http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/homeNewsDetail.jsp?id=71231
Asked what he's doing to get ready for training camp, Nate said:
"I just have to get my body fat down. A lot of it is strength, and I've been able to lift a lot, but I'm just trying to get rid of the bad stuff. I think they are going to have to assign people to help me do this type of thing. In college it's tough. When I had my surgeries (shoulder twice and knee), I wasn't able to stay active, so eating every day was going to mean gaining weight. But here it's all football, so I'm able to focus on the things at hand and good dieting will help." (PE.com)
Asked what has been the hardest part of his transition to the NFL, Nate said:
"As far as the players go, they're coming (at you) fast. In college, you're able to get away with only a couple players being fast, but out here everyone's fast. Even the coaches look kind of fast running these drills. But other than that, just the playbook and the time difference is tough." (PE.com)
Asked about his Marine brother currently in Iraq, Nate said:
"He's in Iraq right now. He's in communications, though, so I don't think he's in the fighting. He's more or less getting information back and forth from the States to out there. I want to say he's 100 percent safe, but he's out there. He called on draft day, somehow. I actually missed his call because I was talking to Philadelphia and a lot of friends were calling. It came up as a message and I couldn't get back to him. He called to mention that he was watching the draft on the computer out there, and he was real happy for the whole situation and all the Marines were happy too, so it was a good thing to hear." (PE.com)
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Quotes about Michael Lafaele
About how their new 4-3 defense will give Lafaele more chances to make plays, JR said:
"The change in scheme has potential for Mike to make more plays upfield. He relishes the challenge to show he can do more." (HSB)
About how Lafaele has led his teammates this offseason, JR said:
"There's a new level of commitment I haven't seen here before, and it's because Mike won't allow less. Since the start of spring practice, Mike has taken over and grabbed the leadership mantle." (HSB)
About his daily routine, which includes 12 hours at UH, Lafaele said:
"It's up at 5:15 in the morning and off to school, usually with Hercules (offensive lineman Satele) or another friend on the team. We're on the field stretching by 6:30, doing some yoga or tai chi. Then drills at 7 a.m., on the field until 8:30. Then weights for an hour and a half." (HSB)
About the sacrifice that he's been making, Lafaele said:
"I don't see the family too much." (HSB)
Being understanding and supportive about Lafaele's sacrifice for football, his wife Teri said:
"It's a lot of dedication on his part. It works out fine. I work at nights 8 hours a day. We always find time for each other, however little it is." (HSB)
About her husband, who does not receive the recognition he deserves, Teri Lafaele said:
"He's low-key. People see my name and they say, 'You have the last name of a famous person.' I'm, 'What?' It happened the other day at the hairdresser. She saw my last name and said, 'There's a real good football player with that name.' I had a big smile on my face after that. A lot of people, when they find out who he is, it's weird, they're so surprised. He's not out there where people would recognize him. It's funny, they tell him, 'You're the heart of the defense.' " (HSB)
About his expanded opportunities in the 4-3 defense, Lafaele said:
"It's a lot easier in the sense of responsibility since we have one more guy on the line. In the 3-4 the nose had to control several gaps. In the 4-3 it's one gap and you have more opportunities to blow the line up, breaking through into the backfield and creating havoc, disrupting the offense. When you play nose the goal is to control and disrupt the gaps." (HSB)
About how he played on the offensive line at Farrington, Lafaele said:
"If you told me this would happen, I would have laughed. I never played defense." (HSB)
JR says that Lafaele:
"was born to play defensive tackle. He did some things last year you don't see very often, and he showed he can play against anyone. He clubbed a center to the ground, brought him to his knees. It's sheer violence, to be honest with you." (HSB)
About how Lafaele is gentle off the field, Teri said:
"He's very sweet and humble. He's really caring about everyone. He's never like 'Oh, whatever.' He's not as tough as he seems on the field. It's hard for me to see him just throwing people around out there because I know that's not how he really is." (HSB)
About how Lafaele won't wow the pros with his body, but they will be impressed with his play, JR said:
"But the people that play and coach with and against him, they all know, and there's a tremendous amount of respect. Will he get a chance to play pro football? He's always played well against tough competition, and Mike is turning himself into a playmaker. He's not the prettiest guy on the team, and he's not going to be doing underwear commercials anytime soon. But he's a pure football player. I love that kid. He's a special one." (HSB)
"The change in scheme has potential for Mike to make more plays upfield. He relishes the challenge to show he can do more." (HSB)
About how Lafaele has led his teammates this offseason, JR said:
"There's a new level of commitment I haven't seen here before, and it's because Mike won't allow less. Since the start of spring practice, Mike has taken over and grabbed the leadership mantle." (HSB)
About his daily routine, which includes 12 hours at UH, Lafaele said:
"It's up at 5:15 in the morning and off to school, usually with Hercules (offensive lineman Satele) or another friend on the team. We're on the field stretching by 6:30, doing some yoga or tai chi. Then drills at 7 a.m., on the field until 8:30. Then weights for an hour and a half." (HSB)
About the sacrifice that he's been making, Lafaele said:
"I don't see the family too much." (HSB)
Being understanding and supportive about Lafaele's sacrifice for football, his wife Teri said:
"It's a lot of dedication on his part. It works out fine. I work at nights 8 hours a day. We always find time for each other, however little it is." (HSB)
About her husband, who does not receive the recognition he deserves, Teri Lafaele said:
"He's low-key. People see my name and they say, 'You have the last name of a famous person.' I'm, 'What?' It happened the other day at the hairdresser. She saw my last name and said, 'There's a real good football player with that name.' I had a big smile on my face after that. A lot of people, when they find out who he is, it's weird, they're so surprised. He's not out there where people would recognize him. It's funny, they tell him, 'You're the heart of the defense.' " (HSB)
About his expanded opportunities in the 4-3 defense, Lafaele said:
"It's a lot easier in the sense of responsibility since we have one more guy on the line. In the 3-4 the nose had to control several gaps. In the 4-3 it's one gap and you have more opportunities to blow the line up, breaking through into the backfield and creating havoc, disrupting the offense. When you play nose the goal is to control and disrupt the gaps." (HSB)
About how he played on the offensive line at Farrington, Lafaele said:
"If you told me this would happen, I would have laughed. I never played defense." (HSB)
JR says that Lafaele:
"was born to play defensive tackle. He did some things last year you don't see very often, and he showed he can play against anyone. He clubbed a center to the ground, brought him to his knees. It's sheer violence, to be honest with you." (HSB)
About how Lafaele is gentle off the field, Teri said:
"He's very sweet and humble. He's really caring about everyone. He's never like 'Oh, whatever.' He's not as tough as he seems on the field. It's hard for me to see him just throwing people around out there because I know that's not how he really is." (HSB)
About how Lafaele won't wow the pros with his body, but they will be impressed with his play, JR said:
"But the people that play and coach with and against him, they all know, and there's a tremendous amount of respect. Will he get a chance to play pro football? He's always played well against tough competition, and Mike is turning himself into a playmaker. He's not the prettiest guy on the team, and he's not going to be doing underwear commercials anytime soon. But he's a pure football player. I love that kid. He's a special one." (HSB)
Friday, June 22, 2007
Quotes from an interview of Ikaika
http://www.prideofdetroit.com/story/2007/6/22/2924/64961
Asked what was the first thing that went through his mind when he answered his phone, Ikaika said:
"I was actually on the golf course. When my phone rang it wasn't a familiar number so I thought this could be it. But I was getting so many calls that day I also thought it could be one of my friends. When I answered it I heard "Welcome to the Motor City." I just thought I'm going to Detroit! It was so exciting. It was definitely one of the greatest moments that I've ever experienced and something I will remember for the rest of my life. The emotions that were running through my body were just unbelievable." (POD)
Asked if it is true that he's only been playing football for 4 years, and how he went from little or no experience to a 2nd round draft pick, Ikaika said:
"I still wonder that today. I pinch myself every night just to make sure I really am living this dream. It was a long road. It is true that I have only played for four years. I played basketball growing up. I had a lot of people telling me I couldn't do it but I put everything I had into it. You never really know how much you love something until you put everything you have into it. And I love football. When people were telling me I couldn't do it I would use that as fuel to get me through the tough times." (POD)
Asked how his Father's knowledge of football helped him to become a better player (his Dad played for the Packers), Ikaika said:
