how he had heart surgery instead of retire from the 49ers, Sapolu said:
"The doctor said, 'Your heart is like one in an old man.'" (HSB)
HSB Note: "Instead, he opted in favor of surgery. His right aortic valve had done virtually all the work and his left valve had enlarged. The procedure required two delicate steps: replacing the faulty valve with his own pulmonary valve and proximal pulmonary artery; then, replacing the pulmonary valve with a human cadaver aortic valve and proximal aorta."
About why he had that procedure, Sapolu said:
"It's crazy if you look at it from the outside, but I didn't want kids with the same condition to suffer like I did. You can do the procedure, go back and chase your dream." (HSB)
HSB NOte: "Four days after the surgery, Sapolu left the hospital. After one week, his enlarged valve had shrunk. After three weeks, he was running again. Eight months later, each valve was basically normal-sized again, and he was cleared to play a final season."
http://www.starbulletin.com/sports/sportsnews/20090725_heart_of_the_matter.html
Friday, July 24, 2009
Niko Noga is Centurians #7
HSB Note: "Hawaii fans still talk about the night Niko lined up across from the great Dave Rimington, and the Rainbows had Goliath on the ropes. Of course they do. But the way you know it's real (even as the actual details are fuzzy now, or long lost) is that, when that particular game is brought up, even Nebraska fans will mention, unprompted, that Hawaii had that great nose guard. What was his name? Yes, Niko Noga vs. Dave Rimington really happened. There are even a few Nebraska fans who still talk about it, too."
HSB Note: "And if not the most famous, the best of them all was Rimington, a guy they would name a trophy after, a guy who is on every All-Century team. He is the only player to win the Outland -- meaning he was the best lineman in college football -- twice. He was so dominant they say it was as if he was offside on every play. And he was the center. He was once named Big 8 offensive player of the year. And he was the center."
About facing NG Niko Noga in his last regular season college game, Rimington said:
"Niko was a real hard competitor." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Hawaii was playing Tomeyball that season, having beaten Utah 10-7, Cal State Fullerton 9-3. Classics. The Rainbows came into the game at 6-4. But on that night, magic was happening. The Hawaii defenders were playing the game of their lives, making stop after stop after stop, and Niko was leading the charge."
About how he knew Niko would make it to the NFL, Rimington said:
"I knew he was going to play pro football. We both were going at each other pretty good and he was going all the time." (HSB)
HSB Note: "The Rainbows led 10-0 at halftime, and entered the fourth quarter up 16-7. They had the Huskers on the ropes. It was electric."
About Niko's brothers, Rimington said:
"He had his brothers in the stands. I can remember them screaming at me." (HSB)
About how he'll always remember his handshake with Niko after the game, Rimington said:
"I'll always remember that." (HSB)
About how he remembers the footage of Niko Noga running during the opening sequence for the "Dick Tomey Show", Robert Kekaula said:
"He was wearing shorts and one of those old UHAD T-shirts. It was cut-off, maybe right below his chest, and as the saying goes, he was 'ripped,' I mean muscles bulging everywhere. It freaked many of us out, because wearing green and looking like he did, I swear to God it was the frickin' HULK running on the field. It was both spooky and exciting." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Yes. That captures the feeling perfectly: Niko was the player you would watch run a 40 (on television!), and you would not only be psyched, and inspired, but also a little bit afraid."
HSB Note: "I've been asked about ranking Niko ahead of Al (I had him at No. 2, behind Levi Stanley, just ahead of the guy with the islands on his head; Al was No. 4, followed by ... oh, never mind). Al was ... there are no words. He surpassed our wildest dreams. But Niko ... as Al himself told the Star-Bulletin's Nick Abramo in 2002: "Niko will always be the guy who started the tempo, the one who had UH fans chanting 'No-ga, No-ga, No-ga.' " He was the original No. 54. With the next one, we knew it was coming."
http://www.starbulletin.com/specialprojects/09/centurions/20090724_Noga_stood_his_ground_vs_the_best.html
HSB Note: "And if not the most famous, the best of them all was Rimington, a guy they would name a trophy after, a guy who is on every All-Century team. He is the only player to win the Outland -- meaning he was the best lineman in college football -- twice. He was so dominant they say it was as if he was offside on every play. And he was the center. He was once named Big 8 offensive player of the year. And he was the center."
