About how it is up to two unnamed D-1A schools to accept UH's proposal of a game in Hawaii, HF said:
"We have two Division I-A schools considering proposals that include an ESPN telecast at Aloha Stadium. If neither accepts the offer, we will play a 12-game schedule." (HA)
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Latest quotes about the schedule
About the schedule, UH spokesperson Lois Manin said:
"Regarding finalizing the schedule, nothing is definitive." (HSB)
About UH's schedule, WAC Commissioner Karl Benson said:
"We're still making contacts and exhausting all possibilities." (HSB)
About the WAC's upgraded media guide, Benson said:
"We spent $20,000 on our preseason media guide this year, compared to $2,000 in past years. Our strategy is to make sure the magazines and pollsters remember Hawaii and Boise State were Top 25 teams to end last season and they have premier marquee players coming back. We will continue to make sure people don't forget." (HSB)
"Regarding finalizing the schedule, nothing is definitive." (HSB)
About UH's schedule, WAC Commissioner Karl Benson said:
"We're still making contacts and exhausting all possibilities." (HSB)
About the WAC's upgraded media guide, Benson said:
"We spent $20,000 on our preseason media guide this year, compared to $2,000 in past years. Our strategy is to make sure the magazines and pollsters remember Hawaii and Boise State were Top 25 teams to end last season and they have premier marquee players coming back. We will continue to make sure people don't forget." (HSB)
Quotes about UH recruit Tyler Wilson
http://www.swtimes.com/articles/2007/05/30/sports/sports05.txt
About UH's scholarship offer and recuiting visit invitation, Tyler Wilson's coach Rick Jones said:
“They are really careful how they handle visits." (swtimes.com)
About the praise UH QB coach Morrison gave for Tyler, Rick Jones said:
"Their quarterbacks coach (Dan Morrison) compared Tyler to Colt Brennan. They have a really special system. They have a tremendous legacy of throwing the ball." (swtimes.com)
SWtimes note: "The quarterback coach gave coach June Jones tapes of 20 quarterbacks, and he pared it down to three. Wilson was one of those three. Wilson also picked up a scholarship offer from the University of Missouri."
Tyler stats from rivals.com:
Ht: 6-foot-3
Wt: 182 lbs
Forty: 4.75 secs
GPA: 3.50
Class: 2008 (High School)
Last year's stats (from rivals.com):
2006 (Jr.) attempts: 434 completions: 294 completion %: 67.7 passing yards: 4,222 TDs: 50 INTs: 14
More notes from rivals.com:
Greenwood (Ark.) quarterback Tyler Wilson is one of the top quarterback prospects on LSU's board for the Tigers 2008 recruiting class.
College choices (from rivals.com)
Alabama
Arizona
California
Kansas
LSU
Minnesota
Missouri
New Mexico
Tennessee
Hawaii
Tulsa
http://www.fearlessfriday.com/yabbse/index.php?topic=67672.msg1371202
Greenwood's Tyler Wilson received 3 more written football offers this week from New Mexico, Missouri and Hawaii.
This brings his total offers to 9.
Written offers: Alabama, LSU, Arizona, Tulsa, Kansas, Minnesota, New Mexico, Missouri and Hawaii
Verbal offers: Mississippi State and Arkansas State
Others colleges expressing sincere interest: California, Tennessee, Auburn, Illinois and Oklahoma.
June visits include: University of Missouri, Nike Elite 11 camp, Alabama, LSU, New Mexico and Arizona.
About UH's scholarship offer and recuiting visit invitation, Tyler Wilson's coach Rick Jones said:
“They are really careful how they handle visits." (swtimes.com)
About the praise UH QB coach Morrison gave for Tyler, Rick Jones said:
"Their quarterbacks coach (Dan Morrison) compared Tyler to Colt Brennan. They have a really special system. They have a tremendous legacy of throwing the ball." (swtimes.com)
SWtimes note: "The quarterback coach gave coach June Jones tapes of 20 quarterbacks, and he pared it down to three. Wilson was one of those three. Wilson also picked up a scholarship offer from the University of Missouri."
Tyler stats from rivals.com:
Ht: 6-foot-3
Wt: 182 lbs
Forty: 4.75 secs
GPA: 3.50
Class: 2008 (High School)
Last year's stats (from rivals.com):
2006 (Jr.) attempts: 434 completions: 294 completion %: 67.7 passing yards: 4,222 TDs: 50 INTs: 14
More notes from rivals.com:
Greenwood (Ark.) quarterback Tyler Wilson is one of the top quarterback prospects on LSU's board for the Tigers 2008 recruiting class.
College choices (from rivals.com)
Alabama
Arizona
California
Kansas
LSU
Minnesota
Missouri
New Mexico
Tennessee
Hawaii
Tulsa
http://www.fearlessfriday.com/yabbse/index.php?topic=67672.msg1371202
Greenwood's Tyler Wilson received 3 more written football offers this week from New Mexico, Missouri and Hawaii.
This brings his total offers to 9.
Written offers: Alabama, LSU, Arizona, Tulsa, Kansas, Minnesota, New Mexico, Missouri and Hawaii
Verbal offers: Mississippi State and Arkansas State
Others colleges expressing sincere interest: California, Tennessee, Auburn, Illinois and Oklahoma.
June visits include: University of Missouri, Nike Elite 11 camp, Alabama, LSU, New Mexico and Arizona.
Quotes about how Nate has been learning in minicamp
http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/eagles/20070530_Rookies_learning_plenty_at_Birds_minicamp.html
About Philly's offense, Nate heard:
"there was a lot more passing here than with most NFL teams." (Philly News)
About how the Eagles have a pass-first offense, Nate said:
"that's what I'm used to out in Hawaii. You block first in Hawaii; you always have a gunslinger sitting back there [at quarterback]. Coach [June] Jones wants you to protect 'the golden arm.' Everything happens from there. Here, you're not just blocking, you can go out there and get the ball." (Philly News)
After being "bug-eyed" during their first camp, Nate said that now:
"this [camp] kind of takes a step back . . . everybody's on the same page, you can just kind of sit back and get through this thing together." (Philly News)
About how they learned from the vets instead of the coaches in the first camp, Nate said:
"When the vets were here for the first camp, me and Tony were tapping into their information system the whole time," Ilaoa said. "The coaches weren't really coaching us, they were just kind of like, 'Let's go, this is the tempo.' With the vets here, that's how they run things." (Philly News)
About Philly's offense, Nate heard:
"there was a lot more passing here than with most NFL teams." (Philly News)
About how the Eagles have a pass-first offense, Nate said:
"that's what I'm used to out in Hawaii. You block first in Hawaii; you always have a gunslinger sitting back there [at quarterback]. Coach [June] Jones wants you to protect 'the golden arm.' Everything happens from there. Here, you're not just blocking, you can go out there and get the ball." (Philly News)
After being "bug-eyed" during their first camp, Nate said that now:
"this [camp] kind of takes a step back . . . everybody's on the same page, you can just kind of sit back and get through this thing together." (Philly News)
About how they learned from the vets instead of the coaches in the first camp, Nate said:
"When the vets were here for the first camp, me and Tony were tapping into their information system the whole time," Ilaoa said. "The coaches weren't really coaching us, they were just kind of like, 'Let's go, this is the tempo.' With the vets here, that's how they run things." (Philly News)
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Quote from Samson's agent about the early contract negotiations
Thank you to Tombo (uhfootball.blogspot.com) for this link!
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/football/pro/dolphins/sfl-0529dolphins,0,4855841.story?coll=sfla-dolphins-front
About how contract negotiations are really early this year, Samson's agent Craig Doman said:
"It looks like the Dolphins are moving pretty fast. We've got 13 picks and have got offers from four teams, including one from Miami on Soliai. Last year we did nine rookie deals but none before the Fourth of July, so I don't know what the league is trying to do. The last time I checked it was still May. It's insane, but OK as long as we do a good deal." (SFSS)
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/football/pro/dolphins/sfl-0529dolphins,0,4855841.story?coll=sfla-dolphins-front
About how contract negotiations are really early this year, Samson's agent Craig Doman said:
"It looks like the Dolphins are moving pretty fast. We've got 13 picks and have got offers from four teams, including one from Miami on Soliai. Last year we did nine rookie deals but none before the Fourth of July, so I don't know what the league is trying to do. The last time I checked it was still May. It's insane, but OK as long as we do a good deal." (SFSS)
Monday, May 28, 2007
Quotes from a Nate Interview
http://story.scout.com/a.z?s=62&p=2&c=647277
About being able to user his power and elusiveness, Nate said:
"I think that just plays in my favor, having the ability to do both pretty well." (scout.com)
About the other NFL teams he thought he might have fit with, Nate said:
"I had been talking to one of the scouts from the Steelers for a while and I thought they would have been a good fit as well. And the Giants, too, because they're more of a power-running football team." (scout.com)
About how Philly wants him to be a HB, not a FB, Nate said:
"They have me at tailback, maybe a short-yardage type situation. They haven't basically come out and told me, but you know, that's the whole point of these camps. It's not the fact that you can play football anymore because everybody at this level can play. It's just a matter of if you can fit into their system." (scout.com)
About being able to user his power and elusiveness, Nate said:
"I think that just plays in my favor, having the ability to do both pretty well." (scout.com)
About the other NFL teams he thought he might have fit with, Nate said:
"I had been talking to one of the scouts from the Steelers for a while and I thought they would have been a good fit as well. And the Giants, too, because they're more of a power-running football team." (scout.com)
About how Philly wants him to be a HB, not a FB, Nate said:
"They have me at tailback, maybe a short-yardage type situation. They haven't basically come out and told me, but you know, that's the whole point of these camps. It's not the fact that you can play football anymore because everybody at this level can play. It's just a matter of if you can fit into their system." (scout.com)
Sunday, May 27, 2007
A few more quotes from Nate
http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/news/newsDetail.jsp?id=70036
About feeling more comfortable in Philly's offense, Nate said:
"I'm not bug-eyed anymore about it. I have not played in this system, but it is everything I expected. I just have to keep learning. It's going to be tough. This is the top level of football. Having these camps give me a lot of reps and a lot of time to learn." (PE.com)
About being a supersized RB, Nate said:
"At Hawaii, the running backs behind me were heavier. They looked at me as the little guy. I think it's OK to have an unusual body. A lot of models have unusual bodies. That's a good thing for them. You have to go with your strengths." (PE.com)
About working hard to improve, Nate said:
"I will do whatever they need me to do. The goal is the same for everybody here. We're working to improve every day." (PE.com)
PE Note: "Ilaoa and Tony Hunt shared all the running back reps last week in the two days of practice and will continue to get plenty of reps through the next few days."
