About how redshirts and developing players like Shane Austin (scout team player of the year for UH) got extra practice reps with the first units in practice the past two days, Rolo said:
"We wanted to give everyone reps, and see how far they've come. Shane is doing a nice job with our offense. He gets it. He makes good decisions, and he throws a great ball. He's got a chance to play." (HA)
About being able to run UH's offense instead of portraying their opponent, Austin said:
"Coach (Greg McMackin) is giving some of us an opportunity with reps, and I'm using it as a chance to get better. It's fun to be able to run our offense. I remember all of the reads." (HA)
HA Note: "With Inoke Funaki expected to move to running back or slotback, Austin is projected to be the No. 3 quarterback entering spring practice."
About how Austin has worked hard to improve and boosted their scout team, Rolo said:
"As a walk-on, he's really worked hard and paid his dues. He pays attention even when he's not getting reps. That's why he's so good on the scout team." (HA)
About how the coaches hold up a diagram of a play and the scout team runs it, Austin said:
"All you have to do is look at the cards. It's like playing Madden, really. You look at the plays, and you go off what the cards say." (HA)
About how he studies videotapes of the QBs he will represent, Austin said:
"I try to imitate all of the little things. If a quarterback claps his hands before the snap, I try to imitate that. Even if it comes down to a dropback, I try to make it as realistic as possible for the defense." (HA)
About how Austin learns from facing their first-team D, Rolo said:
"That's a quarter of a game every time you go down there and play against those guys. You start to get the pocket feel. You start to learn how to play against really good defensive players." (HA)
About how he benefited from training in Hawaii this past summer, participating in their conditioning program and unsupervised passing drills, Austin said:
"You get a lot of 7-on-7 work. You get to see what different guys can do. You get the timing down with the receivers. You know which guys break where, and where to throw. I look forward to doing that this offseason, too." (HA)
About how he'll focus on leg-strengthening workouts before spring practice in April, Austin said:
"I'm trying to get faster. Inoke kind of inspired me to work on my speed. I'm working on my footwork so I can have better scrambling ability." (HA)
Shane Austin said that his father (Dave Austin, a sports psychologist for several MLB pitchers) taughthim techniques involving:
"goal-setting and visualization. Those are the keys. If you see it in your head what you're trying to do, and you see it over and over, then you can do it. It becomes second nature. It definitely helped me." (HA)
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Three JC players (Leonard, Hopkins, Hafoka) commit to the Warriors
Not bothered about how it rained almost the entire time during his recruiting visit to UH, Brett Leonard said:
"Your bad weather is almost as good as the nice weather here." (HSB)
About how his friendly practice rivalry with Nararro CB Hopkins will continue since both committed to UH, WR Rodney Bradley said:
"We like to go against each other in 1-on-1s and 7-on-7s. We bring out the best in each other during the week and it carries over to the game." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Hafoka (6-2, 310) will also have a connection to the Warriors. He played with Roberts, defensive lineman Francis Maka and offensive lineman Ray Hisatake, who served as his host over the weekend, in junior college."
"Your bad weather is almost as good as the nice weather here." (HSB)
About how his friendly practice rivalry with Nararro CB Hopkins will continue since both committed to UH, WR Rodney Bradley said:
"We like to go against each other in 1-on-1s and 7-on-7s. We bring out the best in each other during the week and it carries over to the game." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Hafoka (6-2, 310) will also have a connection to the Warriors. He played with Roberts, defensive lineman Francis Maka and offensive lineman Ray Hisatake, who served as his host over the weekend, in junior college."
Feature story on Calvin Roberts
HA Note: "A Cowboy scout contacted the coaches at the College of San Mateo, where Roberts played before transferring to UH, seeking extensive information. The scout told the San Mateo coaches that, at the least, Roberts would be a player the Cowboys would be interested in bringing in for a private workout before the draft."
About how it is a good thing that a CB like Calvin Roberts has not been noticed much this season, DB coach Rich Miano said:
"It's either going to be you do your job and nobody notices you, or you don't do your job and you're on ESPN. It's one of those deals where he's been like George Ariyoshi, quiet but effective." (HSB)
About how he takes pride in his consistency, Roberts said:
"Just staying consistent is really what the game is about. I pride myself on that, showing up every day for work. All year long that was my mind-set, lock the receiver down and if they throw my way, try to make a play on the ball." (HSB)
Praising Roberts, Ryan Mouton said:
"He may not make one of the biggest plays, but he consistently plays very well. That's all you can ask for, especially as a cornerback. If a team knows that you're a technician and they know you're disciplined, they're going to stay away from you." (HSB)
About how he enjoys being 1-on-1 with a WR, Roberts said:
"I've been playing football since I was 7 and it's always been competitive. Every day is a challenge. I take it personal, that that's my job on the field and I have to go get it." (HSB)
About how he works against Roberts in practice, Greg Salas said:
"He knows his assignments and likes to disguise his coverages and play with you a little bit. It's hard to get a read on him. He's physical, he's quick, and he does his job." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Roberts' fellow DBs do give him some ribbing over some of the noise he generates on the field ("He makes these grunting noises," Mouton said.) But he isn't the type to mouth off at opponents during a game. But Miano notes Roberts has "that swagger" so often evident in cornerbacks, who play a position where confidence is a key."
About how Roberts doesn't talk much during games, Mouton said:
"Nah, he doesn't talk trash. I'll do some trash-talking for the rest of us." (HSB)
About being away from his family in the Bay Area, including his 3-year-old daughter Layla, Roberts said:
"It's been hard. But I just have to stay focused and keep ballin' out and going to school." (HSB)
About how it is a good thing that a CB like Calvin Roberts has not been noticed much this season, DB coach Rich Miano said:
"It's either going to be you do your job and nobody notices you, or you don't do your job and you're on ESPN. It's one of those deals where he's been like George Ariyoshi, quiet but effective." (HSB)
About how he takes pride in his consistency, Roberts said:
"Just staying consistent is really what the game is about. I pride myself on that, showing up every day for work. All year long that was my mind-set, lock the receiver down and if they throw my way, try to make a play on the ball." (HSB)
Praising Roberts, Ryan Mouton said:
"He may not make one of the biggest plays, but he consistently plays very well. That's all you can ask for, especially as a cornerback. If a team knows that you're a technician and they know you're disciplined, they're going to stay away from you." (HSB)
About how he enjoys being 1-on-1 with a WR, Roberts said:
"I've been playing football since I was 7 and it's always been competitive. Every day is a challenge. I take it personal, that that's my job on the field and I have to go get it." (HSB)
About how he works against Roberts in practice, Greg Salas said:
"He knows his assignments and likes to disguise his coverages and play with you a little bit. It's hard to get a read on him. He's physical, he's quick, and he does his job." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Roberts' fellow DBs do give him some ribbing over some of the noise he generates on the field ("He makes these grunting noises," Mouton said.) But he isn't the type to mouth off at opponents during a game. But Miano notes Roberts has "that swagger" so often evident in cornerbacks, who play a position where confidence is a key."
About how Roberts doesn't talk much during games, Mouton said:
"Nah, he doesn't talk trash. I'll do some trash-talking for the rest of us." (HSB)
About being away from his family in the Bay Area, including his 3-year-old daughter Layla, Roberts said:
"It's been hard. But I just have to stay focused and keep ballin' out and going to school." (HSB)
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Feature story on the Warriors resuming practice
About how the team is motivated by the Cincinnati loss, Mac said:
"I think they're inspired a little bit because we sort of let Cincinnati off the hook, and we get another chance to play a quality team." (HSB)
Alexander said that after the week off he felt:
"a little rusty." (HSB)
Alexander added that:
"it actually felt good to get back out there at practice." (HSB)
Looking forward to playing after sitting out the last 2 games due to injury, Kealoha Pilares said:
"I think I've watched enough already. I just want to get into things." (HSB)
About how he'll take it easy in practice for the first few days, Pilares said:
"The doctors and trainers just said to take it slow. Hopefully, by Wednesday or Thursday I'll be going full speed. I don't want to aggravate it more." (HSB)
About the loss to Cincinnati, Adam Leonard said:
"We let one slip away. Anyone who watched that game could tell we had it won, but that's why you play four quarters. They took full advantage of the time they had. That's our challenge this game. We have to put four quarters together." (HSB)
About how they can gain confidence from their Cincinnati game, Alexander said:
"We can have some confidence that we had some success against a great team, but at the same time we know we should have finished it off." (HSB)
About how their Monday practice focused on fundamentals, including a "sudden change" conditioning drill that hasn't been used much during the season, Mac said:
"The most important thing is get back to the basics. We have to get back to getting our pads down, we have to get back to the fundamentals of tackling, blocking, securing the football." (HSB
About how the week off benefited his body, Adam Leonard said:
"I had time to sit back and let my body heal up and I feel a lot different today than I felt all season. I feel refreshed and I feel like it's a whole new season." (HSB)
About how their players will miss practice this week due to final exams, Adam Leonard said:
"It's just part of life as a college athlete." (HSB)
About how the first few practices this week will allow their lesser-used players to get more practice reps, Mac said:
"That's one of the advantages of the bowl, you get to look at the young guys and the redshirts." (HSB)
"I think they're inspired a little bit because we sort of let Cincinnati off the hook, and we get another chance to play a quality team." (HSB)
Alexander said that after the week off he felt:
"a little rusty." (HSB)
Alexander added that:
"it actually felt good to get back out there at practice." (HSB)
Looking forward to playing after sitting out the last 2 games due to injury, Kealoha Pilares said:
"I think I've watched enough already. I just want to get into things." (HSB)
About how he'll take it easy in practice for the first few days, Pilares said:
"The doctors and trainers just said to take it slow. Hopefully, by Wednesday or Thursday I'll be going full speed. I don't want to aggravate it more." (HSB)
About the loss to Cincinnati, Adam Leonard said:
"We let one slip away. Anyone who watched that game could tell we had it won, but that's why you play four quarters. They took full advantage of the time they had. That's our challenge this game. We have to put four quarters together." (HSB)
About how they can gain confidence from their Cincinnati game, Alexander said:
"We can have some confidence that we had some success against a great team, but at the same time we know we should have finished it off." (HSB)
About how their Monday practice focused on fundamentals, including a "sudden change" conditioning drill that hasn't been used much during the season, Mac said:
"The most important thing is get back to the basics. We have to get back to getting our pads down, we have to get back to the fundamentals of tackling, blocking, securing the football." (HSB
About how the week off benefited his body, Adam Leonard said:
"I had time to sit back and let my body heal up and I feel a lot different today than I felt all season. I feel refreshed and I feel like it's a whole new season." (HSB)
About how their players will miss practice this week due to final exams, Adam Leonard said:
"It's just part of life as a college athlete." (HSB)
About how the first few practices this week will allow their lesser-used players to get more practice reps, Mac said:
"That's one of the advantages of the bowl, you get to look at the young guys and the redshirts." (HSB)
Feature on Inoke Funaki
About how he might be moved to RB or slotback in the spring, Inoke said:
"Maybe (the coaches) feel with my athleticism, they could use me elsewhere,. Maybe they don't want me sitting on the side. ... I expressed it to coach (Greg McMackin): 'If you want me to move, that's fine. If you want me to stay and battle it out and try to get better and push the competition, I'll do that, too.' I want to contribute to the team." (HA)
About how Alexander is doing a great job in their offense, Inoke said:
"He's really running the offense. When I came on (at quarterback), they tweaked things, adjusted things for me because of certain things that weren't my strengths and certain things that were my strengths. He's been a better fit for the offense. He's really come a long way." (HA)
HA Note: "But McMackin has said Funaki is a "playmaker" who needs to be on the field. Funaki averages more than one broken tackle per non-sack scramble this season."
