Saturday, July 31, 2010

Ryan Mouton was at 1st team CB at the Titans' first day of training camp

TEN = The Tennessean
TR = Titans Radio


TEN Note: "The Titans just wrapped up their first practice of training camp, and Ryan Mouton worked at cornerback with the first group opposite Cortland Finnegan. It was a bit of a surprise, but Coach Jeff Fisher said not a lot should be read into it. Jason McCourty worked with the starters most the offseason, although rookie Alterraun Verner got some work there as well."


About how he improved in the offseason and wants the starting CB job, Ryan Mouton said:
"I improved in the offseason and grasped the defense. Everyone wants the job and I am trying to prove that I belong out there.'' (TEN)

"It is going to be a rotation. But when it is your days and you are called on, you have to produce.'' (TEN)


About how they will rotate their candidates for the second starting CB spot with the first unit throughout camp, Titans head coach Jeff Fisher said:
"You don't need to read tea leaves," Fisher said. "We're going to rotate everyone out there." (TR)


http://blogs.tennessean.com/titans/2010/07/31/mouton-gets-first-team-reps/

http://www.titansradio.com/Article.asp?id=1897962&spid=27572

Friday, July 30, 2010

Feature story on Aloha Stadium

HR = Hawaii Reporter

HR Note: "The cost of building the brand new stadium in Halawa – located 10 miles from the old Honolulu Stadium or "Termite Palace"— was $37 million, a price tag that seemingly no longer exists either."


HR Note: "After consideration of building a new stadium proved to be too costly – a price tag of over $500 million was suggested – the state decided that the best way to keep the University of Hawaii and other tenants such as the NFL Pro Bowl happy was to begin a long-term renovation project. The ultimate cost for that ongoing project over the long haul is reported to be $185 million."


About spending $185 to renovate Aloha Stadium over 20 years, Hawaii state Comptroller Russ Saito said:
"After the current and planned projects are done, the stadium should last at least another 20 years. At the halfway point of that 20 year span, another engineering study can be done to see whether the stadium should be further renovated to extend the life for another 20 year, or be replaced by a completely new stadium." (HR)


HR Note: "New renovations to Aloha Stadium, which is the state's largest sports facility, include a fresh coat of dark green paint to the outside of the stadium, plus roof covering improvements, structural health and safety improvements, and a new video scoreboard. The old SONY Jumbotron is gone – the new video scoreboard will be unveiled at University of Hawaii football Media Day in August. Saito says the total cost of the completed and ongoing projects ongoing since March 2008 is roughly $51 million."


About the number of jobs that the Aloha Stadium renovations is creating, Saito said:
"We estimate that 716 direct and indirect jobs have been or will be created by the projects." (HR)


HR Note: "The last phase of the roof replacement, slated for next year, will cost about $14.5 million; work to complete the Health and Safety improvements could cost three to four million dollars; and the field upgrade and replacement of the field turf next year is estimated at $2.5 million, Saito says."


About how future stadium renovations include replacing the seating bowl and seats, adding elevators, adding restrooms, and upgrading concessions, Saito said:
"Costs are preliminary and will be firmer when the budget for the next biennium is submitted the legislature." (HR)


About how the stadium is in good shape, Saito said:
"The stadium has held up well, considering its all steel construction and the state's corrosive salt air and consistent trade winds. It has been refurbished once before to mitigate the effects of the corrosion.  The current and planned projects will make it like new again." (HR)


http://boss.hawaiireporter.com/from-termite-palace-to-multi-million-dollar-aloha-stadium-university-of-hawaii-about-to-kickoff-football-season-amid-185-million-renovations/

Feature article on Ray Hisatake being with the Carolina Panthers

About being with the Carolina Panthers while his girlfriend Charysse Bardallo is expecting their first child, Ray Hisatake said:
"It can happen any day. Being 6 hours away is hard." (HSA)


About picking out the names Jonah (Ray's brother's name) if they have a boy and Charlotte if they have a girl, Hisatake said:
"Charysse liked 'Charlotte' for a girl. When the Panthers signed me (in April), she said it was a sign because the Panthers are in Charlotte." (HSA)


HSA Note: "He described his limited experience as a "blessing," noting he has not had any serious injuries. The Panthers told his agent, Leo Goeas, that Hisatake does not have any bad football-related habits. After all, Hisatake's only football instruction was on the collegiate and pro levels."


About how he doesn't have bad habits since he never played football before college, Hisatake said:
"Some people have done things for so long, they don't want to adjust to something new. I'm more of, 'You tell me what to do, and I'll do it.'" (HSA)


About working as the #2 LG in their rookie camp and minicamp, Hisatake said:
"I don't know if it's permanent, but they had me there." (HSA)


About how the Panthers have their linemen in a 3-point stance where at UH he usually used a 2-point stance, Hisatake said:
"I still feel a little uncomfortable in the three-point. When I look at myself (on videos), I feel I don't look right. I'm learning to adjust. The first day (of camp), they said, 'Get in the three-point stance,' and I was like, 'Oh, all right.' " (HSA)


About learning Carolina's system, Hisatake said:
"The biggest difference in the NFL is the mental side. You hear it a lot, but it's true. There are so many things I have to adjust to now. It's a completely different system. The terminology is different. Not only am I worrying about the (tackle) box -- the front seven -- I have to check the corners and safeties, if they're in a man or zone or two-high. At this level, there are so many different things I have to learn." (HSA)


About how his teammates have given him a nickname already (referring to Maake Kemoeatu, a Kahuku High grad who played for the Panters), Hisatake said:
"They call me Kemo. They started doing that. I guess I'm Kemo." (HSA)

http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20100731_Lineman_Hisatake_ready_to_adjust.html

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Feature article about Chad Owens being traded by Montreal to Toronto before the season began

MG = Montreal Gazette


About how he was set to return kicks for Montreal until he was suddenly traded to Toronto right before the season began, Chad Owens said:
"I don't want to get into a lot of what happened. It's between myself and the organization. There are no hard feelings and I won't burn bridges. I understand this is a business - and they do, too. Things happen in this profession that you can't control. You hope things will work out, but they don't always. I'm just happy to still be playing." (MG)


MG Note: "Bruno Burnoski, Owens's Florida-based agent, told a Toronto reporter via email the Als wanted to cut his client's salary to $42,000 from $70,000. Another source told The Gazette the Als wanted to suspend Owens, meaning they would retain his rights. Predictably, he balked at both potential scenarios."


Asked to comment on the rumors of how Montreal wanted to reduce his salary, Owens said:
"That's (the Als') version." (MG)


MG Note: "We're certain of this much: The relationship between Owens and his new employers has been pure bliss. In Toronto's opening two games alone, he returned a punt 90 yards for a touchdown along with a field goal 117 yards for a score. He's averaging 19.4 yards on kickoff returns and 12 yards on punts. And Owens also is getting the opportunity to play receiver; he has caught seven passes for 81 yards. He leads the Canadian Football League in combined yards, with 749."


About how they gave up a valuable draft pick to get Owens but it was worth it, Toronto head coach Jim Barker said:
"Giving up a fourth-round pick is a step for a guy who has never played and done nothing. Fourth rounders have a chance to play, and they're Canadian. The good teams get better by stockpiling their picks. But Chad's made for this league. He brings a warrior's attitude and wants to play. He's not afraid and is fearless. He has brought that mentality every time he touches the ball. Offensively, he gives us something we didn't have. He's quick and catches the ball. We're slowly evolving him into our offence." (MG)


About facing Montreal, the team that traded him, Owens said:
"I'm focused on playing the game. I've moved on and am happy to be in this situation ... still doing what I love. There's always incentive. You want to break one every week - no matter if you have history (with a team) or not." (MG)

http://www.montrealgazette.com/sports/Owens+hard+feelings+toward+Alouettes/3334511/story.html

Solomon Elimimian is doing so well at MLB that his team's current starting MLB says they have to get him on the field

VS = Vancouver Sun

VS Note: "It may not show Friday when they play the Edmonton Eskimos, but at some point the Lions may consider adding a third traditional linebacker to their inventory of defensive packages. That concept was unthinkable at this point last season, but the lone holdover starter from 2009 believes that there has to be a way to keep some of the Lions' younger players on the field."


About how Solomon Elimimian is doing so well that they have to get him on the field, even though Sol plays his position, Anton McKenzie (their only returning LB starter from last season) said:
"We've got to get him back on the field. He's a great kid. We talked pretty much all week going over things for last week. It's too bad he's hurt and both of us can't be on the field." (VS)


http://www.vancouversun.com/sports/football/lions/Wealth+linebackers+could+lead+three+package+Lions/3331835/story.html

Articles about how Ron Lee (UH Offensive Coordinator last year) will be an assistant coach at Kalani High School

About how he drives past the Kalani High School football practice field every day on his way to visit his parents in Aina Haina and pulled into the parking lot to watch practice, Ron Lee said:
"But it's kind of hard to see it from the car." (HSA)


HSA Note: "Within a few days, Ron Lee—a year ago the coordinator for the yard-chomping University of Hawaii football team's run-and-shoot offense—has joined the Kalani staff as a full-time volunteer coach. The Falcons haven't won a varsity game since 2004."


About how his players are lucky to have Ron Lee working with them, Kalani head coach Greg Taguchi said:
"This goes beyond X's and O's because of what an outstanding person and teacher Ron is. The players know who he is. Our kids are stable and don't show much emotion. But I sure hope they know they have an opportunity." (HSA)


HSA Note: "Lee downplays it, but plenty of local high school coaches would have been elated to bring him on as an adviser or onto their staff. Teams that are contenders for the state championship. Teams with numbers and size. Teams that haven't lost nearly 50 games in a row."


HSA Note: "He could have hung on for the paycheck at UH after his play-calling duties were stripped, and, as receivers coach, he could have mentored a potential All-American this season in Greg Salas. But he was wise to leave a frustrating situation that could have just gotten worse, no matter the good intentions of all involved. Lee has been around long enough to know that's how friendships—and teams—are damaged or even ruined."