About feeling more comfortable in Philly's offense, Nate said:
"I'm not bug-eyed anymore about it. I have not played in this system, but it is everything I expected. I just have to keep learning. It's going to be tough. This is the top level of football. Having these camps give me a lot of reps and a lot of time to learn." (PE.com)
About being a supersized RB, Nate said:
"At Hawaii, the running backs behind me were heavier. They looked at me as the little guy. I think it's OK to have an unusual body. A lot of models have unusual bodies. That's a good thing for them. You have to go with your strengths." (PE.com)
About working hard to improve, Nate said:
"I will do whatever they need me to do. The goal is the same for everybody here. We're working to improve every day." (PE.com)
PE Note: "Ilaoa and Tony Hunt shared all the running back reps last week in the two days of practice and will continue to get plenty of reps through the next few days."
Quotes about Nate and Tony Hunt
http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/news/newsDetail.jsp?id=69941
About his friendship with Hunt (Philly's 3rd round pick at RB), Nate said:
"He's a cool cat. We had a mutual friendship through my cousin (who has since transferred to Hawaii) and getting to meet him at the Combine was cool. Now, we always talk. We talk about football, kind of try to motivate each other and learn this offense together.
It's good to have somebody go through the same process as you. This can be a real lonely time for a lot of people if you don't have somebody you know in that position. Fortunately, we kind of have each other and we can talk through things and go over things and compare our thoughts toward the playbook." (Philadelphiaeagles.com)
Note: I believe Nate's cousin is Amani Purcell. It is such a small world when Hunt was a roommate with Amani and then gets drafted by the same time as Nate!
About how he doesn't know anyone in Philly outside of the Eagles, Nate said:
"I love it. There is so much to learn. That is what you do every day -- you learn. Then you take it outside and see if you have learned well. It can be a nerve-wracking time, but it's been good. Tony is in the same situation, so we have a lot to talk about. He's a good roommate, a quiet guy. I know it has been great for me so far and I'm sure he feels the same way." (PE.com)
About rooming with Nate, Hunt said:
"We're kind of stuck together with a playbook to learn. We're partners in that way, so it is good to go through that with Nate. If we have any questions, we can talk about it with each other. Nate is a cool guy and a good roommate. He is the guy I compare things with. Two weeks ago, I didn't know anything at that camp (post-draft). I feel like I've already learned a lot, and so has Nate. It's football, when you come right down to it. We have to go out there and play football." (PE.com)
About how he and Hunt work together, Nate said:
"I think that kind of thing makes you better. I know what I have to do to play my best football and so does Tony. If we can help each other, that's fine with me." (PE.com)
About his friendship with Hunt (Philly's 3rd round pick at RB), Nate said:
"He's a cool cat. We had a mutual friendship through my cousin (who has since transferred to Hawaii) and getting to meet him at the Combine was cool. Now, we always talk. We talk about football, kind of try to motivate each other and learn this offense together.
It's good to have somebody go through the same process as you. This can be a real lonely time for a lot of people if you don't have somebody you know in that position. Fortunately, we kind of have each other and we can talk through things and go over things and compare our thoughts toward the playbook." (Philadelphiaeagles.com)
Note: I believe Nate's cousin is Amani Purcell. It is such a small world when Hunt was a roommate with Amani and then gets drafted by the same time as Nate!
About how he doesn't know anyone in Philly outside of the Eagles, Nate said:
"I love it. There is so much to learn. That is what you do every day -- you learn. Then you take it outside and see if you have learned well. It can be a nerve-wracking time, but it's been good. Tony is in the same situation, so we have a lot to talk about. He's a good roommate, a quiet guy. I know it has been great for me so far and I'm sure he feels the same way." (PE.com)
About rooming with Nate, Hunt said:
"We're kind of stuck together with a playbook to learn. We're partners in that way, so it is good to go through that with Nate. If we have any questions, we can talk about it with each other. Nate is a cool guy and a good roommate. He is the guy I compare things with. Two weeks ago, I didn't know anything at that camp (post-draft). I feel like I've already learned a lot, and so has Nate. It's football, when you come right down to it. We have to go out there and play football." (PE.com)
About how he and Hunt work together, Nate said:
"I think that kind of thing makes you better. I know what I have to do to play my best football and so does Tony. If we can help each other, that's fine with me." (PE.com)
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Quotes about the schedule
About how they can't play UH this season, Steve Fenk (Oregon State sports information director) said:
"UH contacted us, but we just can't do it. I think given different circumstances — like the end of the season or maybe earlier in the year — we'd really be interested." (HA)
"Oct. 20 is our only midseason (open date) and we already have one of the toughest road schedules in the nation." (HA)
About why they can't fit UH into their schedule, Washington State spokesman Rod Commons said that they:
"do not want to (give up) our bye weekend in the middle of the season. Our staff feels strongly we need that midseason break." (HA)
Colorado spokesman Dave Plati said that Colorado coach Dan Hawkins:
"would like to visit Hawai'i once every four years while he is coach as he enjoyed those trips with Boise State and saw what they meant to the players." (HA)
Note: It isn't out of the goodness of their heart that they want to play at Hawaii every 4 years--that is the perfect increment of time to be able to promise every recruit that they will be able to play in front of their family.
Plati talked about Brian Cabral, who recruits Hawaii for Colorado, as wanting Hawaii on their schedule:
"We've always had a couple of kids from Hawai'i on our team ... and the big tie is (assistant coach) Brian Cabral." (HA)
About the 2010 game at Colorado, HF said:
"We're not completely set on the date, but it looks like Sept. 18." (HSB)
Note: HSB reports that the 2011 game is set for 9/3/11.
HA Note: "Finalization of the Colorado deal will leave UH with one opening for 2011. UH already has Nevada-Las Vegas, Washington State and Charleston Southern for that season. Colorado spokesman Dave Plati said the Buffaloes are in the "preliminary stages" of completing a "four-pack" scheduling agreement with UH. UH, which hasn't played Colorado since 1925, would play in Boulder in 2010 and 2014 and Colorado would come to Hawai'i in 2011 and 2015. "I anticipate no problems," Plati said."
"UH contacted us, but we just can't do it. I think given different circumstances — like the end of the season or maybe earlier in the year — we'd really be interested." (HA)
"Oct. 20 is our only midseason (open date) and we already have one of the toughest road schedules in the nation." (HA)
About why they can't fit UH into their schedule, Washington State spokesman Rod Commons said that they:
"do not want to (give up) our bye weekend in the middle of the season. Our staff feels strongly we need that midseason break." (HA)
Colorado spokesman Dave Plati said that Colorado coach Dan Hawkins:
"would like to visit Hawai'i once every four years while he is coach as he enjoyed those trips with Boise State and saw what they meant to the players." (HA)
Note: It isn't out of the goodness of their heart that they want to play at Hawaii every 4 years--that is the perfect increment of time to be able to promise every recruit that they will be able to play in front of their family.
Plati talked about Brian Cabral, who recruits Hawaii for Colorado, as wanting Hawaii on their schedule:
"We've always had a couple of kids from Hawai'i on our team ... and the big tie is (assistant coach) Brian Cabral." (HA)
About the 2010 game at Colorado, HF said:
"We're not completely set on the date, but it looks like Sept. 18." (HSB)
Note: HSB reports that the 2011 game is set for 9/3/11.
HA Note: "Finalization of the Colorado deal will leave UH with one opening for 2011. UH already has Nevada-Las Vegas, Washington State and Charleston Southern for that season. Colorado spokesman Dave Plati said the Buffaloes are in the "preliminary stages" of completing a "four-pack" scheduling agreement with UH. UH, which hasn't played Colorado since 1925, would play in Boulder in 2010 and 2014 and Colorado would come to Hawai'i in 2011 and 2015. "I anticipate no problems," Plati said."
