Thursday, March 31, 2011

Feature on the Warriors' preparation for UH's Pro Day

About how he's worked hard to prepare for their Pro Day, Kealoha Pilares said:
"I've worked hard for this. Whatever happens, happens." (HSA)


About wanting to do well at Pro Day, Lametrius Davis said:
"We want to open some eyes." (HSA)


About wanting to bench 225 pounds 40 times, Laupepa Letuli said:
"I'm stuck at 39 for the last two weeks. We have to get this thing going. Who knows? Maybe the adrenaline will kick in." (HSA)


About training in Arizona with Chad Ikei and many other Warriors, Mana Silva said:
"I'm at 205 (pounds), the same as when I played (at UH), but it's a better 205. I don't eat any white rice," Silva said. "I eat a lot of protein — steak and eggs — and a lot of salads. No chicken katsu." (HSA)


HSA Note: "Former UH quarterback Colt Brennan had hoped to throw to receivers during passing drills. But UH officials were told that players who had exhausted their NCAA eligibility for at least a year were not allowed to work out in front of NFL scouts because of the current lockout.

Because of the ruling, former UH defensive end Melila Purcell III, who received a medical release from the Cleveland Browns two years ago, also was told he could not participate. But Cameron Allen-Jones, who missed the past two UH seasons after suffering injuries from a fire, will be allowed to participate."


http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/20110331_17_from_Hawaii_geared_for_pro_day.html

Feature article on Joey Iosefa and the competition at RB

Praising the play of Joey Iosefa this spring, RB coach Brian Smith said:
"Joey Iosefa's been a great surprise. He looks a lot quicker, he's understanding the offense a lot better, getting a lot more comfortable, so he's had a really good spring so far." (HSA)


About their open spots at RB with Alex Green and Chizzy Dimude gone from last season's team, Iosefa said:
"It motivates me and I see this as my shot. I haven't played for so long I'm going to give 100 percent effort every day." (HSA)


About how Iosefa had a lot to learn about the RB position while he was redshirting, Smith said:
"He'd never really been a running back before so the reads were new to him, the footwork was new to him, everything was pretty new to him." (HSA)


Praising the way that Iosefa plays, Smith said:
"Not only is he physical but he plays real hard, too. He plays though the whistle." (HSA)


About how Sterling Smith is doing well and is their #1 RB now, Smith said:
"I think Sterling is showing he can do a lot of the things Alex was doing. He just needs to translate it to the field and get comfortable in the offense and play with a lot of confidence." (HSA)


About how the open starting spot at RB should be a great motivator for all of their RBs, Smith said:
"It's wide open, so I hope they all see there is a great opportunity there. Competition's great, it's going to get them all better and we'll see who really wants to play the most." (HSA)


http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20110331_Iosefa_is_no_Average_Joey.html

Feature article on Darius Bright

About how Darius Bright gives them a big weapon at wideout, Bryant Moniz said:
"He gives us a big target, which is something we can use. And, he is a lot further along in the playbook now." (HSA)


About how UH didn't decide until after their 3rd game of last season if they would redshirt him, Bright said:
"If you saw me on the sidelines, especially in that Southern California game, I was going crazy. I just wanted to get in that game so badly." (HSA)


About how he warmed up to the idea of redshirting after realizing that he wouldn't get many reps and he wouldn't have many passes thrown at him last season, Bright said:
"The more I thought about it, there was a lot of upside for me redshirting. Not only for working on my grades, but to better understanding the offenses and improving my techniques." (HSA)


About how he will be ready to have a big season this year, Bright said:
"I'm gonna be ready to go — and go hard. I know what Rolo (offensive coordinator Nick Rolovich) and the team expect from me. I know what I expect, too." (HSA)

http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/ferdswords/20110331_Decision_to_redshirt_likely_a_Bright_move.html

Article about how the backups are getting more reps with starting defenders hurt

About the benefit of having their inexperienced players get extra reps with Corey Paredes, Liko Satele, and Siaki Cravens, DL coach Tony Tuioti said:
"We feel for the injured guys, but it's been a blessing in disguise for the inexperienced players." (HSA)


Praising how their inexperienced players have done with their extra reps, Defensive Coordinator Dave Aranda said:
"Our young guys are stepping up. It's their time." (HSA)


Praising the play of Darryl McBride, Aranda said:
"Darryl is a playmaker. He reminds me of Aaron Brown, when Aaron first got here (in July 2009). There are times when he's not necessarily lined up where he's supposed to be, but he always makes plays. Darryl is a smart player. We're lucky to have him." (HSA)


About being the "elephant" in some defensive schemes, a pass-rusher as a stand-up DE, McBride said:
"The elephant stuff is fun. I get to use my speed." (HSA)


About wanting to increase his strength through weight training this summer, the 6'2", 207-pound McBride said:
"I want to get bigger and faster." (HSA)


About how Liko Satele was doing well as #1 left DE before suffering a left forearm injury during a position drill, Aranda said:
"Liko was having a good spring prior to the injury. He was looking the best he's looked. We've got to get him back, and get him back on the same road." (HSA)


About Malepeai and Yap are doing well against the run, Tuioti said:
"They're aggressive and stout against the run." (HSA)


About how he has gained 30 pounds since he entered UH and is getting comfortable with the technique needed to play his position, Yap said:
"I'm starting to feel more comfortable." (HSA)


About how he has gained 25 pounds since he entered UH and still needs to gain more, Desmond Dean said:
"I've been trying to learn the plays and fit into the system. And I've been eating more. It's not bad eating. I'm following the nutritional program." (HSA)


About how he had a childhood goal to live in Hawaii, liking what he read in books and magazines about Hawaii, Dean said:
"When Hawaii offered me a scholarship, that was my chance, and I took it." (HSA)


About how Dean is doing well as a pass rusher, Tuioti said:
"In long-down situations, we might be able to use him. Desmond is a good complement to the interior players we have." (HSA)

http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20110331_Injuries_turn_to_blessings_for_Warriors.html

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Former UH receiver Mike Washington is playing for the Pittsburgh Power

PPG = Pittsburgh Post-Gazette


PPG Note: "Pittsburgh Power receiver Mike Washington used to sneak into the indoor practice field that Pitt and the Steelers share on the South Side. Now, he practices there."