About facing NG Niko Noga in his last regular season college game, Rimington said:
"Niko was a real hard competitor." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Hawaii was playing Tomeyball that season, having beaten Utah 10-7, Cal State Fullerton 9-3. Classics. The Rainbows came into the game at 6-4. But on that night, magic was happening. The Hawaii defenders were playing the game of their lives, making stop after stop after stop, and Niko was leading the charge."
About how he knew Niko would make it to the NFL, Rimington said:
"I knew he was going to play pro football. We both were going at each other pretty good and he was going all the time." (HSB)
HSB Note: "The Rainbows led 10-0 at halftime, and entered the fourth quarter up 16-7. They had the Huskers on the ropes. It was electric."
About Niko's brothers, Rimington said:
"He had his brothers in the stands. I can remember them screaming at me." (HSB)
About how he'll always remember his handshake with Niko after the game, Rimington said:
"I'll always remember that." (HSB)
About how he remembers the footage of Niko Noga running during the opening sequence for the "Dick Tomey Show", Robert Kekaula said:
"He was wearing shorts and one of those old UHAD T-shirts. It was cut-off, maybe right below his chest, and as the saying goes, he was 'ripped,' I mean muscles bulging everywhere. It freaked many of us out, because wearing green and looking like he did, I swear to God it was the frickin' HULK running on the field. It was both spooky and exciting." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Yes. That captures the feeling perfectly: Niko was the player you would watch run a 40 (on television!), and you would not only be psyched, and inspired, but also a little bit afraid."
HSB Note: "I've been asked about ranking Niko ahead of Al (I had him at No. 2, behind Levi Stanley, just ahead of the guy with the islands on his head; Al was No. 4, followed by ... oh, never mind). Al was ... there are no words. He surpassed our wildest dreams. But Niko ... as Al himself told the Star-Bulletin's Nick Abramo in 2002: "Niko will always be the guy who started the tempo, the one who had UH fans chanting 'No-ga, No-ga, No-ga.' " He was the original No. 54. With the next one, we knew it was coming."
http://www.starbulletin.com/specialprojects/09/centurions/20090724_Noga_stood_his_ground_vs_the_best.html
Coach Mac's show will get national exposure on the Fox College Sports Network!
HA Note: "The Emmy-winning half-hour show, which originates on KGMB in Honolulu, will be carried on the Fox College Sports network this fall under an arrangement concluded yesterday, according to Rick Blangiardi, KGMB's senior vice president and general manager. Blangiardi said it would be shown six times per week in various time slots on Fox, which has a potential audience of 54 million households."
About how the national exposure could help UH in recruiting, Rick Blangiardi said:
"You never know who might be watching. The (exposure) can't hurt." (HA)
About having his show broadcast around the country, Mac said:
"This is just an outstanding deal. I give full credit to Rick Blangiardi and Liz Chun and the production staff of the show. They've made it special, and been recognized nationally. It's going to be such a great thing for our program as far as recruiting goes. It's a very positive, exciting thing to happen." (HA)
About how he won't change his style for the national audience, Mac said:
"I'm still going to wear slippers. It's a Hawai'i show." (HA)
http://sports.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090724/SPORTS0201/907240340&template=UHsports
About how the national exposure could help UH in recruiting, Rick Blangiardi said:
"You never know who might be watching. The (exposure) can't hurt." (HA)
About having his show broadcast around the country, Mac said:
"This is just an outstanding deal. I give full credit to Rick Blangiardi and Liz Chun and the production staff of the show. They've made it special, and been recognized nationally. It's going to be such a great thing for our program as far as recruiting goes. It's a very positive, exciting thing to happen." (HA)
About how he won't change his style for the national audience, Mac said:
"I'm still going to wear slippers. It's a Hawai'i show." (HA)
http://sports.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090724/SPORTS0201/907240340&template=UHsports
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Colt talked about finally getting Stephanie Lum's autograph
About how UH had to take away his autograph from Stephanie Lum when he was playing for UH, but he finally got the autograph this week, Colt said:
"She signed a picture for me and it kind of got out in the public that she signed a picture for me, 'cause I was a big fan of hers when I first got here, and I guess for NCAA regulations, they had to take the picture back. So Stephanie I need my picture back and I need it signed and give me a shout out one of these days alright, I'm a big fan!" (KHNL)
http://www.khnl.com/Global/story.asp?S=10773294
"She signed a picture for me and it kind of got out in the public that she signed a picture for me, 'cause I was a big fan of hers when I first got here, and I guess for NCAA regulations, they had to take the picture back. So Stephanie I need my picture back and I need it signed and give me a shout out one of these days alright, I'm a big fan!" (KHNL)
http://www.khnl.com/Global/story.asp?S=10773294
Warrior Beat Q&A with Cayman Shutter
About being born in Saskatchewan, Cayman Shutter said:
"It's like in the middle of the prairies. It's completely flat. No mountains, or anything. My whole family has lived there for, like, forever. I lived there until I was 10, and then moved over here. It's definitely different weather. You get the extremes. You definitely get winter. It gets, like, negative 40. It's a virtual opposite of Hawai‘i. It's just different. You don't have the mixture of cultures. You don't have, obviously, the food that comes with it." (HA)
About the great food he gets when he is in Saskatchewan, Shutter said:
"Grandma's mashed potatoes and gravy. That's the best. She's a skilled cook. Her home-made apple pie, that's what I was looking forward to the most. She makes the pie crust and everything. It's so good. She makes a roast with gravy, mashed potatoes, cooked vegetables, the whole deal." (HA)
About going from Punahou to UH, Shutter said:
"The first week, when I was doing classes at Manoa and then coming over here (for workouts), made it really hard, I also was at (Punahou's) graduation practice. Getting the workouts was hard. I couldn't come out for 7-on-7s. But I was at an advantage before that because I was out here during (unsupervised) spring workouts. Even from that point, I felt I was part of the team. It made the transition a lot easier." (HA)
About how he likes weight training, Shutter said:
"I really like getting into the gym and lifting weights. I'm kind of addicted to lifting weights. I'm around 195 right now. I definitely don't want to be too bulky. I was worried about that. Throwing a football involves a lot of finesse. I was trying to get the balance between pure strength and being able to finesse a football." (HA)
About all of the QBs they have at UH, Shutter said:
"It doesn't really feel like competition. We're all out here trying to improve for the overall betterment of the team. As we all try to improve individually, the team will get better. That's the whole idea. We're all friends." (HA)
About how they team has welcomed him, Shutter said:
"The guys over here really welcomed me. That made it easy. I hang out with (wideout) Jovonte (Taylor) outside of workouts. (Running back) Leon (Wright-Jackson) and I play video games. it's not just business with them. We've created a friendship already. That's made it a lot easier to do my job as a quarterback." (HA)
http://warriorbeat.honadvblogs.com/2009/07/23/couple-of-minutes-with-cayman-shutter/
"It's like in the middle of the prairies. It's completely flat. No mountains, or anything. My whole family has lived there for, like, forever. I lived there until I was 10, and then moved over here. It's definitely different weather. You get the extremes. You definitely get winter. It gets, like, negative 40. It's a virtual opposite of Hawai‘i. It's just different. You don't have the mixture of cultures. You don't have, obviously, the food that comes with it." (HA)
About the great food he gets when he is in Saskatchewan, Shutter said:
"Grandma's mashed potatoes and gravy. That's the best. She's a skilled cook. Her home-made apple pie, that's what I was looking forward to the most. She makes the pie crust and everything. It's so good. She makes a roast with gravy, mashed potatoes, cooked vegetables, the whole deal." (HA)
About going from Punahou to UH, Shutter said:
"The first week, when I was doing classes at Manoa and then coming over here (for workouts), made it really hard, I also was at (Punahou's) graduation practice. Getting the workouts was hard. I couldn't come out for 7-on-7s. But I was at an advantage before that because I was out here during (unsupervised) spring workouts. Even from that point, I felt I was part of the team. It made the transition a lot easier." (HA)
About how he likes weight training, Shutter said:
"I really like getting into the gym and lifting weights. I'm kind of addicted to lifting weights. I'm around 195 right now. I definitely don't want to be too bulky. I was worried about that. Throwing a football involves a lot of finesse. I was trying to get the balance between pure strength and being able to finesse a football." (HA)
About all of the QBs they have at UH, Shutter said:
"It doesn't really feel like competition. We're all out here trying to improve for the overall betterment of the team. As we all try to improve individually, the team will get better. That's the whole idea. We're all friends." (HA)
About how they team has welcomed him, Shutter said:
"The guys over here really welcomed me. That made it easy. I hang out with (wideout) Jovonte (Taylor) outside of workouts. (Running back) Leon (Wright-Jackson) and I play video games. it's not just business with them. We've created a friendship already. That's made it a lot easier to do my job as a quarterback." (HA)
http://warriorbeat.honadvblogs.com/2009/07/23/couple-of-minutes-with-cayman-shutter/
Greg Alexander's response to his struggles in the Florida game earned the respect of the Warriors
SRPD = Santa Rosa Press Democrat
About going from Santa Rosa JC to starting at Florida for UH, Greg Alexander said:
“The game was moving a lot faster, I didn’t have a complete grasp of the offense and we were playing against one of the best teams in the nation. It wasn’t a great combination.” (SRPD)
SRPD Note: "The results were predictable as Alexander, a former star at Piner High and Santa Rosa Junior College, completed 11 of 21 passes for 57 yards and tossed two interceptions in his Division I debut, a 56-10 loss to Florida. lexander was benched during the season opener and spent most of next six games languishing on the bench.