"He has helped tremendously. I was a basketball player growing up and never played football. He was a player and then was a coach too. I was playing basketball and volleyball when I was younger. When I got into football he had so much knowledge of the game that he started sharing with me. He was a quarterback when he played and a defensive coordinator when he coached so he knew both sides of the ball. He led me to do the right things. I just tried to listen to everything he was teaching me and work as hard as I could. Without his influence there's no way I'd be where I am today." (POD)
Asked how he got the opportunity to play football, since he started with basketball at UH, Ikaika said:
"When I was going into UH June Jones offered me a scholarship even though I had never played football before. Before I started school I used to work out with the football team to stay in shape and get ready for basketball. Obviously Coach Jones saw something in me and offered me a scholarship. I don't know what he saw, I was only 200 pounds. Plus, I really wanted to see what I could do with basketball. After my freshman year I told Coach Jones I did want to play football and he offered me a scholarship again. My dad told Coach that we were not going to take the scholarship. I told me dad I thought he was crazy, he was giving away free money. My dad said "I don't want you to be given anything. You need to earn it." So I was a walkon until my junior year in college. When I got the scholarship coach Jones announced it in front of the entire team. It was just like getting the call from the Lions, the emotion that ran through my body was amazing. My dad paid for my schooling the first couple of years and that just made me work harder so that he wouldn't have to pay any more." (POD)
Asked what it was like to play for JJ and Glanville, Ikaika said:
"It's been pretty amazing how everything has worked out. I was coached by two professional coaches in college. They are opposites, Coach Glanville was animated and really drove you, while Coach Jones is more easy going. That combination can be scary and look at all the success they have created there. Having Jerry Glanville as my defensive coordinator was great and having June Jones overseeing everything how many players get that kind of opportunity to learn in college?" (POD)
Asked what position he feels more comfortable are, and if he could end up at MLB, Ikaika said:
"Right now I am strictly a defensive end. You never know, they are talking about using me at every position on the defensive line, but I'll do whatever the coaches ask. If they want me to play free safety I'll do it. What ever they want I'll do." (POD)
Asked how it was to watch Chang and Colt shatter passing records and what was his favorite Warrior memory, Ikaika said:
"It was amazing all the national attention on those quarterbacks but that also put national attention on the whole team. It gave everyone a chance to be looked at. June Jones' offense and philosophy works. Colt Brennan is returning and he's going to be scary. I can't wait to watch. The entire year last year was my most memorable moment. It was amazing just how we came together as a team. Being the team captain of the defense I just wanted to do things for everyone else. It was always a team effort. I am here because of all of them." (POD)
Asked how it feels when Coach Marinelli compares him to a young Cory Redding, Ikaika said:
"Wow. Coming from Coach Marinelli that really means something. I just try to give a great effort every day. It's very humbling to me but it proves what hard work can do for you. I am just going to play hard every day and hope to get to that level." (POD)
Asked for his thoughts about playing for Coach Marinelli, who was been known for his DL expertise, Ikaika said:
"We watch film every day and he has coached the best - Warren Sapp, Simeon Rice. I just hope one day to get to that level. It's funny how it all has worked out. I'm lucky. To have two pro coaches in college and now playing for one of the best defensive line coaches ever. Coach Marinelli is so upbeat and he cares about his players. I will always try my best not to ever let him down." (POD)
Asked what he's planning to buy with his 2nd round contract money, Ikaika said:
"I'm just going to buy what I need, a place to live and a way to get around. I'll do something for my family. My dad has always kept me humble and has told me now the hard part starts. He's right, I have to work even harder now. He knows what it takes and he has always helped me. I will do something special for them but it's a secret." (POD)
Asked what Lions fans can expect to see when he takes the field in their famed Honolulu Blue uniforms, Ikaika said:
"You are going to get to see this big Hawaiian guy do the best he can. I will run out there like a madman and do the best I can. The people of Detroit are great and I want to play well for them. I know that every time I step on the field I represent more than just myself. I represent the Lions and the City of Detroit. I don't want to let those fans down." (POD)
Asked what is the one goal he hopes to accomplish by the end of the season, Ikaika said:
"Get better and more experience and hopefully get some sacks along the way. I have one of the greatest jobs in the world and I don't take that for granted. I really like the team and the coaches and I truly believe in my heart that we're going to win. I have very high hopes and I am going to work really hard to help get us there." (POD)
Asked what was the first thing that went through his mind when he answered his phone, Ikaika said:
"I was actually on the golf course. When my phone rang it wasn't a familiar number so I thought this could be it. But I was getting so many calls that day I also thought it could be one of my friends. When I answered it I heard "Welcome to the Motor City." I just thought I'm going to Detroit! It was so exciting. It was definitely one of the greatest moments that I've ever experienced and something I will remember for the rest of my life. The emotions that were running through my body were just unbelievable." (POD)
Asked if it is true that he's only been playing football for 4 years, and how he went from little or no experience to a 2nd round draft pick, Ikaika said:
"I still wonder that today. I pinch myself every night just to make sure I really am living this dream. It was a long road. It is true that I have only played for four years. I played basketball growing up. I had a lot of people telling me I couldn't do it but I put everything I had into it. You never really know how much you love something until you put everything you have into it. And I love football. When people were telling me I couldn't do it I would use that as fuel to get me through the tough times." (POD)
Asked how his Father's knowledge of football helped him to become a better player (his Dad played for the Packers), Ikaika said:
"He has helped tremendously. I was a basketball player growing up and never played football. He was a player and then was a coach too. I was playing basketball and volleyball when I was younger. When I got into football he had so much knowledge of the game that he started sharing with me. He was a quarterback when he played and a defensive coordinator when he coached so he knew both sides of the ball. He led me to do the right things. I just tried to listen to everything he was teaching me and work as hard as I could. Without his influence there's no way I'd be where I am today." (POD)
Asked how he got the opportunity to play football, since he started with basketball at UH, Ikaika said:
"When I was going into UH June Jones offered me a scholarship even though I had never played football before. Before I started school I used to work out with the football team to stay in shape and get ready for basketball. Obviously Coach Jones saw something in me and offered me a scholarship. I don't know what he saw, I was only 200 pounds. Plus, I really wanted to see what I could do with basketball. After my freshman year I told Coach Jones I did want to play football and he offered me a scholarship again. My dad told Coach that we were not going to take the scholarship. I told me dad I thought he was crazy, he was giving away free money. My dad said "I don't want you to be given anything. You need to earn it." So I was a walkon until my junior year in college. When I got the scholarship coach Jones announced it in front of the entire team. It was just like getting the call from the Lions, the emotion that ran through my body was amazing. My dad paid for my schooling the first couple of years and that just made me work harder so that he wouldn't have to pay any more." (POD)
Asked what it was like to play for JJ and Glanville, Ikaika said:
"It's been pretty amazing how everything has worked out. I was coached by two professional coaches in college. They are opposites, Coach Glanville was animated and really drove you, while Coach Jones is more easy going. That combination can be scary and look at all the success they have created there. Having Jerry Glanville as my defensive coordinator was great and having June Jones overseeing everything how many players get that kind of opportunity to learn in college?" (POD)
Asked what position he feels more comfortable are, and if he could end up at MLB, Ikaika said:
"Right now I am strictly a defensive end. You never know, they are talking about using me at every position on the defensive line, but I'll do whatever the coaches ask. If they want me to play free safety I'll do it. What ever they want I'll do." (POD)
Asked how it was to watch Chang and Colt shatter passing records and what was his favorite Warrior memory, Ikaika said:
"It was amazing all the national attention on those quarterbacks but that also put national attention on the whole team. It gave everyone a chance to be looked at. June Jones' offense and philosophy works. Colt Brennan is returning and he's going to be scary. I can't wait to watch. The entire year last year was my most memorable moment. It was amazing just how we came together as a team. Being the team captain of the defense I just wanted to do things for everyone else. It was always a team effort. I am here because of all of them." (POD)