Quotes about Miami's UH rookies and their Samoan connection
http://www.miamiherald.com/616/story/114556.html
About how Samoans consider themselves a warrior class of people, Reagan said:
"We're a little different breed. I really don't know how to explain it, but coaches see it." (MH)
About their 4 Samoan rookies, Cam Cameron said:
"What we've seen in these guys is that spirit of enthusiasm and that pride. When they step onto the football field they know they represent someone bigger than themselves. And that's important. We believe in that. We believe you play for something bigger than yourself, obviously the team. I think they play for family and have a lot of pride." (MH)
Happy to have 2 UH teammates and another Samoan rookie from Utah, Tala said:
"It's awesome having two teammates and another guy from American Samoa here, because then hopefully [Miami] will get a feel of how close we are -- Polynesians -- because we're very family-oriented. Hopefully, guys will see that and it will rub off." (MH)
About how they have gone from 19 of 105 players of Polynesian descent when he joined UH to 76 under him, JJ said:
"I think the numbers show that there is some real truth and value to having this culture on your team. The kids are very respectful by nature, and the Polynesian families respect their elders." (MH)
Note: MH also points out that before JJ, UH hadn't had a player drafted in 11 years!
About how Seau was idoloized by Samoans, Reagan said:
"Growing up, we didn't know organized football. Everyone just wanted to be Junior Seau. Even if you were playing quarterback you were Junior Seau." (MH)
About how he gets angry when people pull his hair during games, Samson said:
"I'm like the Hulk." (MH)
JJ says that Tala is the 4 Samoan rookies natural leader, and added:
"Esera should have been drafted because he's certainly good enough. He was just a little sick during the [scouting] combine." (MH)
Happy to be drafted by Miami, Reagan said:
"I wasn't supposed to be here. I'm just so grateful. This is what I've dreamed of, being a part of this." (MH)
About how he called JJ to ask if he could walk on to UH, Reagan said:
"I just built up the nerve to call Coach [June] Jones. I took it upon myself to walk onto the team. I told [Jones] not to give me a scholarship if I didn't earn it. I wanted to earn it." (MH)
MH Note: "Mauia, who says he 'dinked around in high school' before dedicating himself to football, wasn't even recruited by Hawaii. While playing junior college football in California, he fell in love with Hawaii's program after watching a video entitled Polynesian Power, a documentary narrated by "The Rock" about football in the islands. After watching the film, Mauia, born in American Samoa but raised in Stockton, Calif., was inspired to reconnect with his Polynesian culture."
MH Note: "He first played nose tackle for Jones but the coach moved Mauia to fullback after watching him play rugby one day before practice. Jones now calls Mauia "the most powerful player I've ever coached" and likens him to former NFL fullback Craig "Ironhead" Heyward. It's an interesting comparison considering Mauia once ran headlong through a wall. A homemade video of the feat can be found on YouTube. It's a senseless act of bravado but also serves as a metaphor. In another YouTube video, Mauia screams, "Polynesian wrecking crew," as Esera slams his head through the same wall. "It's all about the warrior's mentality," Mauia said."
About how Samoans consider themselves a warrior class of people, Reagan said:
"We're a little different breed. I really don't know how to explain it, but coaches see it." (MH)
About their 4 Samoan rookies, Cam Cameron said:
"What we've seen in these guys is that spirit of enthusiasm and that pride. When they step onto the football field they know they represent someone bigger than themselves. And that's important. We believe in that. We believe you play for something bigger than yourself, obviously the team. I think they play for family and have a lot of pride." (MH)
Happy to have 2 UH teammates and another Samoan rookie from Utah, Tala said:
"It's awesome having two teammates and another guy from American Samoa here, because then hopefully [Miami] will get a feel of how close we are -- Polynesians -- because we're very family-oriented. Hopefully, guys will see that and it will rub off." (MH)
About how they have gone from 19 of 105 players of Polynesian descent when he joined UH to 76 under him, JJ said:
"I think the numbers show that there is some real truth and value to having this culture on your team. The kids are very respectful by nature, and the Polynesian families respect their elders." (MH)
Note: MH also points out that before JJ, UH hadn't had a player drafted in 11 years!
About how Seau was idoloized by Samoans, Reagan said:
"Growing up, we didn't know organized football. Everyone just wanted to be Junior Seau. Even if you were playing quarterback you were Junior Seau." (MH)
About how he gets angry when people pull his hair during games, Samson said:
"I'm like the Hulk." (MH)
JJ says that Tala is the 4 Samoan rookies natural leader, and added:
"Esera should have been drafted because he's certainly good enough. He was just a little sick during the [scouting] combine." (MH)
Happy to be drafted by Miami, Reagan said:
"I wasn't supposed to be here. I'm just so grateful. This is what I've dreamed of, being a part of this." (MH)
About how he called JJ to ask if he could walk on to UH, Reagan said:
"I just built up the nerve to call Coach [June] Jones. I took it upon myself to walk onto the team. I told [Jones] not to give me a scholarship if I didn't earn it. I wanted to earn it." (MH)
MH Note: "Mauia, who says he 'dinked around in high school' before dedicating himself to football, wasn't even recruited by Hawaii. While playing junior college football in California, he fell in love with Hawaii's program after watching a video entitled Polynesian Power, a documentary narrated by "The Rock" about football in the islands. After watching the film, Mauia, born in American Samoa but raised in Stockton, Calif., was inspired to reconnect with his Polynesian culture."
MH Note: "He first played nose tackle for Jones but the coach moved Mauia to fullback after watching him play rugby one day before practice. Jones now calls Mauia "the most powerful player I've ever coached" and likens him to former NFL fullback Craig "Ironhead" Heyward. It's an interesting comparison considering Mauia once ran headlong through a wall. A homemade video of the feat can be found on YouTube. It's a senseless act of bravado but also serves as a metaphor. In another YouTube video, Mauia screams, "Polynesian wrecking crew," as Esera slams his head through the same wall. "It's all about the warrior's mentality," Mauia said."
Quotes about HF's meeting with the Legislature
After his grilling by Rep. Chang and Rep. Takai, HF said:
"anytime I can explain what we do, it is time well spent, no question in my mind. I think they now have a better understanding about me." (HA)
"I think they (legislators) now have a different understanding about me. I think they understand I don't shoot from the hip. As they asked us questions, I knew the answers." (HA)
"We were able to squash some rumors out there pertaining to unnecessary travel. I think we squashed some rumors about a whole lot of things about how I feel about our program, what I do to our program. I think the comments you heard from some of our coaches tell you exactly where we fit." (HSB)
About the public unhappiness with HF and the Athletic Department, Takai said:
"(UH athletics has) got an image problem." (HSB)
"I think a meeting like this is generally very productive because it provides the public with the opportunity to find out many of the questions people have been wanting to ask for quite a while. From that standpoint I think it's very productive." (HSB)
About the purpose of the briefing and how things need to be followed up, Takai said:
"I think we started the discussion on questions that I've had. I think there's more that still needs to come from the university as to whether I'm satisfied." (HSB)
Asked if he thinks he will have a better relationship with lawmakers after the briefing, HF said:
"We didn't have a bad one with them before. We were just never afforded the opportunity to sit down and talk with them. That's why you kind of wish that you have a cordial nice meeting instead of a public debate as to what it is that you're supposed to do for your program." (HSB)
HA Note: "There were revelations of mold that has largely shut down the mauka training room and how bedraggled Cooke Field is "a lawsuit waiting to happen."
Lawmakers made clear a willingness to listen and to help. Time and again Takai and others asked, "How do we help you?" As Rep. Jerry Chang, chairman of the House Higher Education Committee, put it, "we're here because we care."
Here, in one room were two of the most powerful committees publicly reaching out, if not beseeching UH, to make a wish with the state watching. It was tantamount to a fat pitch down the middle with the base loaded. Somebody, anybody, should have stepped up and hit it out of the park. Instead, nobody even bothered to take a whack at it.
Maybe, in what was at times a sweltering, crammed to overflowing, meeting room, the UH delegation was simply exhausted. Perhaps, with all their focus devoted to fending off Takai's thrusts, they didn't appreciate the opening — or were too defiant to grasp it."
Supporting HF, WAC head Karl Benson said:
"People on the mainland look at him as efficient, effective and organized." (HSB)
Revealing that the Athletic Department still owes $2.3 mil, Takai said:
"They paid off the $1 million (loan) but they still have another $2 million to go." (HA)
HA Note: "After lawmakers asked UH to tell them what the purse-controlling legislature could do for the state's only Division I-A athletic program, none of the assembled officials stood up and asked for a thing, much less unfurled a wish list."
