UH will face Western Kentucky to end the 2012 season

UH = University of Hawaii website
BG = Bowling Green Daily News

UH Note: "University of Hawai'i Athletics Director Jim Donovan announced the addition of Western Kentucky, of the Sun Belt Conference, to almost complete the 2012 football schedule. The Warriors and Hilltoppers will close out the regular season with a game on Dec. 1, 2012 at Aloha Stadium. With the addition of Western Kentucky, the Warriors need one more opponent to complete the 2012 schedule. UH has already filled the upcoming 2010 schedule as well as 2011."

Happy to complete the deal to get Western Kentucky to play at Aloha Stadium to end the 2012 season, JD said:
"We're pleased that Western Kentucky has filled one of the open slots for the 2012 schedule. I'm sure their coaches, players and fans are very excited for the opportunity to finish the regular season in Hawai'i. Having already completed the 2010 and '11 schedules and needing one more game for '12 and '13, we're meeting one of our goals to have the football schedule complete several years out." (UH)

“We’re pleased that Western Kentucky has filled one of the open slots for the 2012 schedule. I’m sure their coaches, players and fans are very excited for the opportunity to play an FBS opponent on the road to finish the regular season. Having already completed the 2010 and ’11 schedules and needing one more game for ’12 and ’13, we’re meeting one of our goals to have the football schedule complete several years out.” (HA)

UH Note: "Hawai'i and Western Kentucky will play for the first time on the football field. The 2012 schedule includes road games at USC (Sept. 1) and Brigham Young (Sept. 8) to open the season and a home game against UNLV (Sept. 22). Since last year, UH has announced new games with Army, Brigham Young (2012 & 2013), and UC Davis and extended series with USC, Oregon State, Washington, and UNLV."

Happy to be able to play at Aloha Stadium and to play a record 13 games in their 2012 regular season, Selig said:
"This is tremendous for our football program in many ways. It gives us an extra regular season game with the benefits of a post-season bowl game. This will be the farthest we have ever traveled for a football game and marks another milestone in our program's continued development." (BG)

Excited to play against UH, Willie Taggart said:
"I am really excited about this game. It gives us an extra regular season game and a chance to compete against a very good football program in a great environment. The experience will also resemble a bowl game in many ways. We will be about chasing greatness and catching excellence in the process and playing this game in this setting will be a great experience for our players, coaches, administration and fans." (BG)

http://www.hawaiiathletics.com/news/2010/1/28/FB_0128105401.aspx

http://bgdailynews.com/articles/2010/01/29/sports/sports5.txt

http://warriorbeat.honadvblogs.com/2010/01/29/arizona-is-the-spot/comment-page-1/#comment-390117

Feature on Tommy Heffernan leading UH's offseason workouts

HSB Note: "Double duty is nothing new for Tommy Heffernan. The Hawaii strength and conditioning coach played football and baseball at UH. Two decades later, Heffernan again finds little time for breaks and, now, apologizes to wife Kealoha for missing dinners at home with children Hilina'i and Ho'omana. He was recently put in charge of UH football in addition to other sports and overall responsibility, and football's offseason conditioning program started last week."

About hosting the 150 or so participants in the Hawaii Strength and Conditioning Clinic for coaches tomorrow, the first time he's hosting that Clinic for strength coaches, trainers, kinesiology students and physical therapists, Tommy Heffernan said:
"We have a wide pool. It's an opportunity for continuing education for all of these professionals. We didn't have that before. The closest you could get something like this before was California." (HSB)

Note: Heffernan is one course away from a MS in Kinesiology.

HSB Note: "Sponsors make the event affordable, he said, and the lecturers aren't getting paid — revenue goes to a foundation for upgrading the UH training facilities."

About how all Warrior players need to be serious about their offseason workouts, Heffernan said:
"The No. 1 thing is discipline. Don't miss workouts, show up ready to go. It's gotten better. We had to pound some guys early." (HSB)

About how the entire team has to do grass drill punishments when even just a few people make mistakes, Heffernan said:
"As part of a team, you have to learn that one's actions affect all." (HSB)

Asked about how 3rd basemen backed up to medium-deep left field when he batted in softball in the 1990s in the park leagues, Heffernan laughed and said that fielders aren't scared of him anymore:
"No. They're not scared anymore. I had my time and enjoyed it." (HSB)

HSB Note: "Heffernan held a kickball tournament, including former UH athletes last May, as a benefit event for the weight room. Players on 16 teams flashed back to elementary school and those big red balls."

About how they had a fun time with kickball last May, Heffernan said:
"Everybody had a lot of fun, running around barefoot, slippers on your hands. And you don't have to be a great athlete." (HSB)

http://www.starbulletin.com/columnists/furtherreview/20100129_Heffernan_spearheading_UH_offseason_workouts.html

Articles about the public hearing on the increase of the UH ticket price ceilings

HA Note: "A proposal to raise the maximum limits on the prices the University of Hawai'i may charge for tickets to its athletic events drew no significant opposition at a sparsely attended public hearing on campus last night. Six speakers asked questions and offered comments but none opposed a plan that could go to the Board of Regents as early as next month. The most noticeable increase would be a jump from $38 to $50 on the price of some individual sideline seats for the Sept. 2 football game against Southern California. Some premium seat charges in football, women's volleyball, men's basketball, men's volleyball and baseball could jump by as much as $20 per ticket over a period of years, if approved by the board. In addition, some seats for students might no longer be free."

Associate athletic director Carl Clapp said the new price ceilings would likely remain in place:
"from three to five years or so." (HA)

About the support UH athletics has been getting from the public, Clapp said:
"People are amazingly supportive of UH and UH athletics and with the economy people are also cautious and we certainly hear that message. Our movement forward needs to be in ways that's best for UH athletics and also best for all those people who support us so well." (HSB)

About how they have to consider the economy and other factors before they raise ticket prices, Clapp said:
"We'd have a lot to consider in raising ticket prices. You can have a higher price and less revenue if you're not careful." (HSB)

HSB Note: "If the regents approve the new range, the department is considering charging higher prices for UH's football season opener against Southern Cal, with adult tickets ranging from $35 to $50. Prices would range from $25 to $38 for the other six home games. UH is also considering charging $3 for student tickets to women's basketball games. Students currently get in free."

