Saturday, April 30, 2011

Alex Green's dream came true when the Green Bay Packers drafted him in the 3rd round

About how he realized when he was 6 that he wanted to be a football player, Alex Green said:
"I always wanted to be a football player. That was my only dream. When I first got my football cleats, I slept with them on. I always had a football in my hand. That was my dream. Now it's my job. You can't beat that." (HSA)



About receiving a call from the Green Bay Packers midway through the third round, Alex Green was asked by the Packers:
"Are you having a good day?" (HSA)


After saying "Yes", the Packers told him:
"It's about to get better." (HSA)


HSA Note: "That was when Green learned he would soon be selected. Green was so stunned he forgot to call his mother, Phyllis Smith, who was hosting a small gathering at the family home."


Phyllis Smith said that they were about to stop watching the draft when her son Alex's name:
"popped up on the (TV) screen. ... We yelled so much, I think we woke up the entire neighborhood." (HSA)


About how he embraced his 2-year-old daughter Harlym (who turns 3 in June) when he was drafted, Green (who also has a 6-month-old son Kingston) said:
"That was my goal from Day 1, when I went to a junior college. I wanted to take care of my family. They made a lot of sacrifices for me. I thought the best way to do it was to play football. Football is like a business. I'm grateful for the career." (HSA)


HSA Note: "Green was the draft's 96th selection. Last year's 96th pick — cornerback Brandon Ghee, by the Cincinnati Bengals — signed a four-year contract, which included a signing bonus of $648,000. In the standard NFL contract, only the signing bonus is guaranteed. The Packers did not have a third-round pick in 2010."


About Green being drafted, Mack said:
"I'm just really excited for Alex.  All of the work he's done, both on the field and off it, has paid off. It's a credit to Alex and Brian (Smith, UH's running backs coach). Now he gets to play for the world champions." (HSA)


Praising Green during the ESPN2 draft telecast, draft analyst Todd McShay pointed out Green's versatility:
"Look at him. He's 225 pounds, and he catches the ball like a wide receiver out of the backfield. ... That's big-time production. If he never starts, he still can help on third downs, and he can be a pretty good return man, as well." (HSA)


HSA Note: "Smith said her son pledged allegiance to the sport at an early age. When he was 6, he was allowed to compete with older players in a flag-football league. That trend continued in Pop Warner, when he gained early admission."


About how he likes Cheese, Green said:
"It's probably my favorite snack." (HSA)


About how her family will become Packers fans, Smith said:
"My husband is from Nebraska, so we have Cornhusker (hats) all around here. Now we're going to get cheeseheads." (HSA)

http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20110430_The_Green_zone.html

Friday, April 29, 2011

Feature on how Alex Green and Greg Salas may be drafted today

Unsure why UH has only had 1 QB, 2 WRs and 2 RBs drafted over the 12 years they have used the run-and-shoot offense, Rolo said:
"There's no doubt the receivers (in the four-wide offense) understand the entire concept. They don't just know their individual routes, they know everybody else's routes. There are so many things they have to know in this offense. That has to be a plus." (HSA)


About how UH only had 2 WRs drafted in the past 11 drafts, Greg Salas said:
"I'm definitely surprised. I still can't believe Davone (Bess) wasn't drafted." (HSA)


Hoping that Alex Green and he can change the trend for UH skill position draft picks, Salas said:
"I think our system is good. I hope we can start a trend." (HSA)


About how he was "up in the air" whether to transfer to UH from Butte College, warned that the offense did not have a blocking back or TE, Green said:
"Initially, I though the offense favored the receivers." (HSA)


About how he realized that the offense is a good one for a RB, Green said:
"Now I understand what the offense can do for a running back. It's a really good offensive scheme. If you're a running back, it helps your overall game. You can catch a lot of passes. And you learn how to block. To be a running back in the NFL, you have to be able to block." (HSA)


About being compared to RB Steven Jackson of the Rams, Green said:
"Everybody says I play like him, and we have similar actions, and not just because of the hair. I have no idea where I'll be going. I'm going through the process and enjoying the moment." (HSA)

http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20110429_Salas_and_Green_could_be_taken_today.html

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

The Warriors may not be able to return to Hawaii before the UNLV game because the fans bought so many seats on the flights to Vegas that week

About how their are not enough seats available for the Warriors to fly on the same flight before the UNLV game, JD said:
"If we want to get out on a Wednesday or Thursday commercial flight, we may have difficulty getting the whole team on one commercial flight. Because everybody has known for a long time what the date of the UNLV game is, a lot of people have booked early." (HSA)


About how people are booking their flights early to save money before the fares rise and fuel surcharges are added, Rachel Shimamoto of TravelWays said:
"People are trying to keep the costs down and making their reservations earlier." (HSA)


HSA note: "UH said it is studying the options of returning home after the Sept. 10 game at Washington or remaining on the mainland, as head coach Greg McMackin prefers. It had already held flights between Seattle and Las Vegas. Donovan said he would like to have the team return immediately after the Washington game by charter to preserve two or three days of class time, but said financial considerations and, now, airline-seat availability, might become factors in the decision."


About how he's trying to reduce the 18.6 days of miss class time that the Warriors have averaged over the past 3 years, JD said:
"The problem is we're constantly behind the 8 ball because of the fact we have six road games and have to fly at least 2,500 miles before we can go and play anybody." (HSA)


About how chartering a flight to return home after the Washington game and then chartering back to Vegas the following week would be ideal but charter flights are costing up to $120,000 for one leg now, JD said:
"It has to be a balance between the missed class time and the financial sides of it. If finances weren't an issue we'd charter everything. But they are (an issue), so we've got to find a balance." (HSA)


http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20110427_Seats_scarce_for_UHs_Vegas_trip.html

Kealoha Pilares received the Jack Bonham Award last night

HSA Note: "NCAA diving champion Emma Friesen and football Academic All-American Kealoha Pilares received the Jack Bonham Awards last night at the University of Hawaii's annual scholar-athlete dinner.

The Bonham Award is named for the late assistant athletic director. It is given to the senior female and male athletes who "best exemplify the ideals for which Jack Bonham stood for in the area of athletic excellence, academic achievement, public service, leadership and character."

It is the most prestigious award in UH athletics."


HSA Note: "Pilares is the 16th football player to receive the award and the second to be named to the ESPN CoSIDA Academic All-America first team. The kinesiology and leisure science major has a cumulative GPA of 3.63, was named to the Dean's List five times and is a four-time academic All-WAC selection."


Praising Kealoha Pilares, Mack said:
"Kealoha attacks every challenge with passion, whether it be on the football field, classroom, or in the community — and with the focus to be the best he can be in each of those areas ... If you want to win the game of life, then you should live your life like Kealoha." (HSA)


HSA Note: "Pilares was named second-team All-WAC last fall and finished seventh nationally with 100.5 receiving yards per game. He set a UH record with 18 catches against Louisiana Tech. Pilares started as a running back and led Hawaii in rushing as a freshman. He finished his career seventh in all-purpose yards at UH (3,379) and ninth in receiving yards (2,491)."

http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20110427_Friesen_Pilares_named_Bonham_winners.html

Monday, April 25, 2011

Colt Brennan talks about practicing against Glanville's D at UH and now playing for Glanville at Hartford

HC = Hartford Courant


About how Coach Glanville was the DC at UH during his first 2 years at UH and how he'll be playing for Glanville at Hartford now, Colt Brennan said:
"It was a great way to have a relationship with a coach because his emphasis was on defense, but I was the guy who had to go against him every day in practice. He and I developed a tremendous relationship. He stepped up and gave me an opportunity here [in the UFL] that I really needed. I can't wait to get back out on the football field. It's an honor to know I have a chance to play again for Coach Glanville." (HC)

http://www.courant.com/sports/football/hc-colonials-0426-20110425,0,7241129.story

Sunday, April 24, 2011

Feature on Greg Salas, Alex Green, and Kealoha Pilares and the upcoming NFL draft

About how he feels with the NFL draft coming up soon, Greg Salas said:
"I'm excited and a little nervous. I feel like a kid waiting for Christmas." (HSA)


Asked what he wanted for Christmas when he was a kid, Salas said:
"I wanted X-Men action figures and, for a little while, I wanted Pokemon cards. If you got me X-Men action figures, you were doing a good job." (HSA)


About how his dream to play in the NFL will be coming true soon, Salas said:
"It's a big dream to play in the NFL. It looks like it might come true. It's crazy." (HSA)


About how Salas has not been brought in for any interviews with teams after UH's Pro Day on March 31, his agent Kenny Zuckerman said:
"Nobody wants to tip their hand. I've been told a lot of teams like him." (HSA)


HSA Note: "Because Green played in UH's one-back offense that does not feature a tight end, eight teams requested face-to-face meetings the past three weeks. Green visited the Philadelphia Eagles, St. Louis Rams, Tennessee Titans, Detroit Lions, Atlanta Falcons and New Orleans Saints. He had to turn down two other invitations because of scheduling conflicts. Teams had until this past Wednesday to conduct in-person interviews with prospects."