About how her office hasn't demanded the $2 mil debt to be repaid, Chancellor Denise Konan said:
"We haven't constrained their growth by making them pay back in a rapid, dramatic fashion." (HA)
About the incomplete schedule, HF said that he accepted:
"full responsibility"(HA)
HA Note: "he now is working "hand in hand" with the WAC and ESPN in attempts to land a 13th opponent for a game at Aloha Stadium." (HA)
About the question of names of the potential donors of above $1 mil or more, Konan said:
"I really don't think this is appropriate." (HSB)
Questioning HF's ability to fundraise, one of the most important functions of an AD, Takai said:
"My line of questioning at the very end is probably the most important. As we move forward, how can Mr. Frazier assure us and the public of his ability to fundraise? I'm still unclear as to that." (HSB)
About not wanting to discuss the names of potential donors, HF said:
"You can't do that. There's no way you give that out. There's no athletic director in America that's going to give out the names of who your key donors are, especially ones who you have lined up." (HSB)
About how his late hiring didn't hurt his recruiting, Bob Nash said:
"We've not been negatively impacted." (HSB)
About the $2.3 mil debt that the Athletic Department has, Takai said:
"I can tell you I'm deeply concerned about financial statements. I think the fact that I was able to point out some things that are a little bit troubling about the financial situation is important." (HSB)
Note: This does make it seem kind of silly how HF publicly made a big deal about paying off the $1 mil loan while the Athletic Department was sitting on this $2.3 mil debt. The public had no way of knowing about the other loan and I think that most (like me) assumed that UH sports was out of debt then.
About their $2.3 mil debt, HF said:
"How many times have we talked about that? The audit came out in January. If he had any questions about that, he should have asked me in January. The numbers are there. We didn't fake anything there. We always said we were in the black for the one year. That other money (the previous deficit) didn't disappear. That's why we were kind of baffled with that question. That's a public document that's been out six months." (HSB)
About the poor state of the facilities, Takai said:
"I think the whole discussion about facilities leaves a lot to be desired. On the one hand everybody questions why the facilities are in such deplorable conditions and they ask the Legislature why you don't step up. On the other hand one of our frustrations is we don't have the ability to step up if we don't know what is actually needed. I think that discussion on facilities will be continuing and hopefully we can get to the bottom of some of those concerns as well." (HSB)
HSB Note: "The subject of UH's autonomy factored in when legislative funding for facility repairs was addressed. Takai asked for more information about what lower campus needs to maintain and improve facilities such as Cooke Field, which remains without turf. Konan countered that there are other projects on upper campus that are of higher priority, and it is not the Legislature's domain to determine priorities at UH.
Takai said the Legislature can't help the UH athletic department if it isn't asked. Frazier said he didn't want to "double-ask" since such requests are supposed to come from upper campus."
HA Note: "The athletic department's mauka athletic-training room has restrictive availability because of a "mold issue," associate athletic director Carl Clapp reported. Clapp said water piping inside the room must be moved outside of the building."
HA Note: "A wing on the third floor of the athletic complex remains unfinished because of a lack of money. The amount appropriated by the Legislature was only enough to build a shell. UH is seeking private donations to pay for the offices."
HA Note: "Despite promises to negotiate with coaches two years in advance of their contract-expiration dates, Frazier acknowledged two head coaches are working without contracts, and football coach June Jones and women's volleyball coach Dave Shoji are approaching the final year of their contracts. Frazier said he and his associates have "started our drafts" on contract proposals to Jones and Shoji."
HA Note: "Frazier revealed that the drop-dead date for UH to add a 13th game to its 2007 football schedule is the end of this month. He also vowed to complete the 2008 schedule by the end of the summer."
"anytime I can explain what we do, it is time well spent, no question in my mind. I think they now have a better understanding about me." (HA)
"I think they (legislators) now have a different understanding about me. I think they understand I don't shoot from the hip. As they asked us questions, I knew the answers." (HA)
"We were able to squash some rumors out there pertaining to unnecessary travel. I think we squashed some rumors about a whole lot of things about how I feel about our program, what I do to our program. I think the comments you heard from some of our coaches tell you exactly where we fit." (HSB)
About the public unhappiness with HF and the Athletic Department, Takai said:
"(UH athletics has) got an image problem." (HSB)
"I think a meeting like this is generally very productive because it provides the public with the opportunity to find out many of the questions people have been wanting to ask for quite a while. From that standpoint I think it's very productive." (HSB)
About the purpose of the briefing and how things need to be followed up, Takai said:
"I think we started the discussion on questions that I've had. I think there's more that still needs to come from the university as to whether I'm satisfied." (HSB)
Asked if he thinks he will have a better relationship with lawmakers after the briefing, HF said:
"We didn't have a bad one with them before. We were just never afforded the opportunity to sit down and talk with them. That's why you kind of wish that you have a cordial nice meeting instead of a public debate as to what it is that you're supposed to do for your program." (HSB)
HA Note: "There were revelations of mold that has largely shut down the mauka training room and how bedraggled Cooke Field is "a lawsuit waiting to happen."
Lawmakers made clear a willingness to listen and to help. Time and again Takai and others asked, "How do we help you?" As Rep. Jerry Chang, chairman of the House Higher Education Committee, put it, "we're here because we care."
Here, in one room were two of the most powerful committees publicly reaching out, if not beseeching UH, to make a wish with the state watching. It was tantamount to a fat pitch down the middle with the base loaded. Somebody, anybody, should have stepped up and hit it out of the park. Instead, nobody even bothered to take a whack at it.
Maybe, in what was at times a sweltering, crammed to overflowing, meeting room, the UH delegation was simply exhausted. Perhaps, with all their focus devoted to fending off Takai's thrusts, they didn't appreciate the opening — or were too defiant to grasp it."
Supporting HF, WAC head Karl Benson said:
"People on the mainland look at him as efficient, effective and organized." (HSB)
Revealing that the Athletic Department still owes $2.3 mil, Takai said:
"They paid off the $1 million (loan) but they still have another $2 million to go." (HA)
HA Note: "After lawmakers asked UH to tell them what the purse-controlling legislature could do for the state's only Division I-A athletic program, none of the assembled officials stood up and asked for a thing, much less unfurled a wish list."
About how her office hasn't demanded the $2 mil debt to be repaid, Chancellor Denise Konan said:
"We haven't constrained their growth by making them pay back in a rapid, dramatic fashion." (HA)
About the incomplete schedule, HF said that he accepted:
"full responsibility"(HA)
HA Note: "he now is working "hand in hand" with the WAC and ESPN in attempts to land a 13th opponent for a game at Aloha Stadium." (HA)
About the question of names of the potential donors of above $1 mil or more, Konan said:
"I really don't think this is appropriate." (HSB)
Questioning HF's ability to fundraise, one of the most important functions of an AD, Takai said:
"My line of questioning at the very end is probably the most important. As we move forward, how can Mr. Frazier assure us and the public of his ability to fundraise? I'm still unclear as to that." (HSB)
About not wanting to discuss the names of potential donors, HF said:
"You can't do that. There's no way you give that out. There's no athletic director in America that's going to give out the names of who your key donors are, especially ones who you have lined up." (HSB)
About how his late hiring didn't hurt his recruiting, Bob Nash said:
"We've not been negatively impacted." (HSB)
About the $2.3 mil debt that the Athletic Department has, Takai said:
"I can tell you I'm deeply concerned about financial statements. I think the fact that I was able to point out some things that are a little bit troubling about the financial situation is important." (HSB)
Note: This does make it seem kind of silly how HF publicly made a big deal about paying off the $1 mil loan while the Athletic Department was sitting on this $2.3 mil debt. The public had no way of knowing about the other loan and I think that most (like me) assumed that UH sports was out of debt then.
About their $2.3 mil debt, HF said:
"How many times have we talked about that? The audit came out in January. If he had any questions about that, he should have asked me in January. The numbers are there. We didn't fake anything there. We always said we were in the black for the one year. That other money (the previous deficit) didn't disappear. That's why we were kind of baffled with that question. That's a public document that's been out six months." (HSB)
About the poor state of the facilities, Takai said:
"I think the whole discussion about facilities leaves a lot to be desired. On the one hand everybody questions why the facilities are in such deplorable conditions and they ask the Legislature why you don't step up. On the other hand one of our frustrations is we don't have the ability to step up if we don't know what is actually needed. I think that discussion on facilities will be continuing and hopefully we can get to the bottom of some of those concerns as well." (HSB)
HSB Note: "The subject of UH's autonomy factored in when legislative funding for facility repairs was addressed. Takai asked for more information about what lower campus needs to maintain and improve facilities such as Cooke Field, which remains without turf. Konan countered that there are other projects on upper campus that are of higher priority, and it is not the Legislature's domain to determine priorities at UH.
Takai said the Legislature can't help the UH athletic department if it isn't asked. Frazier said he didn't want to "double-ask" since such requests are supposed to come from upper campus."
HA Note: "The athletic department's mauka athletic-training room has restrictive availability because of a "mold issue," associate athletic director Carl Clapp reported. Clapp said water piping inside the room must be moved outside of the building."
HA Note: "A wing on the third floor of the athletic complex remains unfinished because of a lack of money. The amount appropriated by the Legislature was only enough to build a shell. UH is seeking private donations to pay for the offices."
HA Note: "Despite promises to negotiate with coaches two years in advance of their contract-expiration dates, Frazier acknowledged two head coaches are working without contracts, and football coach June Jones and women's volleyball coach Dave Shoji are approaching the final year of their contracts. Frazier said he and his associates have "started our drafts" on contract proposals to Jones and Shoji."
HA Note: "Frazier revealed that the drop-dead date for UH to add a 13th game to its 2007 football schedule is the end of this month. He also vowed to complete the 2008 schedule by the end of the summer."