Asked how it feels when Coach Marinelli compares him to a young Cory Redding, Ikaika said:
"Wow. Coming from Coach Marinelli that really means something. I just try to give a great effort every day. It's very humbling to me but it proves what hard work can do for you. I am just going to play hard every day and hope to get to that level." (POD)
Asked for his thoughts about playing for Coach Marinelli, who was been known for his DL expertise, Ikaika said:
"We watch film every day and he has coached the best - Warren Sapp, Simeon Rice. I just hope one day to get to that level. It's funny how it all has worked out. I'm lucky. To have two pro coaches in college and now playing for one of the best defensive line coaches ever. Coach Marinelli is so upbeat and he cares about his players. I will always try my best not to ever let him down." (POD)
Asked what he's planning to buy with his 2nd round contract money, Ikaika said:
"I'm just going to buy what I need, a place to live and a way to get around. I'll do something for my family. My dad has always kept me humble and has told me now the hard part starts. He's right, I have to work even harder now. He knows what it takes and he has always helped me. I will do something special for them but it's a secret." (POD)
Asked what Lions fans can expect to see when he takes the field in their famed Honolulu Blue uniforms, Ikaika said:
"You are going to get to see this big Hawaiian guy do the best he can. I will run out there like a madman and do the best I can. The people of Detroit are great and I want to play well for them. I know that every time I step on the field I represent more than just myself. I represent the Lions and the City of Detroit. I don't want to let those fans down." (POD)
Asked what is the one goal he hopes to accomplish by the end of the season, Ikaika said:
"Get better and more experience and hopefully get some sacks along the way. I have one of the greatest jobs in the world and I don't take that for granted. I really like the team and the coaches and I truly believe in my heart that we're going to win. I have very high hopes and I am going to work really hard to help get us there." (POD)
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Quotes about Bess and Grice-Mullins
About the hard work he and Grice-Mullins are putting in all summer in Hawaii, Bess said:
"I feel like I'm at a point in my life and career where I'm not satisfied. Me and Ryan, we know if we work hard, there will be a payoff. It's a matter of staying focused and humble." (HSB)
"Work, work, work. Hard work pays off." (HSB)
About the extra work that he and Bess are putting in, Grice-Mullins said:
"If you want to succeed, be the top in your sport, you have to go beyond what the average do. We come out early, make sure we get our running in. We run pretty much every day of the week. We do different things, but it's every day. A lot of times it's just me and him out here until everybody else comes. To me, every year's our biggest year." (HSB)
HSB Note: "They say character is defined by what you do when no one is watching. So it means even more that Davone Bess and Ryan Grice-Mullins are early for practices now -- in the summer, when the coaches aren't around to note who are the early birds.
The work ethic of the Warriors' junior slotbacks doesn't cool off as the temperature rises. They were more than a half-hour ahead of the other 15 players who participated in yesterday's informal pass-and-catch session at UH.
Bess and Grice-Mullins set up cones on the practice field, stretched thoroughly, and then did a progression of about a dozen sprints ranging from 10 to 50 yards, a workout designed to improve their explosiveness as well as endurance. Then they ran pass patterns for nearly an hour."
About how he's trying to improve his straight-away speed, Grice-Mullins said:
"Like last year, I want to get up field faster, not dance as much and get up field." (HSB)
About how he got too excited before big games last season, Bess said:
"The main thing I'm working on is understanding the game itself, the big picture, and managing myself, being prepared the right way. I was over-pumped. I have to learn how to relax." (HSB)
Note: This probably explains why Bess had a big problems with dropped passes (especially against Alabama) early in games.
Hoping that the NCAA will grant him an extra season of eligibility, Jazen Anderson said:
"I started school in 2002 at Moorpark College, but I was a part-time student." (HSB)
About joining the players with their informal workouts, Azusa Pacific transfer Nate Nasca (Pearl City alum) said:
"I'm going to go to school this fall, but I won't be able to play yet because of transfer rules. Hopefully I can in the spring. I just want to get a little bigger and learn the offense." (HSB)
"I feel like I'm at a point in my life and career where I'm not satisfied. Me and Ryan, we know if we work hard, there will be a payoff. It's a matter of staying focused and humble." (HSB)
"Work, work, work. Hard work pays off." (HSB)
About the extra work that he and Bess are putting in, Grice-Mullins said:
"If you want to succeed, be the top in your sport, you have to go beyond what the average do. We come out early, make sure we get our running in. We run pretty much every day of the week. We do different things, but it's every day. A lot of times it's just me and him out here until everybody else comes. To me, every year's our biggest year." (HSB)
HSB Note: "They say character is defined by what you do when no one is watching. So it means even more that Davone Bess and Ryan Grice-Mullins are early for practices now -- in the summer, when the coaches aren't around to note who are the early birds.
The work ethic of the Warriors' junior slotbacks doesn't cool off as the temperature rises. They were more than a half-hour ahead of the other 15 players who participated in yesterday's informal pass-and-catch session at UH.
Bess and Grice-Mullins set up cones on the practice field, stretched thoroughly, and then did a progression of about a dozen sprints ranging from 10 to 50 yards, a workout designed to improve their explosiveness as well as endurance. Then they ran pass patterns for nearly an hour."
About how he's trying to improve his straight-away speed, Grice-Mullins said:
"Like last year, I want to get up field faster, not dance as much and get up field." (HSB)
About how he got too excited before big games last season, Bess said:
"The main thing I'm working on is understanding the game itself, the big picture, and managing myself, being prepared the right way. I was over-pumped. I have to learn how to relax." (HSB)
Note: This probably explains why Bess had a big problems with dropped passes (especially against Alabama) early in games.
Hoping that the NCAA will grant him an extra season of eligibility, Jazen Anderson said:
"I started school in 2002 at Moorpark College, but I was a part-time student." (HSB)
About joining the players with their informal workouts, Azusa Pacific transfer Nate Nasca (Pearl City alum) said:
"I'm going to go to school this fall, but I won't be able to play yet because of transfer rules. Hopefully I can in the spring. I just want to get a little bigger and learn the offense." (HSB)
Monday, June 18, 2007
Quotes about Tim Chang being picked over Shaun King
http://www.thespec.com/Sports/article/208990
About picking Tim Chang over Shaun King, head coach Taaffe said:
"One of the reasons we went with Shaun and Timmy head-to-head, was to let them play against the same competition with the same guys, and see what happened. It was pretty clear that Timmy's performance and decision-making was clearly much more consistent than Shaun's." (Hamilton Spectator)
About picking Tim Chang over Shaun King, head coach Taaffe said:
"One of the reasons we went with Shaun and Timmy head-to-head, was to let them play against the same competition with the same guys, and see what happened. It was pretty clear that Timmy's performance and decision-making was clearly much more consistent than Shaun's." (Hamilton Spectator)
Quotes from the Warriors about an undefeated season
http://www.mauinews.com/story.aspx?id=31483
About how they are really looking forward to the season, Ryan Grice-Mullen said:
"Oh man, I think this team is so hungry right now for the opportunity that we have. Coming into the spring, people were way more excited than the year before. You know, that 11-3 (record last season) – guys really know that we passed that test and now it is time to get to the real test and finish strong." (Maui News)
Asked if they can go unbeaten, Ryan said:
"Definitely, we can’t say that it doesn’t cross our minds." (MN)
Asked if they can go unbeated, Bess said:
"It is definitely possible." (MN)
About their approach to the season, Ryan said:
"The coaches here teach us really to take it one game at a time. A lot of people talk about the schedule, but we are not overlooking any team. We are excited about the season, excited about the schedule and, who knows, two byes might help us to stay fresh. Last year we played 12 straight weeks, and that is hard on the body." (MN)
Asked if any team in the country has a better receiving group, Ryan said:
"I don’t think so. Not being modest, but I truly don’t believe there is anybody out there better than us. I truly believe in my heart that we are the number one receiving corps in the nation. The way that we practice, we have got too many weapons. We have got guys – each of us can take a seven- or five-yard pass and take it to the house." (MN)
Asked if there is any better QB than Colt, Ryan said:
"Clearly, no. No way. I mean, he is self-explanatory. I don’t even have to say anything. Everybody has seen it with their own eyes. The receiving corps has seen it a little closer, like when we have a guy on our outside shoulder and he throws it to the inside on a dart – things like that." (MN)
Expecting plenty of national criticism for their schedule, Ryan said:
"Definitely, because we are getting criticism now and the season hasn’t even started yet. We don’t let the media determine our success. Look at Colt with the Heisman – he could throw 70 touchdown passes and not win. The media turns it their own way. The only thing we can control is our destiny and that is to go out there and win games." (MN)