About how Alex Green has been compared to the Rams' Steven Jackson, his agent Michael Hoffman said:
"Alex is a big back with speed. Those types of backs you can't really find." (HSA)


About how the NFL's doctors declared him physically fit earlier this month, Kealoha Pilares said:
"They were surprised how much I progressed, how fast I came back." (HSA)


HSA Note: "The NFL has reached out to former UH safety Mana Silva, wideout Rodney Bradley, offensive lineman Laupepa Letuli and defensive end Kamalu Umu. Silva had face-to-face meetings with the Oakland Raiders and Jacksonville Jaguars. Bradley worked out for the Dallas Cowboys, and has had telephone interviews with nine other teams. Letuli has drawn interest from the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Raiders and Titans have contacted Umu."


http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20110424_livin_the_dream.html

Thursday, April 21, 2011

UH students want better seating locations

HSA Note: "With the football and women's volleyball season ticket renewals to begin soon, the UH Board of Regents committee on student affairs ordered the two parties to "find the middle ground" on seating and other issues on Tuesday. Seating at Aloha Stadium and the Stan Sheriff Center is the major point of contention since agreement has been reached on Les Murakami Stadium, both sides said."


About how the students asked for prime seating for their 5,000 football seats and 515 seats for each arena event, JD said:
"The seat locations that the students requested were in a neighborhood of 90 percent-plus sold out to season-ticket holders, who pay a premium. Essentially, they are 50-yard line area seats and center-court seats for arena sports.  It will be a tremendous PR nightmare if we try to move people out of sections that are 90 percent-plus full of season-ticket holders." (HSA)


About the student seats at Aloha Stadium, Adrew Itsuno (President of the Associated Students of UH) said:
"They put us in the upper sections — UU, TT, SS and RR — which are behind the scoreboard. You can't really see the scoreboard or live screen television and you can't see the people on the field, either. And, so you would have to, I guess, imagine how much alcohol you would need to drink to be able to enjoy those seats." (HSA)


HSA Note: "Although the student fee was not assessed until January of this year, Donovan said students were provided seats beginning last Sept. 15, "on a goodwill basis" and they were taken from the available inventory. He said they hope to "phase students into sections next to where the students already existed." "


Complaining that UHAD will be slow to upgrade student seating, Itsuno said:
"OK, you guys collected the fee, but is it going to be 10 years from now that we finally start seeing change? Twenty? Sixty?" (HSA)


About how the seats the students were given were valued at $2 mil, so if they want an upgrade they will have to increase the fee, JD said:
"So, if we severely shift the seats into the 50-yard line seats or center-court seats, you're going to be going into much more valuable seating. And that means we'll have to go back and take a look at what we charge for the seats. I'm not proposing that, but that's the reason we came up with $50." (HSA)

http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/20110421_students_ask_for_prime_UH_event_seating.html

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

MWC coaches express concern over traveling to Hawaii

Concerned about the travel to Hawaii, SDSU coach Rocky Long said:
"Travel is a concern of mine, especially when we have to go there.": (HSA)


About how it is tough to travel to Hawaii and play, Colorado State coach Steve Fairchild said:
"It is always a tough road game to have to go over to Honolulu and play." (HSA)


About how traveling to Hawaii erally hurts a team the following week, Fairchild said:
"Obviously the travel is an issue. It is more of an issue, I have always felt, the next week. You just don't want to make that trip back (effect) your preparation and the way you practice for the following game." (HSA)


HSA Note: "In an attempt to soothe coaches' concerns and as a condition of football-only membership for 2012, UH has agreed to pay $150,000-$175,000 in travel costs for each MWC visitor. Opponents from the Pacific time zone would receive $150,000 while Mountain time zone foes would get $175,000 under terms of the contract. The figure may be renegotiated annually if flight costs change per a mutually agreed upon index.

As a term of membership in the Big West for most sports other than football, UH will pay travel subsidies but the amount will be about $500 a head in the official travel parties. For example, UH will pay for 32 in baseball, 19 in men's basketball and 21 in women's basketball."


Looking forward to resuming their series with UH (they haven't played each other since 1997), Fairchild said:
"I think back, not only as a player but as an assistant (coach) here, and some of the good teams they (the Warriors) have had over there with coach (Dick) Tomey and so forth. I think they'll be a nice addition to the MWC." (HSA)


About how UH benefits the MWC, Long said:
"I think Hawaii adds to our league like all the teams coming into our conference." (HSA)


About how he thinks being able to go to Hawaii is a good experience for his players, Air Fore coach Troy Calhoun said:
"I think it (playing in Hawaii) is one of the magnificent experiences that we're able to share educationally with (the players). Being able to go to Pearl Harbor, I always thought, it was a real plus to go play over there." (HSA)

http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20110420_Travel_concerns_MWC_coaches.html

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Feature on Colt Brennan going to the Hartford Colonials

Excited that Jerry Glanville got his rights for the Hartford Colonials, Colt Brennan said:
"I'm excited coach Glanville reached out and protected my (UFL) rights. I'm stoked about that. I would love the opportunity, if it happens, to play for coach Glanville." (HSA)


HSA Note: "An offer from a National Football League team before July 11 — the first day of UFL training camps — would supersede the Colonials' rights. The NFL, currently in a lockout, cannot make free-agent offers until after a labor agreement has been reached."


Not able to comment due to a UFL gag order, Jerry Glanville said when asked about Colt:
"I can neither confirm nor deny. The time will come when I can do one or the other." (HSA)

"If we were picking today, I would pick him No. 1. But we're not picking today. We picked (three) days ago." (HSA)


About how he had to choose between Hartford and Omaha when the UFL called him, Colt said:
"I had to choose between which team. Because of coach Glanville and our relationship, obviously I wanted to rekindle the magic we had in Hawaii. I'm glad he protected my rights." (HSA)


About Colt's major asset as a QB, Glanville said:
"There's one word to describe Colt: Accuracy. It's all about being accurate, and he's very accurate." (HSA)


About how he was having discussions with several NFL teams about having Colt added to their practice squad near the end of the 2010 season, but Colt then suffered serious injuries while a passenger in an auto accident on the Big Island in November, Colt's agent Ryan Tollner said:
"It was quite a setback." (HSA)


HSA Note: "Brennan has healed, and is back in "football shape." But with the lockout, and no chance to work out for NFL teams, "obviously my options are pretty limited." Calgary owns the Canadian Football League's negotiation rights to Brennan. But given the CFL's different rules and wider fields, plus the standard two-year commitment, Brennan felt the UFL would be a better option. The eight-game, three-month season ends in November, enough time to receive a shot with an NFL team."


About why Colt preferred the UFL over the CFL, Tollner said:
"The UFL is less of an adjustment. The games are on television. The big thing is the chance for him to get on the field and show that he's an elite player." (HSA)


About how he is looking forward to playing for coach Glanville, Colt said:
"I'm starting over right now. I'm glad I have options. My main goal is to get ready for the football season coming up. I'm looking forward to the opportunity, possibly, of playing for coach Glanville. I like him because he's a good old-fashioned genuine football coach. I went up against his defenses every day in practice. It was fun competition. It was a battle every day. I love coach Glanville. He's a great guy." (HSA)


About Colt throwing after a practice at SMU in front of JJ, Glanville, Dan Morrison, and the other former UH coaches, his father Terry Brennan said:
"It was good for Colt to see June, Dan Morrison and his other coaches from Hawaii." (HSA)


About how Colt has been getting in football shape, Terry Brennan said:
"He's in good shape, been working out in Arizona the past two months. He's put on some weight." (HSA)


http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20110419_Brennan_gets_a_call_to_play_ball.html

http://blogs.starbulletin.com/quickreads/?p=1535

Monday, April 18, 2011

Colt Brennan will join the Hartford Colonials of the UFL (Jerry Glanville is the head coach)

HSA Note: "Quarterback Colt Brennan will return to pro football this season with the Hartford Colonials of the United Football League, Brennan's father, Terry, told the Star-Advertiser today. Jerry Glanville was recently named head coach of the Colonials. The former NFL head coach was the defensive coordinator at Hawaii during Brennan's first two years as UH's quarterback in 2005 and 2006.:


About choosing the UFL over the CFL, Colt's Dad Terry Brennan said:
"This looks like a good opportunity for Colt. I think Colt and his agents like this because playing in Canada requires a two-year contract and this doesn't. The season ends in November and if he does well he could possibly be picked up by an NFL team." (HSA)



HSA Note: "Brennan and Glanville were together last week at an SMU practice in Dallas. That's where June Jones is now head coach. Jones was head coach at UH when Glanville and Brennan were there."


http://www.staradvertiser.com/news/breaking/Colt_Brennan_to_play_for_Glanville_in_UFL.html

Sunday, April 17, 2011

Reviews of the Warriors based on Spring Practice

Evaluating their Spring Practices this year, Mack said:
"We did a lot of good things this spring." (HSA)


Praising the speed of 6'5" DE Desmond Dean, Dave Aranda said:
"He has a great get-off. He has long strides. He's able to eat up a lot of grass. And he has a great motor." (HSA)