About the possibility of getting a student activities fee, Clapp said:
"the conversation does continue and the proposal remains under consideration." (HSB)

HSB Note: "Clapp said there are no plans to begin charging admission to sports such as soccer, softball and water polo, which are currently free to attend."

HA Note: "A veteran season ticket holder in four sports who identified himself only as "Rodney" said the proposals were "pretty reasonable.""

Basil Sparlin of the men's volleyball booster club, said:
"I understand what they are trying to do and I don't think it is unreasonable." (HA)

Sparlin added:
"how they manage that whole right pricing to get the maximum revenue but not drive people away is a tricky business for them. I don't envy them having to do it." (HA)

HSB Note: "While the department plans to keep most ticket prices level next year, it is considering a $20 increase in the premium seat contribution — which accompanies the season-ticket charge — for the sections closest to the 50-yard line for football and midcourt for arena sports. The change would push the PSC for football to $220 per seat in six sections of Aloha Stadium. The new PSC for the midcourt sections in the lower bowl at the Stan Sheriff Center would be $120 for men's and women's volleyball and men's basketball, and $100 for the lower section at Les Murakami Stadium. Clapp said the maximums haven't been updated since 2003 and the department plans for the new ranges to remain in effect for three to five years."

http://sports.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100127/SPORTS02/1270365&template=UHsports

http://www.starbulletin.com/sports/sportsnews/20100127_Hawaii_athletic_department_wants_to_raise_ticket_ceiling.html

UH will get $550k from the BCS this year

HA Note: "The five non-Bowl Championship Series conferences will receive a record $24 million from this year's BCS bowl games. BCS figures obtained by The Associated Press yesterday show that the bulk of that money will go to the two conferences that sent teams to BCS games: Mountain West Conference, $9.8 million, and the Western Athletic Conference, $7.8 million. The other three non-BCS conferences will divide the remainder. The University of Hawai'i's share is expected to be approximately $550,000, according to conference officials."

About how each WAC school benefited by BSU getting into a BCS game, WAC commissioner Karl Benson said:
"Boise State getting in, I think, was a windfall to each of our WAC schools. I'm sure that it comes at a time when all of our schools can use the additional revenue." (HA)

HA Note: "The figures still lag behind the six BCS conferences, which will receive between $17.7 million and $22.2 million each. Critics in Congress who have taken aim at the BCS have cited what they consider an unfair distribution of BCS revenue. BCS executive director Bill Hancock told the AP the new numbers show the distribution is "fair and appropriate." "

http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/20100126/SPORTS04/1260348/1049/sportsfront/Hawai+i+to+get++550K+from+BCS

Blaze Soares will play in the Texas vs. The Nation All-Star game, hopes to help his NFL prospects

HSB Note: "Blaze Soares heads to Texas on Sunday looking for a shot to enhance his profile and put a more positive cap on his college career. The former Hawaii linebacker is slated to play in the Texas vs. The Nation all-star game on Feb. 6 at the Sun Bowl in El Paso."

Looking forward to the the Texas vs. The Nation game, Blaze Soares (who will play LB and even be the long snapper for The Nation) said:
"I'm excited, it's a good opportunity to show the scouts what I can do. I get one more game and I get to redeem myself from that last game we had at home (UH's season-ending loss to Wisconsin). It'll be exciting to put on the pads again." (HSB)

http://www.starbulletin.com/sports/sportsnews/20100126_Soares_off_to_Texas.html

Davone Bess is disappointed with his 2009 season

SFSS = South Florida Sun-Sentinel

SFSS Note: "As far as stats are concerned, Bess had a breakout year in 2009, his second NFL season. He led the Dolphins with 76 receptions for a team-high 758 yards, and two touchdowns. He was also the NFL's second most production receiver on third downs, bringing in 35 passes for 344 yard and scoring a touchdown on that critical down. But Bess openly admits he played better in 2008, when he came out of nowhere as an undrafted rookie out of Hawaii, scraping and clawing his way to a starting role."

Unhappy with his play in 2009, Davone Bess said:
"It's funny. Even though my production went up, I kind of made a lot more mistakes this year with the fumbles and dropped passes here and there. I still have a long way to go." (SFSS)

SFSS Note: "Bess said he spent most of last season learning about the intricate nature of the slot receiver role, and discovered the importance of route depth, not rushing his routes, and setting up defensive backs."

http://blogs.sun-sentinel.com/sports_football_dolphins/2010/01/davone-bess-was-disappointed-with-his-2009-season.html

Feature story on Kody Afusia committing to the Warriors

OCR = Orange County Register

OCR Note: "The active and aggressive two-way lineman committed to his favorite school, Hawaii, during a memorable recruiting trip Jan. 16. The Warriors recruited him as a center. Afusia's visit included a luau, accommodations at a hotel on the beach, an on-campus reggae concert, a tour of Aloha Stadium and a chance to surf for the first time."

About why he committed to UH, Kody Afusia said:
"I felt Hawaii is the place for me. Just the people. ... And I love the environment. It feels like I'm at home. All the guys I met for a day are now my close friends. They all feel like my family." (OCR)

OCR Note: "Afusia also met an actual family member on his trip. He discovered that Warrior recruit David Lefotu of Pearl City High in Hawaii is a distant cousin. Afusia had scheduled recruiting trips to San Jose State and Montana State but decided to cancel those plans. San Jose State didn't go down without a fight. The Spartans called Afusia after he committed to Hawaii."

