Warriors DL have benefited from training at a boxing club

About how former UH DL Fale Laeli suggested that their defensive linemen train at a boxing club in Palolo to use boxing drills to improve handwork in fighting off blockers, Vaughn Meatoga (who served as group leader) said:
"Fale talked about it, and it made sense." (HSA)


About how they began their 3x per week sessions with jumping rope nonstop for 3 minutes, Ikaika Maoe said:
"It was the longest three minutes of my life. Plus, I'm flat-footed. My arches started cramping up. But it was a good cardio workout." (HSA)


HSA Note: "Sessions included shadow boxing, pounding the heavy bag, sprints, and floor exercises such as squat lifts, pushups and sit-ups."


About why they did not spar, Meatoga said:
"All we had to do was bring a mouthpiece to spar. None of us brought a mouthpiece." (HSA)


Meatoga smiled and added:
"Kind of on purpose." (HSA)


About how the boxing-related workouts helped him shed blockers, Liko Satele said:
"If you don't use your hands, you can't get away from anybody." (HSA)


About how quick hand movements are needed to be effective as a pass rusher, Cal Lee said:
"Boxing helps you have fast hands. Look at (Satele). There's a big improvement. I don't know if it's the boxing, but his hands are a lot faster. With hard work and energy, he's gotten a lot better." (HSA)


About how the boxing workouts strengthened his left hand, Meatoga said:
"That's my nondominant hand. Working the jabs, I'm a lot more confident with my left hand." (HSA)


About how he now has more stamina, Mahoe said:
"It was totally different exercises from football (workouts), and now I have more energy." (HSA)


About how he will continue his boxing drills and the conditioning program that Tommy Heffernan provides, Meatoga said:
"They work together. I think I'm in the best shape of my life." (HSA)

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