About changing positions, Inoke said:
"I'd have to get used to it. It's a different kind of running between being a running back and a scrambling quarterback. Maybe I could be a scrambling receiver? Honestly, I'm open to suggestions. If the coaches feel I can be of use, even if it's moving to this position to do some kind of a block or something, I'm not complaining." (HA)
About how he suggested switching away from QB when he returned from his 2-year church mission, Inoke said to Dan Morrison:
"If you want me to move to another position, really, I don't mind. It's your decision." (HA)
About how Jerry Glanville suggested he switch to strong safety in 2006, Inoke said:
"I can't tackle. The last person I probably tackled was my brother, when we were little kids playing in the living room. I've never played defense before. I can hit the books — sometimes." (HA)
About earning his psychology degree after 8 semesters at UH, Inoke said:
"Just taking care of business, man." (HA)
About how he wants to be a professor at BYU-Hawaii like his Dad, Inoke said:
"My dream is to teach at BYU-Hawai'i. I loved being in La'ie. I always saw myself living there. I'd see my dad walk to school, come home, do his thing, never really having to leave that bubble. I like that idea. If I worked at BYU-Hawai'i, it's close to home." (HA)
Appreciating that the coaches are letting him pursue a graduate degree next year, Inoke said:
"They're helping me out with school." (HA)
Inoke said that playing football is:
"my way of giving back." (HA)
About how the water level in his family's house was a few inches high during Thursday's storm, Inoke said:
"It was getting close to where the socket level was." (HA)
Inoke said that family members raised:
"everything when the water level was getting high. They lifted things up so there wouldn't be too much damage." (HA)
About how it was fortunate that there was a cement base underneath the carpet, Inoke said:
"We're not that rich to be having nice wood floors." (HA)
After the flooding Inoke went around the neighborhood and said that it:
looked like everyone was having a garage sale. Everybody brought their stuff to the side of the road to throw away or air out." (HA)
About how his family members rested on Tongan mats while things were drying, Inoke said:
"My dad was sleeping on the ground. They looked like refugees." (HA)
UH DL Tuika Tufaga also lives in La'ie and said that the:
"whole community came out and helped each other. We put sandbags by everybody's doors. We pulled out furniture. After that, the bodyboards came out, and the football came out. Everybody was playing tackle football in the rain. Instead of cars, you saw people in kayaks. It turned into something positive." (HA)
"Maybe (the coaches) feel with my athleticism, they could use me elsewhere,. Maybe they don't want me sitting on the side. ... I expressed it to coach (Greg McMackin): 'If you want me to move, that's fine. If you want me to stay and battle it out and try to get better and push the competition, I'll do that, too.' I want to contribute to the team." (HA)
About how Alexander is doing a great job in their offense, Inoke said:
"He's really running the offense. When I came on (at quarterback), they tweaked things, adjusted things for me because of certain things that weren't my strengths and certain things that were my strengths. He's been a better fit for the offense. He's really come a long way." (HA)
HA Note: "But McMackin has said Funaki is a "playmaker" who needs to be on the field. Funaki averages more than one broken tackle per non-sack scramble this season."
About changing positions, Inoke said:
"I'd have to get used to it. It's a different kind of running between being a running back and a scrambling quarterback. Maybe I could be a scrambling receiver? Honestly, I'm open to suggestions. If the coaches feel I can be of use, even if it's moving to this position to do some kind of a block or something, I'm not complaining." (HA)
About how he suggested switching away from QB when he returned from his 2-year church mission, Inoke said to Dan Morrison:
"If you want me to move to another position, really, I don't mind. It's your decision." (HA)
About how Jerry Glanville suggested he switch to strong safety in 2006, Inoke said:
"I can't tackle. The last person I probably tackled was my brother, when we were little kids playing in the living room. I've never played defense before. I can hit the books — sometimes." (HA)
About earning his psychology degree after 8 semesters at UH, Inoke said:
"Just taking care of business, man." (HA)
About how he wants to be a professor at BYU-Hawaii like his Dad, Inoke said:
"My dream is to teach at BYU-Hawai'i. I loved being in La'ie. I always saw myself living there. I'd see my dad walk to school, come home, do his thing, never really having to leave that bubble. I like that idea. If I worked at BYU-Hawai'i, it's close to home." (HA)
Appreciating that the coaches are letting him pursue a graduate degree next year, Inoke said:
"They're helping me out with school." (HA)
Inoke said that playing football is:
"my way of giving back." (HA)
About how the water level in his family's house was a few inches high during Thursday's storm, Inoke said:
"It was getting close to where the socket level was." (HA)
Inoke said that family members raised:
"everything when the water level was getting high. They lifted things up so there wouldn't be too much damage." (HA)
About how it was fortunate that there was a cement base underneath the carpet, Inoke said:
"We're not that rich to be having nice wood floors." (HA)
After the flooding Inoke went around the neighborhood and said that it:
looked like everyone was having a garage sale. Everybody brought their stuff to the side of the road to throw away or air out." (HA)
About how his family members rested on Tongan mats while things were drying, Inoke said:
"My dad was sleeping on the ground. They looked like refugees." (HA)
UH DL Tuika Tufaga also lives in La'ie and said that the:
"whole community came out and helped each other. We put sandbags by everybody's doors. We pulled out furniture. After that, the bodyboards came out, and the football came out. Everybody was playing tackle football in the rain. Instead of cars, you saw people in kayaks. It turned into something positive." (HA)
JC DT David Hafoka commits to the Warriors!
About how he already earned his associate degree from the College of San Mateo and will enroll at UH in January, 6'2", 310-pound DT David Hafoka said:
"Everything is good to go." (HA)
About choosing UH over offers from Utah and Arizona, Hafoka said:
"Hawai'i seemed like a place where I would fit in. I feel comfortable there." (HA)
San Mateo head coach Larry Owens said that UH is:
"getting a great young man. They'll be very proud to have him in their program." (HA)
About how Hafoka played NT in their 3-4 D, San Mateo DC Tim Tulloch said:
"His job was to dominate the center every down. He won a lot more than he lost. He was a big part of the reason we finished (number) 1 or 2 in rushing defense." (HA)
Tulloch describes Hafoka as a NT:
"who can control the line of scrimmage. He's extremely physical. He's great with his hands. He can hold the point and anchor down. And he can put pressure on the quarterback. He really fits the Warrior mode." (HA)
HA Note: "Hafoka started every game in 2006. That year, his San Mateo teammates were future Warriors Ray Hisatake, Francis Maka and Calvin Roberts. He missed the 2007 season because of an infection in his right leg. Hafoka started every game this season at nose tackle."
About how it rained during all but 6 hours of his recruiting visit, Hafoka said:
"I had a nice time. I didn't mind the rain." (HA)
About how Hisatake served as his host, Hafoka said:
"He's a really good guy. He told me a lot of good things about the program and the coaches." (HA)
Praising Hafoka, Owens said:
"David is one of the great kids. He's an awesome kid, someone you'd like to have in your family." (HA)
About how Hafoka's teammates respect him, Owens said:
"Whatever you ask him to do, he does. I hold him to a high standard. He's a guy you love to have around. He's a hard-working kid. He just wants to excel. We've had a great experience with him." (HA)
"Everything is good to go." (HA)
About choosing UH over offers from Utah and Arizona, Hafoka said:
"Hawai'i seemed like a place where I would fit in. I feel comfortable there." (HA)
San Mateo head coach Larry Owens said that UH is:
"getting a great young man. They'll be very proud to have him in their program." (HA)
About how Hafoka played NT in their 3-4 D, San Mateo DC Tim Tulloch said:
"His job was to dominate the center every down. He won a lot more than he lost. He was a big part of the reason we finished (number) 1 or 2 in rushing defense." (HA)
Tulloch describes Hafoka as a NT:
"who can control the line of scrimmage. He's extremely physical. He's great with his hands. He can hold the point and anchor down. And he can put pressure on the quarterback. He really fits the Warrior mode." (HA)
HA Note: "Hafoka started every game in 2006. That year, his San Mateo teammates were future Warriors Ray Hisatake, Francis Maka and Calvin Roberts. He missed the 2007 season because of an infection in his right leg. Hafoka started every game this season at nose tackle."
About how it rained during all but 6 hours of his recruiting visit, Hafoka said:
"I had a nice time. I didn't mind the rain." (HA)
About how Hisatake served as his host, Hafoka said:
"He's a really good guy. He told me a lot of good things about the program and the coaches." (HA)
Praising Hafoka, Owens said:
"David is one of the great kids. He's an awesome kid, someone you'd like to have in your family." (HA)
About how Hafoka's teammates respect him, Owens said:
"Whatever you ask him to do, he does. I hold him to a high standard. He's a guy you love to have around. He's a hard-working kid. He just wants to excel. We've had a great experience with him." (HA)
Monday, December 15, 2008
Tank Hopkins and Brett Leonard commit to the Warriors
About choosing the Warriors, 5'10", 165-pound JC CB Melvin "Tank" Hopkins said:
"I like everything about the program — the coaches, the players, everything." (HA)
About choosing the Warriors, 6'5", 306-pound JC LT Brett Leonard said:
"I liked the whole vibe out there. The whole community is behind the team. Everywhere we went, people would ask: 'Are you on the football team?' I definitely liked that." (HA)
Note: Leonard had offers from Cal, Marshall, Kansas and Miami (Ohio).
About how the rain over the weekend didn't bother him
"I'll take it." (HA)
About how he timed Hopkins at 4.38 seconds over 40 yards, Navarro head coach Nick Bobeck said:
Navarro head coach Nick Bobeck timed Hopkins sprinting 40 yards in 4.38 seconds. "That was on grass." (HA)
About how teams didn't throw into the quarter of the field that Hopkins was in, secondary coach Kevin Curtis said:
"There weren't a lot of balls thrown there." (HA)
About how Hopkins made 53 tackles, including 40 solo stops, Curtis said:
"He'll come up and tackle you. He can press. He can lay off. He can play zone. And he can hit hard." (HA)
About how Hopkins was difficult to block due to his quickness, which was important when opponents tried bubble screens, Bobeck said
"He's hard to get your hands on. He'll run up and make plays. He's a really good football player and a hard-working kid." (HA)
About Hopkins' work ethic, Curtis said:
"He's always stayed after practice. That's one thing that's important to him. He'll stay that extra time to work on his press technique or on his back-pedal. Everyone works hard and practices, but the people who do the extra work are the ones who come out on top. He does the extra." (HA)
About his nickname, Hopkins said:
"When I was little, I used to run into things, and knock them over." (HA)
About the story behind Hopkins' nickname, Bobeck said:
"I wouldn't doubt it. He's a high-energy kid. I can imagine what he was like when he was little." (HA)
HA Note: "Leonard was the back-side blocker at Saddleback. He allowed only two sacks the past season. In a face-to-face matchup, he did not allow Orange Coast's Dean DeLeone, an All-America defensive end, to hit the quarterback."
About how UH needs a LT like Leonard, associate head coach Don Butcher said:
"I wish Hawai'i had him the night (it) played Georgia. He's a great guy. He's a hard-worker. He's punctual. He has a great attitude. He has a ton of desire. He's got talent. He's athletic." (HA)
About how Leonard lost 20 pounds and two belt sizes since transferring to Saddleback, Butcher said:
"He's taken the two inches off his waist and put it on his shoulders and arms." (HA)
About how former All-Pro Jackie Slater tutored him this past semester, Leonard said:
"Words cannot express how much he helped me out in the couple of months he was with me. That was huge for me." (HA)
About how footwork is a strength of Leonard, Butcher said:
"He puts himself in position to make plays. He can pull. He can downfield block. He's always looking at the second level." (HA)
"I like everything about the program — the coaches, the players, everything." (HA)
About choosing the Warriors, 6'5", 306-pound JC LT Brett Leonard said:
"I liked the whole vibe out there. The whole community is behind the team. Everywhere we went, people would ask: 'Are you on the football team?' I definitely liked that." (HA)
Note: Leonard had offers from Cal, Marshall, Kansas and Miami (Ohio).