About going to Ocean View for high school instead of a football power high school, Afusia said:
"I went to (Ocean View) with people saying, 'That's not really a football school. You're not going to get looked at.' It's really not about how big your school is. It's if you give everything you've got every play – (then) you will get noticed." (OCR)

http://www.ocvarsity.com/sports/font-19276-normal-style.html

Q&A with Coach McMackin on UH's recruiting strategy

UH head coach Greg McMackin (Mack) said that they have a number of verbal commitments, but:
"nothing is official until it's in writing on signing day." (HA)

HA Note: "The NCAA limits a Division I-A school to offering 25 "initial" scholarships each academic year. Because three players from last year's UH team will count as initials, the Warriors have 22 new scholarships to offer for the 2010 recruiting class."

Asked about their 2010 recruiting class, Mack said:
"We've been preparing for this class for two years. It's a two-year process of evaluating the talent." (HA)

About how they evaluated thousands of recruits and ranked the players to prioritize their recruiting, Mack said:
"We counted up the tapes, and from the start of the year (in 2009), we were contacted by 3,000 guys. We also talked to every (Hawai'i) high school (football) coach to find out who they think are the top players in the state. It's quite a process. You have to go over every tape. You talk to coaches. You watch games. You watch more tapes. You have to find out if you think they'll meet the academic requirements (to play as freshmen). Then you have to rank them because you want to get the best players possible for the University of Hawai'i.

We'll have meetings and rankings and arguments — no, I mean, discussions — between coaches. There are a lot of discussions and evaluations. Recruiting is our lifeblood. It's the most important thing you do in the program. If you have the players, you're going to be a good coach." (HA)

About evaluating prospects, Mack said:
"I've never been a guy who goes on (scouting) Web sites, and tries to recruit players based on how many stars they have next to their names. We want to go out and see for ourselves, and watch videos, and make our own evaluations. We know there are some schools who went after players because they had four- or five-star ratings. And they didn't always play very well, because, maybe, a five-star has some problems in other areas. We're looking for great players with passion who make plays. It's important to have the basic measurables, but the biggest measurables are a player's heart and brain, and whether he can make plays. Maybe a player is an inch or two shorter. What difference does that make? Look at Davone (Bess, a former UH slotback who led the Miami Dolphins in receiving in 2009). He goes as a free agent, but you know he can play." (HA)

About how they focus on speed as the most important factor in their recruiting, Mack said:
"Speed is our most important thing. You can use Paipai (Falemalu) as an example. We recruited him (in 2008) as a linebacker. Now he's 250, and still runs like a deer. But now we move him to defensive end. We recruited him because he could run and make plays. He'll start for us for the next three years. When you recruit a high school player, you have to project that he will grow. And he can get faster. That's why character is important. Look at (safety) Richard Torres. He joined us as a walk-on. He's probably a little short for most Division I schools, but he worked hard. He improved his speed, from 4.7 (in the 40-yard dash) to probably 4.4. He's one of our best football players. And now he's on scholarship." (HA)

About offering scholarships, Mack said (referring to the Manley situation):
"When we decide on who we want to give a scholarship to, we send a letter to the player and his family, and a letter to his coach. The letter is important. It assures a player he received an offer. It tells him what he needs to do, like meeting the academic requirements. It lets him know he has to accept (the offer) within a timely manner. In one situation, we had only one scholarship for a position. We had three excellent players (at that position). Because we couldn't take more than one (recruit) at that position, we said we would give it to the first player who accepted the offer. One of the players (did not accept). We liked him a lot. We told him: 'If you don't get a scholarship offer (from another school), we would be glad to borrow from the next year and gray shirt you (in 2010).'

I  wish we could offer 100 scholarships. I wish we could give every top player from Hawai'i a football scholarship. But we can't, and we have to make tough decisions. That's why it's important for players to get back to us in a timely manner. It's spelled out in the letter. We only have so many scholarships. We have to have enough players in our pool so we can get a good recruiting class. If we offer too few (scholarships), we'll scramble later. If we offer too many, we can get in trouble." (HA)

About the talent in Hawaii, Mack said:
"Our goal is to keep every good Hawai'i player in Hawai'i. You can't get everybody. That's the reality. All universities aren't for everybody. We have a lot of great things to offer a local player. He has an opportunity to play in front of his family, his friends and his fans. ... There are enough good players here, to complement some guys from the Mainland and Samoa, for us to be a football power and a constant top-25 team." (HA)

http://sports.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100124/SPORTS0201/1240385&template=UHsports

John Estes played 2 quarters at the East-West Shrine Game, hopes for a Combine invitation

After playing the second and fourth quarters in the East-West Shrine Game, John Estes said:
"I had a great week of practice, met some good people, made some friends. It was a lot of fun, a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The field was perfect. I feel good about how I did." (HSB)

Asked if he's been invited to the NFL combine, Estes said:
"No, I haven't received an invitation to the (NFL) combine, hoping that I will now. If not, that's fine. I'll be training for the Pro Day at Athletes Performance in L.A." (HSB)

http://www.starbulletin.com/sports/sportsnews/20100124_ex_warriors_center_estes_plays_2_quarters.html

Feature on John Estes at the East-West Shrine Game

About needing to impress the NFL scouts at the East-West Shrine game, John Estes said:
"Not that many colleges recruited me because of my measurables and it's kind of the same thing now. But I have an opportunity at the Shrine game and I feel I did pretty well." (HSB)

HSB Note: "Estes and Washington State's Kenny Alfred are the centers on the West roster and are expected to play two quarters each. But much of the impressions for the week were set in the practices leading up to the game. Estes said he had a solid day on Tuesday, though he was a bit disappointed in losing one of his one-on-one duels. He came back Wednesday to win his one-on-ones and felt solid in pass and run blocking."