About getting a call last fall when he was in Hawaii that the Pittsburgh Power were holding tryouts, Mike Washington said:
"I was in Hawaii, living a nice island life, sipping Mai Tais, enjoying beach parties, loving the culture and the people there. I had a second guess about it, but came back for the workout and it paid off; came back for the second workout and it paid off." (PPG)


http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11089/1135584-139.stm

Former UH DE Kevin Jackson talks about being in Tokyo when the earthquake/tsunami hit Japan

About how he felt when the earthquake hit the Tokyo office where he works, Kevin Jackson said:
"I thought there was a good possibility the building would collapse and we would all die. It was 3 or 4 minutes, but it seemed like a lot longer because it just wouldn't stop. I was sitting down, so I just stayed there holding on to my desk." (HSA)


HSA Note: ""KJ" has been in Japan since 2005, playing for the Obic Seagulls. As a rookie, he became the first foreign-born MVP as the Gulls won the championship of the X League, which is the highest level of American football in Japan. Obic won the 18-team league title again last season. This time another former UH player, Karl Noa, got the MVP honors. He lined up at the end spot opposite Jackson and delivered two sacks."


About how there are a lot of people with UH and Hawaii ties in Japan, Jackson said:
"There are so many Hawaii people and UH grads here. Any kind of event you go to, you run into them." (HSA)


HSA Note: "Those who Jackson knows made it through unscathed. They include Ian Sample and Derek Faavi, who both played for the Warriors. And there's Frank Fernandez, a Saint Louis and Harvard grad who also plays for Obic. (Noa was not in Japan at the time of the earthquake and tsunami)."


About how his best friend, Peter Sawka, was fortunate to live in Sendai and survive, Jackson said:
"He is one lucky guy. He was at the epicenter and near the water. But his house is high on a cliff. ... Everything around him was totally destroyed, but he's OK." (HSA)


About how both of his jobs have been affected by the earthquake, Jackson said:
"I deal a lot in trading metal. Titanium, aluminum. We buy from America and Europe and sell to heavy industries here. Shipping and air freight have been delayed and orders have been canceled. You can't get into certain ports. With electricity in several parts of the country being down, plants can't produce anything and can't keep up with orders." (HSA)


About how his company is gearing up to help Japan rebuild, Jackson said:
"Absolutely. We're getting crazy orders from companies. Big producers have big plans." (HSA)


About how he and other football players are making public appearances to help relief efforts, Jackson said:
"We have some recognition with a certain segment of the population. It's nowhere near soccer or baseball. But football's gained steadily in popularity the past few years, so we're trying to use that to help. We've partnered with several other community programs, doing what we can to raise money. We've been going to malls, train stations and setting up booths. Partnering with radio and TV stations." (HSA)


Asked if he had planned to live in Tokyo when he majored in Asian history and studied the Japanese language, Jackson said:
"Not really, I came here a few times while I was at UH. My church was connected to a church in Yokohama. There was an opportunity to visit. It was kind of a whim, but I was always interested in going abroad." (HSA)


Jackson said that he may not stay in Japan forever, but:
"I do believe this is where I belong now." (HSA)

http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/furtherreview/20110330_ExWarrior_Kevin_Jackson_embraces_rebuilding_mode.html

Feature story on CB Lametrius Davis preparing for UH's Pro Day tomorrow

About about his goals for his performance at UH's Pro Day, Lametrius Davis said:
"I'll take whatever numbers I get. No promises. I'm going to leave it all on the field." (HSA)


HSA Note: "As a UH junior in 2009, he was a physical bump-and-run cornerback with quickness and strength. But in January 2010, he began experiencing discomfort in his right knee. The condition lingered through the 2010 spring training. During the summer, he was diagnosed with a partially torn meniscus."


About how he was on crutches for a few weeks after a medical procedure for his partially torn meniscus and then reported to training camp, Davis said:
"I came back a little too early." (HSA)


About how he was limited in training camp and struggled early in the season, not complaining about his health problems while his draft stock dropped, playing better as the season went on, Davis said:
"I got through it. That's all that mattered." (HSA)


About how he left Hawaii to train in Portland for the Pro Day, Davis said:
"I've been training all of the time in Portland. That's where I've been hiding." (HSA)


HSA Note: "Alex Molden, a former NFL cornerback, has been coordinating Davis' training program. They have known each other for several years. Molden has ties to Nike, and Davis has trained at the company's two facilities. One is equipped with an artificial-surface field and track. Davis also has worked with two speed coaches and a strength coach. He said he has focused on so-called explosive lifts."


About how he wants his Pro Day performance to erase doubts about him, Davis said:
"I didn't have a great (senior) year. I'm sure there are a lot of doubts. I want to leave no doubts. I want to go to pro day and open some eyes. They always say you only need one team to like you. I hope that's true." (HSA)


About how he once was timed at 4.4 in the 40-yard dash, Davis said:
"It was a JC combine, so I could have run slower. I'll know for sure when I run at pro day." (HSA)


About how he needs 2 more social science classes at UH to earn his bachelor's degree, Davis (who is taking online classes this semester) said:
"I went to Hawaii to be a student and an athlete." (HSA)

"The first thing coach (Greg McMackin) said to me was he wanted me to earn a degree. Coming in from a junior college, I knew it would hurt the school's (academic progress rate) if you go two years and don't graduate. I'm not trying to be shady at all. They gave me a chance and a scholarship, and I wanted to pay them back by doing well on the field and graduating." (HSA)

http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20110330_ExWarrior_DB_Davis_wants_to_prove_he_belongs.html

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Feature on UH's Pro Day on Thursday

About how he and Salas will only do position drills at UH's Pro Day, Alex Green said:
"I'm going to rest on my combine numbers." (HSA)


About what he wants to do at their Pro Day, Green said:
"I want to be there to answer questions and show (scouts) my personality, and show my athletic ability." (HSA)


About how Cameron Higgins will throw passes at their pro day to help him show his pass-catching ability, Greg Salas said:
"I've been working out a lot with Cameron." (HSA)


About how he's been training at Athletes' Performance, operated in the Home Depot Center where the Pro Day will take place, Salas said:
"I'm ready. I can't wait to be running routes and catching balls at pro day." (HSA)


About how Salas is in a group of 15 WRs (after Julie Jones and A.J. Green) who could be drafted between the first round and the fifth round, Salas' agent Kenny Zuckerman said:
"Greg falls into that category." (HSA)


About how he'll return home after Pro Day and wait to find out which team drafts him, Green said:
"I'll keep working out while waiting for the draft." (HSA)

http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20110329__Pro_day_wont_be_show_day_for_exWarriors_Alex_Green_and_Greg_Salas.html