About how the rain over the weekend didn't bother him
"I'll take it." (HA)
About how he timed Hopkins at 4.38 seconds over 40 yards, Navarro head coach Nick Bobeck said:
Navarro head coach Nick Bobeck timed Hopkins sprinting 40 yards in 4.38 seconds. "That was on grass." (HA)
About how teams didn't throw into the quarter of the field that Hopkins was in, secondary coach Kevin Curtis said:
"There weren't a lot of balls thrown there." (HA)
About how Hopkins made 53 tackles, including 40 solo stops, Curtis said:
"He'll come up and tackle you. He can press. He can lay off. He can play zone. And he can hit hard." (HA)
About how Hopkins was difficult to block due to his quickness, which was important when opponents tried bubble screens, Bobeck said
"He's hard to get your hands on. He'll run up and make plays. He's a really good football player and a hard-working kid." (HA)
About Hopkins' work ethic, Curtis said:
"He's always stayed after practice. That's one thing that's important to him. He'll stay that extra time to work on his press technique or on his back-pedal. Everyone works hard and practices, but the people who do the extra work are the ones who come out on top. He does the extra." (HA)
About his nickname, Hopkins said:
"When I was little, I used to run into things, and knock them over." (HA)
About the story behind Hopkins' nickname, Bobeck said:
"I wouldn't doubt it. He's a high-energy kid. I can imagine what he was like when he was little." (HA)
HA Note: "Leonard was the back-side blocker at Saddleback. He allowed only two sacks the past season. In a face-to-face matchup, he did not allow Orange Coast's Dean DeLeone, an All-America defensive end, to hit the quarterback."
About how UH needs a LT like Leonard, associate head coach Don Butcher said:
"I wish Hawai'i had him the night (it) played Georgia. He's a great guy. He's a hard-worker. He's punctual. He has a great attitude. He has a ton of desire. He's got talent. He's athletic." (HA)
About how Leonard lost 20 pounds and two belt sizes since transferring to Saddleback, Butcher said:
"He's taken the two inches off his waist and put it on his shoulders and arms." (HA)
About how former All-Pro Jackie Slater tutored him this past semester, Leonard said:
"Words cannot express how much he helped me out in the couple of months he was with me. That was huge for me." (HA)
About how footwork is a strength of Leonard, Butcher said:
"He puts himself in position to make plays. He can pull. He can downfield block. He's always looking at the second level." (HA)
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Feature on Billy Ray Stutzmann being committed to UH
About turning down offers from Colorado, Michigan State, Notre Dame, Oregon State, Washington and Washington State to choose the Warriors, Billy Ray Stutzmann said:
"I know playing in front of my family and friends was a big factor in it. I just like the coaches." (HSB)
About how he spent several days last summer with the Warriors running out for passes in their players-only workouts, Billy Ray said:
"It gave me a good sense of what they're going to be doing. It got me more comfortable being there and getting to know everyone." (HSB)
About how Inoke taught him a lot last summer, Billy Ray said:
"He helped me a lot with getting the routes and everything." (HSB)
"I know playing in front of my family and friends was a big factor in it. I just like the coaches." (HSB)
About how he spent several days last summer with the Warriors running out for passes in their players-only workouts, Billy Ray said:
"It gave me a good sense of what they're going to be doing. It got me more comfortable being there and getting to know everyone." (HSB)
About how Inoke taught him a lot last summer, Billy Ray said:
"He helped me a lot with getting the routes and everything." (HSB)
Feature story on how the Hawaii Bowl's David Matlin got Notre Dame
Praising Hawaii Bowl Executive Director David Matlin for his pursuit of Notre Dame, JD said:
"He planted that seed and nurtured it. Dave initiated the idea (to contact Notre Dame) and it came to fruition." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Matlin worked with Donovan in running the bowl game for the last six years and was hired by ESPN Regional Television, owner of the Hawaii Bowl, to succeed Donovan last spring. A year from now Matlin will also be in charge of the inaugural Diamond Head Classic, an eight-team college basketball tournament."
About his busy work schedule, Matlin said:
"My wife (Dana) and kids (Kisa, 13, and Ross, 11) are very understanding." (HSB)
About how he was able to sleep 5 hours one night last week, Matlin said:
"The first few nights your mind is racing so it's hard to get a good night's sleep. But that night was nice." (HSB)
About all the things that are needed to run a bowl game, Matlin said:
"It's like you're running a sprint, but you're running a sprint for 20 days." (HSB)
About learning from his Dad, who was the GM of the Hawaii Islanders in 1963-1964 and also worked in Vancouver, Seattle, Milwaukee and Detroit, Matlin said:
"To go to work with my dad was a great thing. The biggest thing I learned from him was at the end of the day it's all about relationships and people." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Matlin, a Michigan graduate, worked his way into a job with the Houston Astros and became their director of sales at 26, before returning to Hawaii six years later in 1993."
About leaving the Astros to move to Hawaii, Matlin said:
"Baseball was my passion and my dream. But it's the best move I've ever made, across the board." (HSB)
About how he "semi-stalked" JD (then the associate AD at UH) because he needed a job in Hawaii, meeting him a few days after an emergency appendectomy, Matlin said:
"I could barely walk. I think he felt sorry for me. " (HSB)
HSB Note: "With the university in the midst of a hiring freeze, Donovan could only offer an hourly wage with no benefits, although Matlin was, "as qualified for my job as I was," Donovan said. Matlin's first duty was to coordinate the UH basketball team's Midnight Ohana. He eventually was hired to work in the ticket office, where he was instrumental in implementing a computerized ticketing system, a task he calls "probably one of the most valuable experiences I've had.""
About joining JD in 2002 to run the new Hawaii Bowl, Matlin (who was a financial planner at the time JD called) said:
"We wanted to create an event that would really give Hawaii exposure and would be an opportunity for Hawaii to shine across the country and help the tourism industry and local businesses." (HSB)
HSB Note: "They had 90 days to pull their first bowl game together after being hired by ESPN Regional Television, the game's owner. But they got it done in time to host Hawaii and Tulane in the inaugural event and continually streamlined the process over the next five games."
About how he has bonded with Matlin like he did with his OL teammates, JD said:
"When I played on the offensive line (at UH in the early 1980s), we played so much together you knew what the guy next to you was going to do before he did. That's how it is with me and Dave." (HSB)
About how his schedule will more hectic next year when he also will be involved with the Diamond Head Classic, Matlin said:
"Right now I'm just focused on the task at hand." (HSB)
"He planted that seed and nurtured it. Dave initiated the idea (to contact Notre Dame) and it came to fruition." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Matlin worked with Donovan in running the bowl game for the last six years and was hired by ESPN Regional Television, owner of the Hawaii Bowl, to succeed Donovan last spring. A year from now Matlin will also be in charge of the inaugural Diamond Head Classic, an eight-team college basketball tournament."
About his busy work schedule, Matlin said:
"My wife (Dana) and kids (Kisa, 13, and Ross, 11) are very understanding." (HSB)
About how he was able to sleep 5 hours one night last week, Matlin said:
"The first few nights your mind is racing so it's hard to get a good night's sleep. But that night was nice." (HSB)
About all the things that are needed to run a bowl game, Matlin said:
"It's like you're running a sprint, but you're running a sprint for 20 days." (HSB)
About learning from his Dad, who was the GM of the Hawaii Islanders in 1963-1964 and also worked in Vancouver, Seattle, Milwaukee and Detroit, Matlin said:
"To go to work with my dad was a great thing. The biggest thing I learned from him was at the end of the day it's all about relationships and people." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Matlin, a Michigan graduate, worked his way into a job with the Houston Astros and became their director of sales at 26, before returning to Hawaii six years later in 1993."
About leaving the Astros to move to Hawaii, Matlin said:
"Baseball was my passion and my dream. But it's the best move I've ever made, across the board." (HSB)
About how he "semi-stalked" JD (then the associate AD at UH) because he needed a job in Hawaii, meeting him a few days after an emergency appendectomy, Matlin said:
"I could barely walk. I think he felt sorry for me. " (HSB)
HSB Note: "With the university in the midst of a hiring freeze, Donovan could only offer an hourly wage with no benefits, although Matlin was, "as qualified for my job as I was," Donovan said. Matlin's first duty was to coordinate the UH basketball team's Midnight Ohana. He eventually was hired to work in the ticket office, where he was instrumental in implementing a computerized ticketing system, a task he calls "probably one of the most valuable experiences I've had.""
About joining JD in 2002 to run the new Hawaii Bowl, Matlin (who was a financial planner at the time JD called) said:
"We wanted to create an event that would really give Hawaii exposure and would be an opportunity for Hawaii to shine across the country and help the tourism industry and local businesses." (HSB)
HSB Note: "They had 90 days to pull their first bowl game together after being hired by ESPN Regional Television, the game's owner. But they got it done in time to host Hawaii and Tulane in the inaugural event and continually streamlined the process over the next five games."
About how he has bonded with Matlin like he did with his OL teammates, JD said:
"When I played on the offensive line (at UH in the early 1980s), we played so much together you knew what the guy next to you was going to do before he did. That's how it is with me and Dave." (HSB)
About how his schedule will more hectic next year when he also will be involved with the Diamond Head Classic, Matlin said:
"Right now I'm just focused on the task at hand." (HSB)
Friday, December 12, 2008
Feature story on Davone Bess
About how he reacted to not being drafted, Bess said:
"I said, 'I guess I'll have to do what I always have.' " (SFSS)
Asked what that is, Bess said:
"Overcome some things." (SFSS)
SFSS Note: "He was born on the mean streets of Oakland, Calif., and knows friends lost on them. His father was a "big-time drug dealer," he says. Another strike. At 10, his uncle was murdered in front of him during a birthday party by a couple of intruders. "Sports" is the one-word answer he gives as the passport from this world. He became a high school star and earned a scholarship to Oregon State. Then, just when he had his ticket out, he picked up some friends a few days after graduation and they loaded stolen goods into his car. He didn't know about it, but the law didn't care. That led to a year in prison and an expensive lesson on picking better friends. Did that get him down? Of course it did. This isn't a Disney movie. But he didn't stay down, forming a 7-on-7 team in prison and getting a tape of his workout in the hands of Hawaii coach June Jones."
About how JJ saw his workout tape from prison, Bess said:
"That's the chance I needed." (SFSS)
SFSS Note: "When Jones showed up an hour early for 7 a.m. practices, Bess already would be catching footballs off a machine in the dark. When others left to shower after practice, Bess would be running sprints."
About how the NFL advisory board said that he'd be a late 2nd round or definite 3rd round pick, Bess said:
"Then I ran at the [NFL] combine." (SFSS)
SFSS Note: "NFL teams are slaves to a chart. If receivers stand 5 feet 9, they need to run 40 yards in 4.2 seconds. If they're 6 feet, the time is 4.4 seconds. At 6-2, it's 4.6 seconds. Bess is nearly 5-10. His fastest time at the combine was 4.67. That meant he wasn't just too small to be considered a prime prospect. He was too slow, too."
About how all of the scouts passed on Bess, his agent Kenny Zuckerman said:
"All these scouts said they loved him but that they couldn't take him because of the chart. I said, 'What about Wes Welker?' They said it didn't matter." (SFSS)
SFSS Note: "Bess promised himself not to watch the first day of the draft. But when the day came he planted himself in front of the television. By the second day, relatives came over, ready to celebrate. Instead, the draft weekend turned into seven rounds of motivation. Zuckerman listed teams before the draft based on things like receiving need, coaching atmosphere and whether they needed a kick returner. The Dolphins topped the list. He figured they'd take a couple receivers and would be struck from his list. But by draft's end they hadn't taken a receiver and still were No. 1.
About how Miami was a great fit for Bess, Zuckerman said:
"It looked like a perfect fit for both sides." (SFSS)
About his 9 receptions in their Buffalo game last week, Bess said that it:
"gave me flashbacks to Hawaii with that many passes coming my way." (SFSS)
SFSS Note: "His 39 catches rank sixth among rookie receivers. He also is three catches from second place among all-time undrafted rookies ( Wayne Chrebet leads with 66)."
About how his wife Rachel Mulleitner gave birth to their daughter Kyrah Imani Bess on election night, Bess said:
"I'm not sleeping as much." (SFSS)
SFSS Note: "There he will be again Sunday, still too small, still too slow, still from a world of trouble and still making a career for himself. Sometimes a good football story like the Dolphins this year delivers a better human one like Bess."