Eagerly anticipating the season, Bess said:
"I go to sleep every night just praying for the days to go by faster so we can hurry up and get to camp. We have a lot of expectations for ourselves, the country and everybody, period. We can’t wait. Honestly, we are at the stage where we don’t care who we play. That is some off-the-field issues with our staff and we don’t want to go into that. We just want to put the helmets and the pads on and go out there and have fun." (MN)
Confident in their offense, Bess said:
"I think the only thing that is going to hold us back is ourselves. We just have to go in there confident and focused and know what we have to do. Prepare like winners. As far as our ability, I don’t think that is going to be too much of a factor. It is just a matter of us going in focused and knowing that we can’t be stopped." (MN)
About how they were so close to going undefeated last season, Ryan said:
"The games that we lost were all mental, none of it was physical. So everybody is just excited to get it started and try to get to that bigger bowl." (MN)
About their team, Sol Eliminian said:
"With Colt as our quarterback and Davone and Ryan, our whole offense back pretty much, they are going to be unbelievable to watch. The defense, with coach McMackin back, everybody is just anxious and excited to return. A lot of people ask us about the schedule, but we are at the point now where it doesn’t matter anymore. There is nothing we can do to change it and everybody wishes it was different. The teams we have, we just have to execute and beat them. I think everybody on our team thinks we should be undefeated. If you don’t want to be undefeated, why are you playing?" (MN)
About how the Warriors are always criticized, Bess said:
"Coming from Hawaii you are always going to get some type of criticism – ’The schedule is not tough,’ or ’They are in the WAC,’ or ’They are a system team.’ It is always something, but that is what drives us." (MN)
About how they are really looking forward to the season, Ryan Grice-Mullen said:
"Oh man, I think this team is so hungry right now for the opportunity that we have. Coming into the spring, people were way more excited than the year before. You know, that 11-3 (record last season) – guys really know that we passed that test and now it is time to get to the real test and finish strong." (Maui News)
Asked if they can go unbeaten, Ryan said:
"Definitely, we can’t say that it doesn’t cross our minds." (MN)
Asked if they can go unbeated, Bess said:
"It is definitely possible." (MN)
About their approach to the season, Ryan said:
"The coaches here teach us really to take it one game at a time. A lot of people talk about the schedule, but we are not overlooking any team. We are excited about the season, excited about the schedule and, who knows, two byes might help us to stay fresh. Last year we played 12 straight weeks, and that is hard on the body." (MN)
Asked if any team in the country has a better receiving group, Ryan said:
"I don’t think so. Not being modest, but I truly don’t believe there is anybody out there better than us. I truly believe in my heart that we are the number one receiving corps in the nation. The way that we practice, we have got too many weapons. We have got guys – each of us can take a seven- or five-yard pass and take it to the house." (MN)
Asked if there is any better QB than Colt, Ryan said:
"Clearly, no. No way. I mean, he is self-explanatory. I don’t even have to say anything. Everybody has seen it with their own eyes. The receiving corps has seen it a little closer, like when we have a guy on our outside shoulder and he throws it to the inside on a dart – things like that." (MN)
Expecting plenty of national criticism for their schedule, Ryan said:
"Definitely, because we are getting criticism now and the season hasn’t even started yet. We don’t let the media determine our success. Look at Colt with the Heisman – he could throw 70 touchdown passes and not win. The media turns it their own way. The only thing we can control is our destiny and that is to go out there and win games." (MN)
Eagerly anticipating the season, Bess said:
"I go to sleep every night just praying for the days to go by faster so we can hurry up and get to camp. We have a lot of expectations for ourselves, the country and everybody, period. We can’t wait. Honestly, we are at the stage where we don’t care who we play. That is some off-the-field issues with our staff and we don’t want to go into that. We just want to put the helmets and the pads on and go out there and have fun." (MN)
Confident in their offense, Bess said:
"I think the only thing that is going to hold us back is ourselves. We just have to go in there confident and focused and know what we have to do. Prepare like winners. As far as our ability, I don’t think that is going to be too much of a factor. It is just a matter of us going in focused and knowing that we can’t be stopped." (MN)
About how they were so close to going undefeated last season, Ryan said:
"The games that we lost were all mental, none of it was physical. So everybody is just excited to get it started and try to get to that bigger bowl." (MN)
About their team, Sol Eliminian said:
"With Colt as our quarterback and Davone and Ryan, our whole offense back pretty much, they are going to be unbelievable to watch. The defense, with coach McMackin back, everybody is just anxious and excited to return. A lot of people ask us about the schedule, but we are at the point now where it doesn’t matter anymore. There is nothing we can do to change it and everybody wishes it was different. The teams we have, we just have to execute and beat them. I think everybody on our team thinks we should be undefeated. If you don’t want to be undefeated, why are you playing?" (MN)
About how the Warriors are always criticized, Bess said:
"Coming from Hawaii you are always going to get some type of criticism – ’The schedule is not tough,’ or ’They are in the WAC,’ or ’They are a system team.’ It is always something, but that is what drives us." (MN)
Quotes from the SI article about the WAC
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/cory_mccartney/06/18/wac.rise/index.html
About putting Colt and BSU's Ian Johnson on the WAC Media Cover, WAC Commissioner Karl Benson said:
"We did that with a purpose. That was to remind the media and remind the voters in various preseason polls that not only did Boise State finish the season in the Top 10 and Hawaii finish the season in the Top 25 [in the USA Today Coaches' Poll], but both those teams have the premier, marquee, Heisman-type players coming back." (SI)
About BSU's win in the Fiesta Bowl, Benson said:
"The Boise State win over Oklahoma was the grandest day in WAC history. It was the biggest win in WAC history." (SI)
About playing just 12 games this season, JJ said:
"Nobody wants to play us." (SI)
About Colt's and Ian Johnson's Heisman chances, JJ said:
"I know that it certainly put everybody on notice, last year. But you have to go off, 'What have you done for me now.' I think realistically, Boise State would have go to another 13-0 and Ian would have to have the year he had to even be in the hunt for that trophy, and Colt would have to do the same." (SI)
About their goal to be the best non-BCS conference, Benson said:
"Our goal is to be the highest rated of those five conferences and to separate ourselves from the others. Last year was a great beginning of establishing ourselves as the best of the group of five." (SI)
SI Note: "But the current nine-team lineup has a 32-24-2 bowl record, the highest winning percentage of the 11 Division I-A conferences based on their current membership. This is no overnight success story, even if before last season the casual fan saw Boise State largely as a novelty act that played on a Smurf-blue field and rarely saw Hawaii at all, considering the Warriors often play well after most people are asleep."
About how they are finally starting to get the respect they deserve, JJ said:
"I think the last four or five years we have not been given the credit that was due. You can go back four or five years ago, just after the breakup, and look at the bowl wins versus the BCS teams, we've held our own. Because of Boise State's win over Oklahoma and Colt's presence in the national media, we're finally starting to get credit for what has happened." (SI)
About putting Colt and BSU's Ian Johnson on the WAC Media Cover, WAC Commissioner Karl Benson said:
"We did that with a purpose. That was to remind the media and remind the voters in various preseason polls that not only did Boise State finish the season in the Top 10 and Hawaii finish the season in the Top 25 [in the USA Today Coaches' Poll], but both those teams have the premier, marquee, Heisman-type players coming back." (SI)
About BSU's win in the Fiesta Bowl, Benson said:
"The Boise State win over Oklahoma was the grandest day in WAC history. It was the biggest win in WAC history." (SI)
About playing just 12 games this season, JJ said:
"Nobody wants to play us." (SI)
About Colt's and Ian Johnson's Heisman chances, JJ said:
"I know that it certainly put everybody on notice, last year. But you have to go off, 'What have you done for me now.' I think realistically, Boise State would have go to another 13-0 and Ian would have to have the year he had to even be in the hunt for that trophy, and Colt would have to do the same." (SI)
About their goal to be the best non-BCS conference, Benson said:
"Our goal is to be the highest rated of those five conferences and to separate ourselves from the others. Last year was a great beginning of establishing ourselves as the best of the group of five." (SI)
SI Note: "But the current nine-team lineup has a 32-24-2 bowl record, the highest winning percentage of the 11 Division I-A conferences based on their current membership. This is no overnight success story, even if before last season the casual fan saw Boise State largely as a novelty act that played on a Smurf-blue field and rarely saw Hawaii at all, considering the Warriors often play well after most people are asleep."