Friday, May 18, 2007
Quotes about Jerry Glanville
About the non-stop sales job JG has been doing for PSU, PSU assistant AD Scott Herrin said:
"The other day I was talking to my wife, and he jumped right in and started trying to sell her season tickets. I said, 'Jerry, that's my wife.' He goes, 'OK, sorry, I was just trying to sell some tickets.' " (HSB)
About JG's love of wearing black, Mouse Davis said:
"He said, 'Black's not a color, it's an attitude.' I said, 'Do you know who you're talking to here? Don't give me that. Don't use that line on me. Black is a color, (colorful word deleted).' " (HSB)
HSB note via the Seattle Times: "Someone pulled up an Internet poll on his computer screen the other day.
The question is: Is Jerry Glanville alive or dead?
"It's running pretty close!" Glanville shouts. "I asked our secretary, and she voted I was dead." (HSB)
"The other day I was talking to my wife, and he jumped right in and started trying to sell her season tickets. I said, 'Jerry, that's my wife.' He goes, 'OK, sorry, I was just trying to sell some tickets.' " (HSB)
About JG's love of wearing black, Mouse Davis said:
"He said, 'Black's not a color, it's an attitude.' I said, 'Do you know who you're talking to here? Don't give me that. Don't use that line on me. Black is a color, (colorful word deleted).' " (HSB)
HSB note via the Seattle Times: "Someone pulled up an Internet poll on his computer screen the other day.
The question is: Is Jerry Glanville alive or dead?
"It's running pretty close!" Glanville shouts. "I asked our secretary, and she voted I was dead." (HSB)
Quotes about Herman Frazier
Still hoping for a 13th game, HF said::
"We're on the phone every day on that 13th. When we have exhausted every avenue then we will announce that we've exhausted our avenues. But we're not there yet." (HA)
Season ticket holders won't be charged if UH gets an 8th home game, as HF said it would be:
"a bonus for our season-ticket holders, those people who stepped up to help us." (HA)
About the delay in announcing the UNC game, despite UNC players and media being told about the game last month, HF said:
"Northern Colorado's situation was we kept going back and forth on everything that should be in the contract." (HA)
Asked if playing two 1-AA teams will hurt their BCS chances even if they go undefeated, HF said:
"At the end of the day, if you run the table, you roll the dice to see where you are. Those things are not going to be decided right now. ... You won't know until December." (HA)
HA Note: "The deal means UH's first two home games will be against Division I-AA opponents. UH plays Charleston Southern on Sept. 22. A Division I-A team is permitted to count only one I-AA victory toward bowl qualification."
About seeking info on HF's expenses, Rep. Jerry Chang said:
"there's a lot of talk about his high pay and travel expenses and the trips that he is taking." (HA)
"he should be accountable." (HA)
"I'm hearing a lot about how dissatisfied people are." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Chang, chairman of the House Higher Education Committee, said he's received "20 and still coming in" complaints about Frazier since announcing the briefing last week, and some cite travel issues." (HSB)
About the Monday meeting, HF said:
"I look forward to being there on Monday and giving out our message." (HA)
"we put together all of our achievements for 2006-'07 and, I think, once we share that with the powers that be, I think they will feel the same way as we do about what's been accomplished." (HA)
"I think this will enlighten people as to what really goes on. We don't have anything to hide and I look forward to coming down there and sharing with them all the good things we have done at this university. ... If you look at all that's been accomplished here the past five years, to have all of that weighed against two particular incidents, I'm not sure is fair. But that's OK, this will give us the opportunity to show how we feel and also enlighten people as to what we have done." (HSB)
"I think people need to understand you want an aggressive athletic director who sits on national committees. It's not by mistake the WAC put me on the football issues committee. It's because I was president of the Fiesta Bowl and knew all the football coaches, and they know I know all the administrators there." (HSB)
HA Note: "But Chang said a number of people have raised questions about Frazier's operation of the department. Chang and others said most of the correspondence reaching them has so far been "negative." Much of it comes in the wake of recent controversies about facilities and scheduling.
Two weeks ago UH quarterback Colt Brennan blasted the state of some facilities at UH."
About how he does the same things as his AD colleagues, HF said:
"Work never stops. You're on the computer, you're on the telephone. When I look at my mentors in this business, like Kevin White at Notre Dame, I guarantee you he is on campus no more than two or three days a week. All I know is I don't do anything different than any of my colleagues." (HSB)
Note: Except they normally get their schedule done 2-3 years in advance AND don't play more than one D-1AA team.
About his travel records, HF said:
"I'm not sure what travel information you mean, because I haven't talked to Rep. Chang about that. But all the travel I do on behalf of the university is paid for by the university. All the jobs I do for other (organizations) is paid by them. Whatever anyone wants to ask us about that, we'll make that available." (HSB)
"Every athletic director in America travels extensively as part of their job. But I haven't been to an Olympic meeting since '04. I'm not sure where the travel issue comes from. If you ask me how much travel I've done the last two years, you know this, 12 to 14 (trips) are for football, five to seven are either WAC or NCAA meetings. That's 75 percent of it right there. Take out those things, I'm not sure what else is left." (HSB)
Chang said that the meeting is not meant to be a:
"lynch Herman Frazier hearing, like people would like it to be. That's why we're not taking public testimony. We want to learn about plans and revenue sources. If the legislation is needed to be done in the next session for things like funding requirements, we need to know right away. It's for the members (of the House and Senate education committees) to sit and listen and after have an opportunity to ask questions. That may turn into a lynching mob, because I'm sure some members are getting input from the public to ask certain questions." (HSB)
About how they had planned to be briefed months ago, but it seems that Colt speaking out brought about this briefing now:
"We planned on this, had planned it before the session. We get the UH president and the chancellors to give us overviews about issues like funding and priorities and plans. Because I'm a sports fan, I wanted to hear from Herman Frazier, primarily about coaches' salaries. But we got so tied up with the session, we didn't have time to schedule it. When the Colt Brennan thing came up, people asked, 'What can be done?' The answer is exactly what we'll be doing." (HSB)
"We're on the phone every day on that 13th. When we have exhausted every avenue then we will announce that we've exhausted our avenues. But we're not there yet." (HA)
Season ticket holders won't be charged if UH gets an 8th home game, as HF said it would be:
"a bonus for our season-ticket holders, those people who stepped up to help us." (HA)
About the delay in announcing the UNC game, despite UNC players and media being told about the game last month, HF said:
"Northern Colorado's situation was we kept going back and forth on everything that should be in the contract." (HA)
Asked if playing two 1-AA teams will hurt their BCS chances even if they go undefeated, HF said:
"At the end of the day, if you run the table, you roll the dice to see where you are. Those things are not going to be decided right now. ... You won't know until December." (HA)
HA Note: "The deal means UH's first two home games will be against Division I-AA opponents. UH plays Charleston Southern on Sept. 22. A Division I-A team is permitted to count only one I-AA victory toward bowl qualification."
About seeking info on HF's expenses, Rep. Jerry Chang said:
"there's a lot of talk about his high pay and travel expenses and the trips that he is taking." (HA)
"he should be accountable." (HA)
"I'm hearing a lot about how dissatisfied people are." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Chang, chairman of the House Higher Education Committee, said he's received "20 and still coming in" complaints about Frazier since announcing the briefing last week, and some cite travel issues." (HSB)
About the Monday meeting, HF said:
"I look forward to being there on Monday and giving out our message." (HA)
"we put together all of our achievements for 2006-'07 and, I think, once we share that with the powers that be, I think they will feel the same way as we do about what's been accomplished." (HA)
"I think this will enlighten people as to what really goes on. We don't have anything to hide and I look forward to coming down there and sharing with them all the good things we have done at this university. ... If you look at all that's been accomplished here the past five years, to have all of that weighed against two particular incidents, I'm not sure is fair. But that's OK, this will give us the opportunity to show how we feel and also enlighten people as to what we have done." (HSB)
"I think people need to understand you want an aggressive athletic director who sits on national committees. It's not by mistake the WAC put me on the football issues committee. It's because I was president of the Fiesta Bowl and knew all the football coaches, and they know I know all the administrators there." (HSB)
HA Note: "But Chang said a number of people have raised questions about Frazier's operation of the department. Chang and others said most of the correspondence reaching them has so far been "negative." Much of it comes in the wake of recent controversies about facilities and scheduling.
Two weeks ago UH quarterback Colt Brennan blasted the state of some facilities at UH."
About how he does the same things as his AD colleagues, HF said:
"Work never stops. You're on the computer, you're on the telephone. When I look at my mentors in this business, like Kevin White at Notre Dame, I guarantee you he is on campus no more than two or three days a week. All I know is I don't do anything different than any of my colleagues." (HSB)
Note: Except they normally get their schedule done 2-3 years in advance AND don't play more than one D-1AA team.