Warrior Quotes from the Star-Advertiser 3/29/11 (Miah Ostrowski had his first practice)

About his first practice of spring training, Miah Ostrowski said:
"It was hard waiting around all day. Once I caught my first ball, I was all right." (HSA)


About having Ostrowski as their right slotback on the first-team offense in their practice, Mack said:
"It was great getting him out there. Everybody was really excited about having him back. He has to get his timing back. I think every sport has a different tempo. But our offense is like basketball on a field, and he did a good job running his routes." (HSA)


About Ostrowki (his roommate last season on road trips), Bryant Moniz said:
"Miah knows the offense as well as anybody else out there. We have good chemistry." (HSA)


About how Ostrowski learned a lot about their offense from Salas and Pilares, Rolo said:
"He communicated a lot with them, and all of those things are positives." (HSA)


About learning from Salas and Pilares, Ostrowski said that their receivers are:
"close as a unit. I learned from (Salas and Pilares) after watching them for two, three solid years. Just the way they ran after the catch helped me a lot." (HSA)


About how he relaxed during spring break since basketball was over and spring practice had an off week, Ostrowski said:
"I didn't do anything at all. I relaxed the body. I didn't want to do any running at all." (HSA)


About how Ostrowski ran a lot as the only healthy point guard on the basketball team's final 2 games, Rolo said:
"I think he's in really good shape. He didn't have any trouble in that area." (HSA)


About how he caught all 3 passes thrown his way during 6-on-7 situational drills and ran just 1 route incorrectly in 12 plays during team drills against their #1 defense, Ostrowski said:
"It was a minor mistake." (HSA)


Praising Ostrowski's play in their practice, Rolo said:
"He did a lot of good things out there." (HSA)


About how Terence Bell might be a better fit at right wideout and Allen Sampson move from #1 left slotback to left wideout yesterday, Rolo said:
"Everybody is getting a lot of work. Allen is doing some nice things on the outside. Billy Ray is doing a good job at slot. Bell is smart, and he can help us in a lot of ways." (HSA)


About having Moniz back as their starting QB, Rolo said:
"Having 'Mo' back is definitely a plus. It is nice having him back to orchestrate because he is so dialed in with the offense. He's like having another coach out there at this point." (HSA)

HSA Note: "Ten of the 12 Football Bowl Subdivision teams on UH's schedule are casting for starting quarterbacks, including the first three foes the Warriors face — Colorado, Washington and Nevada-Las Vegas."


http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20110329_Ostrowski_back_to_football.html

http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/ferdswords/20110329_Returning_starter_Moniz_puts_UH_a_step_up_on_11_opponents.html

Sunday, March 27, 2011

Everything seems uncertain about UH's future TV deals

HSA Note: "Discussions between the Mountain West and its TV partners were characterized this week as "ongoing" by a conference spokesman, with little hint when there might be a resolution. And serious discussions between the Big West and its partners aren't expected to get moving until the Pac-12 concludes its new package, Big West commissioner Dennis Farrell has said."


HSA Note: "Continuing WAC members were recently given painful indication of the changes wrought by conference realignment when ESPN reportedly said it would cut rights fees for the 2011-12 season by more than 75 percent.

The WAC, which had been receiving about $4 million a year from ESPN, will get, maybe, $1 million in the wake of Boise State's departure, people in the industry say."

HSA Note: "When UH, Fresno State and Nevada join the MWC in 2012, the WAC could cease to receive even a six-figure guarantee, some in the industry speculate."


About how the Oceanic PPV deal won't change much in 2011, (Oceanic Time Warner VP for Operations) Norman Santos said:
"For the 2011 season, we're not expecting to do a lot more with pay-per-view because the WAC is still involved. I don't think that is gonna change." (HSA)


Unsure if PPV will be allowed for UH when they join the MWC, Santos said:
"the negotiations with the Mountain West are still way up in the air. I'm still not sure (where) they are." (HSA)


HSA Note: "The MWC has pledged to try to negotiate a "carve out" locally for UH and preserve, in some form, the $2.3 million the school is guaranteed by Oceanic but is "not obligated" to obtain those terms, according to the MWC contract signed this month."

http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20110327_the_future_of_uh_sports_on_tv_is_a_big_unknown.html

Saturday, March 26, 2011

Coach Shaw says that the spring is when the OL should make mistakes and learn from them

About how the spring is when their OL should make mistakes and learn from them, OL coach Gordy Shaw said:
"I don't care if the defense blitzes every times (in spring drills). We might not block a soul. The next practice, when they do the same things, if we pick it up, good. We've learned something from our mistakes. You can't always have success and think you're ready to go. Through failure, you get better." (HSA)


About how freshman takles Sean Shigematsu and Jordan Loeffler and guard David Lefotu are pushing the starting OL for playing time, Shaw said:
"Physically, there's a pretty good upside to those young players on the second unit. it's not like a 100-yard dash. It's a matter of experience." (HSA)


About how their young OL need to learn what to do against stunts and blitzes, Shaw said:
"Everybody in the stands thinks you're supposed to always block the guy in front of you. It's not that way all of the time. Sometimes it might be the guy playing to the inside of you. … You don't want to be the new puppy in the house that bites the ankle of everybody who shows up in front of you. We want our guys to play with patience and confidence. That comes with experience." (HSA)


About how he wants to give all their OL members enough practice reps, Shaw said:
"We want to give everyone a chance in different situations." (HSA)

http://warriorbeat.honadvblogs.com/2011/03/26/the-waiting-game-2

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

The Hawaii Bowl will remain on December 24

About the Hawaii Bowl remaining on December 24, Hawaii Bowl Executive Director David Matlin said:
"We are very excited to celebrate 10 years of aloha as we mark the 10th anniversary of the Sheraton Hawaii Bowl." (HSA)

http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20110322_hawaii_bowl_to_remain_on_christmas_eve.html

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

UH's 2011 Football Schedule been released!