About how they are finally starting to get the respect they deserve, JJ said:
"I think the last four or five years we have not been given the credit that was due. You can go back four or five years ago, just after the breakup, and look at the bowl wins versus the BCS teams, we've held our own. Because of Boise State's win over Oklahoma and Colt's presence in the national media, we're finally starting to get credit for what has happened." (SI)
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Quotes about the Na Koa fundraiser
Na Koa VP Ben Yee said that the fundraiser raised about $30k:
"We don't know exactly how much came in yet because it came from so many different avenues. But we had a real nice crowd and I'm pretty sure we made enough for summer school." (HSB)
About illusionist John Hirokawa and the Na Koa event, JJ said:
"It was fun and we raised a lot of money. John Hirokawa did a great job and it's a real positive for everyone." (HSB)
Warrior's Haka web master Allan Cordey said about the website:
"I believe that we are not only building an online community for the Warriors football fan but will be sharing the fundamental principles that Coach Jones practices in recruiting and teaching. These are very powerful lessons that transcend football." (HSB)
Freshman WR 6'2" Jett Jasper talked about participating in the pass-and-catch workouts with Colt and the others:
"I'm taking two classes. The rest of the day I'm here, working out, running around and just focusing on learning plays. It's a great offense. I'm lucky to be here. I'm learning coverages and learning my plays. That's the most important thing for me now." (HSB)
"We don't know exactly how much came in yet because it came from so many different avenues. But we had a real nice crowd and I'm pretty sure we made enough for summer school." (HSB)
About illusionist John Hirokawa and the Na Koa event, JJ said:
"It was fun and we raised a lot of money. John Hirokawa did a great job and it's a real positive for everyone." (HSB)
Warrior's Haka web master Allan Cordey said about the website:
"I believe that we are not only building an online community for the Warriors football fan but will be sharing the fundamental principles that Coach Jones practices in recruiting and teaching. These are very powerful lessons that transcend football." (HSB)
Freshman WR 6'2" Jett Jasper talked about participating in the pass-and-catch workouts with Colt and the others:
"I'm taking two classes. The rest of the day I'm here, working out, running around and just focusing on learning plays. It's a great offense. I'm lucky to be here. I'm learning coverages and learning my plays. That's the most important thing for me now." (HSB)
Saturday, June 16, 2007
Quote from Ikaika about offseason conditioning
http://www.detroitlions.com/document_display.cfm?document_id=457851
About the level of conditioning required at this level, Ikaika said:
“Coach (Marinelli) was saying (that) this is the pro level and (conditioning is) going to be hard. But it’s going to pay off because camp’s going to be hard. So I’m just going to continue to push and work even harder.” (Detroitlons.com)
About the level of conditioning required at this level, Ikaika said:
“Coach (Marinelli) was saying (that) this is the pro level and (conditioning is) going to be hard. But it’s going to pay off because camp’s going to be hard. So I’m just going to continue to push and work even harder.” (Detroitlons.com)
Friday, June 15, 2007
Random Warriors Quotes from Warrior's Haka
From former NFL QB Bobby Hebert:
“If you can be accurate with the football in this offense it will make an average quarterback pretty good, and a good quarterback, like this kid at Hawaii (Colt Brennan), really, really great.” (WH)
From Colt:
“At one point they started playing this in-and-out man technique. We saw that, we know how to beat it really well, and we laughed, because they actually put this in to slow us down. It was fun.” (WH)
“They were playing for pride. They were wounded. It wasn’t a dirty game, just competitive. But we kicked the hell out of them in the second half.” (WH)
From Mouse Davis:
“I decided that all this talk about size and strength was bs,and I was determined to prove it. Who said you can’t win with little kids? Who made that rule? I believe you can take a little kid, and if you can teach him how to turn little plays into big plays, then, well, he’s not that damn little anymore.” (WH)
“If you can be accurate with the football in this offense it will make an average quarterback pretty good, and a good quarterback, like this kid at Hawaii (Colt Brennan), really, really great.” (WH)
From Colt:
“At one point they started playing this in-and-out man technique. We saw that, we know how to beat it really well, and we laughed, because they actually put this in to slow us down. It was fun.” (WH)
“They were playing for pride. They were wounded. It wasn’t a dirty game, just competitive. But we kicked the hell out of them in the second half.” (WH)
From Mouse Davis:
“I decided that all this talk about size and strength was bs,and I was determined to prove it. Who said you can’t win with little kids? Who made that rule? I believe you can take a little kid, and if you can teach him how to turn little plays into big plays, then, well, he’s not that damn little anymore.” (WH)
Quotes from Bobby Beathard
ST pointed us to an awesome new site for Warrior news, including a blog set up for Colt's Dad! This article has many great quotes and I'm happy to be able to archive it. Warrior's Haka (WH) is a must visit site!
http://www.warriorshaka.com/Article.aspx?ID=2
Asked how far back he goes with JJ, former Washington and SD GM Bobby Beathard said:
"I’ve known him since he was a player at Portland State, and a pretty good one. We thought a lot about him even back then. I’ve known Mouse forever, too, and they had a pretty exciting offense. Mouse was doing things never before done in football back then, and it still works today." (WH)
Asked what makes JJ a perfect fit for UH, Beathard said:
"He’s very comfortable to be around, which is how you have to be over there. He knows how to handle people and players. I’ve been on the sidelines with him at Hawaii, and the way he handles the game, he’s so well-prepared, he’s so far ahead of other coaches. He never gets out-coached, but he might get beat by great players who make great plays. If you could get into the mind of June Jones and see how he does it, that’s something a lot of coaches would pay a lot of money to do. What he’s done in Hawaii is absolutely incredible." (WH)
Asked how can JJ work with players that other people can't, BB said:
"Because everything he does makes sense to all the guys. He’s a helluva coach, and they figure that out pretty quick on the field. His players speak of him like he’s the second coming. And he lets his coaches coach and his players play, and they’re all working their tails off, but they’re having fun. Half the time, I don’t thing anybody on the sidelines realizes how hard they’re working, because he’s made the game so much fun for everybody." (WH)
Asked if it is a coincidence that JJ is never without a great QB, BB said:
"June just breathes confidence into his quarterbacks, but this kid Colt, he’s the real deal." (WH)
Asked what kind of mentor Mouse Davis is, BB said:
"One of the best kind. Mouse means everything to June. Personally, I believe Mouse is the reason June became a coach, because Mouse taught him how much fun it could be, especially with the ideas of that offense. Mouse did things with football that nobody has ever done and it still works … " (WH)
Asked what makes Colt so special, BB said:
"(Laughs) Well, he’s got eyes, he’s got mobility, he’s smart, and he’s learned this offense as quickly as anybody. This puts him way ahead of any other quarterback, because he’s running a pro offense right now. The other kids are going to come out of college and not understand how to go through progressions and reads, they have to start all over and learn from scratch. Colt can do all of that right now. Oh, and he’s accurate, and his decision-making is incredible." (WH)
Asked if Colt made a good decision to play for UH, BB said:
"Playing for June Jones is a tremendous advantage, because he will go to the NFL not having to learn how to read a defense. He’s way, way ahead." (WH)
Asked what his foundest memory of JJ is, BB said:
"I’ve had a lot of great times with June. But the saddest one was when he walked in my office and told me he was taking the Hawaii job. I understood, but it was sad." (WH)
Asked what advice he would give Colt if he could give him one piece of advice, BB said:
"I’d tell him don’t change anything you’re doing. Just listen to June, and don’t think about next year. Just listen to June, trust him, and go out there and have fun." (WH)
http://www.warriorshaka.com/Article.aspx?ID=2
Asked how far back he goes with JJ, former Washington and SD GM Bobby Beathard said:
"I’ve known him since he was a player at Portland State, and a pretty good one. We thought a lot about him even back then. I’ve known Mouse forever, too, and they had a pretty exciting offense. Mouse was doing things never before done in football back then, and it still works today." (WH)