About how Kalani has won 1 game since the 2000 season aside from a forfeit a couple of years ago, Lee said:
"I don't even want to know the records. It doesn't matter. I don't know how many games we will win. We just need to compete and have fun, and go from there. This reminded me that you can do some good." (HSA)


About how he discussed coaching at Punahou, Lee said:
"I talked to Kale (Ane, the Buffanblu head coach), who I really like, about possibly getting involved working with him. But it's not like they need me. I like being on the field. I don't want to be a consultant, I want to coach." (HSA)


HSA Note: "The big field with the little team off Kalanianaole Highway is where it all started for Ron Lee. He was a Kalani junior varsity coach in 1967, with Al Wills, Norm Chow's brother Mike, and Bill Von Arnswaldt. Skippa Diaz was with the varsity."


About how they will be undersized and may have to forfeit games due to a lack of players if they have too many injuries, Taguchi said:
"We have what we have and we do our best. No excuses." (HSA)


About how he never would have thought that Ron Lee would be helping his team when he first called him for advice 8 years ago about the run-and-shoot, Taguchi said:
"I guess you can never count anything out." (HSA)


About how he's still running the Outrigger Showroom 4 nights a week for his "real" job, Ron Lee said that he was looking for something else to do:
"I spent 12 hours a day at UH. I have all day to do nothing and I'm not used to that." (HSA)


About how he doesn't care that he doesn't have an official title (he is a volunteer coach), Ron Lee said:
"I'm getting a lot of the fun. I'm really the lucky guy. I'd be in agony if I wasn't coaching." (HSA)


About how Ron Lee is such a good teacher for this offense, Taguchi said:
"It's about inquiry, asking the receivers and quarterbacks and slotbacks what they're thinking about. As a teacher, I notice it. That's the trend in teaching now. You ask. You're patient." (HSA)


About how he missed coaching, Ron Lee said:
"I didn't retire. I still work at the Outrigger (Hotel). I found that I missed coaching." (HSA)


About how Taguchi's dedication is one reason why he's volunteering at Kalani, Lee said:
"He's been doing it for awhile. He knows what he's doing. Greg takes the time to study. For seven, eight years he's been coming to UH. He works hard. He starts at 6:30, 7 in the morning and stays until 8 or 9 at night. That's one of the reasons I'm here. He puts the time in." (HSA)


About he the low turnout at Kalani isn't new for him, Lee said:
"We've been through it before. When I started with Cal at Saint Louis, we had low numbers. At Kaiser, we had 35 guys." (HSA)


About their WRs, Lee said:
"There are five, six kids who are pretty decent. When you get on the field, it doesn't matter if it's college or high school. The kids get better every day. The coaching is the same. Whether they win or lose doesn't matter as long as they get better. That's what makes it fun." (HSA)


About the similarity between his players at Kalani and the players he coached at UH, Lee said:
"I think they're very excited. They understand the offense and they'll keep getting better, just like (Greg) Salas and Davone (Bess). From July to December, the understanding of concepts of coverage will get better." (HSA)


http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20100728_Ron_Lee_on_his_return_Im_really_the_lucky_guy.html

http://www.staradvertiser.com/columnists/furtherreview/20100728_I_want_to_coach.html

Quotes from other WAC coaches at the WAC Football Preview

HSA Note: "Five months after signing day, New Mexico State head football coach DeWayne Walker remains "shocked" the Aggies were able to land Hawaii's 2009 high school offensive player of the year."


About how former Leilehua QB Andrew Manley might have a chance to play this season, Walker said:
"In a perfect world, you'd like to redshirt him. But he's capable of being our second or third quarterback. I'm not afraid to play him this year if he learns (the offense)." (HSA)


HSA Note:"Hawaii head coach Greg McMackin acknowledged he made a scholarship offer in July 2008, when Manley was entering his junior year at Leilehua. McMackin made a second offer the following summer. With four quarterback prospects on the Warriors' radar, each was told the scholarship would go to the first to accept. When Manley opted to explore other options before making a decision, the UH scholarship went to Kevin Spain. McMackin said he had a grayshirt opportunity, in which Manley could join the Warriors in January 2011, if he could not secure another scholarship."


About how "some buddies who live" on Oahu called him after Manley got the grayshirt offer from UH, Walker said:
"They said we have a quarterback up here who's being under-recruited." (HSA)


About looking at Manley's highlight video, Walker said:
"It was like, 'Geez, he's a good player.' We got him on the phone, got him on the (recruiting) visit, sold him on our vision, and he jumped in. We feel like we stole a good player. We feel there are a lot of schools who dropped the ball on his recruitment." (HSA)


About how Manley has the skills to be a successful D-IA QB, Walker said:
"He's so mature. He has good size. He has good arm strength. He loves the game. He has great passion for the game of football. He's a leader. I think he's going to be a heck of a football player in our conference." (HSA)


Walker said that they will be running a spread offense so Manley will:
"have to do some quarterback run stuff. He doesn't have to be great at it. He has to be able to provide a threat that he is capable of running. With what he can do throwing the ball, and his football IQ, and his leadership, he's what you're looking for at quarterback." (HSA)


About how he got to know Mack when he was an assistant coach on offense at Texas Tech and Mack was the defensive coordinator there, Louisiana Tech head coach Sonny Dykes said:
"I really, really like Greg as a person. He obviously has a great coaching background. We went against each other a lot. I felt Greg was a great team guy. That's what stands out to me. I was a young coach at the time. Watching Greg coach for (then-Tech head coach) Mike Leach, who was strictly an offensive guy—which was sometimes hard on a defensive coordinator—I felt Greg did a great job of handling it. He was the ultimate team player." (HSA)


About how Dave Aranda was a graduate assistant back then at Texas Tech, Dykes said:
"He's one of the brightest young coaches in the game. I think he's a very dedicated hard worker. He has a bright future ahead of him. I don't know if I've been around anyone who has a better work ethic than Dave does." (HSA)


HSA Note: "San Jose State, meanwhile, is reporting a balanced athletic department budget. The Spartans' fiscal efficiency is traced to a strong fundraising campaign, as well as support from state funds and a student athletics fee. SJSU sports information director Lawrence Fan has set the tone. Fan, who needed to deliver seven boxes of media guides to the WAC Football Media Preview and the University of Utah, decided to drive instead of travel by plane. He said he saved the department a significant amount in airfare and shipping charges. The distance between San Jose and Salt Lake City is about 800 miles. Fan filled up his car's gas tank five times during the round trip. He stayed in a motel that charged less than $50."


http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/20100728_Aggies_coach_says_he_got_a_steal.html

The UH Athletic Department will take bids to outsource its marketing

HSA Note: "After eight years of keeping its marketing in house, the University of Hawaii athletic department said it plans to entertain bids to outsource the rights. The school currently brings in $3.1 million annually in cash and trade through its "Invest in Success" corporate partner program alone and an additional $3 million from TV, radio and pay-per-view rights."


HSA Note: "UH officials said Learfield Sports and CBS College Sports Properties are among those who have approached the school about outsourcing its sponsorships and multimedia rights. Sixty-eight companies at various levels of sponsorship provided UH with $2.3 million in cash and $966,031 in trade for the 2009-10 fiscal year, according to John McNamara, UH associate athletic director."


About how UH's marketing revenue has grown since John McNamara was put in charge of it in 2004, JD said:
"What John and his people have done is outstanding, especially in this economy." (HSA)


About why the Athletic Department will look to outsource its marketing, JD said:
"Can somebody else come in and produce more for us. That's something we have to look at." (HSA)


http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20100728_UH_to_put_marketing_out_to_bid.html

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

*ALL* UH football games (except for USC) will be on PPV this season

HSA Note: "Oceanic Time Warner Cable expects to offer the most extensive lineup of University of Hawaii football games in its nine years of pay-per-view with 12 of the Warriors' 13 games in its 2010 package."


HSA Note: "The remainder of the UH sports package, according to the letter from Oceanic, will include three men's basketball games, two from the Rainbow Classic, and five volleyball matches (three featuring UH) in the Hawaiian Airlines Volleyball Classic, Sept. 3-5. Pay-per-view did approximately $3.4 million in sales last season, down from $4.1 million in 2008, UH has said. UH's share in 2009 was about $2.5 million, with the rest divided among its other partners, Oceanic and KFVE."


HSA Note: "UH has announced that football season-ticket holders are eligible to receive the six-game road pay-per-view package for $99, which it said will be a $200 discount from the fee otherwise charged."

http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20100727_Except_for_USC_opener_all_UH_football_games_on_PPV_this_season.html

Feature on Mack at the WAC Football Media Preview yesterday

HSA Note: "Perhaps mindful of last year's controversial speech involving Notre Dame, McMackin stuck to the script, assembled neatly in a binder he carried to the podium."


About how Mack did a good job during his speech, JD (the only Athletic Director to attend the WAC media event) said:
"I thought he did a good job." (HSA)


HSA Note: "McMackin was his usual jovial self during breakfast, offering handshakes and hugs to players, coaches and WAC officials. Learning that two players at his table were from the University of Idaho, McMackin shared stories of his time there as an assistant coach. But he offered no anecdotes during his speech-question-answer session. He used only two-thirds of his allotted 30-minute period."


HSA Note: "Assistant coach Tony Tuioti recently went on a recruiting trip to New Zealand. He was evaluating rugby players with the potential to play on the offensive line."