About working hard in the practices, Estes said:
"I've been concentrating on finishing my blocks and getting to the second level. The practices are equal to or even more important than the game. All the scouts are there and it's full-pads, full-speed every snap. Everybody's fighting for their draft position, so it's going to get intense." (HSB)

About how 90% of the plays this week have been run with the QB under center, Estes said:
"It's a lot easier. I can get out of the blocks so much faster." (HSB)

HSB Note: "He's hoping a strong showing this week will lead to an invitation to the NFL Combine. He also plans on working out for the scouts at UH's pro day."

http://www.starbulletin.com/sports/sportsnews/20100123_uhs_estes_hopes_to_get_nfl_scouts_attention.html

UH preparing to raise ticket prices for sporting events

HA Note: "Some sideline single game tickets for the University of Hawai'i's Sept. 2 football season opener against Southern California could rise from $38 to $50 and UH student tickets for the game could go from $8 to $15 under proposals headed to the Board of Regents. UH is also proposing to raise the cost of some premium seating locations in the future, including football and women's volleyball."

JD said that the proposals are a "function of housekeeping" and:
"may not even get up to the maximum over the next three or even five years." (HA)

JD said that because UH policy requires any proposal to adjust the ticket pricing structure to go to the regents and be accompanied by public comment, the athletic department was asking to readjust the scale:
"in case it becomes necessary to make a change in the next few years." (HA)

HA Note: "UH policy notes, "In order to meet the rising costs associated with running a nationally competitive multi-sport program required to address gender equity concerns, admission fees to events will continue to serve as a primary source of revenue to address such costs." The athletic department has been running at a net accumulated deficit of more than $5 million built up over the past six years. Projections call for a deficit in the neighborhood of $2 million for the current fiscal year that ends June 30, UH officials have said. While UH officials said individual game tickets in some areas for the USC game might rise, they said the $38 maximum for individual game sideline seats for the other six home games would not. UH said prices for the current spring sports, including baseball and men's volleyball, are not impacted."

http://sports.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100122/SPORTS02/1220361&template=UHsports

Article about the walk-on tryouts for the UH football team

HA Note: "Nearly 100 hopefuls yesterday auditioned for walk-on spots on the University of Hawai'i football team. They came from far (Maine and South Korea) and near (two are UH student managers)."

About how he participated in the tryouts just for practice, Trey Gadbois (an active duty Marine) said:
"I'm going through the admissions practice right now." (HA)

HA Note: "Gadbois, who is set to exit the military in a few months, has applied for UH's ROTC program. He competed in the tryout — 40-yard dashes, T-drills, bench-press repetitions of 225 pounds — as preparation for next year's auditions."

About why he went through the tryout even though he cannot join the team right now, the 6' 2", 205-pound Gadbois said:
"I wanted to come down, see what I have to work on, and then go from there. I'll be back for the spring of 2011." (HA)

HA Note: "The rest were competing for about 15 spots on the Warriors' spring roster. The offseason conditioning program begins today. Only full-time UH students in academic good standing are eligible for walk-on berths. To avoid the appearance of favoritism, all of the walk-on candidates who were not on UH's 2009 roster were required to participate in the tryout. The list included Joey Cadiz, a running back who missed the past two UH seasons while recovering from knee surgery, and Ryan "The Beast" Eastman, a Saint Louis School alumnus who relinquished a Weber State scholarship."

About going through the tryout even though he gave up a scholarship to walk on at UH, Ryan Eastman said:
"I want to be a Warrior and play as a Warrior. I don't mind starting from the bottom. I like it better that way." (HA)

HA Note: "Sam Ohai, a defensive tackle, transferred from Central Lakes College in Minnesota. He is paying for his school expenses using the commission he earned as a Realtor."

About trying to get on the UH team, the 6' 3", 348-pound Ohai said:
"It's a great opportunity. It's all about taking advantage of opportunities." (HA)

HA Note: "Sean Branick shared that sentiment. For the past year, he has served as student manager assisting Chris Tormey, UH's coordinator of special teams. Branick, a junior, last played four years ago as a safety for Chaminade Julienne Catholic High."

Asked why he would relinquish a manager's scholarship, Branick said:
"It's not about the money. Coming out to practice every day, seeing it, wanting to live it, you never really let it go. I want to see how I tested against these guys." (HA)

About how he's unlikely to make the team as a player, Branick said:
"I'm just happy to be part of this team in any way possible." (HA)

HA Note: "Branick, who answers to "Pot Sticker," received another nickname yesterday. UH players chanted "Rudy! ... Rudy!" when Branick ran his 40-yard dash."

About the players chanting for him, Branick said:
"It was nice to get their support." (HA)

HA Note: "Two players each nicknamed "Big Mike" also received Warrior support. "Big Mike" Waiaman, of 'Ewa Beach, received encouragement from UH defensive tackle Vaughn Meatoga. "Big Mike" Haralick had a fan club led by UH punter Alex Dunnachie, a fellow dorm resident."

About cheering for Haralick, Dunnachie said:
"He's a nice guy. I don't know what his last name is. We just call him 'Big Mike.' " (HA)

About his "Big Mike" nickname, Haralick (6' 1.5", 320 pounds) said:
"That nickname has followed me everywhere. I guess it's because I'm big and my name is Mike." (HA)

About attending a JC for a year and Idaho for a semester before coming to UH, Haralick said:
"This is my dream school." (HA)

About doing 37 reps of the 225-pound bench press, Elmer Lim said:
"I was thinking, 'When am I going to be done?' I was so tired. I was able to pound out the the last few reps." (HA)

HA Note: "And Chris Pemberton, a former hockey player, ran the 40 in 4.4 seconds. Pemberton was stationed in South Korea for three years. After his discharge, he remained in the country, working as a disc jockey. He moved to Hawai'i last May, joining the Air National Guard. Since June, with the help of former UH wideout Cy Hirota, Pemberton has trained for this tryout."

About preparing for the tryout, the 6' 1", 190-pound Pemberton said:
"I put on 20 pounds." (HA)

About competing in the tryout, Eastman said:
"It was great to be competing with my friends, and hopefully soon, my teammates. The main thing is we want a chance to represent Hawai'i." (HA)

http://sports.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100121/SPORTS0201/1210355&template=UHsports&GID=4jJGugDiUZfgrGsPwcwZzJrTaY3tq54YnO1TF8Sw5fo%3D

Article about UH commits (and cousins) John Hardy and Bubba Poueu-Luna

HSB Note: "Hawaii recruit Bubba Poueu-Luna has seen John Hardy on the other side of the line of scrimmage numerous times from Pop Warner through high school."