"I said, 'I guess I'll have to do what I always have.' " (SFSS)
Asked what that is, Bess said:
"Overcome some things." (SFSS)
SFSS Note: "He was born on the mean streets of Oakland, Calif., and knows friends lost on them. His father was a "big-time drug dealer," he says. Another strike. At 10, his uncle was murdered in front of him during a birthday party by a couple of intruders. "Sports" is the one-word answer he gives as the passport from this world. He became a high school star and earned a scholarship to Oregon State. Then, just when he had his ticket out, he picked up some friends a few days after graduation and they loaded stolen goods into his car. He didn't know about it, but the law didn't care. That led to a year in prison and an expensive lesson on picking better friends. Did that get him down? Of course it did. This isn't a Disney movie. But he didn't stay down, forming a 7-on-7 team in prison and getting a tape of his workout in the hands of Hawaii coach June Jones."
About how JJ saw his workout tape from prison, Bess said:
"That's the chance I needed." (SFSS)
SFSS Note: "When Jones showed up an hour early for 7 a.m. practices, Bess already would be catching footballs off a machine in the dark. When others left to shower after practice, Bess would be running sprints."
About how the NFL advisory board said that he'd be a late 2nd round or definite 3rd round pick, Bess said:
"Then I ran at the [NFL] combine." (SFSS)
SFSS Note: "NFL teams are slaves to a chart. If receivers stand 5 feet 9, they need to run 40 yards in 4.2 seconds. If they're 6 feet, the time is 4.4 seconds. At 6-2, it's 4.6 seconds. Bess is nearly 5-10. His fastest time at the combine was 4.67. That meant he wasn't just too small to be considered a prime prospect. He was too slow, too."
About how all of the scouts passed on Bess, his agent Kenny Zuckerman said:
"All these scouts said they loved him but that they couldn't take him because of the chart. I said, 'What about Wes Welker?' They said it didn't matter." (SFSS)
SFSS Note: "Bess promised himself not to watch the first day of the draft. But when the day came he planted himself in front of the television. By the second day, relatives came over, ready to celebrate. Instead, the draft weekend turned into seven rounds of motivation. Zuckerman listed teams before the draft based on things like receiving need, coaching atmosphere and whether they needed a kick returner. The Dolphins topped the list. He figured they'd take a couple receivers and would be struck from his list. But by draft's end they hadn't taken a receiver and still were No. 1.
About how Miami was a great fit for Bess, Zuckerman said:
"It looked like a perfect fit for both sides." (SFSS)
About his 9 receptions in their Buffalo game last week, Bess said that it:
"gave me flashbacks to Hawaii with that many passes coming my way." (SFSS)
SFSS Note: "His 39 catches rank sixth among rookie receivers. He also is three catches from second place among all-time undrafted rookies ( Wayne Chrebet leads with 66)."
About how his wife Rachel Mulleitner gave birth to their daughter Kyrah Imani Bess on election night, Bess said:
"I'm not sleeping as much." (SFSS)
SFSS Note: "There he will be again Sunday, still too small, still too slow, still from a world of trouble and still making a career for himself. Sometimes a good football story like the Dolphins this year delivers a better human one like Bess."
Quotes from the local papers
About the amazing ticket sales for the Hawaii Bowl after Notre Dame was announced, David Matlin said:
"That is just phenomenal." (HA)
HA Note: "David A.K. Matlin, the game's executive director, said ticket purchases have been made from nearly 40 of the 50 states and several Canadian provinces in the first three days since the Dec. 24 matchup with the University of Hawai'i was announced Sunday."
HA Note: "As of mid-day yesterday, Matlin said approximately 32,000 tickets had been issued for the game, this despite a brief weather-related outage yesterday. Approximately 12,000 tickets, including 5,000 in the first 24 hours, have been sold since Sunday."
About their fast-paced ticket sales, Matlin said:
"It is a very good pace. For anybody who is thinking of attending the game, I'd buy now." (HA)
HA Note: "Notre Dame will travel 4,327 miles to get to the Sheraton Hawai'i Bowl, where it is assured of a handsome profit for this bowl season. Meanwhile, its opponent, the University of Hawai'i, is struggling to break even in the postseason despite playing a bus ride away in its backyard bowl."
HA Note: "As a BCS signatory, Notre Dame will receive $1.3 million from the BCS even though the Fighting Irish did not qualify for a bowl this year and, at 6-6, just made the minimum qualification for eligibility for any bowl. In addition, it will receive $600,000 for its appearance in the Hawai'i Bowl, the same amount that would have gone to a Pac-10 team had one been available under the conference's contract with the game."
About how Notre Dame will make money during Bowl season, John Heisler (Notre Dame senior associate AD) said:
"Those who have suggested that Notre Dame will lose money by participating in the Hawai'i Bowl are incorrect, the combined revenue we will receive for postseason competition this year... (will) ensure that the university will not lose money on this trip." (HA)
Note: Of course, Notre Dame would make even *more* money if they didn't not go to the Hawaii Bowl...the BCS payment to Notre Dame is automatic whether or not they go to a bowl game.
About how UH will receive $400k for going to the Hawaii Bowl, JD said:
"we're doing everything we can to break even on this (game)." (HA)
HA Note: "In UH's case, approximately $130,000 to $140,000 of its bowl expenses are expected to go to coaches' bonuses and players' rewards. Head coach Greg McMackin's contract provides for a $20,000 bonus for appearance in a non-BCS bowl and an additional $10,000 if UH wins the game. In addition, UH's nine assistant coaches receive bonus payments equal to a combined average month's salary, which is expected to amount to approximately $8,000 per man. Under NCAA rules, a school may give its players bowl gifts valued at no more than $350 per player. UH could have 111 players qualify for gifts. Overall, UH expects to pay for 80 rooms for its anticipated official travel party of 111 players, coaches and staff. Donovan said staffers who normally traveled for UH road games this year would make up the official party housed in the team's Waikiki hotel."
Heisler said that Notre Dame will take:
"105 players, plus the normal road game staff (including their families) and additional others required to administrate the bowl week — also will be a University contingent (officers, etc.) that will not travel on our charter but will come to game." (HA)
About how the WAC could receive a bonus from the Hawaii Bowl if ticket sales exceed 40,000, WAC commissioner Karl Benson said:
"I am expecting there will be a (bonus) split and that the WAC will receive more than the $400k and that this will be the biggest payday the WAC has received from the Sheraton Hawai'i Bowl." (HA)
HA Note: "The additional money would not go to UH directly, but to the WAC's bowl fund, which underwrites losses from other games its teams have played in. Five WAC teams are playing in bowls this year and each receives $400,000 plus airfare. Only UH and Louisiana Tech (in the Independence Bowl) will not require flights. Proceeds from those games are later balanced against liabilities with the nine members equally sharing in profits or underwriting losses, meaning UH could be forced to toss in more money if liabilities exceed profits. This year the WAC is projecting pluses from appearances by its teams in the Hawai'i Bowl (UH), Poinsettia Bowl (Boise State) and Independence Bowl (Louisiana Tech). The Humanitarian Bowl (Nevada) and New Mexico Bowl (Fresno State) are projected as losses. Most of those bowls carry ticket commitments."
About how appearing in bowl games are important for conference visibility, even if they lose money, Heisler said:
"In the bigger picture, it should be remembered that participation in bowl games is important to the football program and the university beyond dollars and cents — both for the practice and playing time it provides our student-athletes and for our obligation to be a responsible and cooperative partner with others in collegiate athletics." (HA)
About the importance of Notre Dame's football program to their University, Heisler said:
"... the health of our football program is important to Notre Dame as a whole, since it is the primary generator of the millions of dollars that athletics contributes to the university. According to a study last year by Forbes Magazine, some $21.1 million of the athletic department's $45.8 million profit underwrites academic programs, which is as much as the next five most valuable programs contributed to their respective schools combined." (HA)
About his friendship with fellow UH commit Chauncy Winchester-Makainai, Benson Maafala said:
"I've been long-time friends with Chauncy from O-line camps." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Maafala, a guard who was also being recruited by California, Washington and Arizona, joined a dozen players in the game who have committed to the Warriors. Maafala said he informed the UH coaches of his intention to sign with the Warriors, though he may still take other trips."
About Maafala and Winchester-Makainai, UH commit Chad Lopati said:
"They're great athletes. Just going up against them the last two weeks, it's been a workout." (HSB)
About how they benefit from the Hawaii/Polynesia-Mainland All-star game by getting to know their future teammates, Corey Nielsen said:
"We can start building the team camaraderie now. It's been great getting to know the guys." (HSB)
About playing for the Hawaii/Polynesia team, Corey Nielsen said:
"I've been a Hawaii fan my whole life. So to represent Hawaii, and Polynesia really, it's a real honor." (HSB)
About how championship teams win with offense now, Renner said:
"As you saw when June Jones was here, it's hard to stop four or five playmakers on offense. It's impossible. Now, you don't win championships because of defense. Teams win now because of offense. In high school and college, the skill level has taken off. You know you have to score 40 points to win." (HSB)
About JJ (who was his position coach with the Atlanta Falcons), Andre Rison said:
"I played five or six years for him and I consider him a friend and a great coach. I owe him a lot for what he did. Being in that system, you've got to be smart. A slot's got to know the defensive coverages, blitzes, dogs." (HSB)
About how today's players have more exposure, but lack the old-school work ethic, Rison said:
"I think they're lazy in the sense that when we grew up, we didn't have anything. Now, in an instant, a kid can be seen anytime." (HSB)
About turning down the chance to coach with the KC Chiefs to instead assist longtime friend and coach Courtney Hawkins, Rison said:
"I love coaching kids. I've always been coaching, in a sense, even when I was a player." (HSB)
"That is just phenomenal." (HA)
HA Note: "David A.K. Matlin, the game's executive director, said ticket purchases have been made from nearly 40 of the 50 states and several Canadian provinces in the first three days since the Dec. 24 matchup with the University of Hawai'i was announced Sunday."
HA Note: "As of mid-day yesterday, Matlin said approximately 32,000 tickets had been issued for the game, this despite a brief weather-related outage yesterday. Approximately 12,000 tickets, including 5,000 in the first 24 hours, have been sold since Sunday."
About their fast-paced ticket sales, Matlin said:
"It is a very good pace. For anybody who is thinking of attending the game, I'd buy now." (HA)
HA Note: "Notre Dame will travel 4,327 miles to get to the Sheraton Hawai'i Bowl, where it is assured of a handsome profit for this bowl season. Meanwhile, its opponent, the University of Hawai'i, is struggling to break even in the postseason despite playing a bus ride away in its backyard bowl."
HA Note: "As a BCS signatory, Notre Dame will receive $1.3 million from the BCS even though the Fighting Irish did not qualify for a bowl this year and, at 6-6, just made the minimum qualification for eligibility for any bowl. In addition, it will receive $600,000 for its appearance in the Hawai'i Bowl, the same amount that would have gone to a Pac-10 team had one been available under the conference's contract with the game."
About how Notre Dame will make money during Bowl season, John Heisler (Notre Dame senior associate AD) said:
"Those who have suggested that Notre Dame will lose money by participating in the Hawai'i Bowl are incorrect, the combined revenue we will receive for postseason competition this year... (will) ensure that the university will not lose money on this trip." (HA)
Note: Of course, Notre Dame would make even *more* money if they didn't not go to the Hawaii Bowl...the BCS payment to Notre Dame is automatic whether or not they go to a bowl game.
About how UH will receive $400k for going to the Hawaii Bowl, JD said:
"we're doing everything we can to break even on this (game)." (HA)
HA Note: "In UH's case, approximately $130,000 to $140,000 of its bowl expenses are expected to go to coaches' bonuses and players' rewards. Head coach Greg McMackin's contract provides for a $20,000 bonus for appearance in a non-BCS bowl and an additional $10,000 if UH wins the game. In addition, UH's nine assistant coaches receive bonus payments equal to a combined average month's salary, which is expected to amount to approximately $8,000 per man. Under NCAA rules, a school may give its players bowl gifts valued at no more than $350 per player. UH could have 111 players qualify for gifts. Overall, UH expects to pay for 80 rooms for its anticipated official travel party of 111 players, coaches and staff. Donovan said staffers who normally traveled for UH road games this year would make up the official party housed in the team's Waikiki hotel."