There were no guarantees that he would ever start again. But there was also no quit in Alexander, who emerged from his nightmarish beginning to regain the starting role and complete 143 of 224 passes for 1,838 yards with 14 touchdowns and three interceptions after the season-opening disaster."
About how Rolo (UH's QB coach) praised how Alexander responded to his struggles in the Florida game, Santa Rosa JC coach Keith Simons said:
“Nick was telling me how Greg would show up to practice every day and just work his butt off. By doing that he earned the respect of the team.” (SRPD)
About dealing with his struggles during the Florida game and being benched after the game, Greg Alexander said:
“It’s just one of those things. Crying and whining about stuff isn’t going to help you. I just kept working to get better.” (SRPD)
SRPD Note: "After managing a 2.5 GPA at Piner, Alexander was a member of the academic all-WAC team after posting a 3.6 GPA. A history major, he plans to get into coaching or go to law school when his playing career is over."
About going from struggling in school to an academic all-WAC member, Alexander said:
“You do your work and your grades go up. I started thinking about what I wanted to do in the future and started taking things more seriously.” (SRPD)
http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20090722/SPORTS/907229853/1068/NEWS12?Title=Alexander-is-aiming-to-build-on-strong-finish-last-season-at-Hawaii
About going from Santa Rosa JC to starting at Florida for UH, Greg Alexander said:
“The game was moving a lot faster, I didn’t have a complete grasp of the offense and we were playing against one of the best teams in the nation. It wasn’t a great combination.” (SRPD)
SRPD Note: "The results were predictable as Alexander, a former star at Piner High and Santa Rosa Junior College, completed 11 of 21 passes for 57 yards and tossed two interceptions in his Division I debut, a 56-10 loss to Florida. lexander was benched during the season opener and spent most of next six games languishing on the bench.
There were no guarantees that he would ever start again. But there was also no quit in Alexander, who emerged from his nightmarish beginning to regain the starting role and complete 143 of 224 passes for 1,838 yards with 14 touchdowns and three interceptions after the season-opening disaster."
About how Rolo (UH's QB coach) praised how Alexander responded to his struggles in the Florida game, Santa Rosa JC coach Keith Simons said:
“Nick was telling me how Greg would show up to practice every day and just work his butt off. By doing that he earned the respect of the team.” (SRPD)
About dealing with his struggles during the Florida game and being benched after the game, Greg Alexander said:
“It’s just one of those things. Crying and whining about stuff isn’t going to help you. I just kept working to get better.” (SRPD)
SRPD Note: "After managing a 2.5 GPA at Piner, Alexander was a member of the academic all-WAC team after posting a 3.6 GPA. A history major, he plans to get into coaching or go to law school when his playing career is over."