Asked what makes JJ a perfect fit for UH, Beathard said:
"He’s very comfortable to be around, which is how you have to be over there. He knows how to handle people and players. I’ve been on the sidelines with him at Hawaii, and the way he handles the game, he’s so well-prepared, he’s so far ahead of other coaches. He never gets out-coached, but he might get beat by great players who make great plays. If you could get into the mind of June Jones and see how he does it, that’s something a lot of coaches would pay a lot of money to do. What he’s done in Hawaii is absolutely incredible." (WH)
Asked how can JJ work with players that other people can't, BB said:
"Because everything he does makes sense to all the guys. He’s a helluva coach, and they figure that out pretty quick on the field. His players speak of him like he’s the second coming. And he lets his coaches coach and his players play, and they’re all working their tails off, but they’re having fun. Half the time, I don’t thing anybody on the sidelines realizes how hard they’re working, because he’s made the game so much fun for everybody." (WH)
Asked if it is a coincidence that JJ is never without a great QB, BB said:
"June just breathes confidence into his quarterbacks, but this kid Colt, he’s the real deal." (WH)
Asked what kind of mentor Mouse Davis is, BB said:
"One of the best kind. Mouse means everything to June. Personally, I believe Mouse is the reason June became a coach, because Mouse taught him how much fun it could be, especially with the ideas of that offense. Mouse did things with football that nobody has ever done and it still works … " (WH)
Asked what makes Colt so special, BB said:
"(Laughs) Well, he’s got eyes, he’s got mobility, he’s smart, and he’s learned this offense as quickly as anybody. This puts him way ahead of any other quarterback, because he’s running a pro offense right now. The other kids are going to come out of college and not understand how to go through progressions and reads, they have to start all over and learn from scratch. Colt can do all of that right now. Oh, and he’s accurate, and his decision-making is incredible." (WH)
Asked if Colt made a good decision to play for UH, BB said:
"Playing for June Jones is a tremendous advantage, because he will go to the NFL not having to learn how to read a defense. He’s way, way ahead." (WH)
Asked what his foundest memory of JJ is, BB said:
"I’ve had a lot of great times with June. But the saddest one was when he walked in my office and told me he was taking the Hawaii job. I understood, but it was sad." (WH)
Asked what advice he would give Colt if he could give him one piece of advice, BB said:
"I’d tell him don’t change anything you’re doing. Just listen to June, and don’t think about next year. Just listen to June, trust him, and go out there and have fun." (WH)
Quotes from Rep. Takai about UH Athletics
About how he reviewed the video of the hearing, Rep. Takai said:
"I went back and went through all the 4 hours and 10 minutes, whatever it was and wrote down every single question that was left unanswered." (HSB)
Asked if he watched the hearing on TV, Takai clarified:
"DVD. You can buy a copy for $25." (HSB)
Takai said that a number of his original questions were:
"still unresolved." (HSB)
Takai mentioned that there were:
"red flags." (HSB)
About wanting answers to his questions, Takai said:
"We've asked them (UH) to come back and help us understand it a little bit." (HSB)
About adding the extra seats to the Stan Sheriff Center, Takai said:
"Looking back, it was the best thing we could have done and we did it. That was done by the Legislature." (HSB)
HSB Note: "And he still seems stymied by the chain-of-command issues he encountered at the hearing when asking why athletic-department concerns weren't getting more play. Many of UH's past sports facilities came to fruition "mainly as legislative add-ons, pork products," the result of work by people in positions like the one he holds today."
Asked about UH autonomy, Takai said:
"I champion that." (HSB)
"I went back and went through all the 4 hours and 10 minutes, whatever it was and wrote down every single question that was left unanswered." (HSB)
Asked if he watched the hearing on TV, Takai clarified:
"DVD. You can buy a copy for $25." (HSB)
Takai said that a number of his original questions were:
"still unresolved." (HSB)
Takai mentioned that there were:
"red flags." (HSB)
About wanting answers to his questions, Takai said:
"We've asked them (UH) to come back and help us understand it a little bit." (HSB)
About adding the extra seats to the Stan Sheriff Center, Takai said:
"Looking back, it was the best thing we could have done and we did it. That was done by the Legislature." (HSB)
HSB Note: "And he still seems stymied by the chain-of-command issues he encountered at the hearing when asking why athletic-department concerns weren't getting more play. Many of UH's past sports facilities came to fruition "mainly as legislative add-ons, pork products," the result of work by people in positions like the one he holds today."
Asked about UH autonomy, Takai said:
"I champion that." (HSB)
Randon Warrior Quotes
About how he still attends the pass-and-catch workouts with the other UH players, Jason Ferguson said:
"Hey you're still going to see a lot of me. I'm still going to be around." (HSB)
About how he is preparing for a future in coaching, Ferguson said:
"One door closes, two open. I'm making the best of what happened." (HSB)
Star running back Keola Antolin gave Arizona an oral commitment last month but took an unofficial visit to UH and said:
"Hawaii is looking pretty good right now." (HSB)
About how he and his teammate Michael Aromin caught passes from Colt as yesterday's workout, Antolin said:
"That was pretty cool, running routes for a Heisman Trophy candidate." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Iowa, Oregon State and UNLV also offered scholarships to Antolin, who was born in Hawaii and moved with his family to Las Vegas when he was 7."
About how he always planned to play at UH, junior transfer Jake Santos said:
"Our offense was similar, we threw the ball 40 times a game back in high school. This is where I wanted to go coming out of high school. This is the only school I stayed in contact with. I called them up and they said come on out." (HSB)
"Hey you're still going to see a lot of me. I'm still going to be around." (HSB)
About how he is preparing for a future in coaching, Ferguson said:
"One door closes, two open. I'm making the best of what happened." (HSB)
Star running back Keola Antolin gave Arizona an oral commitment last month but took an unofficial visit to UH and said:
"Hawaii is looking pretty good right now." (HSB)
About how he and his teammate Michael Aromin caught passes from Colt as yesterday's workout, Antolin said:
"That was pretty cool, running routes for a Heisman Trophy candidate." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Iowa, Oregon State and UNLV also offered scholarships to Antolin, who was born in Hawaii and moved with his family to Las Vegas when he was 7."
About how he always planned to play at UH, junior transfer Jake Santos said:
"Our offense was similar, we threw the ball 40 times a game back in high school. This is where I wanted to go coming out of high school. This is the only school I stayed in contact with. I called them up and they said come on out." (HSB)
Quotes about Tim Chang's CFL preseason debut game
http://www.thespec.com/Sports/article/208304
Praising Chang's performance, Hamilton head coach Charlie Taaffe said:
"I think he made a couple of clutch throws, stuck the ball in there, read the coverage well and distributed the ball. He is such a gunslinger, obviously used to playing four downs in the States. I thought he made a lot of strides and played very well." (TheSpec.com)
About his 10-17, 2TD passing performance, Chang said:
"It went all right. It's the first pre-season game, it really doesn't mean much." (TheSpec.com)
Praising Chang's performance, Hamilton GM Marcel Desjardins said:
"He did a lot of good things and he was the guy who when he stepped on the field made things happen." (TheSpec.com)
Note: Chang's big competition is Shaun King, who was 4-11 for 129 yards and an INT (returned for a TD). Richie Williams was the QB for the final 9 minutes and also struggled.
Praising Chang's performance, Hamilton head coach Charlie Taaffe said:
"I think he made a couple of clutch throws, stuck the ball in there, read the coverage well and distributed the ball. He is such a gunslinger, obviously used to playing four downs in the States. I thought he made a lot of strides and played very well." (TheSpec.com)
About his 10-17, 2TD passing performance, Chang said:
"It went all right. It's the first pre-season game, it really doesn't mean much." (TheSpec.com)
Praising Chang's performance, Hamilton GM Marcel Desjardins said:
"He did a lot of good things and he was the guy who when he stepped on the field made things happen." (TheSpec.com)
Note: Chang's big competition is Shaun King, who was 4-11 for 129 yards and an INT (returned for a TD). Richie Williams was the QB for the final 9 minutes and also struggled.