About his travel records, HF said:
"I'm not sure what travel information you mean, because I haven't talked to Rep. Chang about that. But all the travel I do on behalf of the university is paid for by the university. All the jobs I do for other (organizations) is paid by them. Whatever anyone wants to ask us about that, we'll make that available." (HSB)
"Every athletic director in America travels extensively as part of their job. But I haven't been to an Olympic meeting since '04. I'm not sure where the travel issue comes from. If you ask me how much travel I've done the last two years, you know this, 12 to 14 (trips) are for football, five to seven are either WAC or NCAA meetings. That's 75 percent of it right there. Take out those things, I'm not sure what else is left." (HSB)
Chang said that the meeting is not meant to be a:
"lynch Herman Frazier hearing, like people would like it to be. That's why we're not taking public testimony. We want to learn about plans and revenue sources. If the legislation is needed to be done in the next session for things like funding requirements, we need to know right away. It's for the members (of the House and Senate education committees) to sit and listen and after have an opportunity to ask questions. That may turn into a lynching mob, because I'm sure some members are getting input from the public to ask certain questions." (HSB)
About how they had planned to be briefed months ago, but it seems that Colt speaking out brought about this briefing now:
"We planned on this, had planned it before the session. We get the UH president and the chancellors to give us overviews about issues like funding and priorities and plans. Because I'm a sports fan, I wanted to hear from Herman Frazier, primarily about coaches' salaries. But we got so tied up with the session, we didn't have time to schedule it. When the Colt Brennan thing came up, people asked, 'What can be done?' The answer is exactly what we'll be doing." (HSB)
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
More Quotes about Nate and his weight
http://philadelphia.comcastsportsnet.com/view_content_0p.asp?ID=50104
About how he needs to lose weight, Nate said:
“I’m way heavier than Westbrook. That’s one thing I have to try to cut down. That’s what I plan on doing. The things that he does are due to the fact that he’s in shape and he’s able to stay in there 100 percent of the time, and that’s how effective he is. He is able to wear defenses out. That’s what you have to do at this level." (Comcastsportsnet.com)
“I was able to play with it last year. The thing is, on this level, everything is up another level. I’ve got to do something to get to that level. Losing weight and getting in tip-top shape is going to help me do that. … I’m just trying to get body fat down.” (Comcastsportsnet.com)
Note: Last season Nate played at 245 pounds. He reportedly was 254 at the Eagles minicamp.
Asked how much weight the Eagles want him to lose, Nate said:
“I don’t know where they want me to be. I know it’s real low though.” (Comcastsportsnet.com)
About how Nate will be big even when he loses weight, Coach Mornhinweg said:
“He is unique that way. Football players come in different sizes and shapes.” (Comcastsportsnet.com)
Praising Ryan Moats (it may be Moats or Nate on the roster), head coach Andy Reid said:
“Ryan has done nothing but improve throughout here. He’s a snap away from being in there and playing full time, and that’s the way he’s preparing himself.” (Comcastsportsnet.com)
Comcastsportsnet note: "Moats, a third-round pick himself in 2005, had a promising rookie year. He rushed for 278 yards on 55 carries – 5.1 yards per attempt – and three touchdowns. Last season, however, he sat behind Westbrook and Buckhalter, and his production was reduced by more than half (22 carries for 69 yards and 0 touchdowns). However, Moats made an impression during the team’s first minicamp."
About how he is finally comfortable with their playbook, Moats said:
“I think I showed them consistency more than anything. The last two years, I was playing very stressed. I was stressing myself out, pressuring myself to learn those plays. I was pushing myself too hard to get it, and that can mess everything up. Now I feel more relaxed and more comfortable, and I can just play my game.” (Comcastsportsnet.com)
Feeling that he was ready to play last year, Moats said:
“I didn’t have a chance. This is my chance. It’s frustrating, but what can you do? You’ve got two good backs in front of you. I just try to be happy for the other person.” (Comcastsportsnet.com)
About how his game is similar to Westbrook's, Moats said:
“All he’s doing is making it better for me. He’s the same kind of back I am, and he’s proving to the NFL that we have longevity as shorter backs, just like Barry Sanders did. If anything, he’s helping my cause in the future.” (Comcastsportsnet.com)
About his uncertain status in Philly, Moats said:
“If I don’t play here, I’ll play somewhere else. That’s just how it is. That’s how you’ve got to look at it. But I’m here to make this team, and I’m pretty sure I will.” (Comcastsportsnet.com)
About how he needs to lose weight, Nate said:
“I’m way heavier than Westbrook. That’s one thing I have to try to cut down. That’s what I plan on doing. The things that he does are due to the fact that he’s in shape and he’s able to stay in there 100 percent of the time, and that’s how effective he is. He is able to wear defenses out. That’s what you have to do at this level." (Comcastsportsnet.com)
“I was able to play with it last year. The thing is, on this level, everything is up another level. I’ve got to do something to get to that level. Losing weight and getting in tip-top shape is going to help me do that. … I’m just trying to get body fat down.” (Comcastsportsnet.com)
Note: Last season Nate played at 245 pounds. He reportedly was 254 at the Eagles minicamp.
Asked how much weight the Eagles want him to lose, Nate said:
“I don’t know where they want me to be. I know it’s real low though.” (Comcastsportsnet.com)
About how Nate will be big even when he loses weight, Coach Mornhinweg said:
“He is unique that way. Football players come in different sizes and shapes.” (Comcastsportsnet.com)
Praising Ryan Moats (it may be Moats or Nate on the roster), head coach Andy Reid said:
“Ryan has done nothing but improve throughout here. He’s a snap away from being in there and playing full time, and that’s the way he’s preparing himself.” (Comcastsportsnet.com)
Comcastsportsnet note: "Moats, a third-round pick himself in 2005, had a promising rookie year. He rushed for 278 yards on 55 carries – 5.1 yards per attempt – and three touchdowns. Last season, however, he sat behind Westbrook and Buckhalter, and his production was reduced by more than half (22 carries for 69 yards and 0 touchdowns). However, Moats made an impression during the team’s first minicamp."
About how he is finally comfortable with their playbook, Moats said:
“I think I showed them consistency more than anything. The last two years, I was playing very stressed. I was stressing myself out, pressuring myself to learn those plays. I was pushing myself too hard to get it, and that can mess everything up. Now I feel more relaxed and more comfortable, and I can just play my game.” (Comcastsportsnet.com)
Feeling that he was ready to play last year, Moats said:
“I didn’t have a chance. This is my chance. It’s frustrating, but what can you do? You’ve got two good backs in front of you. I just try to be happy for the other person.” (Comcastsportsnet.com)
About how his game is similar to Westbrook's, Moats said:
“All he’s doing is making it better for me. He’s the same kind of back I am, and he’s proving to the NFL that we have longevity as shorter backs, just like Barry Sanders did. If anything, he’s helping my cause in the future.” (Comcastsportsnet.com)
About his uncertain status in Philly, Moats said:
“If I don’t play here, I’ll play somewhere else. That’s just how it is. That’s how you’ve got to look at it. But I’m here to make this team, and I’m pretty sure I will.” (Comcastsportsnet.com)
Quotes after Kenny Patton was released
Feeling that he can play in the NFL, Kenny Patton said:
"My agent's working on it, but it's hard at this point because teams are downsizing. Hopefully, I'll end up somewhere. I'll play anywhere, but after my experience with the Raiders, I know I can play at the NFL level. They told me it's just a numbers thing." (HSB)
After the Raiders waived him, Kenny Patton said:
"Now I have to play the waiting game. It was a great opportunity. I have to see if my agent can get me another one." (HA)
About how it will be difficult to join an NFL team now, Kenny said:
"Teams aren't looking to add players at this point." (HA)
Remaining positive, Kenny said:
"I'm going to train, train, train, and see what happens. There's no use getting down. 'Positivity' is the key." (HA)
HA Note: "But by signing a free-agent contract with the Raiders last week, he is eligible to play in NFL Europa."
"My agent's working on it, but it's hard at this point because teams are downsizing. Hopefully, I'll end up somewhere. I'll play anywhere, but after my experience with the Raiders, I know I can play at the NFL level. They told me it's just a numbers thing." (HSB)
After the Raiders waived him, Kenny Patton said:
"Now I have to play the waiting game. It was a great opportunity. I have to see if my agent can get me another one." (HA)
About how it will be difficult to join an NFL team now, Kenny said:
"Teams aren't looking to add players at this point." (HA)
Remaining positive, Kenny said:
"I'm going to train, train, train, and see what happens. There's no use getting down. 'Positivity' is the key." (HA)
HA Note: "But by signing a free-agent contract with the Raiders last week, he is eligible to play in NFL Europa."
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Quotes from Nate on the last day of the Eagles minicamp
http://www.mcall.com/sports/columnists/all-col-jones.5849354may15,0,869338.column
About how he adjusted pretty easily to the environment of the minicamp, Nate said:
''That [previous experience] kind of helps,'' he acknowledged Monday afternoon, on the last day of the Birds' minicam. Meeting people and things like that, that's no problem. Anything you do [for the first time] is going to be tough at first, but I've been through it a lot, so I know what to expect." (Morning Call online)
Nate said that he spent the minicamp:
''trying to break old habits'' (Morning Call online)
Note: Nate was referring to learning new names for plays he ran in college.
About the increased speed at the NFL level, Nate said:
"In college, you're able to get away with a couple players being real fast, but out here, everyone's fast. Even the coaches are fast." (Morning Call online)
MC Note: "Speed is an issue; his 40 times topped out in the 4.7 range in the months leading up to the draft, something that might improve if he follows through on his plan to shed a few pounds.