HSA Note: "The night before every game, the Warriors attended a movie. But because of budget constraints, it was decided to eliminate that ritual. McMackin said none of the cutbacks will impact the Warriors' preparation for games."


http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20100727_McMackin_dances_around_controversy.html

Feature on Greg Salas and Vaughn Meatoga at the WAC Football Media Preview yesterday

About being sick before the WAC Football Media Preview, Greg Salas said in a raspy voice:
"I had sweats and chills. My body was aching. I had it pretty bad." (HSA)


About Salas taking some over-the-counter cold medicine and making his scheduled interview sessions yesterday, Vaughn Meatoga (UH's other player representative at the Preview) said:
"He's a Warrior." (HSA)


HSA Note: "Salas, a fifth-year senior who is considered the Warriors' top pro prospect—he received the highest marks from the NFL's two scouting services—also will be the face of the program. He is featured on the cover of the UH football media guide, with a Jersey Shore tan and a no-prisoners stare."


About the photo of Salas on the cover of UH's Media Guide, Idaho QB Nathan Enderle said:
"Love the b.a. look." (HSA)


About taking the photo for the cover of UH's Media Guide, Salas said:
"They told me to make mean faces. They said, 'Keep your chin down, and look mean at the camera.'" (HSA)


About UH creating a website (CatchGregSalas.com) to promote him for All-America honors, Salas said:
"There's no added pressure. I like it. It's fun. I'm confident in my abilities, but I was able to do what I did last year because our team helped me out." (HSA)


Joking as the media crowded around Salas while he was stationed a few feet away on another table, Meatoga said:
"I have a website, too. It's called Facebook.com." (HSA)


About how he feels they are better than the 5th (coaches) and 7th (media) predictions in the WAC polls released yesterday, Salas said:
"We're going to be up there. I know what we're capable of. We have to go out and show it." (HSA)


About UH being predicted to finish so low in the WAC, Meatoga said that it will serve as a:
"wake-up call. We know we're better than where we were predicted. It's a matter of producing on Saturday nights." (HSA)


HSA Note: "The preseason polls will be printed, and then taped onto the walls in the UH locker room and weight room. Tommy Heffernan, UH's strength and conditioning coach, had started the practice of recycling critical articles into motivational devices. One of the posted stories recalled Kamehameha's invasion of Maui. After arriving on the Valley Island's shores, Kamehameha ordered the lashings to be cut from the canoes."


About the message behind the story posted on Kamehameha's invasion of Maui, Meatoga said:
"There was no turning back for them. They were there to win or die. That story gave a lot of the mainland guys an idea of the warriors who came from Hawaii." (HSA)


About the change in their offseason workout program under new strength coach Tommy Heffernan, Meatoga said:
"It was like night and day. A lot of people took it upon themselves to get bigger and stronger and faster." (HSA)


HSA Note: "The players organized twice-weekly practices in which they worked in position groups before competing in 11-on-11 drills. Meatoga said workout attendance has been nearly perfect among the players who were on the island. Salas seized a leadership role. He remained in Hawaii this summer instead of training in California, and added several pounds of what he called "good weight." "


About how he has been watching what he eats, Salas said:
"Not a lot of cheeseburgers. I'm eating right." (HSA)


HSA Note: "McMackin said in his five years at UH, including two as defensive coordinator, this was the most productive offseason."


About how their team has worked hard this offseason, Meatoga said:
"People are tired of how we were performing. The players decided to make changes." (HSA)


http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20100727_Hawaii_has_slotback_Salas_covered.html

Monday, July 26, 2010

Some quotes from Mack from the WAC Football Preview Day

IS = Idaho Statesman

About how Bryant Moniz will go on scholarship in the Fall, Mack said that Moniz left the team in the spring to deal with:
"a private, personal issue that has been handled. He's been first in everything. He's really working hard, setting an example. We're really excited about him." (IS)


About how they will look at 4 QBs during the first week of fall camp and then choose a starter, with an indication that Moniz will be selected, Mack said:
"We've got four guys that we're going to shuffle around and look at everybody for a week or so and then make a quick decision and move on. Bryant obviously has the experience." (IS)


About how he'd love to schedule BSU as one of their nonconference games, Mack said:
"We'd love to be able to play them as much as we can. We like to play good football teams and they're one of the best." (IS)


IS Note: "Hawaii athletic director Jim Donovan has contacted Boise State but doesn't expect to play the Broncos for several years. He said he thinks the Broncos would like a break from making the trip to Honolulu before resuming the series."

http://voices.idahostatesman.com/2010/07/26/ccripe/broncos_not_quite_unanimous_wacs_no_1_moore_named_preseason_play#ixzz0upve4vPv

Sunday, July 25, 2010

Q&A with Coach McMackin in the Star-Advertiser

Asked about his speaking incident during last year's WAC media preview, Mack said repeatedly:
"Next question." (HSA)


Pressed to speak about it, Mack said:
"I don't want to talk about it anymore. Next question, please. It was a year ago." (HSA)


HSA Note: "UH athletic director Jim Donovan said McMackin fulfilled the terms of the sanctions set by Manoa chancellor Virginia Hinshaw. McMackin was docked 30 days' pay during August 2009 -- which, based on his original $1.1 million annual salary -- amounted to $87,302. (McMackin's voluntary 7 percent pay cut, which runs through July 31, 2011, was not part of his punishment.) Donovan said the athletic department transferred $35,000 to the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex Student Services at UH-Manoa. In January, the athletic department conducted four diversity workshops covering LGBTI issues in sports. More than 300 student-athletes, coaches and staff, including McMackin, completed the training."


About what he will say at this year's WAC Media Preview when he's asked about the incident from last year, Mack said:
"They're going to hear me say, 'Next question, please.' I'm not going to talk about it. I'm only going to talk about this year's football team. That's all. Next question, please." (HSA)


About hiring 77-year-old Mouse Davis as an assistant coach, Mack said:
"He's taught everybody the run-and-shoot. There's nobody who knows the run-and-shoot better than Mouse Davis. He's taught the whole country the run-and-shoot. The Colts, the Patriots, the Jets -- all of the four-receiver offenses -- have the run-and-shoot in them. He is truly an innovator in the game of football, and there aren't a lot of innovators. Most ideas are borrowed. He's had a lot of his ideas borrowed. He's energetic. He's in his 70s going on his 40s." (HSA)


Asked why it was the right time to promote Dave Aranda to defensive coordinator, Mack said:
"Calling plays isn't an easy thing to do. Some people think it's easy. You don't have many seconds to make a decision. You have to be organized. You have to make quick decisions in pressure situations to put the players in the right position to make plays. I feel he's an outstanding coach. He knows the package as well as anybody. He's a brilliant guy, and a well-informed guy. He's always working to get smarter in football, going to pro camps and going to clinics and calling people, and watching tapes. We sort of shared the duties the past couple of years, as far as calls at certain points. I have no doubt he's ready to go. He made a good percentage of the calls from halfway last season, and I have complete confidence in him." (HSA)


About promoting Nick Rolovich to offensive coordinator, Mack said:
"He knows the run-and-shoot. He did a great job last year, which was evident. We were, what, third in the country in throwing the football? It's really the entire staff that makes the game plan, but Rolo is going to call the plays. He has a guy like Mouse Davis ... (to) bounce things off of. That's a good thing. It's about preparation and execution." (HSA)


Asked about how they have been picked to finish anywhere from the middle to the lower part of the WAC, Mack said:
"Those people look at our schedule. It is challenging. We have to get ready for our opener with USC, then we have to travel to New York (to face Army), and then to Colorado. Every team in the WAC will be tougher this year, and that's including us. Our team is looking forward to this challenge. The players, the coaches, the academic people, equipment people, trainers have all worked hard to get ready for this season." (HSA)


About rejecting a walk-on offer from QB Jeremiah Masoli, Mack said:
"It's important to me that we have team chemistry. He's a good athlete. He's going to be successful somewhere. It sounds like he might go to one of our opponents. We've had a bunch of quarterbacks working hard and competing and going through some things, and it's just not the time to throw another guy in there. And at other positions. We're strong at receiver and we're strong at running back. I think he's an outstanding player, and obviously everybody in the state knows that, but it's just not the right fit right now." (HSA)


Asked about QB Andrew Manley, who ended up signing with New Mexico State, Mack said:
"In that situation, he was the first guy we offered as a quarterback. We offered him in his junior year. And, obviously, kids look to get whatever the best offer (they) can. He was in that process. He's a great person and a great player. And then we offered another player, and told them the first person to accept (gets the scholarship). That's how you recruit. We can't wait until the last day, or we may be left with no one. We made sure they all knew it. We only had one scholarship for a quarterback, and Kevin Spain was the first to take it. I did keep, because I like Andrew, a grayshirt scholarship for him, and told him that. He's going to go to New Mexico State. I know he's going to do good. We'll probably face him next year." (HSA)


Describing their strategy for local recruiting, Mack said:
"What we did is identify every player in the state. We have a Junior Day, where we have the top 100 players in the state, and their parents, come in to the university. We know who the top 100 players are. (Offering scholarships) depends on how they fit in our scholarship system. Like at quarterback, we're not going to recruit another quarterback for a while. We're loaded at quarterback. We may not at corner. There may be positions that people on the outside don't realize what our basic needs are. We look at the grades. There are certain guys who aren't going to qualify. We try to be very specific. If you offer a guy a scholarship and he takes it, and he's not the right guy, you're stuck with him. We have our system, and this system has worked over my years in coaching. We know what we're doing. Anybody on the mainland who says this guy is a three-star or a four-star, they may not know that the guy just got into a fight or what his grades are. We know more about Hawaii players than anybody in the country." (HSA)


About being close to the start of his third season as head coach for UH, Mack said:
"I want to get myself in better shape so I can handle the responsibilities and be in the best shape that I can be in. I have two families. I have my personal family and my football team. I feel responsible to take care of both of them. I would die for either one of them. ... I have two big jobs. One is to graduate the players so they all get degrees. The second thing is to win football games. I talk to them about how important it is to represent the state. Little kids look up to them. I've been told by Mufi Hannemann, when we win, nobody is calling in to gripe about potholes. I understand people pray for us and will us to win. We had a fundraiser to pay for summer school for our players. I tell the players: 'In the toughest economic time in history, these people are giving their hard-earned money to send you to summer school.' I won't waste their money. If anybody gets an F or doesn't go to summer school, they pay for their own summer school." (HSA)


Excited about how his team will do this season, Mack said:
"I'm really excited about this team. The team has worked hard in the offseason. We have maturity for leadership, and we have some talented young players. They're very athletic and competitive. We won four of our last five games, and it's basically the same group coming back, plus our freshmen. Our coaching staff has worked hard getting ready for the season. We have our first three games broken down, and the game plans made. We've been working hard in recruiting for this year and for next year, since the last ballgame. But we're still a young football team. The first group I recruited are all redshirt sophomores. That's the starting point. That's why they give (coaches) five-year contracts. When a program has lost players, it takes at least four to five years to build a program. The thing is, I feel we have enough veterans and young guys, we should be tougher the next year than we are this year. But we're going to be a very competitive team this year." (HSA)


http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20100725_from_mouse_davis_to_recruiting_decisions_mcmackins_got_answers.html

No company wanted to buy naming rights for the Aloha Stadium field for the football season

About how they looked for a company to purchase naming rights for the Aloha Stadium field in time for this football season to help underwrite the cost of installing the new artificial turf, Aloha Stadium manager Scott Chan said:
"there wasn't enough interest." (HSA)


HSA Note: "The cost of the turf, which is scheduled to be installed following the 2011 Pro Bowl, is projected to be about $2.5 million. Just $2 million was allotted in the last capital improvement budget."