Asked for his assessment of the UH football tame based on spring practice, Stephen Tsai said:
"Spring training is supposed to be devoted to teaching fundamentals, and building depth charts and team unity. What adds intensity to the Warriors' workouts is the "Survivor" element. Up to 30 players — mostly walk-ons — will be cut this week to make room for this summer's newcomers. Reminded that every play of every drill is captured on video by the so-called "eye in the sky," there was a serious tone to each practice. Every mistake was magnified. Every one-on-one drill was intensified. It was interesting watching which players would emerge as contributors and which would watch their football dreams die." (HSA)


Asked for his assessment of the UH football tame based on spring practice, Dave Reardon said:
"When Kenton Chun made a field goal Friday night at the Warrior Bowl, Bobby Curran playfully announced, "Hawaii 3, BYU 0." Works every time, the Ching Field denizens laughed again this year. But, hey, what if UH really could play the Cougars or some other team in the spring finale, instead of itself? Then we would know whether to be horrified by or elated over eight sacks (and you could sell tickets and make planny money, too). OK, it's true the defense is always ahead of the offense in these things; how far is acceptable? Once again the offensive line is rebuilding. Here's some good news from the scrimmage that can't be turned on its head into a negative: Zero dropped passes — not bad for a receiving unit losing three starters, including two probable NFL draftees." (HSA)


Asked for his assessment of the UH football tame based on spring practice, Ferd Lewis said:
"The sight of white-haired, 71-year old University of Hawaii assistant football coach Dick Tomey sprinting — yes, sprinting — between stations at some Warriors practices said a lot about this spring.

It symbolized the urgency to overhaul special teams, Tomey's point of responsibility and an area of prime need for the Warriors.

UH's punt and kickoff return stats were among the most dismal in major college football last year, including a meager 3.8 yards averaged per punt return. So bad was the situation that by season's end the Warriors were asking their punt returners to merely fair catch the ball.

From returning kicks to blocking them it seemed there was a genuine emphasis this spring, an attention to fundamental detail and wide-open competition.

The Warriors will need to be successful on special teams in the fall, because while the defense should be a force, as advertised, the offense is, not unexpectedly, taking time coming around." (HSA)


Asked for his assessment of the UH football tame based on spring practice, Jason Kaneshiro said:
"Transition in the offensive skill positions has usually been accompanied by some pronounced growing pains throughout Hawaii's run-and-shoot history. Most of the rough years included a change at quarterback, and Bryant Moniz's return alleviates concern in that part of the equation. But the Warriors must still replace three-fourths of the starting receiver unit in an offense relying heavily on timing and chemistry. They appear to have answered one of the big questions of the spring with Miah Ostrowski and Billy Ray Stutzmann asserting themselves at the pivotal slot receiver spots. With a veteran unit returning on defense, a second season under defensive coordinator Dave Aranda figures to help the Warriors play more aggressively on that side of the ball. The secondary was hit hard by graduation, but cornerbacks Tank Hopkins and John Hardy-Tuliau appear ready to step forward, and senior Richard Torres provides stability at safety." (HSA)


Asked for his assessment of the UH football tame based on spring practice, Mike Cherry said:
"The running back position experienced a resurgence last season thanks to the hard-running style of Alex Green, who became the first UH back to rush for 1,000 yards in a season since 1992. I believe Sterling Jackson is ready to pick up that torch and run with it. The 6-foot 220-pounder isn't as agile as Green could be, but he possesses the power that will make defenders regret getting in his way. Just as impressive, though, has been the depth of backs offensive coordinator Nick Rolovich has at his disposal. It will be interesting to see how the duties will be spread among John Lister, Joey Iosefa and Hogan Rosehill, all of whom are bruiser-type backs capable of picking up the blocking assignments that are vital to the position. There might not be a single back who surpasses the 1,000-yard mark in 2011, but as a unit they could be a force." (HSA)


http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20110417_defense_should_lead_the_way.html

Feature article on Jordan Monico and his Dad (UH baseball star Mario Monico)

About how he (and Warriors Elmer Lum and Vaughn Meatoga) officiated the flag football intramural championships after the Warrior Bowl ended, Jordan Monico said:
"We finished up around 11:30, so it was a long day. But it's a fun job. You learn a lot about other sports and you meet good people. It's relaxing." (HSA)


About getting interceptions in both of their last 2 scrimmages, including one against Bryant Moniz during the Warrior Bowl, Jordan Monico said:
"It's mostly being in the right place at the right time, making a good break. I'm still learning." (HSA)


HSA Note: "Monico was a running back last year, but it was special teams where he made his mark — on opposing ball carriers. He notched 23 tackles."


HSA Note: "THE UH BASEBALL team hosted Louisiana Tech just a few feet away from Ching Field. It's the same location where Jordan's dad starred as an outfielder for the Rainbows nearly 30 years ago. Some say Mario Monico was UH's best hitter, ever. Count me among "some." "


About how he isn't surprised that his son Jordan is playing college football instead of baseball, Mario Monico said:
"Growing up he played everything, and he was always very physical." (HSA)


About how he played youth football in Kalihi with the Noga brothers as his teammates, Mario Monico said:
"They weren't that big then. I remember Pete being so small he had to put rocks in his pockets to make the minimum weight of 80 pounds." (HSA)


HSA Note: "But Mario wasn't very heavy himself, and one of his high school baseball coaches talked him out of playing football at Farrington. He gained enough muscle at UH to plaster the record book with his name, and continued to hit in the pros. A chipped elbow weakened his throwing arm and probably kept him out of the majors."


About his father, Jordan Monico said:
"He's my idol, my inspiration." (HSA)


About how he thought about trying out for UH's baseball team, Jordan (who took a scholarship from Savannah State because they told him he could play both football and baseball, but transferred to UH after they took back that promise after a coaching change) said:
"I've thought about it. I still miss baseball. But I still want to play football." (HSA)

http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/furtherreview/20110417_monicos_version_of_hitting_a_lot_different_than_his_dads.html

Saturday, April 16, 2011

UH report on the Warrior Bowl

UH Note: "The defense dominated the annual intra-squad scrimmage, not allowing a single touchdown following nearly 60 offensive snaps. The defense recorded eight sacks—including three by sophomore linebacker Art Laurel and also snagged two interceptions."


Crediting Dave Aranda for the defense's dominating performance in the Warrior Bowl, George Daily-Lyles said:
"He's like a Jedi out there. He makes everything simple, breaking stuff down, frame-by-frame, play-by-play, hour-by-hour. Everything comes simple. We're out there hungry and ready to go." (HSA)


About how their defense dominated the Warrior Bowl, Mack said:
"I thought the defense was way ahead of the offense. That's a normal situation. We made a lot of plays on defense. Our tackling is really good this time of the year and special teams was good, making every field goal." (HSA)


HSA Note: "The defense dominated the annual intra-squad scrimmage, not allowing a single touchdown following nearly 60 offensive snaps. The defense recorded eight sacks—including three by sophomore linebacker Art Laurel and also snagged two interceptions."

http://hawaiiathletics.com/news/2011/4/16/FB_0416115115.aspx?path=football

Defense dominated the Warrior Bowl

HSA Note: "From whistle to whistle, it was apparent the defense dominated in the Hawaii football team's Warrior Bowl last night at the Ching Athletic Complex. The box score will show there were eight sacks — three by Art Laurel, two by George Daily-Lyles — and two interceptions."


About how they turned the offense around on one drive, leaving them 15 yards from a TD instead of 85 yards from a TD, Dave Aranda said:
"They turned it around. Instead of going out, it was going in." (HSA)


HSA Note: "The defense made two stops for negative yardage, then forced an incompletion. The offense settled for Kenton Chun's 38-yard field goal for the first points of the scrimmage. (Later, Tyler Hadden's 40-yard field goal completed the scoring.)"


About stopping the offense when they started at the 15, Aranda said:
"We held them to a field goal, and that was good to see. That was the whole scrimmage right there. We showed our stuff right there." (HSA)


About how their defense dominated the Warrior Bowl, George Daily-Lyles said:
"We came togethe. We wanted to prove ourselves. We went out there and did what we had to do." (HSA)


About how Aranda passed out a 418-page playbook after becoming defensive coordinator last year, Aaron Brown said:
"It was a stack of pages." (HSA)


About how Aranda taught the plays in phases instead of simplifying the playbook, Brown said:
"He broke it down step by step." (HSA)


About how the defense understands their defensive system now, Daily-Lyles said:
"We spent hours and hours on one coverage. It's paying off now. We're getting it. The concepts are really easy to us now. It's pretty simple: See the ball. See the man with the ball. Tackle the man with the ball." (HSA)


HSA Note: "Aranda said he added only one concept to the playbook — the elephant package. The elephant is a position fusing the pass-rushing of a defensive end and the pass coverage of an outside linebacker."