Heisler said that Notre Dame will take:
"105 players, plus the normal road game staff (including their families) and additional others required to administrate the bowl week — also will be a University contingent (officers, etc.) that will not travel on our charter but will come to game." (HA)
About how the WAC could receive a bonus from the Hawaii Bowl if ticket sales exceed 40,000, WAC commissioner Karl Benson said:
"I am expecting there will be a (bonus) split and that the WAC will receive more than the $400k and that this will be the biggest payday the WAC has received from the Sheraton Hawai'i Bowl." (HA)
HA Note: "The additional money would not go to UH directly, but to the WAC's bowl fund, which underwrites losses from other games its teams have played in. Five WAC teams are playing in bowls this year and each receives $400,000 plus airfare. Only UH and Louisiana Tech (in the Independence Bowl) will not require flights. Proceeds from those games are later balanced against liabilities with the nine members equally sharing in profits or underwriting losses, meaning UH could be forced to toss in more money if liabilities exceed profits. This year the WAC is projecting pluses from appearances by its teams in the Hawai'i Bowl (UH), Poinsettia Bowl (Boise State) and Independence Bowl (Louisiana Tech). The Humanitarian Bowl (Nevada) and New Mexico Bowl (Fresno State) are projected as losses. Most of those bowls carry ticket commitments."
About how appearing in bowl games are important for conference visibility, even if they lose money, Heisler said:
"In the bigger picture, it should be remembered that participation in bowl games is important to the football program and the university beyond dollars and cents — both for the practice and playing time it provides our student-athletes and for our obligation to be a responsible and cooperative partner with others in collegiate athletics." (HA)
About the importance of Notre Dame's football program to their University, Heisler said:
"... the health of our football program is important to Notre Dame as a whole, since it is the primary generator of the millions of dollars that athletics contributes to the university. According to a study last year by Forbes Magazine, some $21.1 million of the athletic department's $45.8 million profit underwrites academic programs, which is as much as the next five most valuable programs contributed to their respective schools combined." (HA)
About his friendship with fellow UH commit Chauncy Winchester-Makainai, Benson Maafala said:
"I've been long-time friends with Chauncy from O-line camps." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Maafala, a guard who was also being recruited by California, Washington and Arizona, joined a dozen players in the game who have committed to the Warriors. Maafala said he informed the UH coaches of his intention to sign with the Warriors, though he may still take other trips."
About Maafala and Winchester-Makainai, UH commit Chad Lopati said:
"They're great athletes. Just going up against them the last two weeks, it's been a workout." (HSB)
About how they benefit from the Hawaii/Polynesia-Mainland All-star game by getting to know their future teammates, Corey Nielsen said:
"We can start building the team camaraderie now. It's been great getting to know the guys." (HSB)
About playing for the Hawaii/Polynesia team, Corey Nielsen said:
"I've been a Hawaii fan my whole life. So to represent Hawaii, and Polynesia really, it's a real honor." (HSB)
About how championship teams win with offense now, Renner said:
"As you saw when June Jones was here, it's hard to stop four or five playmakers on offense. It's impossible. Now, you don't win championships because of defense. Teams win now because of offense. In high school and college, the skill level has taken off. You know you have to score 40 points to win." (HSB)
About JJ (who was his position coach with the Atlanta Falcons), Andre Rison said:
"I played five or six years for him and I consider him a friend and a great coach. I owe him a lot for what he did. Being in that system, you've got to be smart. A slot's got to know the defensive coverages, blitzes, dogs." (HSB)
About how today's players have more exposure, but lack the old-school work ethic, Rison said:
"I think they're lazy in the sense that when we grew up, we didn't have anything. Now, in an instant, a kid can be seen anytime." (HSB)
About turning down the chance to coach with the KC Chiefs to instead assist longtime friend and coach Courtney Hawkins, Rison said:
"I love coaching kids. I've always been coaching, in a sense, even when I was a player." (HSB)
Chizimuzo "Chizzy" Dimude commits to the Warriors!
About 5'9", 195-pound RB Chizzy Dimude, Laney College offensive coordinator John Beam said:
"With the speed that he has he can score from anywhere on the field." (HA)
HA Note: "Dimude averaged 6.8 yards per carry, and scored 11 touchdowns, including an 80-yard sprint."
About his recommendation of Dimude, Beam said:
"Put it this way, I'm the guy who got Davone Bess to Hawai'i. Chizzy can play." (HA)
HA Note: "Beam was the head coach at Oakland's Skyline High, which produced Bess and running backs Frank Summers of Nevada-Las Vegas and Yonus Davis of San Jose State."
about the team he coached at Skyline High, Beam (who moved to Laney college 2 years ago) said:
"Yonus and Frank both had 1,000 yards (rushing) in high school, and Davone was the quarterback. As far as speed, Chizzy is faster than all of them. Strength-wise, Frank is the only one stronger." (HA)
HA Note: "Dimude is capable of squat-lifting 435 pounds and power-cleaning 295 pounds. He has a 38-inch vertical jump. Dimude has drawn comparisons to UH running back Daniel Libre. Dimude wore No. 26 — Libre's number — during the first half of the past season before switching to No. 5."
About how Dimude (like Libre) started college as a slotback before moving to RB, Beam said:
"He made the transition." (HA)
HA Note: "As a freshman in 2006, he was a receiver at the College of San Mateo. Three of his San Mateo teammates are now Warriors — defensive tackle Francis Maka, cornerback Calvin Roberts and offensive lineman Ray Hisatake."
About his former San Mateo teammates who are Warriors now, Dimude said:
"I talked to those guys on my recruiting trip (the past weekend). They're great guys." (HA)
About how he's adjusted to playing RB, Dimude said:
"I'm comfortable playing running back." (HA)
About Dimude's success at RB this season, Beam said:
"If you think about it, this is really his first year carrying the ball. He did a nice job." (HA)
Beam said that early in the season Dimude:
"was trying to make too many moves. Instead of sticking his foot in the ground and going, he tried to do a lot of moves. Once he figured it out, that he could beat defenses with his speed, he played much better." (HA)
About how he used Bess' work ethic to inspire Dimude, Beam said:
"What separates Davone from others is Davone really works hard. He doesn't ask for special treatment. He doesn't want people to get him water. He gets it himself. I told Chizzy: 'If you want to be great, look at Davone.' At first, I didn't know if Chizzy wanted to be great, to go that extra step. He learned a lot from Davone. The guys saw Davone's work ethic. Even though Davone was doing well, he worked even harder. That was good for them to see. Chizzy put it all together. He wanted it. He's done a great job." (HA)
About Dimude's skills at RB, Beam said:
"He blocks well. He runs the ball really well. He can plant his foot and go." (HA)
HA Note: "Beam traced Dimude's improvement to a tough-love conversation. "Do you want to be a difference-maker?" Beam recalled asking Dimude. Dimude nodded."
About Dimude's confidence, Beam said:
"He wants to be a difference-maker. "He now has confidence in his own ability. More than anything else, that's been the difference." (HA)
About his commitment to UH, Dimude said:
"I'm a Warrior. That's what I want to be." (HA)
HA Note: "Dimude said he was one of 10 prospects to visit Hawai'i the past weekend. The itinerary was intended to take the recruits through a normal game preparation. Dimude attended team meetings, ate training-table meals, and watched videos of UH's nationally ranked opponent, Cincinnati."
About his recruiting trip, Dimude said:
"I had a great time. I loved the atmosphere. I loved the crowd. I like the coaches and the players." (HA)
Impressed with Ron Lee's offensive philopsophy, Dimude said:
"Hawai'i has a great offense." (HA)
About how Dimude loves his recruiting trip to UH, Beam said:
"When he came back from his trip, he was fired up. He talked about the atmosphere at Aloha Stadium. He liked the camaraderie." (HA)
"With the speed that he has he can score from anywhere on the field." (HA)
HA Note: "Dimude averaged 6.8 yards per carry, and scored 11 touchdowns, including an 80-yard sprint."
About his recommendation of Dimude, Beam said:
"Put it this way, I'm the guy who got Davone Bess to Hawai'i. Chizzy can play." (HA)
HA Note: "Beam was the head coach at Oakland's Skyline High, which produced Bess and running backs Frank Summers of Nevada-Las Vegas and Yonus Davis of San Jose State."
about the team he coached at Skyline High, Beam (who moved to Laney college 2 years ago) said:
"Yonus and Frank both had 1,000 yards (rushing) in high school, and Davone was the quarterback. As far as speed, Chizzy is faster than all of them. Strength-wise, Frank is the only one stronger." (HA)
HA Note: "Dimude is capable of squat-lifting 435 pounds and power-cleaning 295 pounds. He has a 38-inch vertical jump. Dimude has drawn comparisons to UH running back Daniel Libre. Dimude wore No. 26 — Libre's number — during the first half of the past season before switching to No. 5."
About how Dimude (like Libre) started college as a slotback before moving to RB, Beam said:
"He made the transition." (HA)
HA Note: "As a freshman in 2006, he was a receiver at the College of San Mateo. Three of his San Mateo teammates are now Warriors — defensive tackle Francis Maka, cornerback Calvin Roberts and offensive lineman Ray Hisatake."
About his former San Mateo teammates who are Warriors now, Dimude said:
"I talked to those guys on my recruiting trip (the past weekend). They're great guys." (HA)
About how he's adjusted to playing RB, Dimude said:
"I'm comfortable playing running back." (HA)
About Dimude's success at RB this season, Beam said:
"If you think about it, this is really his first year carrying the ball. He did a nice job." (HA)
Beam said that early in the season Dimude:
"was trying to make too many moves. Instead of sticking his foot in the ground and going, he tried to do a lot of moves. Once he figured it out, that he could beat defenses with his speed, he played much better." (HA)
About how he used Bess' work ethic to inspire Dimude, Beam said:
"What separates Davone from others is Davone really works hard. He doesn't ask for special treatment. He doesn't want people to get him water. He gets it himself. I told Chizzy: 'If you want to be great, look at Davone.' At first, I didn't know if Chizzy wanted to be great, to go that extra step. He learned a lot from Davone. The guys saw Davone's work ethic. Even though Davone was doing well, he worked even harder. That was good for them to see. Chizzy put it all together. He wanted it. He's done a great job." (HA)
About Dimude's skills at RB, Beam said:
"He blocks well. He runs the ball really well. He can plant his foot and go." (HA)
HA Note: "Beam traced Dimude's improvement to a tough-love conversation. "Do you want to be a difference-maker?" Beam recalled asking Dimude. Dimude nodded."
About Dimude's confidence, Beam said:
"He wants to be a difference-maker. "He now has confidence in his own ability. More than anything else, that's been the difference." (HA)
About his commitment to UH, Dimude said:
"I'm a Warrior. That's what I want to be." (HA)
HA Note: "Dimude said he was one of 10 prospects to visit Hawai'i the past weekend. The itinerary was intended to take the recruits through a normal game preparation. Dimude attended team meetings, ate training-table meals, and watched videos of UH's nationally ranked opponent, Cincinnati."
About his recruiting trip, Dimude said:
"I had a great time. I loved the atmosphere. I loved the crowd. I like the coaches and the players." (HA)
Impressed with Ron Lee's offensive philopsophy, Dimude said:
"Hawai'i has a great offense." (HA)
About how Dimude loves his recruiting trip to UH, Beam said:
"When he came back from his trip, he was fired up. He talked about the atmosphere at Aloha Stadium. He liked the camaraderie." (HA)
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Benson Ma'afala Jr. commits to the Warriors!