HSB Note: "Hardy, a defensive back from Vista Murrieta High School in California, joined Poueu-Luna, who gave an oral commitment to Hawaii last summer, in pledging to sign a letter of intent to join the Warriors when the signing period opens Feb. 3."

About committing to the Warriors after taking an official recruiting trip last weekend to UH, John Hardy said:
"When I went there I really liked the coaches, the area and the people." (HSB)

HSB Note: "Hardy (6-foot-1, 165 pounds), who is interested in pursuing computer engineering in college, was named to the All-CIF Inland Division team. Playing primarily cornerback, he was also named to the Riverside (Calif.) Press-Enterprise's All-Area team as a utility player after racking up 65 tackles and 10 interceptions. Poueu-Luna also earned all-star honors playing quarterback at Great Oak High in Temecula, Calif., and has first-hand knowledge of Hardy's strengths in the secondary."

Praising Hardy, Poueu-Luna (expected to be a slot or outside receiver at UH) said:
"He's a great corner. He plays with you. He's a really smart corner and he's physical, he's not afraid of contact. He got me a couple of times." (HSB)

HSB Note: "Along with his production on defense, Hardy was a playmaker on special teams. He blocked 26 kicks in his three-year varsity career."

http://www.starbulletin.com/sports/sportsnews/20100121_California_prep_DB_will_join_cousin_at_Hawaii.html

CB John Hardy-Tuliau and C Kody Afusia commit to the Warriors!

HA Note: "Vista Murrieta High cornerback John Hardy-Tuliau, who is credited with setting a California state record for blocked kicks, and Ocean View High center Kody Afusia, a skilled run- and pass-blocker, have agreed to accept scholarship offers from the Warriors."

About committing to the Warriors, John Hardy-Tuliau said:
"It's a great fit for me. I really enjoyed it. I like the coaches. I like the people." (HA)

About his weekend recruiting trip to UH, Kody Afusia said it felt
"like home." (HA)

HA Note: "Afusia said he has several relatives in Hawai'i. During the trip, he was reunited with a cousin who also is being recruited by the Warriors."

About blocking a California state record 26 kicks, the 6'1", 165-pound Hardy-Tuliau said:
"I just have a knack for blocks." (HA)

HA Note: "This past season, Hardy-Tuliau amassed 65 tackles, 10 interceptions and nine pass deflections. He scored three touchdowns. He was named to the MaxPrep's All-California Division I second team. His father is John Hardy, who played two seasons with the Chicago Bears."

HA Note: "Afusia is 6 feet 2 1/2 and 295 pounds. He is capable of bench pressing 360 pounds. Last year, Afusia competed in the shotput. As a wrestler, he built a 32-10 record in the 285-pound division. The school record is 34 victories. Afusia said he will focus solely on football training this semester. Afusia said he received offers from San Jose State and Montana State."

About center Matagisila Lefiti serving as his recruiting host, Afusia said that even though they would be competing at the same position:
"my host made me feel at home. He answered all of my questions. He was real cool. He helped me out a lot." (HA)

About how he had good discussions with OL coach Gordy Shaw, Afusia said:
"He likes my intensity." (HA)

HA Note: "Afusia can play defense — he was named the Golden West League's Defensive Player of the Year — but will compete at center at UH."

About learning how to surf during his recruiting trip with lessons from Rich Miano, Afusia said:
"It was fun going out there surfing. I tried, but I couldn't stand on the board. It's hard to get 300 pounds up." (HA)

Hapy that his son Kody will be playing for UH, Lee Afusia said:
"It was awesome. (Hawaii) was his favorite college since he was growing up. We used to sit up late at night and watch when Timmy Chang was playing. Once we got there, along with the atmosphere, the coaches were just great." (HSB)

About how he wants to play OL instead of DL in college even though he played both sides in high school, Afusia said:
"I've been playing there my whole life. Offense is where my home is." (HSB)

HSB Note: "Afusia also received interest from Montana State and San Jose State, but said he doesn't plan on taking any more trips."

HSB Note: "Afusia said he started following UH football when he was 6 and his trip both solidified his decision and helped him connect with a relative. Afusia has family members living on Oahu and found out he was related to Pearl City lineman David Lefotu, who committed to UH last summer, during their visit when their fathers started tracing their family trees."

About how he found out that he was related to David Lefotu during his recruiting trip, Afusia said:
"It was crazy." (HSB)

About finding out that Afusia was his cousin, David Lefotu said:
"That was a little shocking. I didn't even know him and found out he's my cousin." (HSB)

http://sports.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/20100120/SPORTS0201/1200360/sportsfront&template=UHSports/UH+adds+2+from+California

http://www.starbulletin.com/sports/sportsnews/20100120_SoCal_center_picks_Hawaii.html

Kapolei LBs Dustin Elisara and Tuulauena Lolohea commit to the Warriors!

Happy that Elisara and Lolohea committed to UH, Kapolei head coach Darren Hernandez said:
"I'm glad both will be Warriors." (HA)

About committing to the Warriors, Elisara said:
"Everything I want is in Hawai'i. All of my friends and family are here. It would mean a lot for them to see me play at Aloha Stadium." (HA)

About committing to the Warriors, Lolohea said:
"Staying at home is a big plus. I had a good time on my (recruiting) trip (the past weekend). I like the coaches. I like how they care about the local kids." (HA)

HA Note: "By accepting, both players are canceling next week's recruiting trip to Arkansas. Elisara also received offers from Arizona, Oregon State and Wyoming. Lolohea received offers from Arizona, Colorado and Idaho. Elisara, who is 6 feet 2 and "around 245" pounds, was rated as the No. 6 prospect in Hawai'i by www.Scout.com. Elisara led the Hurricanes with 89 tackles, including 11 for losses. Hernandez said Elisara can bench press 365 pounds, squat 475 pounds, power clean 245 pounds, and run 40 yards in 4.71 seconds."