Quotes about Bo Montgomery transferring to UH
About transferring to UH, 2005 Kealakehe High School grad Bo Montgomery said:
"I've always wanted to play for UH." (HA)
"Ever since high school, this is where I wanted to be. I feel I have more to offer now that I've got a solid foundation of collegiate football. It should be a lot of fun." (HA)
HA Note: "After his senior season at Kealakehe, Montgomery was invited to join the Warriors as a non-scholarship player. He turned down that opportunity, opting to accept a scholarship from Division I-AA Weber State."
About how Montgomery has been training under him, former Kealakehe head coach Sam Papali'i said:
"He's in great shape, stronger than he's ever been," Papali'i. "He's really focused. He's training like a mad man." (HA)
"He's driven. He wants to be a contributor. He's working his tail off." (HA)
"I've always wanted to play for UH." (HA)
"Ever since high school, this is where I wanted to be. I feel I have more to offer now that I've got a solid foundation of collegiate football. It should be a lot of fun." (HA)
HA Note: "After his senior season at Kealakehe, Montgomery was invited to join the Warriors as a non-scholarship player. He turned down that opportunity, opting to accept a scholarship from Division I-AA Weber State."
About how Montgomery has been training under him, former Kealakehe head coach Sam Papali'i said:
"He's in great shape, stronger than he's ever been," Papali'i. "He's really focused. He's training like a mad man." (HA)
"He's driven. He wants to be a contributor. He's working his tail off." (HA)
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Quotes about Derek Uperesa joining the Warriors
About getting a release from his St. Francis scholarship and joining the Warriors, Derek Uperesa said:
"There were a lot of reasons, but more than half of my decision was based on football. I wanted a change." (HA)
While training at UH over Winter Break, Derek said he decided to transfer:
"I knew it was time to make a move." (HA)
HA Note: "In accordance with NCAA transfer rules, Uperesa must redshirt this season. But he will be allowed to practice with the team and attend classes. He will be a senior during the 2008 season."
Happy that his cousin Derek is joining the Warriors, Dane Uperesa said:
"I'm glad he's going to be a Warrior. He's a good player. I know he's taller than me. He's big, but he carries his weight well. It's definitely exciting to have another cousin play for Hawai'i." (HA)
Derek said that he joined St. Francis because:
"I wanted to go to a different environment." (HA)
"There were a lot of reasons, but more than half of my decision was based on football. I wanted a change." (HA)
While training at UH over Winter Break, Derek said he decided to transfer:
"I knew it was time to make a move." (HA)
HA Note: "In accordance with NCAA transfer rules, Uperesa must redshirt this season. But he will be allowed to practice with the team and attend classes. He will be a senior during the 2008 season."
Happy that his cousin Derek is joining the Warriors, Dane Uperesa said:
"I'm glad he's going to be a Warrior. He's a good player. I know he's taller than me. He's big, but he carries his weight well. It's definitely exciting to have another cousin play for Hawai'i." (HA)
Derek said that he joined St. Francis because:
"I wanted to go to a different environment." (HA)
Quotes from Viliami Nauahi
About finally practicing with the Warriors, Viliami Nauahi said:
"I've just been trying to go to school and get my AA and get back into the action. Coach Rich (Miano) and the counselors here have been helping a lot. I'm at KCC right now. I'll have my AA at the end of this summer session." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Safety Viliami Nauahi, the Star-Bulletin's No. 3 Hawaii high school prospect in the class of 2003, said he expects to be on the roster for UH's fall camp in August. The former Kahuku star participated in an informal offseason workout at Manoa yesterday."
About why he never enrolled at UH after they won the intense recruiting battle with BYU, Nauahi said:
"It was eligibility." (HSB)
About going to Fresno City College in Spring 2006, Nauahi said:
"I wanted to see how it would go there and try junior college (football) because I'd been out of football a while now. If I stayed there I'd have to stay for two years and I wanted to get my AA and start playing (at UH) quick." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Nauahi said an academic advisor told him he will have three years to play three seasons of football at UH, starting this fall."
About how he added 15 pounds to his 6'2" 205-pound high school weight, Nauahi said:
"I'm trying to get in shape, probably cut down a little bit." (HSB)
JJ was expecting big things from Nauahi, saying the following at his 2003 letter of intent day news conference:
"He's a big-time safety who has everything you look for at that position." (HSB)
Happy to finally be close to playing football again, Nauahi said:
"I miss the field, I miss football. Finally it's coming down to getting back and I'm excited about getting back into the game." (HSB)
"I've just been trying to go to school and get my AA and get back into the action. Coach Rich (Miano) and the counselors here have been helping a lot. I'm at KCC right now. I'll have my AA at the end of this summer session." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Safety Viliami Nauahi, the Star-Bulletin's No. 3 Hawaii high school prospect in the class of 2003, said he expects to be on the roster for UH's fall camp in August. The former Kahuku star participated in an informal offseason workout at Manoa yesterday."
About why he never enrolled at UH after they won the intense recruiting battle with BYU, Nauahi said:
"It was eligibility." (HSB)
About going to Fresno City College in Spring 2006, Nauahi said:
"I wanted to see how it would go there and try junior college (football) because I'd been out of football a while now. If I stayed there I'd have to stay for two years and I wanted to get my AA and start playing (at UH) quick." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Nauahi said an academic advisor told him he will have three years to play three seasons of football at UH, starting this fall."
About how he added 15 pounds to his 6'2" 205-pound high school weight, Nauahi said:
"I'm trying to get in shape, probably cut down a little bit." (HSB)
JJ was expecting big things from Nauahi, saying the following at his 2003 letter of intent day news conference:
"He's a big-time safety who has everything you look for at that position." (HSB)
Happy to finally be close to playing football again, Nauahi said:
"I miss the field, I miss football. Finally it's coming down to getting back and I'm excited about getting back into the game." (HSB)
Quotes about the Athletic Budget
HF said that while UH surpassed financial projections in football:
"We didn't take in as much money as we anticipated in other sports." (HA)
HF said that men's baskeball revenue was:
"not good." (HA)
HF said that women's volleyball was:
"probably the same." (HA)
HF added:
"baseball was about the same, but you wish there were some larger numbers there." (HA)
Because they anticipated other sports might not reach their revenue projections, HF said that football projections:
"were lowballed" (HA)
HF said that final numbers takes awhile because:
"65 percent of our revenue ... (doesn't) come in until this last quarter." (HA)
HF said that UH's share of Boise State's BCS revenue would exceed:
"a half million." (HA)
Unsure if the $250k cancellation penalty would be applied to the current or next fiscal years, HF said:
"We are always trying to get our budget to be zero. That's our goal again, to finish zero or a dollar to the good." (HA)
Note: The BCS money from BSU more than doubles the cancellation penalty and will be applied to the current fiscal year, so it would appear that the next fiscal year would need the $250k more. Also, UH is paying out premiums for their UNC, CSU, and Washington games during the next fiscal year, so football profit will probably go down unless UH gets into a BCS game.
About how they are on schedule to pass the 20,000 mark for season ticket sales, HF said:
"We're shooting for higher numbers than we had the last couple of years." (HA)
About the 815 people who put down $50 deposits for 2900 season tickets, HF said:
"We'll continue to push those folks to close those particular deals that are still open." (HA)
HA Note: "UH sold 18,125 season tickets last season, the fewest in nearly 25 years. This year, between season-ticket renewals (17,000) and those requested by depositors (2,900), officials said they could have 19,900 before sales are opened up to new customers, faculty and staff."