About how the current turf will be in its 8th year this season and has a 10-year warranty, but they would like to replace it sooner next time, Chan said:
"You want to keep the field as state-of-the-art as possible and considered the best in Hawaii." (HSA)


HSA Note: "Already there have been concerns about wear to the point that the stadium will spend between $19,000 and $25,000 to scrub and refurbish the turf for the upcoming season and "keep it at an acceptable standard," Chan said."


About why no company was interested in naming rights for the field, Chan said:
"Right now, it is a tough sell. Nobody was putting money into sponsorships. That's the first place they are cutting from, as I understand." (HSA)


HSA Note: "Chan said he was not authorized to sell naming rights for the stadium but the field could be "considered part of the inventory." Advertising panels and signs have been elsewhere in the stadium for more than a decade."

http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20100725_sale_of_naming_rights_to_field_found_no_takers.html

Feature article on what is behind the curtain at Aloha Stadium

HSA Note: "To folks who work in and around it and motorists who zip past it, the 10-story plastic sheeting that covers sections of Aloha Stadium has come to be known as "the shower curtain" or "the drapes." The presence of the silver shroud these past six months has given the state's largest multipurpose athletic facility peeking out from behind it a hint of mystery."


About how the curtains will be removed and their $51 million in upgrades will be revealed when UH plays USC at Aloha Stadium on Sept. 2, stadium manager Scott Chan said:
"I think you'll see great improvement in our facility. The Legislature has been very supportive of what we're trying to do." (HSA)


HSA Note: "Among changes for the stadium's 36th year of operation, according to officials:
» a new LED "Aloha Vision" video board
» touches of "Warrior green" paint
» a whole sideline of new seats in the orange level of the mauka side
» repaired steps and new hand railings
» "reduced bounce" pedestrian bridges
» a new roof
» reinforced structural framing
» a new south plaza concession stand"


About where they focused their first round of maintenance and upgrades, Chan said:
"The health and safety of our guests remains our first concern, so that's where a lot of the initial work is concentrated." (HSA)


HSA Note: "Following the Pro Bowl in February, according to the timetable, will come replacement of the eight-year old FieldTurf and more seats, and the addition of bathrooms, concession stands and elevators, costing an additional $20 million. Those renovations are scheduled to be in place for the 2011 football season. Construction of luxury suites and sky boxes has been proposed, but no funds have yet been allocated, officials said. The extensive renovation is aimed at helping the stadium, which was built at a cost of $32 million and originally envisioned to last 75 years, make it into the 2030s -- and beyond."


HSA Note: "Based upon 2007 dollars, the cost of a new stadium was projected at nearly $278.3 million versus $156.4 million for renovating and maintaining the current facility. More recent estimates have pegged the cost of building a new facility, complete with luxury suites, at closer to $500 million."


Proud that their new 60 foot by 20 foot "Aloha Vision" video board did not require state money to replace the north end zone scoreboard, Chan said:
"It is state-of-the-art, and one the things we can be proud of is that we didn't spend any tax dollars on that in tough economic times and (instead) we looked at creative ways to get funding while enhancing the experience for our visiting guests." (HSA)


Glen Higa, general manager of Aloha Sports, did not say what Aloha Sports (which has a 10-year exclusive contract to be the stadium's advertising agent) paid for the scoreboard, but Chan said:
"it is close to a million dollars." (HSA)


HSA Note: "The green the state is putting into the stadium includes paint on portions of roof, beams and walls that formerly were brown. The green was selected, according to Russ K. Saito, state comptroller and DAGS director, because of its impact on the surroundings, eye appeal and flexibility in meeting current and future color schemes. In addition, Saito said, "some of us are UH graduates." "


About why the scaffolding and curtains will remain throughout the season in some areas, Chan said:
"Unfortunately, you'll continue to see some scaffolding (and curtains). There was no way around that. I was not willing to pay (an additional) $3 million for mobilizing and demobilizing during that period. I think we have to learn to live with some of that." (HSA)


HSA Note: "Saito said roof replacement, which originally was scheduled to be done in four phases, has been reduced to three phases, which saves some money. The installation of cables to strengthen the eight pedestrian bridges and all but eliminate bouncing will make it less likely the stadium will be moved back into a baseball configuration, officials said. Already, cost, corrosion and safety issues have made that a long shot."


Chan said the stadium hopes to assist UH in opening new revenue options with a "VIP seating section" in the dugout area and the installation of flat-screen TVs in sections of the north loge areas:
"We're trying to make this a gradual thing than can help create revenue for the university." (HSA)

http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20100725_what_lies_behind_the_curtain.html

Ryan Mouton is much more confident than last year and is competing for a starting CB job with the Titans

TEN = The Tennessean


TEN Note: "Ryan Mouton felt like his head was spinning in training camp last year, but the then-rookie cornerback had another thing coming. As a result of injuries to veterans in front of him, Mouton was forced into action earlier than anticipated. His fourth NFL game was his first start, and he got his second a few weeks later in a 59-0 blowout loss at New England. Another rookie corner, Jason McCourty, had his share of troubles, too."


About how both Ryan Mouton and Jason McCourty were forced to play too early as rookies, defensive coordinator Chuck Cecil said:
"It was almost unfair to them last year.They got their feet wet and it was like, 'Welcome to the NFL.' It wasn't the most ideal situation. … But that is something they can use to help them be a player in the NFL. They know it's not something you can take lightly. You just can't show up and play.'' (TEN)


TEN Note: "Mouton and McCourty are in different situations going into their second NFL seasons. Now they are competing with veteran Tye Hill and rookie Alterraun Verner to start at cornerback along with veteran Cortland Finnegan. McCourty, a sixth-round pick out of Rutgers, worked with the starters most of the offseason, impressing coaches with his work ethic and steady play. But Mouton, a third-round pick out of Hawaii, has a chance to surpass him with a strong training camp."


About how he learned a lot during his rookie year and is much more confident now, Mouton said:
"We learned a lot from last year. I know I did. When you are thrown in there like that, you don't know what to expect, and we had to go through the struggles. But now we've learned a lot. From last year to this year I have gained a lot of confidence, and you have to have confidence in this game. We're all friends and we're competing. But we all have our eyes on the job.'' (TEN)


Asked who has the edge at CB opposite Cortland Finnegan heading into training camp -- Jason McCourty, Ryan Mouton, Tye Hill or Alterraun Verner, secondary coach Marcus Robertson said:
"We're going to give everybody a legitimate shot and opportunity to win the spot. It is one of those situations where the cream rises to the top. We lost Tye (hamstring) for a little bit (June OTAs) after losing Rod Hood for the season (torn ACL), but we've been able to keep a good rotation with the rest of the guys. It's just a matter of which guys minimize their mistakes and make the most plays." (TEN)


Asked how much the game has changed since he retired after the 2002 season, Robertson said:
"When you think about the rule changes, now it is getting real close to flag football. It is like if you hit a guy too hard, it is always an issue. That, and a little bit more of the spread offense, shotgun — you see that a little bit more compared to quarterback under center." (TEN)


http://www.tennessean.com/article/20100725/SPORTS01/7250379/2215/SPORTS/Titans++defensive+backs+seem+settled

Friday, July 23, 2010

Malosi Te'o gave up a scholarship at BYU to walk-on to UH

HSA Note: "Malosi Te'o made several sacrifices when he served a two-year mission for the Mormon church. He recently made another sacrifice, relinquishing a scholarship at Brigham Young University to join the University of Hawaii football team as a walk-on running back."


About walking on to UH, Te'o said:
"There are grants, and I can get a job here and there. I'm going to make it work." (HSA)


HSA Note: "Te'o redshirted as a freshman in 2009. In accordance with NCAA transfer rules, Te'o will not be allowed to play in any games for the Warriors this season. But he may practice, attend meetings and work out with UH teammates. Te'o rushed for more than 1,000 yards as a Kahuku senior in 2005. In February 2006, he signed a letter of intent with Nevada-Las Vegas. But he never enrolled at UNLV, and instead began his church mission in February 2007. He was assigned to New York City, working primarily in Brooklyn and Queens."


About his self-funded mission, Te'o said:
"I loved it." (HSA)


HSA Note: "Missionaries are limited in the number of telephone calls to their families. They are not allowed to be contacted by a college coach during the mission. Te'o used one of his rare collect calls to ask his family to notify BYU coaches of his interest in their football program. Te'o enrolled in BYU last year. But while redshirting, Te'o and his wife, Lauren, decided they missed their families. Lauren was raised in Laie."