About his commitment to the Warriors, 6'3", 310-pound Benson Ma'afala Jr. said:
"I wanted to stay home and play in front of my family." (HA)
HA Note: "By choosing the Warriors, Ma'afala is turning down offers from Washington and California. His father, Benson Sr., was an all-star quarterback at McKinley High who went on to be a UH punter. One of his uncles, Nick Ma'afala, was a standout defensive lineman at McKinley and UH. A knee injury cut short his Warrior career after two years. Another uncle, Chris Fuamatu-Ma'afala, attended Saint Louis School and the University of Utah. Fuamatu-Ma'afala was a running back in the National Football League, most notably with the Pittsburgh Steelers."
About how he bench pressed 185 pounds 36 times (and 225 pounds 20 times) at a combine during the summer, Benson said:
"I didn't know I could do that much." (HA)
About how her son is relatively quiet, Carol Ma'afala said he is:
"like a big-brother leader." (HA)
About how her son played youth football until he couldn't make the 100-pound limit, Carol said:
"After that, he played flag football." (HA)
About how Benson had to transfer from Damien to Mililani after being told in the spring that his financial-assistance package would not be renewed, Carol said:
"It was devastating. He felt he let (Damien teammates) down. He's a very caring person. He's a big body, but he's soft inside." (HA)
About his son's success, Benson Sr. laughed and said:
"Maybe it's in the genes." (HA)
About how he's remained in shape working as a ramp agent (loading and unloading bags) for Hawaiian Airlines, Benson Sr. said:
"I have to set an example for my son." (HA)
HA Note: "The elder Benson has helped steer his son's weight-training. They concentrate on lifts that develop the muscles in the chest, arms, shoulders and legs — "the whole body," Benson Sr. said."
About directing his son's weight-training, Benson Sr. said:
"I try to teach him the right way to lift. A lot of kids today just think they can lift, and it'll be OK. But lifting the wrong way can hurt them." (HA)
About something else that he likes, Benson said:
"I'm into drawing. I draw all kinds of stuff." (HA)
About how her son's artwork earned him an invitation to participate in an art festival sponsored by Chevron, Carol said:
"He's a very good artist. He's can draw anything. Tell him what you want, and he can draw it free-hand. He's very talented." (HA)
"I wanted to stay home and play in front of my family." (HA)
HA Note: "By choosing the Warriors, Ma'afala is turning down offers from Washington and California. His father, Benson Sr., was an all-star quarterback at McKinley High who went on to be a UH punter. One of his uncles, Nick Ma'afala, was a standout defensive lineman at McKinley and UH. A knee injury cut short his Warrior career after two years. Another uncle, Chris Fuamatu-Ma'afala, attended Saint Louis School and the University of Utah. Fuamatu-Ma'afala was a running back in the National Football League, most notably with the Pittsburgh Steelers."
About how he bench pressed 185 pounds 36 times (and 225 pounds 20 times) at a combine during the summer, Benson said:
"I didn't know I could do that much." (HA)
About how her son is relatively quiet, Carol Ma'afala said he is:
"like a big-brother leader." (HA)
About how her son played youth football until he couldn't make the 100-pound limit, Carol said:
"After that, he played flag football." (HA)
About how Benson had to transfer from Damien to Mililani after being told in the spring that his financial-assistance package would not be renewed, Carol said:
"It was devastating. He felt he let (Damien teammates) down. He's a very caring person. He's a big body, but he's soft inside." (HA)
About his son's success, Benson Sr. laughed and said:
"Maybe it's in the genes." (HA)
About how he's remained in shape working as a ramp agent (loading and unloading bags) for Hawaiian Airlines, Benson Sr. said:
"I have to set an example for my son." (HA)
HA Note: "The elder Benson has helped steer his son's weight-training. They concentrate on lifts that develop the muscles in the chest, arms, shoulders and legs — "the whole body," Benson Sr. said."
About directing his son's weight-training, Benson Sr. said:
"I try to teach him the right way to lift. A lot of kids today just think they can lift, and it'll be OK. But lifting the wrong way can hurt them." (HA)
About something else that he likes, Benson said:
"I'm into drawing. I draw all kinds of stuff." (HA)
About how her son's artwork earned him an invitation to participate in an art festival sponsored by Chevron, Carol said:
"He's a very good artist. He's can draw anything. Tell him what you want, and he can draw it free-hand. He's very talented." (HA)
Feature on UH recruiting
About their commitments from recruits, Mac cautioned:
"Until it's in writing, it doesn't count." (HSB)
About his recruiting visit to UH, Aaron Brown said:
"They let me take in the experience, the crowd, the game atmosphere. The players, the coaches, they all had positive attitudes, positive outlooks on everything. It was a good fit. (The Saddleback coaches) just told me to go open-minded and just take it all in. I did exactly that and made my decision." (HSB)
About how he'll fit with the UH D, Brown said:
"Hawaii's always been known for hard hitting and that's what I love to do, I love to bring it." (HSB)
About how his Butte team is playing for the California CCAA championship on Saturday, Lametrius Davis said:
"We're trying to win (the state title), that's what we set out to." (HSB)
About how they will start their practices on Monday, but will be flexible due to their players' final exam schedules, Mac said:
"A couple of guys have said they have things they have to do, so we'll be flexible with that. Academics will come first." (HSB)
"Until it's in writing, it doesn't count." (HSB)
About his recruiting visit to UH, Aaron Brown said:
"They let me take in the experience, the crowd, the game atmosphere. The players, the coaches, they all had positive attitudes, positive outlooks on everything. It was a good fit. (The Saddleback coaches) just told me to go open-minded and just take it all in. I did exactly that and made my decision." (HSB)
About how he'll fit with the UH D, Brown said:
"Hawaii's always been known for hard hitting and that's what I love to do, I love to bring it." (HSB)
About how his Butte team is playing for the California CCAA championship on Saturday, Lametrius Davis said:
"We're trying to win (the state title), that's what we set out to." (HSB)
About how they will start their practices on Monday, but will be flexible due to their players' final exam schedules, Mac said:
"A couple of guys have said they have things they have to do, so we'll be flexible with that. Academics will come first." (HSB)
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Feature on Corey Nielsen
About putting a UH "H" logo decal on the back of his helmet, right above another decal of the Hawaiian Island chain, Corey Nielsen said:
"I wanna represent." (HA)
HA Note: "Nielsen made a verbal commitment in July and already considers himself a Warrior. He played this entire season with a Hawai'i "H" logo decal on the back of his helmet, right above another decal of the Hawaiian Islands chain."
HA Note: "Nielsen easily qualifies as the latter, since his mother — the former Cheryl Ching — is a Punahou graduate and his grandma and two aunts still live here. One of his cousins, Punahou alum Kelsie Look, plays for the Rainbow Wahine soccer team."
About how he thought that Nielsen was from Hawaii when he met him, Billy Ray Stutzmann said:
"When I first met him, I thought he was local. He's always representing Hawai'i." (HA)
About being invited to play with the Hawaii stars in the All-Star game, Nielsen (who arrived in time for the Cincinnati game) said:
"I was excited. I thought it would be a great opportunity to show the people of Hawai'i what I've got. It's one thing to see highlights on YouTube, but it's another to show what I can do in person." (HA)
Praising Nielsen's play in practice, Hawaii All-Stars coach Wendell Say said:
"He's legit. He's a good quarterback, real confident." (HA)
About practicing with Nielsen, Stutzmann said:
"He looks solid, I'm glad he's on our team. He makes the right reads, and he gets the ball there. On the short routes, he gets the ball there in a hurry. And he's not afraid to put touch on the deep passes." (HA)
HA Note: "Nielsen, who carries a 4.0 GPA and ranks No. 1 in his senior class of 444, said he's tried surfing only once and admits his pidgin English could use some work."
About his pidgin English, Nielsen said:
"I'm trying to understand (teammates' pidgin) a little bit. But they've all been welcoming me and showing me around ...It's been so much fun." (HA)
"I wanna represent." (HA)
HA Note: "Nielsen made a verbal commitment in July and already considers himself a Warrior. He played this entire season with a Hawai'i "H" logo decal on the back of his helmet, right above another decal of the Hawaiian Islands chain."
HA Note: "Nielsen easily qualifies as the latter, since his mother — the former Cheryl Ching — is a Punahou graduate and his grandma and two aunts still live here. One of his cousins, Punahou alum Kelsie Look, plays for the Rainbow Wahine soccer team."
About how he thought that Nielsen was from Hawaii when he met him, Billy Ray Stutzmann said:
"When I first met him, I thought he was local. He's always representing Hawai'i." (HA)
About being invited to play with the Hawaii stars in the All-Star game, Nielsen (who arrived in time for the Cincinnati game) said:
"I was excited. I thought it would be a great opportunity to show the people of Hawai'i what I've got. It's one thing to see highlights on YouTube, but it's another to show what I can do in person." (HA)
Praising Nielsen's play in practice, Hawaii All-Stars coach Wendell Say said:
"He's legit. He's a good quarterback, real confident." (HA)
About practicing with Nielsen, Stutzmann said:
"He looks solid, I'm glad he's on our team. He makes the right reads, and he gets the ball there. On the short routes, he gets the ball there in a hurry. And he's not afraid to put touch on the deep passes." (HA)
HA Note: "Nielsen, who carries a 4.0 GPA and ranks No. 1 in his senior class of 444, said he's tried surfing only once and admits his pidgin English could use some work."
About his pidgin English, Nielsen said:
"I'm trying to understand (teammates' pidgin) a little bit. But they've all been welcoming me and showing me around ...It's been so much fun." (HA)
S Aaron Brown and DT Zack Masch commit to the Warriors!
About turning down offers from Arizona State and Oregon, partially due to the fan support at the Cincinnati game, Aaron Brown said:
"I love the Hawai'i fans. I was at the game (against Cincinnati) Saturday night, and it was a great atmosphere. I liked the coaches and the players. I thought it was a good fit for me." (HA)
HA Note: "Brown is 6 feet 1 1/2 and 215 pounds. He is capable of running 40 yards in 4.4 seconds, and bench-pressing 225 pounds 24 times. He has a 36-inch vertical jump."
About how Rich Miano took the recruits to Sandy's, Brown said:
"That was fun." (HA)
HA Note: "UH wideout Mike Tinoco, a Saddleback graduate, was Brown's host the past weekend."
About placing third in the Washington state meet as a 189-pound wrestler, Brown said:
"Wrestling helped me. It was good conditioning." (HA)
HA Note: "As a freshman at Saddleback, he amassed a team-high 65 tackles, including seven tackles for losses. As a sophomore this season, he tied for the team high with 59 tackles, of which 41 were solo stops. He also made three interceptions (18.5 yards per return), broke up six passes, made two quarterback hurries, forced two fumbles and had an 81-yard fumble return. Brown is projected to compete at strong safety at UH."
About how the fans at the Cincinnati game helped convince him to go to UH, Zach Masch said:
"Just to see Hawai'i was great. Going to the (UH-Cincinnati) game was what clicked in. It made me think, 'I want to go there.' It was loud. The stadium was great." (HA)
About the atmosphere around the team, Masch said that:
"everything there was like a family. I liked that. That's what it takes to win a championship." (HA)
About how UH coaches discovered him while watching videotapes of prospects at New Mexico Military Institute (Warrior recruit Nathan Mageo) in their game with Saddleback, Masch said:
"That's how they got the word out. They asked the New Mexico Military coach about me." (HA)
Masch said that after he completed his recruiting visit:
"I told coach (Greg) McMackin I was committing. I wanted to be a Warrior." (HA)
"I love the Hawai'i fans. I was at the game (against Cincinnati) Saturday night, and it was a great atmosphere. I liked the coaches and the players. I thought it was a good fit for me." (HA)
HA Note: "Brown is 6 feet 1 1/2 and 215 pounds. He is capable of running 40 yards in 4.4 seconds, and bench-pressing 225 pounds 24 times. He has a 36-inch vertical jump."
About how Rich Miano took the recruits to Sandy's, Brown said:
"That was fun." (HA)
HA Note: "UH wideout Mike Tinoco, a Saddleback graduate, was Brown's host the past weekend."