Praising Elisara, Hernandez said:
"Dustin is a classic middle linebacker. He's a banger, real strong against the run. He's big and athletic." (HA)

About how some schools were recruiting Elisara as a fullback, Hernandez said:
"He's a big dude, but he can run and catch and do a lot of things." (HA)

HA Note: "Elisara competed in the All-American Bowl in Austin, Texas, amassing eight tackles. Lolohea, who is 6 feet 2 and 240 pounds, is capable of playing rush end or outside linebacker. This past season, he made 86 tackles, including 11 sacks, forced four fumbles, blocked a kick and intercepted two passes. One of his interception returns covered 100 yards. Hernandez said Lolohea is capable of bench pressing 335 pounds, squatting 465 pounds, cleaning 225 pounds and sprinting 40 yards in 4.65 seconds."

About how Lolohea has a variety of skills, Hernandez said:
"T can rush the passer or drop back into coverage. He makes big plays." (HA)

About how Lolohea cannot be compared to other players, Hernandez said:
"I can't think of someone who is both a pass rusher and cover backer. He can do both." (HA)

HA Note: "Elisara and Lolohea thought they would choose Mainland schools. But that changed this past weekend after going on an official UH recruiting trip. Linebacker Art Laurel and defensive end Earvin Sione served as hosts."

About how his recruiting trip to UH, Elisara said:
"I had a really good time." (HA)

Praising his recruiting hosts, Lolohea said:
"I liked that they didn't force anything on us. They answered our questions." (HA)

About Elisara and Lolohea, Hernandez said that:
"both guys initially wanted to go away. But they were blown away by the UH coaching staff. ... They thought there was an opportunity (at UH). They're excited about that." (HA)

About going to Warrior games with his father (he looked up to Nate Jackson and Pisa Tinoisamoa), Elisara said:
"Ever since I was little, I supported the Warriors." (HA)

Lolohea said that he likes to sing and:
"hang out with my family." (HA)

About how also Elisara committed to UH, Lolohea said:
"It's going to be good fun playing with him. We talked about it and felt it was the best thing for the both of us." (HSB)

Happy to be done with the recruiting process, Elisara said:
"It takes a lot of weight off my shoulders. I made my decision and feel comfortable with it. You can't beat staying home and having your family there and all the support from the local people." (HSB)

About how Elisara and Lolohea have different personalities, Hernandez said:
"Good guys, two totally different personalities. T is a rah-rah type of leader and Dustin is the strong, silent type. Doesn't say much, but does what he has to do." (HSB)

About canceling his recruiting trip to Oklahoma last week to prepare to enter UH early, Darius Bright said:
"I already knew the football was good, but they were talking to me about the academic side of it." (HSB)

http://sports.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100119/SPORTS0201/1190347&template=UHsports

http://www.starbulletin.com/sports/sportsnews/20100119_Hawaii_football_gets_2_from_Kapolei.html

JC WR Darius Bright commits to the Warriors

About how he enjoyed his weekend visit to Hawaii and looks forward to playing for UH, Darius Bright said:
"I'm going back. Hawai'i is a great location, with great coaches and great people. I felt like I was at home." (HA)

HA Note: "Bright, who is 6 feet 5 and 225 pounds, caught 21 passes for 227 yards and four TDs in eight games this season. Scouting services claim he is capable of running 40 yards in 4.5 seconds. Bright said he was clocked at 4.47 seconds during a combine in 2007."

HA Note: "CCSF head coach George Rush said Oklahoma was actively recruiting Bright through yesterday."

About how he is looking forward to playing in Hawaii, Bright said:
"I'm going to Hawai'i. I just feel good in Hawai'i. The offense is really good. They throw the ball a lot. I look forward to catching a lot of balls." (HA)

HA Note: "Bright has met the requirements to enroll at UH during the spring semester, which begins today. Bright said he needed to gather his belongings from his family home in North Carolina before returning to Hawai'i. He said he will compete in UH's offseason conditioning program and participate in spring practice."

Praising Bright, CCSF head coach George Rush said:
"Darius is a great guy. There's nothing not to like about him. Football-wise, he's a hard worker, and very athletic. He's big, fast and physical. He likes to block. He's a good team player. He's unselfish. On a personal side, he's fun to be around. He comes to school with a big smile on his face, and he's ready to go work. He'll bring all of those qualities to UH and do extremely well. There are not many receivers as big as he is and as fast as he is. He's going to be a great fit." (HA)

HA Note: "Rush, who is UH head coach Greg McMackin's close friend, coached Nick Rolovich, who now is the Warriors quarterbacks coach."

Praising Rolo and saying that Rolo will coach Bright well, Rush said:
"Rolo is a great mentor who is going to take him under his wing. With the proper coaching, I think Darius can be an NFL player. He's going to get the proper coaching at UH." (HA)

HA Note: "Bright is expected to compete for the right wideout's job in UH's four-wide offense. Last year's starting right wideout, Jovonte Taylor, might not be approved for an exemption that would allow him to play as a sixth-year senior in 2010."

About how he became a Warriors fan after watching UH games in 2007, Bright said:
"I liked what Colt Brennan did." (HA)

Bright thought back to watching UH games in 2007 and sai:
"I never imagined I would come to Hawai'i." (HA)

Praising his host during his UH recruiting trip (WR Royce Pollard) who introduced him to a new hobby, Bright said:
"Stand-up paddling. I just learned it." (HA)

http://sports.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100111/SPORTS0201/1110329&template=UHsports

Inoke Funaki was named to a Graduate Assistant Coach position at UH!