About season ticket sales, HF said:
"I think that indications are we're in pretty good shape." (HA)
"We didn't take in as much money as we anticipated in other sports." (HA)
HF said that men's baskeball revenue was:
"not good." (HA)
HF said that women's volleyball was:
"probably the same." (HA)
HF added:
"baseball was about the same, but you wish there were some larger numbers there." (HA)
Because they anticipated other sports might not reach their revenue projections, HF said that football projections:
"were lowballed" (HA)
HF said that final numbers takes awhile because:
"65 percent of our revenue ... (doesn't) come in until this last quarter." (HA)
HF said that UH's share of Boise State's BCS revenue would exceed:
"a half million." (HA)
Unsure if the $250k cancellation penalty would be applied to the current or next fiscal years, HF said:
"We are always trying to get our budget to be zero. That's our goal again, to finish zero or a dollar to the good." (HA)
Note: The BCS money from BSU more than doubles the cancellation penalty and will be applied to the current fiscal year, so it would appear that the next fiscal year would need the $250k more. Also, UH is paying out premiums for their UNC, CSU, and Washington games during the next fiscal year, so football profit will probably go down unless UH gets into a BCS game.
About how they are on schedule to pass the 20,000 mark for season ticket sales, HF said:
"We're shooting for higher numbers than we had the last couple of years." (HA)
About the 815 people who put down $50 deposits for 2900 season tickets, HF said:
"We'll continue to push those folks to close those particular deals that are still open." (HA)
HA Note: "UH sold 18,125 season tickets last season, the fewest in nearly 25 years. This year, between season-ticket renewals (17,000) and those requested by depositors (2,900), officials said they could have 19,900 before sales are opened up to new customers, faculty and staff."
About season ticket sales, HF said:
"I think that indications are we're in pretty good shape." (HA)
Quotes relating to Michigan State pulling out of its 2007 UH game
About cancellation clauses, HF said:
"When you are dealing with real schools and, again, dealing with the Pac-10, (cancellation clauses) are not going to be an issue." (HA)
About Michigan State pulling out of the 2007 game, HF said:
"You can't be upset because you lose a football game and then decide that you want to take your crayons and go home." (HA)
Michigan State's excuse for pulling out of the game was, according to spokesman Lewandowski:
"When we signed the contract there was no way to know about new NCAA legislation approving a 12th game. And, we don't feel like it is in the institution's best interests to play 13 games with the time element that our student-athletes already have." (HA)
Upset with then-MSU coach Smith's comments about the 2004 officiating, HF said:
"I would say the comments made by the previous coach at Michigan State also created issues with Purdue, the issues with some other schools even to the point of the officiating and some other things. So, the fact is, we decided to hold their feet to the fire on the cancellation of (the) game ... that's just the way it is." (HA)
"When you are dealing with real schools and, again, dealing with the Pac-10, (cancellation clauses) are not going to be an issue." (HA)
About Michigan State pulling out of the 2007 game, HF said:
"You can't be upset because you lose a football game and then decide that you want to take your crayons and go home." (HA)
Michigan State's excuse for pulling out of the game was, according to spokesman Lewandowski:
"When we signed the contract there was no way to know about new NCAA legislation approving a 12th game. And, we don't feel like it is in the institution's best interests to play 13 games with the time element that our student-athletes already have." (HA)
Upset with then-MSU coach Smith's comments about the 2004 officiating, HF said:
"I would say the comments made by the previous coach at Michigan State also created issues with Purdue, the issues with some other schools even to the point of the officiating and some other things. So, the fact is, we decided to hold their feet to the fire on the cancellation of (the) game ... that's just the way it is." (HA)
Quotes about the 2008 schedule
HF said that the lone opening for 2008 has been filled:
"I'm waiting for the contract before I announce it." (HA)
HA Note: "It is expected to be a Division I-AA opponent and could be placed between the Aug. 30, 2008, opener at Florida and the Sept. 13 game at Oregon State."
The weird thing is that HSB seemed to get another response from HF about the final 2008 puka:
"I can't tell you who it is, but it is from a BCS conference." (HSB)
About how he will schedule a 1AA team each year, HF said:
"I'm going to play a I-AA every year. Take that for granted." (HA)
About playing 2 1AA teams this season, HF said:
"that's not our intent" to play more than one I-AA team during a season in future years." (HA)
Note: In fact, WAC policy is that none of their teams play more than a single 1AA team each season. HF and Konan were in charge of committees to enforce that policy, but I don't think they did much to punish UH...
About how they won't lose any pay-per-view revenue by not having a 13th game, HF said:
"Our pay-per-view wouldn't have been affected because the (13th) game would have been taken by ESPN. It doesn't affect us at all." (HSB)
Note: So, according to this spin it doesn't affect UH that they don't have another nationally televised game (recruiting?), we shouldn't think about the money from increased season ticket sales if a top-tier opponent was on the schedule, we shouldn't think that it hurts UH's BCS chances...we should just be happy that it won't affect us at all for pay-per-view.
It looks like UH's need for 2007 opponents has enabled Washington to cash in just like UNC and CSU did, as the HA Notes:
"The contract for UH's regular-season finale against Washington Dec. 1, 2007, at Aloha Stadium has been concluded. It calls for UH to play a Sept. 10, 2011, return game at Seattle, UH said. The Huskies will receive a $350,000 guarantee for the game, one of the largest cash payments made by UH to an opponent. UH has traditionally offered opponents the choice of cash or a package that includes airfare, lodging, cash and tickets. The Huskies chose cash, and the contract calls for them to receive $50,000 more than cross-state rival Washington State will receive for its Nov. 29, 2008, appearance at Aloha Stadium. Wisconsin is contracted to receive $265,000 for its 2009 appearance."
Two HSB Notes that were good news from HF:
"The department is still working on a parking plan that would ease traffic concerns at Aloha Stadium. Some of the parking lots -- including lower Halawa -- will open earlier at 3:30 p.m. There is still discussion about suspending the swap meet on game days.
The home-and-away series with Colorado in football is nearly finalized. There are four games scheduled, two in Honolulu and two in Boulder, likely for 2009-10 and 2012-13."
"I'm waiting for the contract before I announce it." (HA)
HA Note: "It is expected to be a Division I-AA opponent and could be placed between the Aug. 30, 2008, opener at Florida and the Sept. 13 game at Oregon State."
The weird thing is that HSB seemed to get another response from HF about the final 2008 puka:
"I can't tell you who it is, but it is from a BCS conference." (HSB)
About how he will schedule a 1AA team each year, HF said:
"I'm going to play a I-AA every year. Take that for granted." (HA)
About playing 2 1AA teams this season, HF said:
"that's not our intent" to play more than one I-AA team during a season in future years." (HA)
Note: In fact, WAC policy is that none of their teams play more than a single 1AA team each season. HF and Konan were in charge of committees to enforce that policy, but I don't think they did much to punish UH...
About how they won't lose any pay-per-view revenue by not having a 13th game, HF said:
"Our pay-per-view wouldn't have been affected because the (13th) game would have been taken by ESPN. It doesn't affect us at all." (HSB)
Note: So, according to this spin it doesn't affect UH that they don't have another nationally televised game (recruiting?), we shouldn't think about the money from increased season ticket sales if a top-tier opponent was on the schedule, we shouldn't think that it hurts UH's BCS chances...we should just be happy that it won't affect us at all for pay-per-view.
It looks like UH's need for 2007 opponents has enabled Washington to cash in just like UNC and CSU did, as the HA Notes:
"The contract for UH's regular-season finale against Washington Dec. 1, 2007, at Aloha Stadium has been concluded. It calls for UH to play a Sept. 10, 2011, return game at Seattle, UH said. The Huskies will receive a $350,000 guarantee for the game, one of the largest cash payments made by UH to an opponent. UH has traditionally offered opponents the choice of cash or a package that includes airfare, lodging, cash and tickets. The Huskies chose cash, and the contract calls for them to receive $50,000 more than cross-state rival Washington State will receive for its Nov. 29, 2008, appearance at Aloha Stadium. Wisconsin is contracted to receive $265,000 for its 2009 appearance."
Two HSB Notes that were good news from HF:
"The department is still working on a parking plan that would ease traffic concerns at Aloha Stadium. Some of the parking lots -- including lower Halawa -- will open earlier at 3:30 p.m. There is still discussion about suspending the swap meet on game days.
The home-and-away series with Colorado in football is nearly finalized. There are four games scheduled, two in Honolulu and two in Boulder, likely for 2009-10 and 2012-13."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