About placing third in the Washington state meet as a 189-pound wrestler, Brown said:
"Wrestling helped me. It was good conditioning." (HA)
HA Note: "As a freshman at Saddleback, he amassed a team-high 65 tackles, including seven tackles for losses. As a sophomore this season, he tied for the team high with 59 tackles, of which 41 were solo stops. He also made three interceptions (18.5 yards per return), broke up six passes, made two quarterback hurries, forced two fumbles and had an 81-yard fumble return. Brown is projected to compete at strong safety at UH."
About how the fans at the Cincinnati game helped convince him to go to UH, Zach Masch said:
"Just to see Hawai'i was great. Going to the (UH-Cincinnati) game was what clicked in. It made me think, 'I want to go there.' It was loud. The stadium was great." (HA)
About the atmosphere around the team, Masch said that:
"everything there was like a family. I liked that. That's what it takes to win a championship." (HA)
About how UH coaches discovered him while watching videotapes of prospects at New Mexico Military Institute (Warrior recruit Nathan Mageo) in their game with Saddleback, Masch said:
"That's how they got the word out. They asked the New Mexico Military coach about me." (HA)
Masch said that after he completed his recruiting visit:
"I told coach (Greg) McMackin I was committing. I wanted to be a Warrior." (HA)
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Miami's head coach praised how well Bess has done as a starter
Asked how well Davone Bess has stepped into the starting role, Miami head coach Tony Sparano said:
"He's stepped into the role well and has really done a nice job. He's a pretty confident kid, Davone is. First of all, he's a very intelligent kid which helps us that way. What does that have to do with anything? We're moving him all over the place trying to get him in positions. Him, Ted Ginn, it's a credit to those guys and really a credit to what (wide receivers coach) Karl Dorrell has done with that group of people. They're moving those guys around. Karl's done an outstanding job of coaching a lot of young guys out there and getting the most out of them that way. From Davone's standpoint, he's going into some of these games and early on, when I watched him, I kind of thought that the game wasn't too big for him. That's a credit to him, that doesn't always happen. I think right now, he's playing like the game is not too big. We've got a lot more football to go and the light is getting bigger and bigger on him." (South Florida Sun-Sentinel)
"He's stepped into the role well and has really done a nice job. He's a pretty confident kid, Davone is. First of all, he's a very intelligent kid which helps us that way. What does that have to do with anything? We're moving him all over the place trying to get him in positions. Him, Ted Ginn, it's a credit to those guys and really a credit to what (wide receivers coach) Karl Dorrell has done with that group of people. They're moving those guys around. Karl's done an outstanding job of coaching a lot of young guys out there and getting the most out of them that way. From Davone's standpoint, he's going into some of these games and early on, when I watched him, I kind of thought that the game wasn't too big for him. That's a credit to him, that doesn't always happen. I think right now, he's playing like the game is not too big. We've got a lot more football to go and the light is getting bigger and bigger on him." (South Florida Sun-Sentinel)
Quotes from Notre Dame about the Hawaii Bowl
WBST = WBST (TV station)
CST = Chicago Sun-Times
About how they will take the game seriously and not treat it like a vacation, senior captain David Bruton said:
"It's not just a vacation. It's a business trip in itself as well. We gotta take care of business first and the free time that we do get, enjoy it. Soak in the sun. Soak in the memories. But when it comes game time or when it's practice, you gotta take it seriously because we're not coming there just to end up 6-7." (WBST)
About how they know UH will be hard to beat in Aloha Stadium, co-captain David Grimes said:
"We know they're a quality opponent and they're tough to beat at home. I think their record at home is 22-4 in the last 26 games. So they're definitely a quality opponent." (WBST)
About the chance to end the season with a win, Grimes said:
"I think it's just going out on top. Kind of take that bitter taste out of our mouth that we had this last month, and get the seniors something to be happy about." (WBST)
About the players preferring the Hawaii Bowl, Bruton said:
"Hawaii fits perfectly in our schedule. You go in right from exams and hit the road and you're right there. And in football, it's good for our break. I mean, there's no interruption in our break as football players. So we get a chance to finish the game early, be able to get home, some of us will get home on Christmas Day. Others may be a little late. And you have this long break, a lot of us who haven't experienced that yet." (CST)
About why the players preferred the Hawaii Bowl, co-captain Maurice Crum, Jr. said:
"Just thinking about it, weighing the options kind of the schedule and how it fits, I mean, obviously Hawaii was very attractive to a lot of the players. But it maximizes our break time and it makes it easier to roll into the football game and not put us at a disadvantage versus going home during Christmas and maybe some guys having, oh, man, I gotta go back. Still giving guys an opportunity to get home on Christmas." (CST)
Asked what were the negatives of the Hawaii Bowl, Crum said:
"It's leaving so fast. And then for the guys who, for like myself, who have to fly from Hawaii to Florida, it's an extremely long flight. And I'm probably going to have a layover somewhere. So those are some of the cons. But, again, I think for the team it makes the most sense." (CST)
About how their missing a bowl last year energizes the team for the Hawaii Bowl, Grimes said:
I definitely agree with what David 2 said. (Laughter) Like coming off last year, we didn't make it to a Bowl, and I think there was just a lot of guys happy that we're actually going to a Bowl. And I think there's even more energy, because Hawaii, nice weather, beautiful women. " (CST)
Asked what they thought of Hawaii, Crum said:
"I'm really looking forward to it. I'm just looking forward to a good time, and I guess having a really, really close team and going out there, I think it adds to it. We'll be able to do a lot of things together and have a lot of fun, so I'm just looking forward to a lot of fun." (CST)
Asked what they thought of Hawaii, Bruton said:
"What little David said, just the women, the sun, the atmosphere in general of Hawaii and just basically living a dream or a fantasy just to go out there." (CST)
Asked about how it has been a long time since Notre Dame won a bowl game, Bruton said:
"That would be a major accomplishment, especially since mine and David's class, quote, unquote, the forgotten class or the worst class in Notre Dame history. But it would be great to say we broke that streak along with the fifth-year seniors break that streak and start a new streak in itself." (CST)
Asked about how their leaders keep the team focused in Hawaii, Bruton said:
"I believe the team is well-prepared and got the mindset right that it's not just a vacation. It's a business trip in itself as well. We gotta take care of business first and the free time that we do get, enjoy it. Soak in the sun. Soak in the memory. But when it comes game time or when it's practice, you gotta take it seriously because we're not coming there just to end up 6 and 7. We want to be 7 and 6 and springboard off into the right direction." (CST)
Asked about how their leaders keep the team focused in Hawaii, Crum said:
"I think us going out there right at the finals kind of sends that message to guys and just it will help everyone just distinguish between football to let them know this is what we're here for first and foremost and it's our jobs as leaders to make sure that message gets preached." (CST)
Asked about how their leaders keep the team focused in Hawaii, Grimes said:
"And the parting line, since we found out, has been just to win the Bowl game. And I think secondly is to enjoy a place like Hawaii. But definitely our goal is to win a Bowl game." (CST)
Asked what they know about the Warriors, Crum said:
"I know there's a lot of receivers on the field. I've seen that much. But, I mean, they did pretty good, was it last night? Saturday night, when they played against Cincinnati, from what I saw, I think they were a pretty good team. And they're definitely a really good opponent." (CST)
Asked what they know about the Warriors, Grimes said:
"We also know they're a quality opponent and they're tough to beat at home. I think their record at home is 22-4 in the last 26 games. So they're definitely a quality opponent." (CST)
Asked if it felt weird to play a Bowl game at somebody else's home stadium, Crum said:
"Yeah, in a way. When we played in the Sugar Bowl it was close to that, too. But the Hawaii, that is their home, and then they're really good at home. But I mean for us it's just like another business trip. We're going to get on a plane and get ready to go and prepare like we always do and just count on that." (CST)
CST = Chicago Sun-Times
About how they will take the game seriously and not treat it like a vacation, senior captain David Bruton said:
"It's not just a vacation. It's a business trip in itself as well. We gotta take care of business first and the free time that we do get, enjoy it. Soak in the sun. Soak in the memories. But when it comes game time or when it's practice, you gotta take it seriously because we're not coming there just to end up 6-7." (WBST)
About how they know UH will be hard to beat in Aloha Stadium, co-captain David Grimes said:
"We know they're a quality opponent and they're tough to beat at home. I think their record at home is 22-4 in the last 26 games. So they're definitely a quality opponent." (WBST)
About the chance to end the season with a win, Grimes said:
"I think it's just going out on top. Kind of take that bitter taste out of our mouth that we had this last month, and get the seniors something to be happy about." (WBST)
About the players preferring the Hawaii Bowl, Bruton said:
"Hawaii fits perfectly in our schedule. You go in right from exams and hit the road and you're right there. And in football, it's good for our break. I mean, there's no interruption in our break as football players. So we get a chance to finish the game early, be able to get home, some of us will get home on Christmas Day. Others may be a little late. And you have this long break, a lot of us who haven't experienced that yet." (CST)
About why the players preferred the Hawaii Bowl, co-captain Maurice Crum, Jr. said:
"Just thinking about it, weighing the options kind of the schedule and how it fits, I mean, obviously Hawaii was very attractive to a lot of the players. But it maximizes our break time and it makes it easier to roll into the football game and not put us at a disadvantage versus going home during Christmas and maybe some guys having, oh, man, I gotta go back. Still giving guys an opportunity to get home on Christmas." (CST)
Asked what were the negatives of the Hawaii Bowl, Crum said:
"It's leaving so fast. And then for the guys who, for like myself, who have to fly from Hawaii to Florida, it's an extremely long flight. And I'm probably going to have a layover somewhere. So those are some of the cons. But, again, I think for the team it makes the most sense." (CST)
About how their missing a bowl last year energizes the team for the Hawaii Bowl, Grimes said:
I definitely agree with what David 2 said. (Laughter) Like coming off last year, we didn't make it to a Bowl, and I think there was just a lot of guys happy that we're actually going to a Bowl. And I think there's even more energy, because Hawaii, nice weather, beautiful women. " (CST)
Asked what they thought of Hawaii, Crum said:
"I'm really looking forward to it. I'm just looking forward to a good time, and I guess having a really, really close team and going out there, I think it adds to it. We'll be able to do a lot of things together and have a lot of fun, so I'm just looking forward to a lot of fun." (CST)
Asked what they thought of Hawaii, Bruton said:
"What little David said, just the women, the sun, the atmosphere in general of Hawaii and just basically living a dream or a fantasy just to go out there." (CST)
Asked about how it has been a long time since Notre Dame won a bowl game, Bruton said:
"That would be a major accomplishment, especially since mine and David's class, quote, unquote, the forgotten class or the worst class in Notre Dame history. But it would be great to say we broke that streak along with the fifth-year seniors break that streak and start a new streak in itself." (CST)
Asked about how their leaders keep the team focused in Hawaii, Bruton said:
"I believe the team is well-prepared and got the mindset right that it's not just a vacation. It's a business trip in itself as well. We gotta take care of business first and the free time that we do get, enjoy it. Soak in the sun. Soak in the memory. But when it comes game time or when it's practice, you gotta take it seriously because we're not coming there just to end up 6 and 7. We want to be 7 and 6 and springboard off into the right direction." (CST)
Asked about how their leaders keep the team focused in Hawaii, Crum said:
"I think us going out there right at the finals kind of sends that message to guys and just it will help everyone just distinguish between football to let them know this is what we're here for first and foremost and it's our jobs as leaders to make sure that message gets preached." (CST)
Asked about how their leaders keep the team focused in Hawaii, Grimes said:
"And the parting line, since we found out, has been just to win the Bowl game. And I think secondly is to enjoy a place like Hawaii. But definitely our goal is to win a Bowl game." (CST)
Asked what they know about the Warriors, Crum said:
"I know there's a lot of receivers on the field. I've seen that much. But, I mean, they did pretty good, was it last night? Saturday night, when they played against Cincinnati, from what I saw, I think they were a pretty good team. And they're definitely a really good opponent." (CST)
Asked what they know about the Warriors, Grimes said:
"We also know they're a quality opponent and they're tough to beat at home. I think their record at home is 22-4 in the last 26 games. So they're definitely a quality opponent." (CST)
Asked if it felt weird to play a Bowl game at somebody else's home stadium, Crum said:
"Yeah, in a way. When we played in the Sugar Bowl it was close to that, too. But the Hawaii, that is their home, and then they're really good at home. But I mean for us it's just like another business trip. We're going to get on a plane and get ready to go and prepare like we always do and just count on that." (CST)
Feature story on Bess
About how they are tied for first place in the AFC East and have won 5 of their last 6 games, Bess said:
"It's real exciting. We've got to stay hungry. This journey isn't over." (HSB)
HSB Note: "In Miami's critical 16-3 victory Sunday over division rival Buffalo, Bess led his team with nine catches for 74 yards. No other Dolphin had more than three receptions."