About how his wife and he decided they wanted to live in Hawaii instead of Provo, Te'o said:
"I did like it up there (in Provo). I had a good time. But I'm excited to be back home. This is where my wife and I originally wanted to be." (HSA)


HSA Note: "Te'o secured his release from BYU, then contacted UH associate head coach Rich Miano. Te'o said sitting out this year will allow him "to get settled." After this year, he will have three years to play three seasons."


About how he's ready for the most important job of a UH RB, the 5'10", 220-pound Te'o said:
"I love to block." (HSA)


http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20100723_Malosi_Teo_gives_up_BYU_offer_to_join_UH.html

Thursday, July 22, 2010

UH expects to net $426k from their road trip at Army and at Colorado

HSA Note: "The University of Hawaii expects to realize a profit of approximately $426,000 from the most far flung road trip in its football history. Between the Warriors' Sept. 11 game at Army and Sept. 18 contest at the University of Colorado, with a stopover at Las Vegas in between, the Warriors will travel nearly 11,000 miles in a two-week period.

Associate athletic director Carl Clapp said UH anticipates spending $423,357 in airfare, room, board, transfers and other expenses on the trip. UH is contracted to receive $350,000 for its West Point appearance and $500,000 for the game in Boulder, Colo. The guarantee for the game at CU is the third largest for UH behind $650,000 at Florida in 2008 and $600,000 at Alabama in 2006.

UH said it expects a "significant" savings by keeping the Warriors on the mainland between the Army and Colorado games rather than returning home. UH saved approximately $40,000 last year by remaining on the mainland between games with Washington State and UNLV and more than $20,000 in 2008 by not coming home between back-to-back road games at Utah State and New Mexico State."


About how they not only save money by staying in Vegas between games, but they benefit by adjusting their body clocks to the time zone, JD said:
"There will be some airfare savings, but there is also an acclimation factor. Staying up there will allow them to get their (body) clocks set somewhat." (HSA)


HSA Note: "He said head coach Greg McMackin favored the stopover in Las Vegas because he believes there isn't much difference in going to altitude (5,430 feet in Boulder) for 24 to 48 hours and less than two weeks."


About how Mack thinks that staying at elevation like Boulder's 5,430 feet (Vegas is at 2,028 feet) doesn't matter unless you stay for at least 2 weeks, JD said:
"Only when you are there two weeks or more did he believe it makes that much of a difference." (HSA)


About how they will not charter flights "over the water" this season or in the near future, but they will charter flights between selected point-to-point mainland destinations, JD said:
"It helps us keep costs down. We might look at charter over the Pacific until after we've begun to pay our deficit down." (HSA)


HSA Note: "He said Boise State was the only UH opponent that chartered into Honolulu last year. Travel is the athletic department's third-highest expense after salaries and benefits and scholarships, comprising about 13.5 percent of the roughly $28 million budget. This year's UH football travel is projected to cost approximately $1.15 million for six games, Clapp said."

http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20100722_UH_to_net_426000_from_first_trip.html

Bengals QB Jordan Palmer praised UH's QBs and WRs

About working out at UH's Ching Athletic Complex and being impressed by UH's QBs and WRs, Cincinnati Bengals QB Jordan Palmer said:
"I expected (the Warriors) to have good quarterbacks and good receivers, and they did not disappoint." (HSA)


About how he wanted to extend his Hawaii honeymoon while finding time to keep fit, Palmer said:
"My wife knows that. I have to make some money." (HSA)


HSA Note: "After learning that Palmer would be training on the Manoa campus, several players volunteered to help. Palmer said he was impressed with the receivers, particularly senior slotbacks Greg Salas and Kealoha Pilares."


Praising Greg Salas, Palmer said:
"Greg has a lot of talent. He's easy to throw to. He's a big guy (6 -foot-2) who gets it, 'get it' meaning he understands football, he understands routes. I say 'come flat on this,' he knows what I'm talking about. He seems like a real cerebral player. I've known him for only two days, but it seems he knows every route, every position, every coverage. Guys like that have a real opportunity to make it in the NFL." (HSA)


About the importance of running hard on every play, Palmer said:
"If you run a 4.7 (over 40 yards), always run a 4.7. If you run a 4.5, always run a 4.5. Greg plays at full speed. I'm sure if you put on his game tapes right now, I'll see him running full speed on everything. And, obviously, he makes catches." (HSA)


Comparing Kealoha Pilares to Chad Owens, Palmer (who played at UTEP and faced Owens with UH a few times in WAC games) said:
"Kealoha is a shorter guy (at 5-10), but he's really quick, just like Chad Owens. He had good hands. He looks like he's really good (running) after the catch." (HSA)


About how both Salas and Pilares have excellent catching technique, Palmer said:
"They catch everything only with their hands. A lot of times in the NFL, a lot of guys still use their body to catch passes. They get a little lazy. Greg and Kealoha have good work habits." (HSA)


About how the 45-minute sessions with Palmer were helpful, Salas said:
"It's good to talk to someone who's at the next level. He gives us a lot of insights on what we need to work on. He helps you with the little things." (HSA)


About the benefits of working with Palmer, Pilares said:
"He's in the league. He knows the ins and outs. He knows what he's talking about." (HSA)


http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20100722_Receivers_dont_disappoint_Palmer.html

Michael Lafaele worked with UH's DL yesterday

About asking Michael Lafaele to provide an emotional boost to their DL yesterday, Vaughn Meatoga (who called Lafaele) said:
"We needed a little wake-up call. He was the alarm." (HSA)


HSA Note: "Lafaele worked with the defensive linemen yesterday, showing them how to use their hands to fight off blockers."


Praising Lafaele, Meatoga said:
"He was a big influence on me when I was a freshman. He taught me about hard work. He had the attitude of a D-lineman. He didn't care about anybody but his boys. He went out and killed offensive linemen." (HSA)


About what he said to the DL, Lafaele said:
"I told them the defensive line is the heart of the defense, the heart of the team. They have to control the line of scrimmage, take pride in that kind of stuff." (HSA)


About how Lafaele played with a painful ankle injury in 2007, Kaniela Tuipulotu said:
"He was hurt, but you couldn't tell. He kept playing hard. He was an animal out there. You can't ever second-guess a guy like that." (HSA)


HSA Note: "Lafaele, who works for a marketing company, said his football career has ended."


About how Lafaele is in great shape, Meatoga said:
"Look at him. He's in shape. He probably could suit up right now if he had to." (HSA)


http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20100722_Receivers_dont_disappoint_Palmer.html

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Feature article on walk-on JC safety Darryl McBride

About how he went from Philadelphia to Menocino College (in California), with teammates giving him the nickname "Philly", Darryl McBride said:
"Everybody has a rags-to-riches story. I grew up in a working neighborhood. I grew up in a Catholic school. ... But it was better for me to go away to an area where I couldn't get in trouble." (HSA)


HSA Note: "McBride, a safety, said he has met the NCAA eligibility requirements to participate in the Warriors' training camp, which begins Aug. 4. He was told he will earn a passing grade in a summer-session class needed to complete work on his associate's degree."


About how the final grade that he needed will be posted on July 31, McBride wasn't worried about completing his associate's degree because:
"I already passed the class. I'll be off to Hawaii July 27th. I'm ready to play for the Warriors." (HSA)


HSA Note: "McBride is 6-foot-3 and 200 pounds. He said he was timed at 4.45 seconds in the 40-yard dash. He drew interest -- but not scholarship offers -- from UCLA and Tennessee last fall. Both had hoped he would have been able to transfer in January. McBride said he kept in contact with UH associate head coach Rich Miano. Because the Warriors used up their allotment of scholarships for 2010, McBride was told he could join as a preferred walk-on."


About how he can earn a scholarship in 2011 if he earns his spot, McBride said:
"If I want a scholarship (in 2011), they told me I would have to work for it. I'm all for it. I don't mind. When I first got to (Mendocino), they told me I had to earn a starting job. I worked hard for it. It's the same with this. I know it's better for me to work hard for something than to be given something. I'm going to work hard." (HSA)


HSA Note: "McBride said financial aid and loans will cover his school and living expenses."


About how he is preparing for training camp, McBride said:
"I'm training hard. I'm running and lifting weights every day." (HSA)


HSA Note: "McBride said he will have three years to play two seasons."


http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20100721_Safety_McBride_set_to_go_for_Warriors_fall_camp.html

UH hopes that new USC AD Pat Haden will continue to schedule games with UH

HSA Note: "Garrett has been a strong proponent of the series, signing contracts for six games with UH in his 17-year tenure. Former USC quarterback Pat Haden will replace Garrett, the 1965 Heisman Trophy winner, on Aug. 3 in the apparent aftermath of Garrett's handling of issues resulting in NCAA sanctions. UH, which begins its season Sept. 2 with USC at Aloha Stadium in an ESPN game, is also scheduled to open with the Trojans in 2012 (the L.A. Memorial Coliseum) and '13 (Aloha Stadium) and is hopeful of adding games."


Hoping that Pat Haden will want to schedule UH just like former USC AD Mike Garrett did, JD said:
"I'm hopeful they will continue the games. Their fans seem to like coming to our games and we draw pretty well for them in Southern California for a non-Bowl Championship Series team and, I think, they are recruiting Hawaii." (HSA)


HSA Note: "USC's last three Aloha Stadium appearances have been sellouts, and the Sept. 2 game could break the UH record for home ticket receipts of $1.14 million set by the 2005 game."


About how USC fans bought nearly 10,000 tickets for the 2005 game at Aloha Stadium and USC is projected to sell its entire 7,500-seat allotment for this year's game, Garrett said:
"This is a very popular game for our players and our fans. You can tell by the number of people we brought. The timing is good for a lot of our fans who can plan sort of a late summer vacation." (HSA)


HSA Note: "USC associate athletic director Steve Lopes, who negotiated terms of several of the games with Donovan, will apparently remain on Haden's staff."


http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20100721_UH_hopes_to_keep_playing_USC.html

Feature article on Adam Leonard joining Solomon Elimimian with the BC Lions

HSA Note: "When Adam Leonard reported to the B.C. Lions this past Sunday, he was greeted by former Warrior teammate Solomon Elimimian. Both entered the UH program as freshmen in 2005, and played four decorated seasons without redshirting. Now Elimimian is the Lions' starting middle linebacker." Leonard, who signed a two-year contract, is on the practice squad."