About going from struggling in school to an academic all-WAC member, Alexander said:
“You do your work and your grades go up. I started thinking about what I wanted to do in the future and started taking things more seriously.” (SRPD)
http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20090722/SPORTS/907229853/1068/NEWS12?Title=Alexander-is-aiming-to-build-on-strong-finish-last-season-at-Hawaii
Levi Stanley is Centurians #8
About going to UH to play football and not caring about education, Levi Stanley said:
"When I got there, you know I come from Waianae, education wasn't a high priority. I went in with the intentions of just playing football and going to the pros. But then I ran into Larry Price." (HSB)
About how he emphasized the need to get an education to Stanley, Larry Price said:
"I told him, 'I'm going to tell you something now that I want you to remember. There's nothing as dead as yesterday's football hero.' For a local guy, that's the difference. He said, 'What do you mean?' I said, long after you get through playing football you won't be able to walk, but you're still going to have your degree. That's the most important thing. I told him, 'Your mind is like a muscle. It's like your body. If you don't use it, it just goes to sleep.' " (HSB)
About his discussion about Academics with Stanley during his recruiting trip to Waianae, Price said::
"When I went down there (to Waianae) to talk to him, I said, 'I know you're tough but I don't think you're tough enough to beat one of the most difficult things in college. ' He told me, 'Hey, I can handle myself.' And then I told him, 'Can you handle English 100?' " (HSB)
HSB Note: "Education, it seems, would not be as easy to tackle for Stanley as opposing ballcarriers. But he took Price's words to heart. He hit the books and hit 'em hard. And he has the proof of it. Stanley graduated from UH with a B.A. degree in education and then got a master's, also in education, in 1980. That led to teaching jobs at Waianae, then Kalakaua Middle School and Kaimuki High School. He said Price and friends Wesley Park and Harold Ohama helped him make the transition from athlete to student-athlete."
About how his advisers helped him become a better student, Stanley said:
"In fact, Park told me, 'Son, you can play football for the rest of your life, but if you don't get an education, you won't amount to anything.' They (Price, Park and Ohama) were my backbone when it came to education. My parents, Ruth and Bobby Millirod -- they're not my real parents, they took me off the streets and pointed me in the right direction. They were my heart and soul." (HSB)
HSB Note: "As one of the premier defensive tackles in school history, Stanley also put the hurt on opposing runners. He led the team in total tackles in 1972 with 113 (63 unassisted) as well as in '73 with 140 (77 solo). Stanley held the UH record in career total tackles with 366 until Solomon Elimimian broke the mark last season."
About how Stanley was the key to their defense, Price (who was defensive coordinator at UH before becoming head coach in 1974) said:
"I was running the George Allen defense and in the George Allen-type defense, the inside left tackle is the key guy on the defense. You've got to have at least two guys to be able to block him. And he keeps everybody from blocking the linebacker at the same time. So (Stanley) always played on the left side, on their right guard. And absolutely a killer. There was nobody who could run up the center on us." (HSB)
About how their 1973 game against Washington (a power in the Pac-8 then) was an example of Stanley's domination, Price said:
"They called a timeout because they were in a situation where there were only 2 minutes left on the clock and they had to decide to go for a first down or kick the field goal to tie the game. They were on something like the 20-yard line, so it would've been an easy field goal for them. But I said to the team, they're not going to kick the field goal. They're not even going to do a fake field goal. They're going to run Pete Taggares right over Levi Stanley. That's what they're going to do. That's what they're going to try and do." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Taggares, at that time, was a bull of a runner, with 13 touchdown the past two seasons. He's the guy you go to to get 1 yard."
About what they discussed during the timeout, Price said:
"I called all of them (defensive team) on the side and said, 'They've got fourth down and one here on the 20-yard line. What are they going to do? Levi said, 'They're going to try run over me. No way.' We threw them for a four-yard loss, and the stadium was quiet. And that was the game that really made him." (HSB)
HSB Note: "A home crowd of 52,500 at Husky Stadium saw Hawaii not only win its opener of the season but were witnesses to dominance at the line of scrimmage by Stanley, who finished the game with an astounding 16 tackles."
About that game at Washington, Stanley said:
"We went in as underdogs. We had had our backs against the wall when we went there. There were a lot of memories but that (win over Washington) was the one that stood out for me." (HSB)
HSB Note: "It was something that Stanley will never forget."