About playing 4 WAC road games and 3 WAC home games, Rolo said:
"that's fair. They had to do it. And at least we don't have to play back-to-back weekends on the road." (HSA)


About how it took awhile to make the schedule, the incompetent WAC Commissioner Karl Benson said:
"It was an extremely difficult process. This was the first time we've had an imbalanced schedule, with four of the schools having four road games and four having three road games. And the last-minute changes by Fresno State and Nevada made it more challenging for us." (HSA)

Note: By the way, the "last-minute change" by Fresno State was announced in DECEMBER.  More than 3 months ago Fresno State made it clear to the world that they were playing San Diego State on 12/3/11.  For Karl Benson to try to blame Fresno State for the WAC's incompetence in scheduling is petty and deceitful.  I *hate* Fresno State but they are 100% in the right on this and the facts show that the WAC was incompetent in this issue and are lying now to try to hide their incompetence...nice way to try to blame Fresno State for their "last-minute" change that was done in December while Louisiana Tech actually *did* make last-minute changes to their schedule recently and aren't mentioned...since they aren't leaving the WAC.


About giving UH a bye week between their road games at Louisiana Tech and San Jose State, Benson said:
"We tried to factor in geography with the home-and-away balance. We always try to protect the University of Hawaii so it won't have to go to the mainland on consecutive weekends." (HSA)


About how UH's final road game is on 11/12 at Reno, Benson said:
"Nov. 12 is not late in the season. It's almost dead in the middle of the season. We don't factor in weather at all." (HSA)


About how UH scheduled nonconference games on 11/26 and 12/3 so there were only 8 weeks for them to schedule 7 WAC games for UH, Benson said:
"Nov. 26 and Dec. 3 were not options for us for any conference games (for UH). That's another thing. We always protect Thanksgiving and the final Saturday for nonconference games for (the Warriors). We've been very accommodating to the University of Hawaii over time." (HSA)


About how some schools will complain about the schedule, Benson said:
"I'm sure there will be some complaints. We had other schools who were willing to make concessions. If an athletic director and head coach were to draw their perfect schedule, I doubt any of them would be the one we released today." (HSA)

http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20110322_uh_football_schedule_out.html

Sunday, March 20, 2011

The MWC will try to help UH keep its PPV deal

HSA Note: "The Mountain West Conference has pledged its "reasonable efforts" to help the University of Hawaii preserve its lucrative pay-per-view television package and at least $2.3 million in annual income when the Rainbow Warriors join the conference in football in 2012."


The contract that was obtained through the FOIA said that the MWC will try to:
"negotiate a local area 'carve-out' for UH with its national television broadcast contract." (HSA)


HSA Note: "In addition, the conference "shall use its reasonable effort — but shall not be obligated — to" secure the $2.3 million the school has been banking from its pay-per-view deal with Oceanic Time Warner Cable."


HSA Note: "But part of UH's agreement to join the Mountain West in 2012 specifies that UH will assign "all local, regional, national and international broadcast rights" to the Mountain West."


HSA Note: "UH's agreement with the Mountain West says the $2.3 million payment from the conference "may come from all television sources ..."  In addition, the contract states, "Hawaii shall not be entitled to share in other national TV contract revenue until such time as all other MWC institutions have received at least $2.3 million in TV revenue from football for that academic year, at which point Hawaii shall share in any additional revenues above this threshold." "

http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20110320_Mountain_West_will_help_UH_keep_pay_per_view_deal.html

Saturday, March 19, 2011

Feature article on Coach Tomey

About coming back to UH to coach this year, Dick Tomey said:
"It is like a lot of things in life because it is a big circle. I have number of players that are sons of guys that were on original teams, the athletic director was a player on our team and one of the assistant coaches is still here from when I was here." (scout.com)


About how the only place that he would coach is UH, Tomey said:
"There are a lot of familiar faces and the new basketball coach is even the son of guy that I coached when I was here. I feel really blessed because I am in good health and this is the only job on staff I would want and only place I would want to coach. I live here and am going to for future, so it has been great." (scout.com)


About how there is a lot that he needs to learn due to all of the changes in coaching, Tomey said:
"I have a lot to learn. Every staff calls everything differently and the terminology is different. To be in charge of all special teams is a big responsibility and I am learning all of the new players and learning where they are from. There is no question that I have a lot to learn." (scout.com)


About how there is a big difference between today's players and the players he coached years ago, Tomey said:
"Players work harder today than they have ever worked in history of football. They are more dedicated today but there are also more demands made on players' time than ever before." (scout.com)


About how football is a year-round commitment now, Tomey said:
"A player has to be fully committed. Summer workouts used to be something that players went home to do and now they stay at campus. Schools have very well structured off season programs by very confident professionals. When I started some places like Hawaii did not have a weight room and if they did it was the size of a small room at your house." (scout.com)


About how Arizona needs to have equal facilities with the rest of the Pac-12, Tomey said:
"You are not going to get ahead, but a school has to keep pace and I think Oregon has surged ahead. A couple of other schools like USC and UCLA have also not kept pace but those schools have geography." (scout.com)


Thankful for his career and family, Tomey said:
"I want to emphasize how grateful I am for the family that I have, for my wife Nancy and kids and grandchildren because the blessings I have are not professional in nature. Family is the greatest blessing and I have the health of my family and a number of grandkids all over the world." (scout.com)

http://hawaii.scout.com/2/1054025.htmlhttp://mbd.scout.com/mb.aspx?s=219&f=1136&t=7333761

Feature on the finish of the first week of Spring practice

Pleased with how their first 5 practices went, Mack said:
"I thought we made a lot of improvement, especially on special teams." (HSA)


HSA Note: "McMackin said there are 60 players competing for spots on the six special-teams units. He said the coverage specialists are separated into four groups: 1) small but fast; 2) medium-sized but fast; 3) linebackers and defensive ends, and 4) linemen."


About their focus on special teams this spring, Mack said:
"We're really evaluating special teams. We're looking for guys who can run down and get the job done. We'll have some we'll take off our list and some we'll put back on." (HSA)


About looking for the right fits on offense, Bryant Moniz said:
"We're getting there. We're moving receivers around, trying to put together all of the puzzle pieces. We started at '1,' and now we're at '6.' We'll probably finish camp at a '7' or '8.' We need to come out of fall camp at a '10.'" (HSA)


About how David Graves and Cayman Shutter have taken a lot of reps to see in their competition wto replace Shane Austin as #2 QB, Rolo said:
"We know what Shane can do.We want to see what the other guys can do ." (HSA)


HSA Note: "When spring training opened, left wideout Darius Bright, left slotback Allen Sampson and right slotback Terence Bell were on the first team. The past two practices, Corey Paclebar and Billy Ray Stutzmann were the No. 1 slotbacks. Bright, Joe Avery and Sampson shared reps at left wideout yesterday."