I am very, very happy about Inoke being named a graduate assistant! I've openly been hoping that he would get one of the 2 GA positions since November. Inoke played at two positions (QB, RB) in UH's offensive system and UH needs more coaches on offense, and Inoke also was a good special teams contributor. More importantly, Inoke has shown that he has excellent character and is a true leader.

About having Inoke serve as a graduate assistant, Mack said:
"Inoke is a perfect example of an outstanding student-athlete. He was a great player in our program and consistently earned a 4.0 grade point average. He is currently pursuing his master's degree and I'm really excited the he's joining our staff as a graduate assistant. He is a great example to our players both academically and athletically." (UH)

UH Note: "Funaki, who recently completed his eligibility and earned his bachelor's degree, is one of 30 student-athletes selected to attend the NCAA Football Coaches Academy in Orlando, Fla., this weekend.

As a four-year letterman from 2006-09, the Kahuku High School graduate was a backup during his first two seasons before earning the starting nod in six games during the 2008 season. That year, he passed for 1,184 yards and seven touchdowns while completing 57.8 percent of his passes. He was also the team's third-leading rusher with 215 yards and one score. On Oct. 4, he led the Warriors to the school's first-ever road win over a ranked squad in a 32-29 overtime win at No. 21 Fresno State.

As a senior, Funaki switched to running back and was a key member of the special teams unit.

During his illustrious high school career at Kahuku, Funaki led the Red Raiders to consecutive Division I state championships in 2001 and '02. He was selected as the state Offensive Player of the Year and first team all-state as a senior after passing for 2,446 yards and 29 touchdowns, and rushing for 540 yards and eight scores."

http://hawaiiathletics.com/news/2010/1/9/FB_0109102327.aspx?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

PPV Sales Revenue is Forecast to be down about 16% in 2009

HA Note: "Overall sales revenue from the pay-per-view showing of University of Hawai'i sports in 2009 is forecast to come in about 16 percent below 2008, the school said yesterday. Because of the way the contract is structured, however, UH said it expects its share of the proceeds to drop only about 4 percent. Based upon unaudited returns, UH said it projects the pay-per-view package to produce approximately $3.4 million in sales, down from just under $4.1 million in 2008. Sales of the season ticket package of nearly 20 events dropped nearly 12 percent from 8,318 in 2008 to 7,347 in 2009, UH said. The school's share of revenues was $2.6 million in 2008 and is projected to be about $2.5 million for 2009."

JD said that UH's share of the revenue will be down $100k despite PPV revenue down $700k:
"because when we renegotiated the contract two years ago we wanted to protect UH athletics in down years." (HA)

About how PPV prices have increased each year since it started in 2002, JD was asked if a ceiling has been reached and said:
"We'll always take look, along with our partners, at the pricing each year. But in general terms right now we have to be very careful on any prices increases." (HA)

http://sports.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100108/SPORTS02/1080370&template=UHsports

UH projects a $2 million deficit despite its sponsor program growing to $3.1 million

HA Note: "The Rainbow Wahine, who led the nation in attendance for the 16th consecutive year, averaging 6,423 per game, took in $795,388 in ticket revenue, according to Jim Donovan, UH athletic director."

About the women's volleyball team reaching their revenue projection, JD said:
"They hit their (revenue) projections in spite of the economy." (HA)

HA Note: "Donovan said the department is projected to come in at
"about a $2 million" deficit in the fiscal year that closes June 30 pending the result of basketball, baseball and men's volleyball revenues. The football team, which is the biggest bread-winner in the 19-team athletic department, was projected to produce $5 million in ticket revenue in 2009 but managed $4.27 million."

About the football team not reaching their revenue projection, JD said:
"The final (football) numbers were not as good as we had hoped." (HA)

About the ticket shortfall, JD said that Hawaii's economy and the team's 2-6 start:
"were both factors." (HA)

HA Note: "Football and women's volleyball season ticket sales dropped off. Football slipped from 27,705 in 2008 to 23,940 in 2009 while volleyball shrunk from 3,854 to 3,563. But while volleyball individual game sales helped pick up some slack by going from 17,089 to 28,152, football went from 49,098 to 49,067."

JD said that the volleyball team's 32-3 record and Final Four finish has led to his:
"plans to submit (to the Mānoa administration) a request for bonuses for Dave Shoji and the coaching staff." (HA)

HA Note: "Donovan declined to disclose the amounts of the bonuses he is seeking. Reportedly Shoji's contract is worth upward of $175,000 per season."

HA Note: "Even in a down economy the University of Hawai'i athletic department managed to grow the overall worth of its corporate partner program to a record $3.1 million in the current fiscal year, a spokesman said. UH has received $2,190,000 in cash and $916,031 from the 64 members of its decade-old corporate partner program, according to associate athletic director John McNamara, who oversees the project. Sponsorships range from $5,000 to more than $100,000. Athletic director Jim Donovan said it was one of the few areas of revenue growth for the department in 2009."

Crediting John McNamara and his staff for the increase in the sponsorship program, JD said:
"I think that's a testament to the job of John and his hard-working staff. I think our sponsors response, even in this economy, says that UH athletics is a partnership they still highly value." (HA)

HA Note: "The actual cash amount for 2009-10, while above 2008-09 ($2,129,156) was slightly below the record of $2,205,993 of 2007-08 as some donors shifted contributions to trade."

McNamara said about some of their sponsors shifting some contributions to trade:
"that still works for us because those are goods and services we would have to otherwise purchase." (HA)

HA Note: "UH has 16 sponsors at its highest level, platinum, which requires a donation of $100,000 or more per year. Donovan said the program has set a target of "eight to 10 percent growth" for next year. UH said it plans to off a new "diamond" level of sponsorship to clients whose donations hit $150,000 or more per year."

http://sports.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100107/SPORTS02/1070351&template=UHsports

RGM looks forward to joining Bess in Miami

Looking forward to joining Davone Bess with the Dolphins, Ryan Grice-Mullen said:
"It's pretty cool. It's great to have somebody who's like my brother there who can help me out and help in my transition with the team. I still have to earn my stripes. I'm really happy for him and he's definitely established himself with the Dolphins. But I have to earn my way, just like he did." (HSB)

HSB Note: "He signed with the BC Lions after seeing action late in the 2008 season. He caught 20 passes for 210 yards and a touchdown in his first full year with the team. He also made an impact as a kick returner. He covered 1,099 yards on kickoff returns (an average of 23.4 yards) and ranked fifth in the CFL in punt returns in averaging 9.6 yards. He set a CFL playoff record with a 106-yard punt return for a touchdown against Montreal."