About convincing local star athletes about the importance of education, Price said:
"The hardest thing to convince the local kids is there's very little difference -- in fact there are more similarities, than differences -- between being athletically proficient and being academically proficient. Very little difference. It takes the same kind of effort, same kind of dedication. It never ends. Once you start learning, you know, your mind is like a muscle, It's going to want more information. So once you get them hooked on the education part, the football part is easy." (HSB)
http://www.starbulletin.com/sports/sportsnews/20090723_stanley_hit_foes_books_hard.html
"When I got there, you know I come from Waianae, education wasn't a high priority. I went in with the intentions of just playing football and going to the pros. But then I ran into Larry Price." (HSB)
About how he emphasized the need to get an education to Stanley, Larry Price said:
"I told him, 'I'm going to tell you something now that I want you to remember. There's nothing as dead as yesterday's football hero.' For a local guy, that's the difference. He said, 'What do you mean?' I said, long after you get through playing football you won't be able to walk, but you're still going to have your degree. That's the most important thing. I told him, 'Your mind is like a muscle. It's like your body. If you don't use it, it just goes to sleep.' " (HSB)
About his discussion about Academics with Stanley during his recruiting trip to Waianae, Price said::
"When I went down there (to Waianae) to talk to him, I said, 'I know you're tough but I don't think you're tough enough to beat one of the most difficult things in college. ' He told me, 'Hey, I can handle myself.' And then I told him, 'Can you handle English 100?' " (HSB)
HSB Note: "Education, it seems, would not be as easy to tackle for Stanley as opposing ballcarriers. But he took Price's words to heart. He hit the books and hit 'em hard. And he has the proof of it. Stanley graduated from UH with a B.A. degree in education and then got a master's, also in education, in 1980. That led to teaching jobs at Waianae, then Kalakaua Middle School and Kaimuki High School. He said Price and friends Wesley Park and Harold Ohama helped him make the transition from athlete to student-athlete."
About how his advisers helped him become a better student, Stanley said:
"In fact, Park told me, 'Son, you can play football for the rest of your life, but if you don't get an education, you won't amount to anything.' They (Price, Park and Ohama) were my backbone when it came to education. My parents, Ruth and Bobby Millirod -- they're not my real parents, they took me off the streets and pointed me in the right direction. They were my heart and soul." (HSB)
HSB Note: "As one of the premier defensive tackles in school history, Stanley also put the hurt on opposing runners. He led the team in total tackles in 1972 with 113 (63 unassisted) as well as in '73 with 140 (77 solo). Stanley held the UH record in career total tackles with 366 until Solomon Elimimian broke the mark last season."
About how Stanley was the key to their defense, Price (who was defensive coordinator at UH before becoming head coach in 1974) said:
"I was running the George Allen defense and in the George Allen-type defense, the inside left tackle is the key guy on the defense. You've got to have at least two guys to be able to block him. And he keeps everybody from blocking the linebacker at the same time. So (Stanley) always played on the left side, on their right guard. And absolutely a killer. There was nobody who could run up the center on us." (HSB)
About how their 1973 game against Washington (a power in the Pac-8 then) was an example of Stanley's domination, Price said:
"They called a timeout because they were in a situation where there were only 2 minutes left on the clock and they had to decide to go for a first down or kick the field goal to tie the game. They were on something like the 20-yard line, so it would've been an easy field goal for them. But I said to the team, they're not going to kick the field goal. They're not even going to do a fake field goal. They're going to run Pete Taggares right over Levi Stanley. That's what they're going to do. That's what they're going to try and do." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Taggares, at that time, was a bull of a runner, with 13 touchdown the past two seasons. He's the guy you go to to get 1 yard."
About what they discussed during the timeout, Price said:
"I called all of them (defensive team) on the side and said, 'They've got fourth down and one here on the 20-yard line. What are they going to do? Levi said, 'They're going to try run over me. No way.' We threw them for a four-yard loss, and the stadium was quiet. And that was the game that really made him." (HSB)
HSB Note: "A home crowd of 52,500 at Husky Stadium saw Hawaii not only win its opener of the season but were witnesses to dominance at the line of scrimmage by Stanley, who finished the game with an astounding 16 tackles."
About that game at Washington, Stanley said:
"We went in as underdogs. We had had our backs against the wall when we went there. There were a lot of memories but that (win over Washington) was the one that stood out for me." (HSB)
HSB Note: "It was something that Stanley will never forget."
About convincing local star athletes about the importance of education, Price said:
"The hardest thing to convince the local kids is there's very little difference -- in fact there are more similarities, than differences -- between being athletically proficient and being academically proficient. Very little difference. It takes the same kind of effort, same kind of dedication. It never ends. Once you start learning, you know, your mind is like a muscle, It's going to want more information. So once you get them hooked on the education part, the football part is easy." (HSB)
http://www.starbulletin.com/sports/sportsnews/20090723_stanley_hit_foes_books_hard.html
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