About how he'll work hard to try to get activated from the practice squad, Adam Leonard said:
"I'm going to work hard, and try to get activated." (HSA)


About how he didn't know until a few months ago that the Lions owned his CFL rights, Leonard said:
"They can take the rights to players, and the players don't even know about it." (HSA)


HSA Note: "Leonard, who completed his UH eligibility after the 2008 season, had a couple of NFL tryouts. After learning of the CFL connection, Leonard's agent asked the Lions to clarify the situation. Last week, the Lions made an offer to Leonard. Leonard said he will earn the CFL minimum salary, which is listed at $30,000."


About how he hopes to compete for either the MLB or weakside LB positions, Leonard said:
"It's good to have another opportunity to play." (HSA)


About how is taking an online class this summer and will earn his bachelor's degree on August 14, Leonard said:
"It's my final course. I plan on walking (in the graduation ceremony) in December." (HSA)


http://warriorbeat.honadvblogs.com/2010/07/21/reunion/

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

JC RB Lancer Tuitele will join UH in time for the 8/4 training camp, RB Burton Iosefa will join in January

HSA Note: "Lancer Tuitele of Mount San Antonio College in California said he will participate in the Warriors' training camp, which begins Aug. 4. What's more, his brother, running back Burton Iosefa, will join the Warriors in January. At Mount SAC, Tuitele was known as Lancer Iosefa. He said he will have "Tuitele" on the back of his UH jersey to honor his grandfather, who recently died. On his highlight video, Tuitele is listed as 5-foot-10, 190 pounds. He said he is capable of completing the pro-agility drill in 3.97 seconds. His vertical jump is 41 inches. As a member of a military family—"Lancer" was the name of his father's brigade's mascot—Tuitele was born in Georgia, raised mostly in Oklahoma, and attended high school in San Jose.."

About how his father was born in American Samoa and his 5 siblings and mother were born in Hawaii, Tuitele laughed and said:
"I was the odd one." (HSA)

Tuitele said that living in different places:
"was good. I got to experience new things. I got to stretch myself a lot. It was good to meet people from around the world. I was able to further my horizons." (HSA)

About spending 2 years in New York City (assigned to Brooklyn and Queens) on a mission for the Morman church before starting college, Tuitele said:
"It was the best overall experience. It was galvanizing. Doing the Lord's work made me who I am today. I met a lot of different people, from different countries. It's the melting pot of the world. Basically the only part missing was Polynesian. I didn't meet one (Polynesian) on my mission. Not one." (HSA)

About how Mount SAC runs a spread offense that is similar to UH's offense, Tuitele said:
"We ran a lot of (shot)gun, a lot of pass protection (by the backs), and zone runs and inside runs." (HSA)

HSA Note: "He took snaps in the wildcat formation in which the running back aligns as the quarterback. His quarterback rating was perfect: His lone pass went for a touchdown. In 14 games, Tuitele, who shared running and blocking duties with his brother, rushed for 509 yards and nine touchdowns. He averaged 4.2 yards per carry. Mount SAC went 13-1, defeating College of San Mateo 7-6 in the California Community College Athletic Association championship game. There are 71 football teams competing in CCCAA, and the winner of the state title game is considered to be a national champion."

Looking forward living in Hawaii and playing for UH in front of relatives, Tuitele said:
"I've lived in a lot of places, and I've had great experiences. I'm ready to live in Hawaii." (HSA)

HSA Note: "He said he will have two years to play two seasons."

http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20100720_Warriors_gain_another_rusher.html

Monday, July 19, 2010

Colt Brennan had to borrow shoes for his first workout with Donovan McNabb in January

WP = Washington Post


About how Colt forgot to bring shoes for his first workout with Donovan McNabb at Fischer Sports back in January (several weeks before McNabb was traded to Washington), Brett Fischer said:
"The first day he was here, he came in wearing sandals. He forgot his sneakers. He didn't even know Donovan then. It was one of Donovan's first days back after the season. I asked Donovan, 'Do you have an extra pair of shoes?' He said, 'Of course.' He went and got them from the back of his car. Little did any of us know they'd be teammates later." (WP)


WP Note: "Brennan and McNabb have been working out together at Fischer Sports, studying the playbook, going through the same sets of drills. And that will continue this week, when some of their other teammates arrive for "Hell Week." This is Brennan's first offseason working out with Fischer. Early in the process, Brennan felt some discomfort in his right knee and had minor arthroscopic surgery to clean up his meniscus. That means that entering just his third year in the league, Brennan has now had scopes on his right hip, left hip, right knee and left knee."


About how Colt feels as healthy as he has since UH and shows no signs of pain or injury, Fischer said:
"He's really working hard to take his game to the next level. He looks great." (WP)


http://voices.washingtonpost.com/redskinsinsider/offseason-workouts/hope-you-caught-this-mornings.html

JJ thinks that UH should go independent for football and play in the Big West for other sports

HSA Note: "A good place for a guy like June Jones, who -- even though he was back in Hawaii just a couple of weeks ago -- misses laulau and kalua pig ... almost as much as the fairways at Waialae Country Club, lush enough to navigate in bare feet. Jones worked a crowd of displaced islanders Saturday between bites of his plate lunch, talking story with guys more than willing to pay two bucks for a can of orange-passion juice. Some trekked to the Metroplex from as far as Oklahoma City for Hawaiian music and local food. No poi, but plenny mac salad and rice -- and face time with the current SMU and former Hawaii football coach, a transplant like them."


About his gathering at an L&L in Plano, TX on Saturday, JJ said:
"It was a great time. By the way, we're going to have Henry (Kapono) and Willy K do the national anthem and halftime shows at some games this year." (HSA)


HSA Note: "Those popular Hawaiian entertainers were Aloha Stadium staples during Jones' nine-year run as UH head coach, and they still play at UH games now. Interesting that downtown Dallas will get a dose of kanikapila this fall to go with the local kine grines -- and a Mustangs team with heightened expectations after last year's 8-5 record, including a Hawaii Bowl win in Jones' second season."


About how he expects tough competition in C-USA this year, JJ said:
"Central Florida's always good, but we don't have to play them this year. Houston, East Carolina should contend. It's one of those conferences where anyone can win." (HSA)


About how it is possible that they could get into another conference if they keep winning and add a few other sports, JJ said:
"The Mountain West is interested in the Dallas TV market. If we can show some consistency ... But we don't have baseball and track. I think we'd have to add them and show a commitment to those sports. I don't think (realignment is) over yet. I think the Mountain West might add a few more teams. And I'm kind of surprised the Big 12 didn't make a run at TCU." (HSA)


About how UH could benefit from BSU leaving the WAC, JJ said:
"Boise's always one of the toughest places to go play at," said Jones, whose Warriors teams never won on the blue turf. "Not having to do that makes your chances of success in the conference better." (HSA)


About how it will be difficult for SMU to play UH soon except for the Hawaii Bowl, JJ said:
"There's a possible change involving a Texas A&M game. But our schedule's booked up for the next 10 or 15 years. It'd have to be one of those special things." (HSA)


About how UH should go independent in football and play in the Big West in other sports, JJ said:
"I've talked about independence for 10 years. There's a lot of interest in that TV slot, the last game. Hawaii has a unique slot, and FOX, ESPN, Comcast, a lot of people are looking for programming. I've thought being independent is the direction to go toward for a long time, with the rest of the sports in the Big West. Of course you're taking a chance with scheduling. You just never know how it will work out, but it's worth really taking a good look at." (HSA)


JJ said that the student athletic fee that just passed at UH is:
"pretty favorable, that's going to help a lot." (HSA)


HSA Note: "Everything's not perfect for SMU football; two recruits were recently denied admission by the academic office despite being NCAA qualifiers. But things are good enough in Jones' eyes that he agreed last week to sign a three-year contract extension that keeps him in Dallas through 2014. How bad can it be when you head into the upcoming season with 17 starters back from a winning team? Especially when you're always just minutes away from an authentic plate lunch."

http://www.staradvertiser.com/columnists/furtherreview/20100720_Hawaiian_flair_works_for_Jones_in_his_coaching_job_at_SMU.html

Sunday, July 18, 2010

Q&A with Chad Owens

LSR = Local Sports Report


Asked what he would be doing if he wasn't playing football and why, Chad Owens said;
"If I wasn't playing football, I'd likely be working with kids, training them to become great athletes. Currently, that's what I do in the off-season and I really enjoy it; I'd really even consider coaching as a possibility. I feel that being a mentor for kids is what I'm good at - I'm a great motivator and leader." (LSR)


Asked what he wanted to be when he grew up and why, Owens said:
"As a kid growing up, I always wanted to be a professional athlete. I never knew in what sport though because I played everything, soccer, baseball, basketball and football. What attracted me to football in particular was when I was in high school, football became the sport I quickly excelled in. When I received my first letter from college, that's when I thought, "Ok, this is my ticket." " (LSR)


Asked who he idolized growing up and what impact he thinks that person had on his life, Owens said:
"When I was younger, I idolized my older cousin - he was the athlete of the family. He played college football and was very smart academically. I would always try and be like him and would go with him to play basketball at the park even though all the guys were about 5 or 6 years older than me. I'd always try and jump in and play. I looked up to him all the way up until the point where I became my own." (LSR)


Asked what is his favorite pre-game/post-game meal and why, Owens said:
"I don't want to give away my secrets…just kidding. Two days before a game, I like to get a nice steak in and the night before a game, I get pasta in me to load up on some protein and carbs. After a game I eat whatever; I just get something in me. I have a sweet tooth though, that's like my kryptonite, ice cream a la mode and all of that - oh my goodness!" (LSR)