About playing the elephant position in addition to Darryl McBride, Art Laurel said:
"I've been waiting for this moment. It's been a long time. I'm glad to get this opportunity." (HSA)


About using sprint moves and his hands to fend off OL trying to block him, Laurel said:
"I try to beat them with speed and, if not, with strength." (HSA)


About how they didn't add much to the defense this spring aside from the elephant position, Aranda said:
"Outside of the elephant, we didn't add new blitzes or exotic this or exotic that. We spent a lot of time on being sound and comprehensive. Our guys understand their roles." (HSA)


About how their defenders were teaching other defenders a few hours before the Warrior Bowl, Aranda said that:
"we had our defensive guys upstairs (in the football offices) watching video cutups from spring practice. And we had guys coaching other guys. We've always encouraged that, but this was the first time since I've been here when that's actually happened. We had pretty much the entire defense coaching each other, helping each other. That's a good sign of how far we've come." (HSA)

http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20110416_Defense_dominates_springs_final_test.html

Feature on Miah Ostrowski starting for both the football and basketball teams at UH

About how he had both UH football and basketball coaches and teammates surrounding him after the Warrior Bowl last night, starting PG and slotback Miah Ostrowski said:
"They're both my family. They're all my teammates." (HSA)


About how a year ago it looked like his basketball career was over and he was way down on the depth chart for football, Ostrowski said:
"I thought the window for basketball was all over this time last spring. I really thought I was done and that it (basketball) wasn't going to happen for me. It was almost before the end of the year before I got the call. But then things happened." (HSA)


About playing both sports, Miah said that teammates and friends have been:
"asking me if I have scholarships for both sports. And, 'I'm like, nah. I wish.' Oh, man, that would be great. One would be for rent and one would be for spending." (HSA)


About the possibility of getting 2 scholarships, Ostrowski asked:
"I don't think you can do that, yeah?" (HSA)


http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/ferdswords/20110416_Ostrowski_works_his_2_jobs_with_a_big_smile_on_his_face.html

Friday, April 15, 2011

Feature article on Defensive Coordinator Dave Aranda

About how he still watches the game film of the second half of the Hawaii Bowl "a lot", Dave Aranda said:
"I think that Tulsa game was our season. We played as well as we've played in the first half. We played tough and responsible. ... In the second half, busts. That happens. But the bad thing was we let one bust affect the next series." (HSA)


About how their defense will be motivated for the Hawaii Bowl, Aranda said:
"The biggest issue with me is that we've got guys motivated, who play hard and have a consolidated mission." (HSA)


About how he "was a poor student" in Redlands, CA, Aranda said:
"I never opened a book. I just played sports and did other things, I guess." (HSA)


Asked if he had fights outside of the ring in addition to his boxing matches growing up, Aranda said:
"Yes, there were some." (HSA)


HSA Note: "His dream was Navy enlistment. Otherwise set for boot camp, Aranda failed a physical because of football injuries."


About how majoring in philosophy in college and especially enjoying books by Ralph Waldo Emerson, Aranda said:
"A very holistic view, but also some common sense. I read Sartre and some others, (but) I read Emerson for fun. It always spoke to me." (HSA)


About how he gave up boxing by the time he entered college, Aranda said:
"I wasn't very good. Big head and small hands." (HSA)


About how he hopes to improve as a motivator this season, Aranda said:
"It's not about what you're asking that kid to do. It's about how you're asking." (HSA)


About how he hopes that his defense is consistent and resilient, Aranda said:
"I'll put it back to boxing. If we ever got hit, we bled. When you bleed, there's a chance the fight gets called. We don't want to bleed." (HSA)

http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/furtherreview/20110415_Arandas_genius_a_blend__of_Emerson_and_Ali.html

Feature article on Darryl McBride

About how he moved from Philadelphia to California during the summer before his senior year in high school, Darryl McBride said:
"It is true. I was having problems back in Philly. It all worked out." (HSA)


About how McBright has been making plays for them in their elephant position (stand-up rush DE in the 4-3 and an OLB in the 3-4), Dave Aranda said:
"Whenever we put him in, he makes plays for us. He's a special player." (HSA)


Looking forward to playing in the Warrior Bowl, McBride said:
"I'm looking forward to it. I want to show what I've learned." (HSA)


About how his mother died when he was 8, and how nobody will tell him what caused her death, McBride said:
"It was tough. My family won't really tell me. I hear so many stories." (HSA)


About moving from California to live with his Dad, grandmother and 5 sisters, McBride said:
"Being the only boy, a lot of stuff fell on me. I had a lot of anger stored up in me. There were ups and downs. When there were downs, I felt the pressure." (HSA)


About how he discovered football at the start of his sophomore year in high school, McBride said:
"I was raised in a tough home. I couldn't get my anger out. I found it in football. I started playing that." (HSA)


About how he realized he needed to move after his sophomore year at William Penn High and his junior year at Germantown High, McBride said:
"I saw where my life was heading. There were some (teammates) who went to big schools, some who went the other way. I could see myself going downhill. I felt moving (back) to California was the best decision." (HSA)


HSA Note: "McBride did well at Mendocino. But because there was uncertainty when he would earn an associate's degree — an eligibility requirement for a player transferring to a Division I-A school — solid offers melted.  McBride and Mendocino running back Sterling Jackson contacted UH associate head coach Rich Miano, who is in charge of the Warriors' walk-on program."


About how he's using loans, grants, financial aid and help for his grandmother to pay for UH, McBride said:
"I'm working hard, trying to get my grades up. All I can do is control what I do. The coaches make the decisions on how much I'll play." (HSA)

http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20110415_McBride_is_making_a_smooth_transition.html

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Feature on Sam Ohai and the Warriors upcoming need to cut up to 34 players

Hoping that he makes the cut for the Warriors, 6'2", 340-pound Sam Ohai said:
"I hope I make it." (HSA)


About how they need to cut about 34 players after the spring, Rich Miano said:
"There are a lot of things involved, like gender equity and the cost associated with fielding such a large team. We're going to have to make some tough decisions — decisions that involve people's dreams. It's the hardest thing we do." (HSA)


About how not every player gets the same chance to show what they can do, Rolo said:
"Football is not really a fair game, and not everyone is going to get the same opportunities. You'd like to say everyone will get the same opportunities. Everybody is going to get a look. That's about all you can say." (HSA)


About how the practice video catches everything for the coaches, Miano said:
"Take a guy like Rykin Enos. When it comes down to who the safeties are, he's probably going to make it because of his special teams play. For guys on the bubble, it's going to come down to how they play on special teams, how they can contribute to our team." (HSA)


About how he grew up with a lot of different influences, CB Terry Wilson said:
"I was always in the middle of who I wanted to be like. Sometimes I would be in trouble, and other times I would do well in school. Being away on my own helped me focus more." (HSA)


HSA Note: "Ohai, who was raised in the Washington D.C. area, attended three different junior colleges before enrolling at UH in 2010. He is a licensed Realtor who uses his past commissions to pay for his tuition and expenses. He also volunteers as a mentor for Farrington High students."


About how he's their biggest DL, Ohai said:
"Physically, I'm the biggest guy on the line. I think I bring another dimension to it, as far as run-stopping and collapsing the pocket." (HSA)


About how he didn't pass their walk-on tryout last year and is in his final year of eligibility, Ohai said:
"I'm not focusing on things I can't control. I've been trying to do my best every practice. Whether I make it or not, I'll keep working at whatever opportunity comes up. It's been a long ride. I hope to keep the ride going." (HSA)

http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20110414_Should_they_Stay_or_should_they_Go.html

Features on Allen Sampson and Jordan Monico

About how he had trouble finding football shoes that fit him comfortably and ended up with bright fluorescent green cleats, Allen Sampson said:
"I had to get soccer cleats. They have long enough spikes so I can grip the ground. They just happen to look good, too." (HSA)


About his self-cut Mohawk (a friend applies pink or copper dye), Sampson said:
"When I left Tampa, I wanted to switch it up a bit. Everybody does it here." (HSA)


Praising Sampson's play at wideout this spring, Rolo said:
"He's having a great spring." (HSA)


About how he caught just 1 pass last year at slotback, Sampson said:
"I didn't play like I should have been playing because I was trying to learn the offense." (HSA)


HSA Note: "This spring, it was decided to give him some work as a wideout. He has responded so well — he made two catches for 54 yards in the Hilo scrimmage Saturday — the move will be permanent."


About being the #2 left wideout (behind Darius Bright), Sampson said:
"I like it outside. There's more space. (As a slotback) in high school, they didn't jam as much. In college ball, they try to jam you. I'm small, so a lot of times they knocked me off my route. But as far as outside, there's a lot more space." (HSA)


Hoping to add 15 to 20 pounds this offseason to his 145-pound frame, Sampson said:
"I'm going to work on getting stronger and using my hands better so I can get off the jam." (HSA)


About moving Jordan Monico from RB to MLB, Dave Aranda said:
"He's a natural bright guy. He's got some good football sense to him, and his instincts are suited for defense, especially linebacker. He has that sense for the football." (HSA)


Aranda said that he has worked on helping Monico:
"take command of the middle of the field. We challenged him, and he is getting progressively better." (HSA)


About being their #2 MLB this spring (behind George Daily-Lyles, with Corey Paredes returning from injury by training camp), Monico said:
"It's a pretty big jump. I'm learning. I'm trying to get the coverages and the keys." (HSA)


http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20110414_Sampsons_shoes_hair_catching_on_at_UH.html

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Feature on redshirt freshman kicker Tyler Hadden

About making kicks from 35 and 42 years during the scrimmage on the Big Island, Tyler Hadden said:
I'm kind of out of a rhythm, but I'll get back into it once I get more live reps. It's definitely nice to get back kicking live." (HSA)


HSA Note: "Hadden was expected to push Scott Enos for kicking duties when he signed with the Warriors last year coming off a heralded career at California (Whittier, Calif.) High School. An injury to his kicking leg suffered early in fall camp sidetracked those plans and he spent the season as a redshirt."