About experimenting with their starters at wideout and slot, Rolo said:
"We have to find the best four, and their best fit in the scheme." (HSA)


About how they are waiting for Miah Ostrowski to return after the basketball team is finished with their season, Moniz said:
"We don't want them to lose, but to hurry up." (HSA)


About how incoming players Promise Amadi, Chris Gant and Trevor Davis will compete for playing time in training camp, Rolo said:
"We'll see how they compete when they get here." (HSA)


Praising RB Joey Iosefa for his play this spring, Rolo said:
"Joey is having a great camp. As far as expectations, he's exceeded them." (HSA)


About how RBs Will Gregory and Jared Leaf will join the team this summer, Rolo said:
"We may need one of those young guys to help us early." (HSA)


About how they may redshirt Gregory or Leaf to stagger when they run out of eligibility, Rolo said:
"There are a lot of options this year." (HSA)

http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20110319_Springs_first_act_is_eventful.html

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Quotes from the Spring Practices articles in the Star-Advertiser (Paclebar/Stutz at the top slot positions, feature on Art Laurel)

About being one of that 12 or so Warriors that jumped 30 feet from a cliff above Kapena Fallas into a deep pool of water, Billy Ray Stutzmann said:
"It was a long way down, but it was fun. We're in college. Why not do fun things?" (HSA)


About having Corey Paclebar and Stutzmann as their #1 slotbacks in their practice yesterday, Rolo said:
"They understand what we're doing and they're making plays. This is a good opportunity for them." (HSA)


HSA Note: "Left slotback Allen Sampson and right slotback Terence Bell, who moved from wideout, were the No. 1 slotbacks during the first three spring practices. Miah Ostrowski, the point guard on the UH basketball team, will rejoin the Warriors after the hoops season ends. Promise Amadi, a highly regarded recruit, joins the mix this summer as the Warriors seek successors to Greg Salas and Kealoha Pilares."


Rolo said that Paclebar:
"understands how to get open, and how to get other people open. He's working hard." (HSA)


About choosing to walk-on to UH because of coming to Hawaii on numerous business trips earlier, Paclebar said:
"I fell in love with the aloha culture." (HSA)


About how his big performance in the 2009 Warrior Bowl earned him an invitation to the 2009 training camp, Paclebar said:
"I got lucky in the spring game. When I went back and looked at the tape, I didn't really run the routes very well." (HSA)


About how he suffered a subluxed left shoulder while swinging a pillow during an orientation session during the 2009 training camp, Paclebar said:
"That's embarrassing." (HSA)


HSA Note: "He continued practicing, eventually leading to fractures in two areas of his shoulder and a labrum tear. He missed the entire 2009 season. He contributed on the scout team in 2010 while continuing to learn the intricacies of the Warriors' four-wide offense."


Praising Paclebar, Mouse Davis said:
"He has quickness, and he works hard." (HSA)


About how he's comfortable with the offense now, Paclebar said:
"Two years in the offense, it's about time I got things straightened out. I'm having fun with it now." (HSA)


Asked where Stutzmann will play since he's the #2 right wideout and is being trained to play slotback, Rolo smiled and said:
"For Hawaii for the next three years." (HSA)


About having Art Laurel play their "elephant" position, Dave Aranda said:
"He's physical and he can run." (HSA)


HSA Note: "In certain schemes, Laurel will be used at "elephant," a hybrid position in which the outside linebacker is aligned as a rush end near the line of scrimmage. The position demands strength, quickness and perseverance."


About how they have options for the elephant position, Aranda said:
"We have some hybrid guys now, like Art, whereas a couple of years ago, we didn't have anyone who could fit that bill. If we can do things that are simple for us, but hard and complex for (the opposing team), then we'll want to do that." (HSA)


About how Laurel has a chance to earn a prominent role on defense, Aranda said:
"Art's always been a guy who's had potential. He's been in the system for a long time. It's Art Laurel time. He knows that more than anybody, and to his credit, he's doing something about it." (HSA)


About making all 6 of his 35-yard FG attempts during practice yesterday, walk-on kicker Kenton Chun said:
"I came out of the trials, so I'm in the competition mode. Hopefully, I can make my way on the fall roster." (HSA)


http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20110317_Laurel_versatile_like_an_elephant.html

http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20110317_Paclebar_Stutzmann_top_slots.html

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

UH has set their starting OL...at least for now

HSA Note: "In yesterday's first spring practice in pads, the No. 1 offensive line was: left tackle Clayton Laurel, left guard Brett Leonard, center Matagisila Lefiti, right guard Chauncy Winchester-Makainai and right tackle Levi Legay. Laurel, Leonard and Lefiti will be fifth-year seniors in the fall. They have combined for one start, by Leonard. Legay will be a fourth-year junior. Winchester-Makainai, who played in 11 games in 2010, will be a sophomore."


About their starters on the OL right now, OL coach Gordy Shaw said:
"Right now, we think we have the five best players starting." (HSA)


About how the starting group will remain the same this week, but might change when they return on March 28 after spring break, Shaw said:
"We might make some adjustments after the break. That's when you might see a change up or down." (HSA)


About having Lefiti and Leonard rotate between C and LG, switching after each 4 snaps yesterday, Shaw said:
"They're both among the top five. No doubt." (HSA)


Shaw said that they had planned for Winchester-Makainai to compete at RT, but after several evaluation meetings they decided:
"he has to be an inside guy." (HSA)


Asked if he was discouraged when he was not invited to training camp in 2008 despite participating in the spring training that year, Legay sadi:
"No, it was the desire to play, really. I wanted to get out on the field." (HSA)


About his protein-rich diet and extra time in the weight room to get a better chance to play, Legay said:
"If I'm a little too light in practice, I'll gain a little weight." (HSA)


About Legay, Shaw said:
"Fundamentally, he's pretty sound. He knows the offense. He's holding down the position for now. He will get challenged, for sure." (HSA)


Praising the improvement of senior London Sapolu, Shaw said:
"He's improved tremendously. He struggled not so much with knowing the offense, but knowing how to perform in the offense." (HSA)


About how they will have at least 3 new OL starters for the 4th year in a row, Shaw said:
"The system is in place. It's no different than at wide receiver or anywhere else in our offense. The system is there. The players learn the system, and they perfect their techniques within the system, and they become good players." (HSA)

http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20110315_Warriors_settle_on_starting_offensive_line_for_now.html