Listed at 180 when he committed to Hawaii -- and also listed, curiously, at 5-10 -- he routinely played at 245 there, and was very productive in the Warriors' run-and-shoot offense. He accumulated 1,827 all-purpose yards last year (990 on the ground and 837 on 67 receptions), and finished his career with 3,383 yards from scrimmage."
About how he needs to lose weight, Nate said:
"Everything's up another level. I've got to do something to get onto that level, and I think losing weight and getting into tip-top shape is going to help me to do that." (Morning Call online)
Note: I'm glad that Nate knows this, because he's not guaranteed a roster spot and reporting to Eagles camp at 254 pounds really damages his pro potential. If he doesn't get that under control fast, he'll quickly lose his shot at the NFL. They aren't going to wait for him to lose weight and prod him like JJ did, they will just cut him and go to the next guy. Nate said in his interview that his injuries prevented him from losing weight while he was at UH, but now he doesn't have to worry about school and isn't mentioning any injuries, so there is no excuse for not being in NFL shape.
About how he adjusted pretty easily to the environment of the minicamp, Nate said:
''That [previous experience] kind of helps,'' he acknowledged Monday afternoon, on the last day of the Birds' minicam. Meeting people and things like that, that's no problem. Anything you do [for the first time] is going to be tough at first, but I've been through it a lot, so I know what to expect." (Morning Call online)
Nate said that he spent the minicamp:
''trying to break old habits'' (Morning Call online)
Note: Nate was referring to learning new names for plays he ran in college.
About the increased speed at the NFL level, Nate said:
"In college, you're able to get away with a couple players being real fast, but out here, everyone's fast. Even the coaches are fast." (Morning Call online)
MC Note: "Speed is an issue; his 40 times topped out in the 4.7 range in the months leading up to the draft, something that might improve if he follows through on his plan to shed a few pounds.
Listed at 180 when he committed to Hawaii -- and also listed, curiously, at 5-10 -- he routinely played at 245 there, and was very productive in the Warriors' run-and-shoot offense. He accumulated 1,827 all-purpose yards last year (990 on the ground and 837 on 67 receptions), and finished his career with 3,383 yards from scrimmage."
About how he needs to lose weight, Nate said:
"Everything's up another level. I've got to do something to get onto that level, and I think losing weight and getting into tip-top shape is going to help me to do that." (Morning Call online)
Note: I'm glad that Nate knows this, because he's not guaranteed a roster spot and reporting to Eagles camp at 254 pounds really damages his pro potential. If he doesn't get that under control fast, he'll quickly lose his shot at the NFL. They aren't going to wait for him to lose weight and prod him like JJ did, they will just cut him and go to the next guy. Nate said in his interview that his injuries prevented him from losing weight while he was at UH, but now he doesn't have to worry about school and isn't mentioning any injuries, so there is no excuse for not being in NFL shape.
Nice comment about Ikaika from Brian DeLucia's blog
http://community.foxsports.com/blogs/briandelucia
Rod Marinelli has a new pet project in Ikaika Alama-Francis at defensive end. He’s raw, but has all the attributes to become a productive pass rusher in the Lions’ scheme on defense. Marinelli, who is also known as one of the top defensive line teachers in the game believes in his ability to mold Alama-Francis into an impact player off the perimeter.
Rod Marinelli has a new pet project in Ikaika Alama-Francis at defensive end. He’s raw, but has all the attributes to become a productive pass rusher in the Lions’ scheme on defense. Marinelli, who is also known as one of the top defensive line teachers in the game believes in his ability to mold Alama-Francis into an impact player off the perimeter.
More on Colt speaking out
Happy with the progress that has been made since he spoke about the soap situation, Colt said:
"Think about the difference already. We've got soap dispensers, donated. A year's supply of soap, donated. The whole community's been great. The whole reaction from the people who matter, teachers and students, make me feel good about what I did." (HSB)
About raising money for an endowment for football scholarships, especially from former Warriors now in the NFL, JJ said:
"Some of the players are putting that in their contracts. We're in the process of setting up a fund like USC and a lot of the other major schools do, scholarship endowments." (HSB)
"We've talked to all of them and we're all waiting for it to be put in place. Pretty much all the players and their agents are in the mode of doing that." (HSB)
HSB Note: I've been wondering why former UH players weren't doing that already. I so glad to know that some are already putting that into their contracts and that UH will set up a fund to make it easier for them to give back!
Vince Baldemor, president af Ahahui Koa Anuenue (the UH booster club) said that athletes could always donate toward endowments, but now there is a focus on football-specific donations:
"It's a concerted effort that's still in development now." (HSB)
About how Warrior alumni would be much more inclined to donate if they knew it was going towards football scholarships, future multi-millionaire Colt said:
"Obviously I'm far away from that and I've got to worry about my senior year and I don't have any money yet. But if I get in that position I would be thrilled to do it. I plan on giving back to Hawaii financially, and I'm excited about something where I know the money would be going where I want it." (HSB)
Backing up Colt for speaking out, JJ said:
"Any publicity is positive. Colt's one of the greatest kids I've ever been around. The message he was trying to send was a positive one. I'm proud of him for voicing what he said. No one ever comes because of the facilities. They come because of the people, the place, the ohana. That's why I came back. Everything (Brennan) says is going to be magnified and he has to learn to live with that." (HSB)
About how their poor facilities have been discussed for years, JJ said:
"We've had this discussion many times before. We have upgraded, but we have a long way to go." (HSB)
About the reaction from the community has been great, Colt said:
"It was never about me. I wanted to speak up for people who can't speak up. I don't have a complaint about Hawaii. The school and everybody there has been great to me. But I know I have a political presence and I thought I could help the situation, especially for my teammates and future players. Hawaii's treated me like a prince, a son. The community reaction has been great, the best you could expect. I'm just happy that people are willing to make a difference, making donations. I wanted to bring some light to what is holding Hawaii back." (HSB)
About attending summer school so that he can graduate in the Fall, Colt said:
"I can get some courses out of the way that will help me graduate in the fall (in communications)." (HSB)
Note: I really am happy that Colt will be going to summer school, as most NFL-bound players would not bother with that and not be too concerned about their degree. Colt is showing a commitment to education that is admirable to me. Also, from a UH perspective, Colt graduating early frees up a scholarship that can be given out in January 2008 and really helps out for their APR. So many other athletes drafted in the top 2 rounds leave school after the Fall semester and do not finish their degrees because they have all of the draft preparation to do...but that hurts their school's APR and eventually costs scholarships.
HSB Note: "Later this summer he will work as a counselor at two football camps. The Elite 11 camp in the Laguna Beach, Calif., area is for the top 11 high school quarterbacks in the nation. Brennan is one of 11 top college quarterbacks, including Louisville's Jeff Brohm and USC's Josh Booty, serving as counselors. Brennan is also scheduled to work a camp on the North Shore this summer."
Note: Having Colt be around the top 11 high school QBs can do wonders for UH recruiting a big name HS QB this year! Having him do a camp on the North Shore also could do wonders for UH's local recruiting!
"Think about the difference already. We've got soap dispensers, donated. A year's supply of soap, donated. The whole community's been great. The whole reaction from the people who matter, teachers and students, make me feel good about what I did." (HSB)
About raising money for an endowment for football scholarships, especially from former Warriors now in the NFL, JJ said:
"Some of the players are putting that in their contracts. We're in the process of setting up a fund like USC and a lot of the other major schools do, scholarship endowments." (HSB)
"We've talked to all of them and we're all waiting for it to be put in place. Pretty much all the players and their agents are in the mode of doing that." (HSB)
HSB Note: I've been wondering why former UH players weren't doing that already. I so glad to know that some are already putting that into their contracts and that UH will set up a fund to make it easier for them to give back!
Vince Baldemor, president af Ahahui Koa Anuenue (the UH booster club) said that athletes could always donate toward endowments, but now there is a focus on football-specific donations:
"It's a concerted effort that's still in development now." (HSB)
About how Warrior alumni would be much more inclined to donate if they knew it was going towards football scholarships, future multi-millionaire Colt said:
"Obviously I'm far away from that and I've got to worry about my senior year and I don't have any money yet. But if I get in that position I would be thrilled to do it. I plan on giving back to Hawaii financially, and I'm excited about something where I know the money would be going where I want it." (HSB)
Backing up Colt for speaking out, JJ said:
"Any publicity is positive. Colt's one of the greatest kids I've ever been around. The message he was trying to send was a positive one. I'm proud of him for voicing what he said. No one ever comes because of the facilities. They come because of the people, the place, the ohana. That's why I came back. Everything (Brennan) says is going to be magnified and he has to learn to live with that." (HSB)
About how their poor facilities have been discussed for years, JJ said:
"We've had this discussion many times before. We have upgraded, but we have a long way to go." (HSB)
About the reaction from the community has been great, Colt said:
"It was never about me. I wanted to speak up for people who can't speak up. I don't have a complaint about Hawaii. The school and everybody there has been great to me. But I know I have a political presence and I thought I could help the situation, especially for my teammates and future players. Hawaii's treated me like a prince, a son. The community reaction has been great, the best you could expect. I'm just happy that people are willing to make a difference, making donations. I wanted to bring some light to what is holding Hawaii back." (HSB)
About attending summer school so that he can graduate in the Fall, Colt said:
"I can get some courses out of the way that will help me graduate in the fall (in communications)." (HSB)
Note: I really am happy that Colt will be going to summer school, as most NFL-bound players would not bother with that and not be too concerned about their degree. Colt is showing a commitment to education that is admirable to me. Also, from a UH perspective, Colt graduating early frees up a scholarship that can be given out in January 2008 and really helps out for their APR. So many other athletes drafted in the top 2 rounds leave school after the Fall semester and do not finish their degrees because they have all of the draft preparation to do...but that hurts their school's APR and eventually costs scholarships.