About how he has to work hard to earn his starting kicker job, Hadden said:
"I had to work hard and prove myself last week and again this week when we scrimmage." (HSA)


About how he learned from Enos last season, Hadden said:
"He gave me a lot of tips and told me you can't worry about other stuff. You have to have a short memory as a kicker. If you miss a kick, you have to go out and make another kick." (HSA)


About how he had been doing well last year during fall camp until he injured his hip flexor, groin and thigh on his kicking leg, Hadden said:
"It was a lot. It wasn't the first time, but it was probably the worst I've had it. I did rehab, made it stronger, so I haven't had any problems with it since." (HSA)


About how he's gotten into a rhythm with long snapper Luke Ingram and holders Shane Austin and Cayman Shutter, Hadden said:
"Luke's a great snapper and he gets it there every time. I just worry about me because I trust my holders, and Luke's incredible with what he can do." (HSA)


About how walk-on kickers Kyle Niiro and Kenton Chun are competing with him, Hadden said:
"They're both great kickers. It keeps me competing and keeps me on my toes." (HSA)


About how freshman Moses Samia and sophomore Siasau Matagiese have gotten extra reps when senior DTs Vaughn Meatoga and Kaniela Tuipulotu have sat out due to injury, Tony Tuioti said:
"We have some depth and it's good to get those guys some reps. What we want to get out of this camp is to find some quality depth. It's good to see the guys competing and want to get better." (HSA)


HSA Note: "Tuioti said Matagiese, a Waimea graduate who began his career at Portland State, has been one of the biggest surprises of the spring among the defensive linemen."


About how Meatoga and Tuipulotu make a difference when they are in the game, Tuioti said:
"They definitely make a difference up front when they're in the game. Those guys are battle-tested guys and they understand schematically what they need to do and I think they know how to prepare themselves." (HSA)

http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20110412__Kicker_eager_to_face_heat.html

UH ticket prices will be the same in 2011 but kickoff time will be 30 minutes later (premium seat contributions will increase)

About moving the kickoff time from 5:30pm to 6:05pm unless the time is moved by ESPN, JD said:
"We've continually gotten feedback from season-ticket holders sitting on the mauka sideline (at Aloha Stadium) saying their seats are still hot at 5:30.  [Also,] we've heard from a lot of people who would like a later start to allow them to attend their family's soccer or Pop Warner games and other events." (HSA)


HSA Note: "UH did a survey of ticket buyers in 2009 that found fans split among 5:05 p.m., 5:35 p.m. and 6:05 p.m., with those who tend to purchase tickets on an individual game basis leaning toward 6:05 p.m. UH games, which kicked off at 6:05 p.m. in 2008 and '09, were moved to 5:35 p.m. in part to allow Western Athletic Conference teams to make redeye flights out after the games. Last year's UH games averaged 3 hours, 21 minutes."


HSA Note: "Meanwhile, except for season tickets in premium zones, many prices will remain at pricing levels that have not increased in seven years, UH said. The exceptions are areas that require premium seat contributions above the face value of season tickets, which will rise by $10-30 depending upon location. About 28,500 seats in 50,000-seat Aloha Stadium require premium seat donations and 80 percent of the premium may be tax deductible, UH said."


About keeping individual game tickets the same as last year, except for a $4-10 surcharge for the Colorado, Fresno State, and BYU games, JD said:
"We're very very concerned that the cost of supporting UH and coming to our events remains affordable. We're trying really hard to to keep prices stable and, in some cases, have reduced prices for tickets and (in arena sports) concessions." (HSA)

http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20110412__UH_football_ticket_prices_staying_put_kickoffs_going_later.html

Sunday, April 10, 2011

Star-Advertiser reports on the UH scrimmage/practice on the Big Island

About how football on the Big Island improved, Hogan Rosehill said:
"The Big Island is definitely getting a lot stronger. Now you don't have to just dream about making it to a Division I school, you can actually do it." (HSA)


About how his brother Mana Silva is a good example of a Big Island high school player that had D-IA success (at UH), Kana Silva said:
"He worked very hard for his success, so he's a good example." (HSA)


Asked about their play in their scrimmage, Mack said:
"We've got to look at the tape. We've got a lot of good players." (HSA)

HSA Note: "Anyone who saw it knows Darryl McBride's a force to be reckoned with after he spent yesterday wreckin' the Warriors offense with three sacks (one-hand-touch sacks, but sacks nonetheless). Elephant, rhino, tyrannosaurus ... call the position whatever you want, get him in the game.  We knew Allen Sampson was fast. But that fast? Fifty-five-yards-on-a-short-pass-against-the-first-team-defense fast? Maybe it was the electric green cleats, like the shoes the basketball team wore."


About how Kana Silva could have success at UH like his brother Mana, Dominic Pacheco (basketball coach at Kamehameha-Hawaii) said:
"He's like Mana, just a little smaller. Athletic, quick, hard worker." (HSA)


About how they will rotate among the 3 neighbor islands each year, JD said:
"The question is if we'll go to Kona or Hilo next time (in 2014). But we won't be doing it without Hawaiian Air's help." (HSA)


About Miah Ostrowski's 2 catches for 53 yards, including the 44-yard reception for the only TD of the scrimmage, Rolo said:
"Tell Gib (Arnold, the basketball team's head coach), 'We're not giving him back.' " (HSA)


Asked about how the basketball team will be touring Asia this summer, Rolo said:
"No passport. I have (Ostrowski's) passport in my office." (HSA)


Asked about Ostrowski playing both sports, Mack said:
"Miah is a real good player, and he'll play both sports. I want Miah to be happy. I have a lot of respect for him." (HSA)


About how Ostrowski had the choice between stopping after 10 yards, finding a seam, or running a post route, David Graves talked about recognizing that Ostrowski was going to run the post on his TD reception:
"I read his head and shoulder movements. I knew exactly what he was going to do based on his body language. We have a great connection from when we were on the scout team together." (HSA)


About how he has run that "91 streak" route hundreds of times, Ostrowski said:
"It's a read, and I took the post. I had one-on-one with the safety, I set him to the corner, and I ran the post. That's from working with David Graves all of the time. We're on the same page." (HSA)


Praising the 44-yard TD route and pass, Rolo said:
"That's what we want to see." (HSA)


HSA Note: "Indeed, yesterday's day trip to the Big Island was intended as a spread-the-aloha gesture for the state's only Division I athletic program. Hawaiian Airlines picked up most of the travel cost, leaving ground transportation — priced at under $1,000 — as the Warriors' only expense, athletic director Jim Donovan said. He said UH would have paid just as much if the event were held at Aloha Stadium."


About how tackling was allowed on anyone except the QBs, Rolo said:
"It was competitive, and the receivers and running backs held onto the ball." (HSA)


About how he stayed in the pocket and completed 6 of 7 passes for 111 yards, David Graves said:
"Last spring, I was a little immature with the offense, and I'd run out (of the pocket) and use my legs a little bit. This spring, I'm staying in the pocket, going through my progressions, getting the ball out of my hands and to the receivers." (HSA)


About how there were a lot of positives during the scrimmage, Mack said:
"There were a lot of good things out there. The offense did some good things, and the defense did some good things. There were big plays on both sides." (HSA)


About using the "elephant" position to enable them to change from a 4-3 to a 3-4 without having to substitute, Dave Aranda said:
"Instead of subbing, we want to go from four-man fronts to three-man fronts on the move. That way we don't have to sub, and teams can't no-huddle us. We have our people already on the field." (HSA)


HSA Note: "Darryl McBride, who is a converted safety; Art Laurel and T.J. Taiamatuia rotate as the elephant. McBride is 206 pounds; Laurel and Taiamatuia are each about 235 pounds."


About their options at the elephant position, Aranda said:
"There are certain down-and-distances where Darryl is the guy, and certain situations where we want a bigger player like Art or T.J.." (HSA)


About McBride's 3 sacks and a body-slam of Clapp on a screen play, Aranda said:
"He's playing fast, and he's making plays." (HSA)


About making a big hit in the scrimmage, McBride said:
"They said we could hit. Why slow down? I wanted to drill them." (HSA)


About how the offense drove to the 15 about halfway through the scrimmage, Aranda said:
"This is where you either put up or shut up as a defense. You do all of that talking when you're on the (offense's) 20, but what are you made of here?" (HSA)


About how they stopped the drive with a 3-yard pass, 0 yard rush, and an incompletion, Aranda said:
"We made a stand. The scrimmage was for situations like that. We learned a lot. I'm proud of them." (HSA)

http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/furtherreview/20110410_football_trips_to_neighbor_islands_ensure_healthy_statewide_fan_base.html

http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20110410_Ostrowski_comes_up_big.html

Saturday, April 9, 2011

UH report about the Warriors' practice, scrimmage and autograph session today on the Big Island

UH Note: "The University of Hawai'i Warrior football team made its annual trip to the neighbor islands conducting a practice, intrasquad scrimmage and autograph session Saturday at Pai'ea Stadium on the campus of Kamehameha Schools-Hawai'i."