Sunday, March 13, 2011

Warrior Quotes from the Star-Advertiser 3/13/11 (Kenny Estes feature, feature on the centers)

About how just started practicing with the first team this past Wednesday, despite being projected to start as far back as 2009, Kenny Estes sad:
"I take every day as it is. I can't think of the future — or the past." (HSA)


About being their #1 free safety this spring, with Jordan Gomes out with a knee injury and Brandon Leslie arriving this summer, Estes said:
"Anything can happen. I'm trying to study all of my plays and do the right things." (HSA)


Asked which shoulder required a medical hardship in 2008, Estes said:
"I don't even know. I hurt both sides. I get mixed up." (HSA)


About how another shoulder injury ruined the Warriors' plans to make him a starter in 2009, Estes said that after the injury:
"I got down on the depth chart." (HSA)


About how his great job on their kick-coverage unit in 2010 earned him a shot at safety as a senior this year, Estes said:
"This is my fifth year in college. It's my last year. I've grown up a lot." (HSA)


About how Honolulu was very different that the rural Kauai area he came from, Estes said:
"When I got here, I was like, 'Holy smokes, this is a whole different thing.'" (HSA)


About how they didn't have the fishing regulations on Kauai that they have on Oahu, Estes said:
"When I go fishing here, I have to follow all of these laws. Back at home, it's all free game." (HSA)


About Estes, who stays at his family's house during the summer, Kealoha Pilares said:
"He's a down-to-earth country kid. He sticks to his roots no matter what. He loves fishing. You can't get it out of him. That's one thing about him, he needs his fishing." (HSA)


About staying at Estes' family home, Pilares said:
"It was super fun. He showed me how they lived. It's very different from Oahu. Life is a lot slower. That's him. He can tear up a dance floor, but he doesn't like to go out. He'd rather go to the beach and throw out the fishing poles." (HSA)


About how he plays aggressively despite his laid-back personality, Estes said:
"I do what I need to do." (HSA).


HSA Note: "In team testing, Elmer "Tahi" Lim, Kahai Choy and Matagisila Lefiti had impressive weight-lifting performances. Lim and Choy — both Kamehameha Schools graduates — each bench-pressed a team-high 455 pounds. Choy and Lefiti each benched 225 pounds 35 times."


About how he increased his weight-training workouts after the Warriors cut him at the end of the 2009 spring training, Lim said:
"That's when I really started to work on my upper-body strength." (HSA)


HSA Note: "Lim, who is 6 feet 1 and 290 pounds. was reinstated to the roster following a successful walk-on tryout in February 2010. He practiced at guard during the 2010 season before switching to center. He has one season of eligibility remaining."


About benching 455 pounds but not succeeding at 475 pounds, Lim said:
"I just couldn't get it." (HSA)


About competing for a spot at guard, Andrew Faaumu (who had the top power clean with a lift of 342 pounds) said:
"It's going to come down to the summer." (HSA)


About earning his bachelor's degree in communications and planning to go for a master's degree, Faaumu said:
"Right now, Plan A is football." (HSA)


About using financial aid, student loans, and help from his family to pay for UH and living expenses, walk-on Faaumu said:
"I don't see anything wrong with investing money into college. Whether you're taking out loans, it's an investment into your future. I didn't go to college just to play football. I wanted to learn." (HSA)


About how it was easy for him to adjust to the CB position, John Hardy-Tuilau said:
"I played corner before. I know it." (HSA)


About how he gained versatility when playing nickel last year, Hardy-Tuilau said:
"Playing nickel. I had to learn all of the positions (in the secondary)." (HSA)A


About how he did well in their first two spring practices, Cecil Doe said:
"I feel I'm making pretty good progress." (HSA)


About how he's learning to read the various defensive coverages and how his routes can open things up for other receivers, Doe said:
"It's a really good offense. It's definitely fun to run." (HSA)

http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20110313_no_hurry_no_worry_for_estes.html

http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20110313_centers_throw_their_weights_around.html

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Gordy Show is happy with the work ethic of his OL

Asked if the first day of practice helped him figure out who were the starters on their OL, Gordy Shaw said:
"No, we were in our underwear. It'll be different when they put the pads on. But the first day was good." (HSA)


About how he and Brett Leonard will rotate between C and LG, with Chauncy Winchester-Makainai a top candidate to start at RT or LG, Matagisila Lefiti said:
"We have guys who have been waiting their turn." (HSA)


About how their 7 senior OL conducted 2x/week unsupervised workouts during the offseason, Shaw said:
"They took responsibility and ownership of the offensive line. I'm very pleased with their work ethic. I don't think anybody outworked them this offseason. That showed in the first practice." (HSA)


About how their new starters on the OL shouldn't make people worry about their offense, Lefiti said:
"I don't think anybody should worry. We're going to be a high-powered offense. We'll be all right. The young guys are filling in. We'll be good." (HSA)


About how he got married last month and he and his wife are expecting their first child in June, Corey Paredes (held out of contact drills while recovering from shoulder surgery) said:
"It's been hectic." (HSA)


About adjusting to being a safety in football after leaving the basketball team about a year ago, Leroy Lutu said:
"Don't get me wrong, I miss basketball a lot. I told Gib (Arnold, UH's basketball coach) I'll be one of their biggest fans. I played basketball my whole life, but I missed football a lot, too. It's just a better situation for me. I'll have more opportunities to be successful in football." (HSA)


About working on improving his strength, especially via power cleans, Lutu said:
"Kealoha Pilares is one of my best friends, and he was really into the (power) cleans. I'm trying to be like him. He's really quick. That's a key thing to be when you're a football player." (HSA)


About how he gets advice from Rich Miano and Richard Torres regularly, Lutu said:
"(Torres) is like another coach out there. I can ask him a lot of things." (HSA)

http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20110310_Shaw_happy_with_offensive_lines_work_ethic.html

Bryant Moniz has been taking a leadership role this Spring

About feeling like he's been at UH for a long time (3 years), Bryant Moniz said:
"I do feel old. I was telling the guys: 'How can you be here for six years? Guys who use the grayshirt and redshirt years ... that's a long time. I think every season you age twice as fast. It's two years to one. It's like a dog's age. I feel old." (HSA)


About taking a leadership role this Spring as 1 of their 2 returning starters, Moniz said:
"There's a lot of work to do. There are a lot of new guys to break in." (HSA)


About how they will miss both Salas and Pilares this season, Moniz said that working with Salas and Pilares:
"I realized what a pleasure it was." (HSA)