Hoping that injuries won't disrupt this shot with an NFL team like it did his previous two shots, RGM said:
"I just kept working hard and the main thing is to stay healthy, then I can play my game." (HSB)

http://www.starbulletin.com/sports/sportsnews/20100106_Grice-Mullen_gets_free-agent_deal_with_Fins.html

Ryan Grice-Mullins signed with the Miami Dolphins!

About the Miami Dolphins moving quickly to sign him, Ryan Grice-Mullins (RGM) said:
"It shows they really want me there. I can't sign until Jan. 4, but we have an agreement in place." (HSB)

Asked if the success of his UH teammate Davone Bess helped open the door for him, RGM said:
"Oh, yes, definitely. After what Davone has done, that has not hurt at all. Everyone from Hawaii knew if he got his opportunity he would shine. Now I just need to do what I always do, train and work hard." (HSB)

http://blogs.starbulletin.com/quickreads/?p=606

Feature story on Mana Silva

HTH = Hawaii Tribune-Herald

HTN Note: "Silva will host an all-sports clinic with Warrior teammates Hogan Rosehill and Ikaika Mahoe on Jan. 4, focusing on improving speed, agility and power, and reducing risk of major injury. The cost is $20 and proceeds will benefit the Ronald McDonald House, where Silva and his wife Keilah stayed for two weeks when Kauahe was being treated at Kapiolani Medical Center after his premature birth. That was two years ago. Now, Kauahe is a healthy boy, and the experience swayed Silva to hold a clinic to not only teach sports skills, but also get his message across of overcoming obstacles."

About holding a fundraiser for the Ronald McDonald House, Mana Silva said:
"It's a good charity to give back to. My dad (Maurice) came up with the idea. I also want to share my story about hard work and making sacrifices, but give the kids a good time." (HTH)

About earning a scholarship before the season began, Silva said:
"Getting the scholarship was a good feeling. It was rewarding. It takes a lot of hard work. You have to work to where you want to be. You can come from Hilo and make it at the Division I level. That's the main thing I want to convey, living a dream. That was my dream to play at a Division I college. It's great feeling coming out of the tunnel at Aloha Stadium. Everyone is yelling and there's smoke in your face. You get to play and entertain the fans. For me, it was a long time coming." (HTH)

HTH Note: "The 6-foot-1 junior led UH with six interceptions and was fourth in tackles with 74, but his season had its share of potholes, including struggles with his weight an a brief tenure as a backup."

About being uncomfortable when he walked on at Oregon State, Silva said:
"I didn't accomplish what I wanted. It was not my time." (HTH)

HTH Note: "During finals week, his son was born, further influencing him to reconsider UH, which showed interest in him, and return home. He sat out in 2007 due to NCAA transfer rules and the next season played in 11 games and recorded just 10 tackles. But he landed on the conference's all-academic team, which led to his UH scholarship."

About handling the demands of being a father, UH student, Warrior player, and husband, Silva said:
"You have to set your priorities straight and get everything in order. Then things fall into place. It's hard but it's fun, though, to balance everything. My son and I watch film, balancing football and family time. He likes watching film with me. I'll also take him to the beach to give my wife a break." (HTH)

HTH Note: "This past season, Silva's schedule looked a little like this:

* Getting up at 5:30 a.m. and leaving his apartment near the convention center and arriving at the UH locker room 15 minutes later to get taped up for practice, which runs from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m.

* Then he would catch a one-hour break after practice, heading home to see his son and give his wife some much-needed freedom. Keilah, a nursing major, is taking online classes at UH.

* Classes would run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. After that drain on the brain, Silva would have two hours to go back home again before a two-hour football meeting -- with all the studying and subsequent results UH fans see on game day."

* If he felt exhausted after arriving home at 6:15 p.m., Silva could find comfort in playing with his son and reconnecting with his wife, then fighting drowsiness to hit the books late at night, knowing it's the same routine the next day."

About how all of their starters in the secondary come back next season so they should be much better, Silva said:
"Next season our secondary will be clicking. We won't be playing off what we read. We'll rely on instinct. All of our starters come back. The defense will be a lot faster. Next season, we'll not just react. It'll help us speed-wise. The game will be a lot slower for us next season." (HTH)

About how he didn't start a few games this season, partially due to the 20 pounds that he gained, Silva said:
"Several games I didn't start. It hit me hard mentally. I'm not used to not starting. I've always started. I hit rock bottom, but one of my coaches said, 'Keep a great attitude.' And I worked even harder. I got my job back. I got out of weight. I was playing closer to 220 pounds, instead of 200. I kept eating too much. I couldn't move as well. After I came back out of it, that made me a better person. I know I can fight through tough times." (HTH)

About how the UNLV loss hurt their team mentally, Silva said:
"After the UNLV game (34-33 loss), that hit us hard mentally. Defensively, we were lacking and we struggled. From there, our confidence went down. We were not able to find a way to win and do things. It came down to doing things right on the field. Then we won four games and people started believing. The funny thing is Coach Mac told us we'd go to a bowl game at the time. The winning streak felt good. But that Wisconsin game slipped away. They're everything we want
to be: Big, fast and strong. They were a little too much to bear. We've lost a few playmakers (Blaze Soares and John Estes), but next season we'll have a bunch of guys with game experience. That will help a lot." (HTH)

http://www.hawaiitribune-herald.com/articles/2010/01/01/sports/sports01.txt