About taking the team to a different island each year, Mack said:
"We just really appreciate the enthusiasm of all the people who came out. It was a tremendous experience. A lot of the people here watch us on TV and now they get to meet the players and coaches in person. They are all Warriors and part of the Warrior Nation"
(UH)


Happy with their performance in the scrimmage, Mack said:
"There were a lot of good plays on all three sides of the ball," McMackin said. "It's really our first real scrimmage (of the spring) so the tackling was better than I thought it would be, but we definitely have things we can work on to get better." (UH)


About playing in front of family and friends on the Big Island, Hogan Rosehill said:
"I was stoked to play in front of my family and friends again. It was just an all-around good experience." (UH)


About playing in front of family and friends, Hilo native Jordan Loeffler said:
"I had some jitters before coming out here, but they were all gone once I got that first hit in." (UH)
 
http://www.hawaiiathletics.com/news/2011/4/9/FB_0409114142.aspx

Friday, April 8, 2011

The Big Island Warriors talk about going with the Warriors to practice and scrimmage on the Big Island tomorrow

HTH = Hawaii Tribune-Herald


About how he remembers the exact day that he last played football on the Big Island for Hilo High, Jordan Loeffler said:
"It was Hilo vs. Waiakea. It was our homecoming and we won 35-0. I got that drilled in my head. It was one of my most memorable games." (HTH)


About how he's been looking forward to practicing and playing a scrimmage on the Big Island, Loeffler said:
"Coming home, I'm all stoked. It's a good experience to get to play in front of my family and friends and for the Big Island. I've been looking forward to it for the whole year." (HTH)


HTH Note: "He's not the only one. Levi Legay, junior offensive tackle (Kealakehe 2007); Hogan Rosehill, sophomore running back (Kamehameha-Hawaii 2008); Kana Silva, freshman slotback (Kamehameha 2010); and Elmer Lim III, senior offensive line (Waimea born), are the others returning home.:


Excited about having them go to the Big Island, Levi Legay said:
"I'm really excited about coming home. Ever since we went to Maui and Kauai (the past two years), I knew we would go to the Big Island. I've been waiting for a while. It's good to go home and play over there." (HTH)


About how both LT Loeffler and RT Legay are competing for starting spots on the OL, and discussing the rest of the Big Island Warriors, Mack said:
"Both are competing for starting positions. Right now, offensive line is very, very competitive. Both will get a lot of time Friday at practice (on Oahu). Hogan will get time at running back. Obviously, Mana Silva was a great player. He had a great pro day. He ran a 4.42 (second dash in the 40 yards), and jumped 40 inches. He did really well. His brother (Kana) is with us and he'll get time. Ikaika Mahoe (2006 Kamehameha graduate) was here with us last year, too. Hilo is like a Manoa south or north for us. Jordan is a very athletic player. He came in with a great freshmen class and we expect two or three to push for starting positions. He's one. There's Sean Shigematsu from Kauai and David Lefotu. They all have talent, and the athleticism we want. They need experience and that's what they're going to get on Saturday. Levi has got more experience. He's very strong and has to continue to get better. He's got a great attitude." (HTH)


About how their practice and scrimmage will enable the Warriors from the Big Island to spend time with family and friends, and for their Big Island fans to see the Warriors in person, Mack said:
"It's great for them to see family, get some home cooking. I know most will stay the night and come back on Sunday. We have lots of fans in Hilo. We've been to Kauai and Maui and play for the state of Hawaii. Half the team has never been to the Big Island, so it's a good experience for them. We'll give the fans on the Big Island a chance to see us up close. For those who watch on TV and don't come to ballgames, it's a chance to meet the coaches and players. After the work, we want to get to know our fans. The autograph sessions are always a fun deal. Everyone is looking for a good time." (HTH)


About how they have to cut about 34 of the 109 players they are bringing to the Big Island, Mack said:
"It ends up being a numbers game. That's my least favorite thing to do -- let some of the guys go. We do a good job in evaluating. It's not a fun situation. We have 15 practices. That's why every snap is important and every snap is evaluated." (HTH)


About what he did when he grayshirted after graduating from high school, Loeffler said:
"I worked with my dad, who owns Loeffler Farms Inc., which grows corn. I just trained and lifted weights. I wasn't college-level strong. My weight went up. It was a great experience, a time to mature. My redshirt year was good, lots of fun and I got stronger during spring ball and the season. I got used to the college level." (HTH)


About how they need to rely on their technique in college, Loeffler said:
"In college, there's always someone bigger, stronger, faster. Everyone is better, period. Technique helps you find a way to block guys better. It's very important and what the coaches preach the most. I notice that the coaches still remind the seniors about technique. It takes a lot of time to learn everything." (HTH)


About how he bonded with his Dad during his grayshirt year and found out that he had a sense of humor, Loeffler said:
"Growing up, I didn't know my dad was a funny person. Now that I'm more mature I've found that he's super funny and had a blast working with him. When a good song comes on the radio, he does a goofy dance in the car." (HTH)


About how he cooks for himself, Loeffler laughed and said:
"I can cook a little. But I'm no sous chef or anything. I just cook the basics." (HTH)


About how he had to adjust to the tougher competition in college, Legay said:
"It's been a good experience. It's really character building and you have to be humble. You have to keep working hard and be consistent. I've learned a lot, patience for sure. It took a long time to get to this position, to compete for a starting spot. I've learned how to be patient and not give up. I still have a ways to go. I'm not satisfied and have to keep working." (HTH)


About the importance of young players to attend football camps, Legay said:
"You not only go to a football camp to get exposure, but also to learn techniques you may not learn at your high school,. I know countless people who were good athletes but didn't make it because of grades. Even at my high school, there were kids good enough to go to Division I, but couldn't go because of grades." (HTH)


About how they have a lot of competition for their OL spots, Legay said:
"It's going to be really good. There's a lot of competition right now. It'll be another one of those years, where the offensive line overachieves compared to what people predict. I think the team will be really good. We don't have a ton of experience, but we have really good players." (HTH)


http://www.hawaiitribune-herald.com/articles/2011/04/08/sports/sports01.txt

The D. Bess All Star Jam is another way that Davone Bess is giving back to the community

OT = Oakland Tribune


OT Note: "The celebrity game will pit NFL players against the Oakland Police Department in an effort to raise money for the Oakland Athletic League. The game is presented by the Bess Route Foundation, the charity of former Skyline High football player Davone Bess, now a wide receiver with the Miami Dolphins."


About his fundraiser for the Oakland Athletic League, Davone Bess said:
"We're super excited, it's a good opportunity to do something good. I'm in a position where I can do something to help out. If not for high school sports, I wouldn't be in my position today." (OT)


OT Note: "Those in attendance can get autographs and take pictures with the NFL players, who include Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch (Cal, Oakland Tech High)."


About how it was easy for him to get NFL players to participate in his fundraiser, Bess said:
"They're all about making a difference in the kids' lives." (OT)


About choosing the Oakland police as the opponent in order to make a statement to the community, Bess said:
"I picked the Oakland police in particular because in my community, a lot of people look at police as bad people. I wanted to show them that police are good people, they're not just there to arrest you. This is a way of  showing them that police are regular human beings, too." (OT)


About why his charity is looking to improve opportunities for youths to succeed in spots, Bess said:
"With the crime rates the way they are, if you drop sports, all those numbers will grow tremendously." (OT)

http://www.insidebayarea.com/sports/ci_17797707

Thursday, April 7, 2011

Spring Practice Quotes from the Star-Advertiser 4/7/11

About how their OL does not go by seniority, Gordy Shaw said:
"How a person plays is more important than how old he is." (HSA)


Praising redshirt  freshmen RT Sean Shigematsu, RG David Lefotu, and LT Jordan Loeffler, Shaw said:
"They've made some good improvement." (HSA)


About his battle with Levi Legay for their starting RT spot, Shigematsu said:
"You have to prove yourself day by day. A lot of the older guys — Brett (Leonard), Clayton (Laurel), Sila (Lefiti) — have been helping me with my calls." (HSA)


About the big adjustment moving from Kauai to Honolulu for UH, Shigematsu, said:
"I'm kind of a mama's boy. My mom does everything — cook, clean." (HSA)


About going from 250 pounds in August to 300 pounds now, Shigematsu said:
"It's OK," he said. I can still move." (HSA)


About how the freshmen are treated like all of their other OL, Loeffler said:
"They expected us to stop being boys and start being men, even though we're still kind of young." (HSA)


About how their young members of the OL spent 2010 on the scout team, Lefotu said:
"Last year, we got no reps at all. It was kind of hard. As a young guy, you've got that urge to play." (HSA)


About how the pace is faster and the reads more difficult at the college level, Lefotu said:
"The biggest adjustment, for me, was working with my right tackle and getting the plays down. That was the biggest challenge." (HSA)


About how their redshirt freshmen OL match up physically in 9-on-7 drills, Shaw said:
"I like their physical-ness. They're coming along with their fundamentals. They're going to be very good. It's like a painting that's not finished." (HSA)


About their talk-story session tomorrow with coaches tomorrow at the UH athletic complex, Mack said:
"Most clinics are people lecturing to everybody. What we want to do is have an open two-way exchange." (HSA)

"We want to have a relaxed atmosphere." (HSA)

HSA Note: "The event will be held at the second-floor dance studios. Each of the UH coaches will have a "station" that includes a chalkboard. Guests can move from station to station to discuss football strategies, techniques and trends."