Remembering when he joined UH in January 2009, Moniz said:
"There were guys who knew the offense, and I had to catch up to them. Now it's the opposite way around, knowing the offense and the other guys having to catch up. We have to build chemistry together." (HSA)


About how he's getting comfortable in the offense, Darius Bright said:
"Everything felt like it was falling into place." (HSA)


About practicing as the #1 right slotback while Miah Ostrowski is playing basketball for UH, Terence Bell said:
"It was my first time being in the first group. It was everything I expected it to be." (HSA)


About being a walk-on this season, living with his girlfriend in an off-campus apartment, Bell said:
"Man, it's really hard. We're pretty much scraping by. But this is a good opportunity to play for a good team." (HSA)


About how their first practice went well, Moniz said:
"It was a start. We have to start somewhere. We'll see where we are at the end of spring." (HSA)

http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20110310_Moniz_steps_up_as_leader.html

Feature on the friendship between Mouse Davis and Rolo

When a friend suggested a place for him to stay and he asked if that was a hotel because he hadn't heard of it, Mouse Davis said that he was told:
"No, it is a retirement home." (HSA)


About how he's teased about his age (he's 78), Mouse said:
"(Associate head coach Rich) Miano asked me the other day if my social security number was 2 or 3." (HSA)


About wondering if it would work out for him to serve as Rolo's mentor, Mouse said:
"Nobody wants some old bleep looking over their shoulder, saying, 'I would have done this and I would have done that.' " (HSA)


About how having Mouse serve as his mentor worked out really well, Rolo said:
"You couldn't have dreamed for it to turn out any better." (HSA)


HSA Note: "The bottom line on this April-December marriage of the minds came in a 10-4 season in which the Warriors led the nation in passing offense and finished in the top 10 in total offense and scoring."


About how Mouse and Rolo work well together, Bryant Moniz said:
"They've had a real good chemistry from the start; Rolo runs the show and Mouse pretty much invented it." (HSA)


HSA Note: "One of the initial indicators to its impending success was when the Warriors ran one of Rolovich's so-called "special" plays -- "something with a funky name like 'fear the beard' or 'duck buns,' " Davis recalled -- and Rolovich asked for an instant assessment. To which Davis reportedly replied, "That's pretty bleeping average" and Rolovich quickly retorted, "Tell me how you really feel." Then, they both broke into laughter."


http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/ferdswords/20110310_Warriors_odd_couple_has_become_perfect_pair.html

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

The Warriors will try to develop chemistry on offense quickly despite returning only 2 starters

About how he realized that he couldn't leave football behind after completing his eligibility at UH in December 2011, Rolo said:
"Certain guys have a sickness where leaving football is almost impossible. I think I was diagnosed with that pretty early." (HSA)


About returning only 2 starters on offense, Rolo said:
"We're going to try to develop chemistry — between the receivers and the O-line, and within the receiving crew. I feel good about our team." (HSA)


HSA Note: "Rolovich said Shane Austin, who will be a senior in the fall, David Graves, Cayman Shutter and Corey Nielsen will receive equal reps in the competition for the No. 2 quarterback job. Kevin Spain, who had shoulder surgery last summer, might be limited in his number of spring reps."


About how Shane Austin, David Graves, Cayman Shutter, and Corey Nielsen will receive equal reps in Spring Practice while they compete for the #2 QB job, Rolo said:
"We have a good idea of what Shane can do. We want to evaluate all of the quarterbacks. It's getting some depth, and some insight to what our future might look like." (HSA)


HSA Note: "Rolovich said Moniz will get a lot of work with the top receivers. That group includes wideouts Pollard, Billy Ray Stutzmann, Darius Bright, Joe Avery and Cecil Doe, and slotbacks Terence Bell and Allen Sampson."


Rolo said that Bell will practice at #1 right slotback until:
"Miah gets back with us."

HSA Note: "After that, Bell likely will move to left slotback. Stutzmann, who is listed as a right wideout, will get some work at slotback."


About having Bright start at left wideout and move to slotback if he masters the wideout position, Rolo said:
"I want (Bright) to feel comfortable at one position first." (HSA)


About how their offense is very different than the run-oriented system that Doe had at his JC, Rolo said:
"This (offense) is much different than what he's been in. His strengths are attacking the ball when it's in the air. He appears to have good hands from the films we've watched of him." (HSA)


About slotback Corey Paclebear, who missed 2009 due to a broken arm and didn't play much in 2010, Rolo said:
"He's in a good place, as far as mentality-wise. He's ready. He's got quickness and he understands the system. As long as you can do those two things, you have a chance to play." (HSA)


About how "handyman" Justin Clapp can play all 4 receiver positions, Rolo said:
"He plays very hard. And he's matured. He has a desire to get on the field. He gives us a bigger, tougher body if we go that route." (HSA)


About how Sterling Jackson is different than Alex Green, Rolo said:
"Sterling has underestimated speed. He's a very tough, strong runner. He'll be a little more north-south. A.G. had some quick feet. He could give one move and go. I think Sterling will run through more tackles and get us some tough yards." (HSA)


HSA Note: "Rolovich said there is some experience on the offensive line. Matagisila Lefiti and Brett Leonard are seniors who will rotate between left guard and center. Left tackle Clayton Laurel also is entering his final season. Chauncy Winchester-Makainai should earn a starting job on the right side, and freshmen Dave Lefotu, Sean Shigematsu, Frank Loyd and Jordan Loeffler will compete for playing time."


About their young OL who will be fighting for the open spots on the OL, Rolo said:
"You've got a bunch of hungry guys who are smelling their opportunity. The thing is, we're not bringing anybody else in. These are the guys. We feel good about them. They need to find their place in the O-line." (HSA)

http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20110309_Warriors_eager_to_unveil_players_who_can_help_on_offense.html

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

The WAC schedule not being set yet is making it harder for UH to keep costs down for the conference road trips

HSA Note: "Eleventh-hour dithering by breakaway schools Fresno State and Nevada has been blamed for sending the 2011 schedule "back to ground zero," commissioner Karl Benson told members in a frank e-mail recently. At a time when most major conferences have already announced their schedules and TV lineups, Benson added it will be later this month before a WAC schedule or TV lineup is finalized."