Asked what 3 things he would bring with him if he was stranded on a deserted island, Owens said:
"If I was stranded on a deserted island and could only bring three things, I'd bring a three prong spear so I could catch some fish, my surfboard and some sunscreen." (LSR)


Asked what he considers his greatest accomplishment in life, Owens said:
"My greatest accomplishment in life is definitely getting married to Rena and having my children, Chad Jr., Areana and Sierra-Lynn. That's the best thing I could ever ask for it's such a blessing and I'm looking forward to seeing them. We'll all be able to check out the city of Toronto together." (LSR)


Asked what advice he would give to a young football player, Owens said:
"The best advice I could give to a young football player is never let someone tell you that you can't do something. If you have a goal, hold on to it and strive for it no matter what. For me, it was always "he's too small, he's not strong enough, he's not fast enough" and I guess that's what motivated me. Education has got to come first and foremost but just go for it." (LSR)


Asked what is his favorite movie of all time and why, Owens said:
"My favourite movies of all time are any of the Rocky movies because of where Rocky came from and how he got to where he was in life and the heart he had. Rocky was the underdog type and I really could relate. Predator is another good one, with Arnold Schwarzenegger, That movie has so many classic lines and growing up, I always wanted to watch it." (LSR)


Asked to name one place in the world he would love to visit and why, Owens said:
"One place I've always wanted to travel to is Africa. I love the wild-life and I'm a big National Geographic-type guy. I could sit there and watch it all day on TV, looking at the different animals, watching the lions hunt and all that. I've always told my wife I'd like to go to Africa and go on a safari." (LSR)


Asked if he could have lunch with anyone living or dead, who would it be and why, Owens said:
"If I could have lunch with anyone, I'd love to sit down with Michael Jackson. Growing up, I was a big fan. I loved his music and him as an entertainer. There are the skeptics out there regarding how he was off the stage but he's just a legend that I'd love to sit down with him, talk it up and have some lunch and say "MJ, what's going on?"…he was the man." (LSR)

http://www.localsportsreport.com/Featured/News/180650/QA-WITH-CHAD-OWENS

UH Hopes that the Student Athletic Fee results in more students attending games

HSA Note: "UH has estimated that only 1,700 to 1,800 of its students attend football games at Aloha Stadium and fewer than 200 show up for arena sports."


About his hope that the student athletic fee will result in more students attending Rainbow Wahine volleyball games, coach Dave Shoji said:
"I can see people in the dorm with nothing to do on a Saturday night say, 'Hey, let's go down and watch a game.'" (HSA)


About how the students are much louder than their typical fans, Shoji said:
"Selfishly, we need the student body to come out and support us. We lead the nation in attendance, and we average over 5,000 -- and close to 6,000 -- every game. But what is really missing (at) our games is the students. We may have 50-100 come to each game -- and 5,000 other people. The majority of our season-ticket holders are people of my generation and a little bit older. (They do) not get real loud and raucous." (HSA)


About how students attending games would help them win, Shoji said:
"What (more students) would mean is that it would make it difficult for other people to play here, which leads to winning. We want to win for you. We want to win for the students, and we want to win for the state." (HSA)


About how the students won't go to games if they are given bad seats, ASUH President Andrew Itsuno said:
"It depends on the benefits the students will receive. If you look at the seating chart right now, it is quite laughable. The seats that are being allocated are in the end zone (in football) or where no one would sit anyway. The students, they wouldn't sit there even if they were paid to sit there. So, I feel, unless the administration and students work together to be able to find better seats for students, better benefits, I don't think the attendance right now is going to change." (HSA)


HSA Note: "UH, with an undergraduate enrollment of 13,583 and overall enrollment of about 20,000, was the last school in the nine-member Western Athletic Conference to impose an athletic fee. Boise State, with an undergraduate enrollment of 16,693, averages 4,920 at its football games and 340 at men's basketball, a spokesman said. Utah State, with 21,680 undergrads, averages 3,000 at football and 3,150 at men's basketball, a spokeswoman said. Among UH's points in getting the Board of Regents to approve the athletic fee Thursday was that, in addition to budget relief, it would give its teams more of a home advantage while providing students with a "true college experience.""


HSA Note: "In the early 1980s, the "Bowzos" -- a student group made up largely of UH swimmers -- brought spirit to volleyball events at Klum Gym. And Gumby-like football player Alan Hackbarth was a crowd favorite at the Stan Sheriff Center. For their new mandatory $50-per-semester fee, students will receive admission to home UH athletic events by showing their ID card. The athletic department said it will make 5,000 seats available at Aloha Stadium, 515 at the Sheriff Center and 225 at Les Murakami Stadium."


About how they would allow 6,000 or more students to go to a football game that wasn't sold out, JD said that:
"we'd probably wave them in and hope they enjoy themselves." (HSA)


HSA Note: "Where students sit has long been a bone of contention, going back to the early 1980s, when students and faculty enjoyed an allotment of 12,500 seats at Aloha Stadium. Students, for a fee, were allowed to purchase a season ticket for themselves and, for an additional $20, a guest ticket. But when the guest price went up to $56 in 1981 students balked at paying the higher charge. In addition, an increasing demand from donors and sponsors for tickets in prime areas prompted the department to take them out of the unsold student-faculty allotments. In 1990, some of the student section, which was spread across the 30- and 40-yard lines, was relocated closer to the north end zone. Currently, many of the seats set aside for students are in an area from the 15-yard line on the mauka side to the north end zone. Student season-ticket purchases have often totaled less than 1,000, including about 600 in the Manoa Maniacs section."


About the Athletic Department's "show of good faith" by making seats available to students from their second home football game (9/25 agaisnt Charleston Southern), JD said:
"The Charleston game is our goal. We'll work with the student athletic fee committee on that. It will be a student-led committee (and) I think they will agree." (HSA)


JD said that giving students free seats for the USC game:
"would be too much of a challenge. To try to do something new where you have contiguous sections with an ID card and try to do that on top of a USC crowd coming in and it is the first game of the year on Labor Day weekend, it just seemed a lot better to shoot for the second game." (HSA)


About how their expanded student area may displace some season ticket holders, JD said:
"There may be some season-ticket holders that will be impacted. And we will look at how we can move them. We'll come up with some ideas on how we can make that move easier for them from an economic standpoint. It will help create a better environment for our student-athletes with having the students down here by just showing their ID to get in. And I think the experiences that more and more students will have over time will help the university out for many decades to come with greater philanthropy." (HSA)


http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20100718_will_fee_fill_seats.html

Saturday, July 17, 2010

Siaki Cravens does not regret leaving Utah

About how he doesn't regret leaving Utah, even though Utah is joining the Pac-10, Siaki Cravens (who has 3 years to play 3 for UH) said:
"No regrets at all. Nothing against Utah, but it wasn't a good fit for me. I moved on. I'm 10 times happier here than in Utah, and I've only been here a week Definitely no regrets. I love it here. This was one of the best decisions I made." (HSA)


HSA Note: "Cravens had signed with Utah in February 2008. He redshirted that year, then decided to leave after the 2009 spring semester. He attended Long Beach City College the past year. Cravens, who is 6 feet 3 and 235 pounds, said it was an easy decision to transfer to UH. He said he likes the way the Warriors develop pass rushers — he cited Travis LaBoy, Melila Purcell III and David Veikune — and that he has relatives in Laie."


About how he is enjoying his time at UH, Cravens (who is enrolled in UH's Summer Session II) said:
"I'm enjoying it out here. It's Hawaii, so the weather's great. The guys on the team are really good. They took me in real easy. They're teaching me. The coaches and trainers have accepted me real well." (HSA)

http://warriorbeat.honadvblogs.com/2010/07/17/linebacker-recruit-makes-easy-adjustment/

JC RB Sterling Jackson will join the Warriors for training camp

About being added to the 105-player roster for the training camp that begins on August 4, Sterling Jackson said:
"It's a nice fit. I want to be part of the program." (HSA)


HSA Note: "Jackson is 6 feet 1 and 225 pounds. As a senior at Stephenson High in Stone Mountain, Ga., Jackson ran 100 meters in 10.7 seconds. He spent the past two years at Mendocino. In nine games last season, he rushed for 737 yards. He ranked 19th in the state in yards per carry (6.0) and 25th in rushing yards per game (81.9). He also rushed for 10 touchdowns. There are 71 football teams competing in the California Community College Athletic Association. By competing for the California team in the Triumphant Sports Bowl, billed as an all-star game, Jackson is considered to be a junior college All-America player. Mendocino runs a four-wide, one-back offense that is, formation-wise, similar to the Warriors' attack."


About how his coaches at Mendocino sent his highlight videos to the UH coaches, Jackson said:
"They called my coaches and let me know they were interested." (HSA)


HSA Note: "After several conversations with UH running backs coach Brian Smith, who recruits in California, Jackson agreed to join the Warriors. Jackson said he will have three years to play two UH seasons."


HSA Note: "Linebacker David Pa'aluhi, a Waianae High graduate who was Oregon State's second-leading tackler in 2009, has decided not to join the Warriors. Instead, Pa'aluhi will enlist in the Army with the intent of eventually joining Special Forces. Pa'aluhi, a new father, requested -- and received -- a release from his Oregon State football scholarship to enlist in the Army. He returned to Hawaii, then had second thoughts, and contacted the UH football coaches. The Warriors reserved a roster spot for Pa'aluhi, and were awaiting his signature on enrollment forms. But Pa'aluhi's father notified the UH coaches that he decided to enlist."