About Lister flooring him on the second play of their "Okahoma" drill (3-on-2 challenge where a RB has 3 tries to get 10 yards), Tank Hopkins said:
"I got the worst of it. It's cool. We're having fun." (HSA)


About how CBs have to quickly forget plays that go against them, John Hardy-Tuilau said:
"Short-term memory. That's what you need as a corner." (HA)


About how they are going to play tight coverage on short routes, Hardy-Tuilau said:
"We're playing more aggressively at corner this year." (HSA)


Praising their CBs, Rich Miano said:
"They have great speed and great quickness. They can tackle. They're smart. There's nothing I don't like about them." (HSA)


About winning their #2 QB job again, Shane Austin said:
"You've got to go into this game at a high level or you're not going to make it. Every year, you have to come out fighting. You can't go through the motions or you'll be seeing the bench a lot more." (HSA)

http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/Coaches_offer_a_talk-story_session_for_other_coaches.html

http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20110407_Young_linemen_show_they_can_play.html

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

UH will practice and hold a scrimmage on the Big Island on Saturday (4/9/11)

UH Note: "The Warriors will fly to Hilo that morning and hold a two-hour practice/scrimmage beginning at 11:00 a.m. An autograph session with UH players and coaches will begin at 1:00 p.m. Admission is free."


About being able to go to the Big Island to have a practice and scrimmage, JD said:
"We want to thank Mayor Kenoi and his administration, as well as Bob Wagner, who served as a UH coach for 20-plus years, and Kamehameha Schools for making this event a reality. We've always received a tremendous amount of support from the people of the Big Island and this event is meant to show an appreciation to them. Our women's basketball team played in Hilo this past December and it was a huge success for both our fans and student-athletes. We're excited to return to the Big Island and give the fans there an early glimpse of our 2011 Warrior football squad. I also want to acknowledge the incredible support we have received from Hawaiian Airlines. Without their generous partnership, these neighbor-island trips would not be possible." (UH)


Happy to take the Warriors to the Big Island, just like they went to Maui and Kauai the previous two years, Mack said:
"We've said from day one that we represent the entire state of Hawai'i and we're grateful for the opportunity to showcase our team to our Big Island fans. The reception we received in our previous trips to Maui and Kaua'i was outstanding. This should be another great experience for our team and particularly for our handful of student-athletes from the Big Island. It should be a real nice homecoming for them." (UH)


http://hawaiiathletics.com/news/2011/3/29/FB_0329111324.aspx

Consultant advises UH to eliminate or forgive UHAD's $9.58 mil deficit because Athletics will keep losing money every year

HSA Note: "The University of Hawaii "should find a way to eliminate or forgive" an accumulated net $9.58 million athletic deficit because "the department may incur a new loss every year due to soaring costs to operate a quality Division I-A athletic program," according to an operational review by an outside consultant. The recommendation was contained in a 17-page report compiled by Gary Cunningham, a former athletic director at Wyoming, Fresno State and UC Santa Barbara. Cunningham was commissioned in 2009 by the UH Office of Internal Audit at the request of the state Legislature and paid $10,000 for the report, UH said."


About how UH's "many unique challenges" leads to the conclusion that UHAD has to lose money to be competitive, the report specifies:
"having scrutinized the data and fiscal challenges facing the athletics department leads me to conclude that there is no way for the athletics department to be competitive in Division I-A athletics in the future unless budgeted expenses are increased and the university accepts the fact that to be competitive there will be an annual generated net loss." (HSA)


About how Upper Campus will have a hard time eliminating or forgive the Athletic deficit and needs UHAD to stop losing money because the University is getting its budget cut by the state, UH Manoa Chancellor Virginia Hinshaw said:
"Our goal has been to eliminate the annual deficit then start reducing the accumulated deficit created during  the last decade. The university has continued to face reducing state support during the recession so 'eliminating or forgiving' the deficit remains challenging." (HSA)


HSA Note: "The report notes UH self-generated 81 percent to 84 percent of its revenue for fiscal years 2008 and '09, well ahead of Mountain West and Western Athletic Conference members, who averaged 50 percent. In addition, Cunningham wrote, "Within the context of the unique fiscal challenges (UH) faces, the program is operating at a smaller annual generated net loss than most NCAA Division I-A programs."  The report said the "athletic department's top-level administration is outstanding," but said athletic director Jim Donovan's "biggest challenge lies in dealing with the accumulated deficit." "


About the difficult budget situation they are in, JD said:
"We recognize there are some of the worst economic times and our goal remains the same, to do as the Regents have asked and run more like a business. Our plan is still to move forward and operate a balanced budget and pay back down the deficit over time. At some point, any assistance we could get would be greatly appreciated." (HSA)


About how cutting sports won't solve the budget problems for UHAD, Cunningham said:
"Reducing sponsored sports is not a solution and could have a profound effect on meeting Title IX requirements. Also, cost saving from reducing the number of sponsored sports is (a) temporary solution to a long-term problem." (HSA)

http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20110406_UH_advised_to_forgive_debt.html

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Feature on "quarter" Kamalani Alo

About playing their "quarter" position (hybrid safety and LB) with the first team defense this spring, Kamalani Alo said:
"It's a big change. Last year I was coming off a redshirt year and I wasn't really looking at reps. This year it's a big change. You have to pick it up fast, you have to learn fast, you have to talk to the coaches extra." (HSA)


HSA Note: "Former UH safety Spencer Smith played the quarter position last season before injuring his arm and John Hardy-Tuliau later emerged as a playmaker as a fifth defensive back as a true freshman."


About using Alo at their "quarter" position, Mack said:
"He's got a good feel for the game and he's an excellent hitter. He's a physical guy. ... So if it's second and 8, if they run we're sitting good because he'll be a good force guy. If they pass, we can run all of our coverages because he's a DB." (HSA)


Happy to be playing closer to the line of scrimmage, Alo (who played OLB in high school but has been a safety at UH) said:
"I have to remember that I'm playing linebacker and safety. So I have to remember to play run before I play pass, whereas when I was at safety it was just backpedal all the time.  I love being more in the action, being able to hit big O-linemen. I love the challenge." (HSA)


About how he looks to Richard Torres for leadership, Alo said:
"I've been trying to work out with Richard just because he's a guy I look up to and he's one of the captains of the defense. I worked out with him and just tried to keep up with his pace. He works out at the quick pace, just like he plays on the field." (HSA)


About how Alo's excellent play on special teams last year (he'll be on all of the special teams units this year) resulted in him getting a role on defense this spring, Rich Miano said:
"Kamalani has the speed and the toughness, he's very conscientious and he's made a lot of improvement. He's also going to be in the running at safety. He's probably our most improved player throughout the spring. He came on so strong on special teams at the end of last year, he earned his stripes to play defense." (HSA)


HSA Note: "While listening and learning is among Alo's main objectives this spring, he took some time to teach at the end of practice yesterday. Alo, Torres and fellow Kahuku alums Paipai Falemalu, Aulola Tonga and Alema Tachibana spent a few moments teaching the haka to the Honolulu Bulls soccer club's 98 boys team. The Bulls plan to perform it prior to their matches in Germany and Denmark this summer."


About how he was happy to teach the haka to the Honolulu bulls soccer club's 98 boys team, Alo said:
"That was fun. I always like working with the kids. It always good to give back to the community any way we can." (HSA)

http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20110405_Hawaiis_Alo_all_over_the_place.html

Monday, April 4, 2011

UH wants to have the team return home between its back-to-back nonconference road games, but rising airfares are making that costly

HSA Note: "Travel, at nearly 15 percent, is the athletic department's third-largest expense after salaries and benefits and scholarships. With traveling groups of 80 for each trip, football is the biggest travel spender at upwards of $1 million per year. UH is expected to travel more than 35,000 miles this season."


About how he is "leaning toward" having the team return home between their games at Washington and UNLV in September, but rising airfares might make that hard for them to afford, JD said:
"Because of (missed class time), we'd really, really like to get the student-athletes back (to campus) after the first (road) game. But if the cost is going to be exorbitant, then we'll have to look at remaining on the mainland." (HSA)


HSA Note: "Donovan estimates UH could save three days of classes by coming home immediately after the Sept. 10 game with Washington in Seattle, instead of remaining on the mainland leading up to the Sept. 17 game at UNLV. But he said that doesn't appear to be possible by commercial flight and the school is attempting to find a charter that fits its time constraints and budget."