About how the delay in finalizing their schedule makes it harder for UH to book their road trips at a cheaper price, JD said:
"For us, the biggest concern is that we don't know when we are playing on the road, so we haven't had the opportunity to go ahead and grab the air (arrangements). Seemingly, every week now airfare prices have been going up and so the sooner we know, the easier it is for us to make arrangements before prices get worse." (HSA)


HSA Note: "Nevada threw the first late monkey wrench into the schedule when it changed its mind about playing previously booked nonconference games on the road in succession against Oregon (Sept. 10), Texas Tech (Sept. 24) and Boise State (Oct. 1) — and sought to drop one of them. Then, "24 hours before, when we were going to announce the WAC schedule," the conference learned about Fresno State's Dec. 3 game at San Diego State, Benson said."


About how WAC schools had been asked to leave the Dec. 3 date open for a conference game, so Fresno State scheduling San Diego State on that day upset the WAC, Karl Benson wrote in a e-mail to Fresno State's AD:
"For you (Fresno State) to do this without our knowledge and now cause (associate commissioner Jeff Hurd) to start over making the schedule is neither fair nor equitable to the other seven WAC members. Jeff will do his best to establish a fair and balanced schedule for all eight WAC football teams, but you have just made his job much more difficult." (HSA)


About how they would like to avoid having back-to-back road games again, JD said:
"I certainly don't feel like, if it happens, that it is something that it is, quote, something being done to us, unquote, because we're leaving the WAC. (Rather) it is just the nature of trying hard to get everybody in." (HSA)


About how UH fans have been trying to arrange their schedule to be able to attend road games, but he can't tell them anything about the conference schedule, JD said:
"I get e-mails all the time from people who want to (attend) away games, and we don't know what it is yet." (HSA)


http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20110308_WAC_football_schedule_in_limbo.html

Sunday, March 6, 2011

Spring Practice Preview for Warrior Football

About the importance of Spring Practice for their team, Mack said:
"This spring is a crucial spring for us. If you look at our team, we have a lot of talent, but we don't have a lot of experience. The guys we lost had an outstanding season. But we have guys who have been getting reps and are talented, and in some ways, we're excited about our young players. They're ready to go." (HSA)


About having just 2 returning starters on offense, just like in 2008, but how things are different than 2008 because they have a returning QB in Moniz, Mack said:
"It's different this time." (HSA)


About making adjustments every year, Mack said:
"I believe life is a bunch of adjustments. If something is working, you go with it. If something isn't working, you make adjustments. Your decision has to be what's best for the program. That's what I always keep in mind: What's best for the program? What's best for the players?" (HSA)


About giving defensive play-calling duties to Dave Aranda last year, Mack said:
"It was a decision I made that I felt was better for the program and the players. I knew Dave could handle it." (HSA)


About gaining 7 pounds since January to now weigh 212, Bryant Moniz said:
"My goal was 210 for the season, so I already surpassed that." (HSA)


Praising Sterling Jackson's running style, Mack said:
"He's a tough runner with speed." (HSA)


About how he is recovered from a broken right thumb that required surgery, Sterling Jackson (who scored a TD in a scrimmage with the broken thumb) said:
"Everything is good now." (HSA)


Abotu how RGM gave him tips to understand the offense better, Terrence Bell said:
"He taught me not only how to run a route, but the idea behind it. He gave me a lot of good advice." (HSA)


About how this is his first year of eligibility (and really his only year due to being cleared by the NCAA after 10 games last year), Bell (who was the faster receiver in the 20-yard dash, running it in 2.61 seconds) said:
"I've got only one year to play.. I'm going to make the most of it." (HSA)


About how a broken leg stopped him from playing 2 years ago and a broken wrist stopped him from playing last year, Clayton Laurel said:
"It's kind of frustrating. I had my chances. I'm trying to focus and make sure I don't get injured. I'm working hard for that starting spot." (HSA)


About looking to have a greater role on defense, Paipai Falemalu said:
"I'm trying to be more of a stout run defender, so I can be an every-down defensive end. I want to be a complete defensive end. That's my goal this year." (HSA)


About how being able to get free of blockers works for pass rushing but is not always the most important thing against the run, Paipai said:
"I'm trying not to force everything." (HSA)


About how redshirting was hard on him, Tank Hopkins said:
"First game (of 2010), I cried in the locker room." (HSA)


About how missing the year was important for his body to heal, Hopkins said:
"I wasn't 100 percent until the end of January." (HSA)


HSA Note: "In team testing, Hopkins ran the fastest 20-yard dash (2.6 seconds) among the Warriors. At the end of each voluntary workout the past month, a one-on-one competition was staged. The line of scrimmage is the 5. The win went to the player who makes the touchdown catch or pass breakup. The winner stayed on the field to face the next challenger. Hopkins set the record for most consecutive victories as a defender (eight) and receiver (nine)."


About how he finally was allowed to play on the kickoff-coverage unit during their regular-season finale (he made 2 tackles vs. UNLV), Kamalani Alo said:
"It's the Kahuku mentality. The opening kickoff at Kahuku is always nuts. The Kahuku fans are great. They do the tomahawk. The feeling of running down on the opening kickoff always felt good. It made me want to do it in college as well." (HSA)


http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20110306_mcmackin_and_warriors_ready_to_spring_into_action.html

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Oceanic starting a UH sports channel could mean no UH sports on free TV or on Dish/DirecTV

HSA Note: "Employees of KFVE — which, along with its family of stations, has aired UH sports since 1984 — said they were told by management recently that "everything" is moving to Oceanic, which plans to inaugurate a new UH channel in the fall in addition to its OC 16 channel, which features high school sports among its programming. Oceanic's new station will be dedicated, it said, to "all things UH."  Oceanic and KFVE paid UH $2.45 million this past year for TV and pay-per-view rights to its athletic events, all but $500,000 reportedly coming from Oceanic."


HSA Note: "Oceanic has about 400,000 subscribers. Exclusive UH viewing would give it an edge against satellite competitors DirecTV and the Dish Network."


About how Oceanic may be taking over the production of TV coverage of UH sports, KFVE VP and GM John Fink said:
"We're still in discussions with Oceanic, and the best thing that I can say at this point is — and I hate to use this term — but (talks) are fluid. We should have some definite information in a few weeks." (HSA)


About how it is unclear if the UH sports channel will be part of basic cable or a premium sports pack, an Oceanic employee said:
"A lot of things surrounding this are still up in the air." (HSA)


http://www.staradvertiser.com/news/hawaiinews/20110301_Free_TV_viewing_dims_in_cables_UH_sports_deal.html