HSA Note: "People with knowledge of the situation said quarterback Jeremiah Masoli, a Saint Louis School graduate who played the past two seasons at Oregon, will not join the Warriors."

http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20100717_JC_running_back_commits_to_Warriors.html

Friday, July 16, 2010

Feature article on Brett Leonard

HFL = Hollister Free Lance

About portraying Idaho's Mike Iupati (LG that was drafted in the 1st round after the season) as a member of the scout team last season, Brett Leonard said:
"They wanted me to portray him." (HFL)

"It was a bit of a challenge because of the player he was. We all know what he did." (HFL)

HFL Note: "Redshirted, Leonard was listed on the depth chart as the No. 3 left tackle for the Warriors - he was only to be used in an emergency situation - and was better preparing himself for his next two seasons at Hawaii. In this case, that meant mimicking the moves of a future NFL guard."

HFL Note: "Studying just about anything he could of Iupati, who was a consensus 2009 All-American, Leonard played the Iupati role for the scout team perhaps not as well as Iupati would have, of course, but well enough for coaches to see how good he was at the guard position. Two months later, coaches confirmed any initial inklings Leonard had when he was formally asked to be the team's starting left guard in 2010."

About how he had been set at tackle and hadn't played guard for years, Leonard said:
"I think I played it my freshmen year in high school." (HFL)

About moving to guard, Leonard said:
"They gave me a choice, but I think guard is where my future is at. They're looking out for me and what's best for the team. I think it might be better for me, too, because I'm not 6-foot-7. Six-foot-five guys are usually guards." (HFL)

HFL Note: "The 21-year-old lineman made a name for himself at the tackle position while attending Saddleback College, a junior college in Mission Viejo. Mentored by offensive line coach Jackie Slater, a seven-time Pro Bowler who played 20 seasons in the NFL with the Rams organization, Leonard was named all-conference second team as a sophomore, and was part of an offense that averaged more than 482 yards and nearly 40 points per game. He was a tackle coming out of high school, too, where he helped lead the Balers to the Large School Division championship in 2005."

About how he expects to get reps at center during camp due to UH's starting center suffering an injury during spring practice, Leonard said:
"I'll be starting somewhere. I may see some snaps at center in camp, but left guard is where I'll probably end up at. I figure it will be just another weapon for myself, where I can tell someone that I've played all the positions." (HFL)

HFL Note: Coming out of high school, that was never the case. In fact, playing Division I football wasn't even on the radar for Leonard, who back then stood at 6-foot-3, 260 pounds. The recent graduate had zero offers from big-time programs, and received one letter from San Jose City College."

About his recruiting experience, Leonard said:
"I didn't know what to expect." (HFL)

Note: Leonard decided to follow his brother to Gavilan College, but he injured his knee shortly and was forced to greyshirt.

HFL Note: "The Hollister resident sought a change of pace following the injury and transferred to Saddleback, where he developed under Slater and became not only a top recruit, but also an honorable mention all-american as a sophomore, when he allowed just two sacks all year against some of the best JC pass rushers in the country. With zero offers on the table just two years prior, Leonard now had a choice - Kansas, Cal, Marshall, Nevada, UTEP and San Diego State all pined for his services. But it was Hawaii's locale, culture and passion that intrigued Leonard, who visited Honolulu for his very first trip, and decided not to visit anywhere else."

About choosing to go to UH on his very first recruiting trip and not taking any other trips, Leonard said:
"You always kind of wonder what could have happened, but I definitely have no regrets with a place where I could start for two years. The culture is something you don't see too much in Hollister, and the support of the fans was a big thing. Football is huge out here. High school itself is big. But when it comes to college, there is no pro team, there is no semi-pro team. It's the University of Hawaii." (HFL)

HFL Note: "Crediting his quick turnaround to the work ethic that was instilled by his parents and San Benito head coach Chris Cameron, Leonard now has two seasons in front of him as the Warriors' starting guard. He expects to graduate after the fall semester, leaving plenty of time for the football field, the weight room, or perhaps even a little graduate work in psychology. Despite being named Player of the Year for the Hawaii scout team last season - an award that often goes to skill-position players - Leonard hasn't played in a live game of football since transferring from Saddleback nearly a year and a half ago."

About how he will play anywhere the coaches want him to, Leonard said:
"I'll go where the team needs me, and right now they need me at left guard. I'll try to do my best there. I've got two years to make stuff happen." (HFL)

http://www.freelancenews.com/sports/267183-football-island-guard-duty

Oceanic Time Warner is paying for a new LED scoreboard at Aloha Stadium

PBN = Pacific Business News


PBN Note: "Aloha Sports Properties is completing a deal with Oceanic Time Warner to install a new LED scoreboard at Aloha Stadium. The contract will be the largest to date with a corporate sponsor, according to Glen Higa, general manager of Aloha Sports Properties, which is part of CBS Collegiate Sports Properties. The four-year contract will provide Oceanic with corporate sponsorship. Financial details of the sponsorship were not available. CBS Collegiate Sports Properties has a 10-year contract with the Aloha Stadium Authority to sell advertising. The new scoreboard will come at no cost to taxpayers. The 60-foot scoreboard will replace the existing JumboTron, in place since 1991, and will be more than twice the size."


About how fans at the stadium will appreciate the new scoreboard, Higa said:
"From a fan's standpoint, it will create a whole new level of viewing experience. The replays will be much clearer and there will be better viewing of fancams." (PBN)


PBN Note: "He said the company also is close to finalizing a deal with a soft-drink company. Aloha Stadium has been undergoing substantial renovations, including two separate capital improvement projects totaling more than $25 million."


http://pacific.bizjournals.com/pacific/stories/2010/07/12/daily27.html

Feature article on Aaron Kia

NJSL = New Jersey Star-Ledger


Asked what are his plans for the break, Aaron Kia said:
"I held a job for a little bit. I was working at a beach in Hawaii, renting out boards, setting out chairs and stuff. I don't know, regular beach stuff. It's beach stuff to me; it's whatever, working on a beach. It's the best thing to do other than football." (NJSL)


Asked what he's working on this offseason, Kia said:
"I'm getting used to the speed. Everybody is faster and smarter. It's just about learning the system, learning what I need to learn play-wise, technique-wise, and then just getting used to it." (NJSL)


Asked for his first impressions of being a Jet, Kia said:
"It's a complete 180 from what I'm used to. The weather, the players, everything. It's definitely different for me. I just try to stay focused on practice and try not to worry about what's going on around me. It feels great, though. It feels good to be a part of it. It's just going from a college setting to a pro setting. Now it's an all-day thing with football, and I love it. College you have to deal with school and all sorts of things coming in, but now I can just focus on football and that's what I like." (NJSL)

http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2010/07/jets_summer_questionnaire_seri_13.html

More coverage about the Student Athletic Fee passage

HSA Note: "After nearly 2 1/2 hours of often passionate public testimony, presentations and discussion, the Board of Regents voted 11-3 to approve a mandatory $50-per-semester fee for all full- and part-time Manoa students beginning the spring 2011 semester. The fee is calculated to raise nearly $2 million, about $1.85 million of which will be kept by the athletic department to help fund scholarships and pay for equipment and materials. UH said the money will not be used for coaching or administrative salaries. In return, students will receive free admission to athletic events, including up to 5,000 seats for home football games, transportation to Aloha Stadium and a say in the use of 5 percent to 8 percent of the fees to "enhance the student experience." "


About how they project that they can eliminate their deficit and start paying back the accumulated debt with the student fee, JD said:
"Our early projections for fiscal year 2012 show a very good chance of being in the black and paying off some of that accumulated debt." (HSA)


HSA Note: "Regents Chairman Howard Karr said a solvent athletic department would allow it to "start paying back Manoa so that they can use that money for other things" and warned that regents would be reviewing the situation. Donovan said the state of the economy and fortunes of the football team would be key factors in meeting the 2012 target. The three regents who voted against the proposal—Artemio Baxa, Chuck Gee and John Holzman—all questioned the timing of the measure amid academic cuts and a tough economy."


Unhappy with the timing of the fee, Regent Chuck Gee said:
"I am saying it is bad timing. I think we need to find other options beyond the mandatory fee." (HSA)


Unmoved by the argument that UH should have an athletics fee because the other WAC schools have one, Gee said:
"That may be the modus operandi of most WAC universities. It doesn't necessarily mean that we have to follow suit." (HSA)


Supporting the Athletic Fee, Chancellor Hinshaw said:
"The goal of this investment is for our students to benefit from a strong, visible sports program that magnifies UH-Manoa's image along with encouraging greater student participation in athletic events—providing memorable experiences that connect them with UH-Manoa now and throughout their lives." (HSA)


About how the Athleic Fee will encourage more students to go to games, Wahine Volleyball coach Dave Shoji said:
"It will really increase our support from the student body. I can see people in the dorm with nothing to do on a Friday or Saturday night say, 'Hey, it's free. Let's go down and watch a game.'" (HSA)


About the message that passing the fee is sending, Andrew Itsuno (President of the Associated Students of the University of Hawaii) said:
"By passing (the fee) amid strong opposition from both ASUH and the Graduate Student Organization, the regents sent a clear message to the students of the university that it is acceptable to disregard process in making decisions." (HSA)


HSA Note: "Professor emeritus George Simson termed the fee "a bad piece of exploitation" on "those least able to pay" and said it was "totally foreign to the main aims of a first-class university." But walk-on football player Jett Jasper from Kauai said the fee would allow UH athletes "to compete at the highest level" and on a "level playing field with other athletes (at rival schools)." Jasper described the fee as the "most important athletic issue since (going) Division I" and said the athletic department is on "life support" financially."


About how they won't get any Athletic Fee money until 2011 but "in a show of good faith" they will let UH students go to all UH games for free (except for the USC game), JD said:
"We want to work with the students to make this a win-win situation." (HSA)


Asked if a significant number of students will attend games now, JD said:
"You have to ask me that one in a year." (HSA)


http://www.staradvertiser.com/news/hawaiinews/20100716_UH_athletic_fee_passes.html

http://www.staradvertiser.com/columnists/furtherreview/20100716_Whatever_the_spin_its_students_who_get_stuck_with_the_bill.html