HSB Note: "With his next catch, Bess will become the first Dolphins rookie in seven years to have 40 or more catches in a season. And he's had a big impact on special teams too -- ranking first among AFC qualifying rookies with a 9.6-yard average on 16 punt returns. Plus he's fielded 14 kickoffs for a team-high average of more than 22 yards per return."
About how he prepared for this success, Bess said:
"I've pretty much just been ready, every time my number was called. I knew my role coming in. Obviously, I wanted to make the team first and try to build off of that, but I'm always prepared. It was unfortunate what happened to Camarillo. But at the same time, I was always ready for my opportunity. Our coaches stress that every receiver has to be ready. We've got to run our routes as if we're the main the receiver so every time we go out I'm just 100 percent mentally focused." (HSB)
About how playing for JJ prepared him for the NFL, Bess aid:
"I've said it a million times -- playing in Hawaii helped me more than anything. It taught me numerous things that a lot of other receivers didn't get across the country -- not to mention coach June Jones -- he was an outstanding coach. He knew exactly what to do in different situations, how to put key people into certain situations. And he was in the NFL for a couple of years. He pretty much treated us like an NFL team. We were still in school but he treated us like men." (HSB)
Praising Bess, QB Chad Pennington said:
"He's really quarterback-friendly and a lot of people don't understand how important that is to a quarterback. He understands how to get open -- understands how to run routes, and work defenders and be patient. He does a great job of understanding angles and getting open in spots." (HSB)
About the Warriors, Bess said:
"They lost some tough games (this year). It's very unfortunate that it had to pan out that way. coach McMackin is doing a great job at keeping the guys together. I'm just happy that they're at least going to a bowl game this year and they deserve it." (HSB)
"It's real exciting. We've got to stay hungry. This journey isn't over." (HSB)
HSB Note: "In Miami's critical 16-3 victory Sunday over division rival Buffalo, Bess led his team with nine catches for 74 yards. No other Dolphin had more than three receptions."
HSB Note: "With his next catch, Bess will become the first Dolphins rookie in seven years to have 40 or more catches in a season. And he's had a big impact on special teams too -- ranking first among AFC qualifying rookies with a 9.6-yard average on 16 punt returns. Plus he's fielded 14 kickoffs for a team-high average of more than 22 yards per return."
About how he prepared for this success, Bess said:
"I've pretty much just been ready, every time my number was called. I knew my role coming in. Obviously, I wanted to make the team first and try to build off of that, but I'm always prepared. It was unfortunate what happened to Camarillo. But at the same time, I was always ready for my opportunity. Our coaches stress that every receiver has to be ready. We've got to run our routes as if we're the main the receiver so every time we go out I'm just 100 percent mentally focused." (HSB)
About how playing for JJ prepared him for the NFL, Bess aid:
"I've said it a million times -- playing in Hawaii helped me more than anything. It taught me numerous things that a lot of other receivers didn't get across the country -- not to mention coach June Jones -- he was an outstanding coach. He knew exactly what to do in different situations, how to put key people into certain situations. And he was in the NFL for a couple of years. He pretty much treated us like an NFL team. We were still in school but he treated us like men." (HSB)
Praising Bess, QB Chad Pennington said:
"He's really quarterback-friendly and a lot of people don't understand how important that is to a quarterback. He understands how to get open -- understands how to run routes, and work defenders and be patient. He does a great job of understanding angles and getting open in spots." (HSB)
About the Warriors, Bess said:
"They lost some tough games (this year). It's very unfortunate that it had to pan out that way. coach McMackin is doing a great job at keeping the guys together. I'm just happy that they're at least going to a bowl game this year and they deserve it." (HSB)
Feature stories on Notre Dame going to the Hawaii Bowl
Notre Dame safety David Bruton about ending Notre Dame's NCAA record 9 game bowl losing streak:
"that would be a major accomplishment, especially since my and David (Grimes') class quote, unquote (is) the 'forgotten class' or the worst in Notre Dame history. But it would be great to say we broke that streak along with the fifth-year seniors breaking that streak and starting a new (winning) one." (HA)
HA Note: "Towering over it all is the enduring fact that not since the 1994 Cotton Bowl, when Notre Dame beat Texas A&M, 24-21, have the Irish won a bowl game."
About how he wants to win a bowl game, Bruton said:
"For me, personally, I'm 0-2 playing in a bowl, so I want to end my streak. And the overall Notre Dame's record in a bowl, it does weigh a little bit, but in the grand scheme of things I just want to handle what's going on now and the fact that I'm 0-2 in (bowls)." (HA)
About the importance of winning the game for their seniors, Grimes said:
"I think it's just going out on top. (It would) kind of take that bitter taste out of our mouth that we had this last month and get the seniors something to be happy about." (HA)
About how they at least made a bowl game this year, Grimes said:
"Coming off last year, (when) we didn't make it to a bowl, I think there were a lot of guys happy that we're actually going to a bowl." (HA)
About how they sold more than 5,000 tickets in the first 24 hours after Notre Dame was announced, Hawaii Bowl executive director David Matlin said:
"It has been a bit overwhelming. We're selling them so fast, we're having trouble keeping up the count. But this is the most following the announcement of the second team, by far." (HA)
About how the ticket sales are mainly from Hawaii residents, Matlin said:
"There were some Internet orders, so they could be from the Mainland, but it seems most are local so far." (HA)
About how he had 400 inquiries from Notre Dame fans within hours of an e-mail blast sent out by Notre Dame to their fans, Matlin said:
"How many of those will translate into sales, I couldn't tell you right now, but we've had people from Canada inquiring, which shows you the interest." (HA)
AP Note: "They finish final exams Dec. 19, fly out of South Bend later that night, have four days of practice before the Dec. 24 game, then they will have the rest of winter break to do what they want before classes resume in January."
About how the Hawaii Bowl fit with their final exam schedule and Christmas Break, safety David Bruton said:
"Some of us will get home on Christmas Day, others maybe a little later, then you have this long break." (AP)
About how going right from finals to Hawaii is better than having players go home for a few days and then go to a bowl game, LB Maurice Crum said some players might have an attitude of:
"'Oh man, I have to go back.' " (HA)
About how their players are happy to be going to the bowl in Hawaii, WR David Grimes said:
"I think there's just a lot of guys happy that we're actually going to a bowl. I think there's even more energy because Hawai'i, nice weather, beautiful women." (AP)
About how he would have preferred to play in his hometown of Detroit, Grimes joked:
"We have better weather there." (AP)
About the chance to end their 9-game road losing streak, Bruton said:
"It would be great to say we broke that streak." (AP)
AP Note: "Some fans have questioned whether a Catholic university should play on Christmas Eve. None of the captains would comment. But athletic director Jack Swarbrick said it was ironic that people would complain about the university playing on Christmas Eve while most wouldn't mind if the Irish were playing on New Year's Day, a holy day of obligation."
AP Note: "Swarbrick said the university also is aware that at 6-6, some Irish fans don't believe Notre Dame should be in a bowl game. The university didn't accept bowl bids between the 1925 Rose Bowl and the 1970 Cotton Bowl, and didn't accept a non-Jan. 1 bowl until going to the Liberty Bowl in 1983. Swarbrick said he understands the sentiment of some that Notre Dame shouldn't go to a bowl, but he believes the extra practice will help the team. He also believes Notre Dame has "a real obligation to the college football industry to participate.""
About how they owe it to college football to play in a bowl game, Swarbrick said:
"We have to be part of the industry and help make it work. We can't pretend like there are different rules for us." (AP)
"that would be a major accomplishment, especially since my and David (Grimes') class quote, unquote (is) the 'forgotten class' or the worst in Notre Dame history. But it would be great to say we broke that streak along with the fifth-year seniors breaking that streak and starting a new (winning) one." (HA)
HA Note: "Towering over it all is the enduring fact that not since the 1994 Cotton Bowl, when Notre Dame beat Texas A&M, 24-21, have the Irish won a bowl game."
About how he wants to win a bowl game, Bruton said:
"For me, personally, I'm 0-2 playing in a bowl, so I want to end my streak. And the overall Notre Dame's record in a bowl, it does weigh a little bit, but in the grand scheme of things I just want to handle what's going on now and the fact that I'm 0-2 in (bowls)." (HA)
About the importance of winning the game for their seniors, Grimes said:
"I think it's just going out on top. (It would) kind of take that bitter taste out of our mouth that we had this last month and get the seniors something to be happy about." (HA)
About how they at least made a bowl game this year, Grimes said:
"Coming off last year, (when) we didn't make it to a bowl, I think there were a lot of guys happy that we're actually going to a bowl." (HA)
About how they sold more than 5,000 tickets in the first 24 hours after Notre Dame was announced, Hawaii Bowl executive director David Matlin said:
"It has been a bit overwhelming. We're selling them so fast, we're having trouble keeping up the count. But this is the most following the announcement of the second team, by far." (HA)
About how the ticket sales are mainly from Hawaii residents, Matlin said:
"There were some Internet orders, so they could be from the Mainland, but it seems most are local so far." (HA)
About how he had 400 inquiries from Notre Dame fans within hours of an e-mail blast sent out by Notre Dame to their fans, Matlin said:
"How many of those will translate into sales, I couldn't tell you right now, but we've had people from Canada inquiring, which shows you the interest." (HA)
AP Note: "They finish final exams Dec. 19, fly out of South Bend later that night, have four days of practice before the Dec. 24 game, then they will have the rest of winter break to do what they want before classes resume in January."
About how the Hawaii Bowl fit with their final exam schedule and Christmas Break, safety David Bruton said:
"Some of us will get home on Christmas Day, others maybe a little later, then you have this long break." (AP)
About how going right from finals to Hawaii is better than having players go home for a few days and then go to a bowl game, LB Maurice Crum said some players might have an attitude of:
"'Oh man, I have to go back.' " (HA)
About how their players are happy to be going to the bowl in Hawaii, WR David Grimes said:
"I think there's just a lot of guys happy that we're actually going to a bowl. I think there's even more energy because Hawai'i, nice weather, beautiful women." (AP)
About how he would have preferred to play in his hometown of Detroit, Grimes joked:
"We have better weather there." (AP)
About the chance to end their 9-game road losing streak, Bruton said:
"It would be great to say we broke that streak." (AP)
AP Note: "Some fans have questioned whether a Catholic university should play on Christmas Eve. None of the captains would comment. But athletic director Jack Swarbrick said it was ironic that people would complain about the university playing on Christmas Eve while most wouldn't mind if the Irish were playing on New Year's Day, a holy day of obligation."
AP Note: "Swarbrick said the university also is aware that at 6-6, some Irish fans don't believe Notre Dame should be in a bowl game. The university didn't accept bowl bids between the 1925 Rose Bowl and the 1970 Cotton Bowl, and didn't accept a non-Jan. 1 bowl until going to the Liberty Bowl in 1983. Swarbrick said he understands the sentiment of some that Notre Dame shouldn't go to a bowl, but he believes the extra practice will help the team. He also believes Notre Dame has "a real obligation to the college football industry to participate.""
About how they owe it to college football to play in a bowl game, Swarbrick said:
"We have to be part of the industry and help make it work. We can't pretend like there are different rules for us." (AP)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