HSA Note: "Donovan said it didn't make sense for UH to play at West Point, N.Y., last year, fly home and then head out to Colorado three days later. In addition, UH estimated it saved about $50,000 by not returning home."


JD said that since they could get direct flights to Seattle and Vegas:
"even though it might cost us a little more, you want to try to balance that with the amount of time they are going to be away from school. I think it is important to cut down on missed class time if we can." (HSA)

http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20110404_uh_football_team_looking_to_cut_costs.html

Feature on UH's OL

Praising UH's OL, DT Kaniela Tuipulotu said:
"They're real good, real quick and big. They're coming together as one. Firing off the line. It's making all of us better. A lot of the young O-line guys didn't get a lot of reps last year. But they're in there all the time now, and you can see the improvement." (HSA)


Comparing UH's OL to the OL from 2007, Vaughn Meatoga said:
"Steiny (2007 right tackle Keoni Steinhoff) was about 6-3; other than that it was a short offensive line. Now there's a Brett Leonard, who goes 6-4 and runs the 40 in 5.0. The other guys are like that, too, they're tall and they move well. They're all basketball players, all athletic." (HSA)


Asked about Sean Shigematsu, Rolo said:
"I see him competing." (HSA)


Praising David Lefotu, Rolo said:
"He'd love to maul you. Mauling is his enjoyment. You don't want to call him a Vince Manuwai yet, but ..." (HSA)


About the concerns they have just like last year over their lack of returning starters, Rolo said:
"We have the same kind of cohesion concern." (HSA)

http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/furtherreview/20110404_hawaiis_offensive_line_continues_growing_up.html

Sunday, April 3, 2011

UH appears to have chosen its starting receivers, OL, RB and top 2 QBs for now

HSA Note: "Entering the final two weeks of spring training, the Warriors' No. 1 receivers are left wideout Darius Bright, left slotback Billy Ray Stutzmann, right slotback Miah Ostrowski and right wideout Royce Pollard. Pollard is the only returning full-time starter. Stutzmann started two games last year, at left wideout."


About how they have chosen their starting receiver group, Rolo said:
"We felt putting the best four together right now was our goal." (HSA)


About how the 6'4" Darius Bright caught 2 TDs by leaping over him in a scrimmage-like situation yesterday, John Hardy-Tuilau said:
"It's definitely good competition to go against him. He's a big, physical receiver. You have to play up to his standards." (HSA)


About how student-assistant Ashley Lelie gave him tips for the corner routes that he caught the TDs on, Bright said:
"He told me to do a little stutter, then jab, and go. it's up to me to make the play. I tell them to put it up there and I'll go get it." (HSA)


About the alley-oop TD passes to Bright on the corner route, Bryant Moniz said:
"There's not much (a defender) can do. From a defensive standpoint, it has to be timed perfectly to break up the pass. Otherwise, it's hard to defend." (HSA)


About the TDs to Bright on the corner route, Rolo said:
"X gets the square. One of Mo's things is getting comfortable with Darius. Darius is bigger than a receiver like (former Warrior) C.J. Hawthorne, who's going to go by and you're going to have to hit him in stride because he's a little shorter. Darius is more, 'throw it up there and give me a chance.' They're working it out." (HSA)


About how Stutzmann is adjusting to working with other receivers, since he was next to the sideline at wideout, Rolo said:
"It's a comfort-level thing he's working out." (HSA)


About how they are encouraging Miah Ostrowski to bring his PG leadership from basketball to the football field, Rolo said:
"It's a different door for Miah. Now it's time for his personality to be injected into the offense. What we saw on the basketball court, we're encouraging him to bring that to the field." (HSA)


About Sterling Jackson as their #1 RB, Rolo said:
"He's just a tough runner. He's very physical when he runs." (HSA)


About wearing a sling yesterday after suffering a "stinger" to his left shoulder, Hogan Rosehill said:
"It's a precaution." (HSA)


HSA Note: "The No. 1 offensive line also has remained intact: left tackle Clayton Laurel, left guard Brett Leonard, center Matagisili Lefiti, right guard Chauncy Winchester-Makainai and right tackle Levi Legay. But during team drills, freshman Sean Shigematsu took half the reps at right tackle with the first-team offense. Offensive line coach Gordy Shaw said right guard David Lefotu and left tackle Jordan Loeffler will get to practice with the No. 1 unit this coming week. Loeffler missed the past two practices because of "knee issues" but is expected to be cleared to work out tomorrow."


About working in their freshmen with their starting OL, Gordy Shaw said:
"We're giving them some opportunities to compete with the ones." (HSA)


About how Shane Austin is their #2 QB over David Graves and Cayman Shutter, Rolo said:
"Shane understands the offense. He's gotten a lot of reps the past few years. It's not over, but I wouldn't say the young guys have unseated Shane." (HSA)

http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20110403_warriors_seem_to_have_settled_on_receiving_corps.html

Friday, April 1, 2011

The Warriors did well at Pro Day

About how he woke up too early because he was so anxious for Pro Day, Kealoha Pilares said:
"I was ready to get out of bed when I looked at the clock. "It was 3 o'clock in the morning. I was definitely a little too anxious." (HSA)


About how the NFL teams wanted to see Pilares work out since Green and Salas had already did well at the Combine, Packers GM Ted Thompson said:
"We wanted to see him work out." (HSA)


HSA Note: "Pilares went to the NFL combine, but he declined to participate in any of the running or jumping drills. He bench-pressed 225 pounds 19 times, ranking him sixth among receivers there. Pilares vowed to run at UH's pro day, a combine that would draw more than 50 NFL scouts and decision-makers."

About how some scouting services estimated his 40 time at 4.6 seconds, Pilares said:
"I'm not sure why they would think that." (HSA)

"I wanted to show that I'm fast. I told everybody I was going to run under 4.5. They looked at me like I was on crack." (HSA)

HSA Note: "In the summer of 2009, Pilares was timed in the 40 at 4.37 seconds while training in Atlanta."


HSA Note: "Pilares had worked out intensively in Arizona the past six weeks. He learned the proper sprinter's techniques, from the quick start to the correct arm motions. Yesterday, Pilares was credited with running the 40 in 4.42 seconds. One scout listed his time at 4.37 seconds. The 4.42 time would have been one of the fastest at the NFL combine, where the fastest receiver was 4.37 and the fourth-best was 4.43."


About how people do not think that he is fast, Pilares said:
"When you hear 'fast,' my name does not come up. Even at school it was like that, even when I was the fastest in some of the drills." (HSA)

HSA Note: "At pro day, Pilares had the best vertical jump (40-1/2 inches), broad jump (10 feet 5), short shuttle (4.11 seconds) and long shuttle (6.85 seconds).  During the afternoon session, Pilares ran routes as part of the pass-receive drills. After that, several scouts gave him pop quizzes on pattern decisions. A scout for an AFC team then had Pilares try to make off-balance catches."


About how he was impressed with Pilares, Thompson said:
"It helped to see him move around, to see his athleticism. He's a very balanced, very quick athlete. He has good agility. He has good ball skills. He plays in space very well. His greatest strength is his quickness. He's a football player." (HSA)


About how it was hard for him to keep from working out until his knee was 100%, Pilares said:
"It really tested me. As an athlete, you always want to get back out there. But you have to be smart. You can't force it." (HSA)


About going after his NFL opportunity, Pilares said:
"This is the time in life when you have to make something happen. This is an opportunity. I'm grateful for it, and I want to take advantage of it." (HSA)


Asked if he had done enough to get a shot at the NFL, Mana Silva said:
"I hope so." (HSA)


HSA Note: "After watching Salas run routes yesterday afternoon, a scout declared him as having "the best hands in the draft.""


About his training for Pro Day, Salas said:
"I felt I did as much as I could possibly do." (HSA)


Salas said that he ignores draft predictions because:
"nobody knows what (NFL teams) want, except for the scouts and whoever picks us." (HSA)


HSA Note: "Silva, a safety, led the Warriors in interceptions in 2010, but had not drawn as much interest. That changed yesterday, when he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.43 seconds and had a vertical jump of 40 inches. Officials initially said Silva's vertical was 42 inches, which would have set a UH pro-day record. But after the NFL scouts met, it was decided that Silva did not cleanly hit the 42-inch marker."


About how they downgraded his vertical jump from 42 inches to 40 inches, Silva said:
"Why did they do that? Oh, well. It's whatever." (HSA)


Silva joked after making his jump:
"I put my cape on this morning." (HSA)


HSA Note: "He then credited his trainer, Chad Ikei, who created a diet plan and intense training program. In two months of training, Silva lowered his body fat to 6 percent."


Praising Silva, Ikei said:
"He always had the right mind-set. When Mana first came to train, he was writing '4.5' on his water jug. He believed he could run fast, and he did." (HSA)


About his Pro Day performance, which included a vertical jump of 39.5 inches, Spencer Smith said:
"Hopefully, I helped myself to a tryout." (HSA)


Smith said that he would consider playing in the CFL, and added:
"I'll even play rugby." (HSA)


http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20110401_Ex-Warriors_hope_someone_took_notice.html

http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20110401_Pilares_enjoys_a_solid_pro_day.html

http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/Good-day-for-Hawaii-prospects.html