HSB Note: "Later this summer he will work as a counselor at two football camps. The Elite 11 camp in the Laguna Beach, Calif., area is for the top 11 high school quarterbacks in the nation. Brennan is one of 11 top college quarterbacks, including Louisville's Jeff Brohm and USC's Josh Booty, serving as counselors. Brennan is also scheduled to work a camp on the North Shore this summer."
Note: Having Colt be around the top 11 high school QBs can do wonders for UH recruiting a big name HS QB this year! Having him do a camp on the North Shore also could do wonders for UH's local recruiting!
Monday, May 14, 2007
Quotes about Miami's 4 Samoan rookies
http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2007/May/14/br/br0936715482.html
Happy they have 4 Samoan rookies, Reagan said:
"It's awesome. You couldn't ask for a better deal. The Dolphins, they did a great job with that one, I'll tell you that. We're going to bring something different this year." (Florida Today)
About how their 4 Samoan rookies are different, but share important characteristics, Cam Cameron said:
"They are all different, their families are different -- but what we have seen in these guys is that spirit, that spirit of enthusiasm, that pride. They are very prideful people. When they step on the football field, they know they represent someone bigger than themselves and that's important." (FT)
Proud to represent Hawaii, Samson said:
"We represent the whole Samoan culture. Now, we've got to represent the whole state of Hawaii. I'm proud to be from Hawaii. I'll represent it as (best) as I can." (FT)
About his long hair, which has not been cut since he entered UH in 2002, Samson said:
"I got pulled on a couple of times last year and I got (ticked) off. They call me Samson, but I'm like the Hulk. They pull my hair, I get angry." (FT)
About head-butting through the drywall on the YouTube video, Tala said:
"They were going to bust it down, so I was like, 'OK, may as well try to bust my head through this wall, see if I can do it.' " (FT)
About how he then ran through the wall on the YouTube video, Reagan said:
"I didn't have to upstage him. We were trying to break the wall down. We were throwing baseballs through it, medicine balls through it ... Tala put his head through it. I was like, 'I've got to do more than that.' " (FT)
FT Note: "Mauia, a former nose tackle who once weighed 380 pounds, is now a 6-foot, 270-pound fullback who has a chance to back up starter Cory Schlesinger. The Dolphins love the way he blocks and also that he can be an effective pass catcher out of the backfield.
Satele and Esera are both pushing for playing time on an offensive line that is still undergoing a restructuring. Soliai (6-4, 344) also is seen as a possible backup to veteran nose tackle Keith Traylor."
Hoping they set an example for their team to bond as a family, Tala said:
"Hopefully, (our teammates) get a feel for how close we are. Polynesians, we're very family oriented. Hopefully, guys can see that and it will rub off a little bit." (FT)
Happy they have 4 Samoan rookies, Reagan said:
"It's awesome. You couldn't ask for a better deal. The Dolphins, they did a great job with that one, I'll tell you that. We're going to bring something different this year." (Florida Today)
About how their 4 Samoan rookies are different, but share important characteristics, Cam Cameron said:
"They are all different, their families are different -- but what we have seen in these guys is that spirit, that spirit of enthusiasm, that pride. They are very prideful people. When they step on the football field, they know they represent someone bigger than themselves and that's important." (FT)
Proud to represent Hawaii, Samson said:
"We represent the whole Samoan culture. Now, we've got to represent the whole state of Hawaii. I'm proud to be from Hawaii. I'll represent it as (best) as I can." (FT)
About his long hair, which has not been cut since he entered UH in 2002, Samson said:
"I got pulled on a couple of times last year and I got (ticked) off. They call me Samson, but I'm like the Hulk. They pull my hair, I get angry." (FT)
About head-butting through the drywall on the YouTube video, Tala said:
"They were going to bust it down, so I was like, 'OK, may as well try to bust my head through this wall, see if I can do it.' " (FT)
About how he then ran through the wall on the YouTube video, Reagan said:
"I didn't have to upstage him. We were trying to break the wall down. We were throwing baseballs through it, medicine balls through it ... Tala put his head through it. I was like, 'I've got to do more than that.' " (FT)
FT Note: "Mauia, a former nose tackle who once weighed 380 pounds, is now a 6-foot, 270-pound fullback who has a chance to back up starter Cory Schlesinger. The Dolphins love the way he blocks and also that he can be an effective pass catcher out of the backfield.
Satele and Esera are both pushing for playing time on an offensive line that is still undergoing a restructuring. Soliai (6-4, 344) also is seen as a possible backup to veteran nose tackle Keith Traylor."
Hoping they set an example for their team to bond as a family, Tala said:
"Hopefully, (our teammates) get a feel for how close we are. Polynesians, we're very family oriented. Hopefully, guys can see that and it will rub off a little bit." (FT)
More from CBS Sporstline on the soap controversy
http://www.sportsline.com/columns/weblogs/entry/10175016
About their weak schedule this season, Colt said:
"To be honest with you, I'm not really frustrated. I know who we play and the quality of teams that we play has a lot to do with the type of recognition that you get at the end of the year. We're going to be ready whoever we play. We have Boise, Fresno and Washington at home.
The last two years we traveled to Alabama, Michigan State. We finally got used to that big-time atmosphere. If there was one year I would really like our chances on the road, it would be this year." (CBS Sportsline)
About their poor facilities, Colt said:
"These critics would have so much more respect if they realized what we overcome every day with facilities and resources. Even though we lost to Oregon State, Alabama and Boise State, we were in it until the fourth quarter. Last year 11-3 with the talent we had was a complete letdown. We were 18 points from being undefeated. If we feel like we're in a Division I program that has the resources, that makes us feel a lot better when we walk into Alabama and Michigan State." (CBS Sportsline)
About his scholarship check, Colt said:
"We only get $870 in our scholarship check, and we are living in the highest rental market. Last year we were only getting $630, my rent was $650. That was supposed to cover rent and
food. Once I saw the soap and a bunch of other stuff going on, I felt like I needed to say something to get things going. We've already got soap dispensers donated within hours of that article being printed." (CBS Sportsline)
About being targeted by criminals, Colt said:
"When the season ended I got my house broken into, my car broken into twice. After that, I was just really, really irritated and frustrated. They got me the first day. The just got my golf clubs and some other stuff, a phone charger and Ipod. For some reason the next day at 3 in the afternoon they decided to come back. I happened to leave my wallet in that day." (CBS Sportsline)
About how they only have one janitor to take care of their whole team's facilities, Colt said:
"They have one janitor to clean up after 80 people. He recycles shampoo bottles, fills them up with soap and gives them back to us. People should really realize how impressive it's been with Hawaii succeeding at the level they're succeeding at." (CBS Sportsline)
• The school's response to Brennan's claims:
University of Hawaii at Manoa
Athletics Department
UH Response To Items In The Honolulu Advertiser
Story In The Friday, May 4, Edition
"Brennan Fires Away At UH Facilities"
Soap Dispensers
Individual soap dispensers in the football locker room have been replaced numerous times over the last year because of vandalism. Twice, all 25 dispensers had to be replaced at a cost of $4,000 each time. New dispensers were in place at the time the Brennan story was published.
Nagatani Academic Center Staffing
There are eight full-time employees to service the student-athletes at the Nagatani Academic Center. There are plans to add two additional full-time employees. Also, there are a total of 56 other people working as tutors, mentors, computer-support assistants, and study
hall monitors.
Facilities
There is a capital improvement campaign that was set in motion two years ago. It includes: improvement projects for Cooke Field, Les Murakami Stadium, and the Duke Kahakamoku Aquatic Complex. The "Verizon Room," a computer room for football players, has been closed indefinitely due to ongoing vandalism and improper computer usage. Currently, it is available for use by appointment only.
Parking
Student-athletes, like the rest of the UH student body, are afforded the opportunity to obtain a parking pass through a lottery, since parking spaces are limited. Daily parking is available on a first-come first-serve basis for the remaining stalls on campus. Providing student-athletes free parking or permitting them to park in "special" unmarked areas on lower campus would be against NCAA rules. Student-athletes are not allowed to receive any benefits that are not available to the entire student body.
Licensing & Merchandising
Licensing rights for UH-logoed items are managed by the UH Office of External Affairs and merchandising rights are managed by the Department of Auxiliary Services. The UH Athletics Department receives a percentage of licensing and online merchandise revenue. These percentages are determined by upper-campus administration.
About their weak schedule this season, Colt said:
"To be honest with you, I'm not really frustrated. I know who we play and the quality of teams that we play has a lot to do with the type of recognition that you get at the end of the year. We're going to be ready whoever we play. We have Boise, Fresno and Washington at home.
The last two years we traveled to Alabama, Michigan State. We finally got used to that big-time atmosphere. If there was one year I would really like our chances on the road, it would be this year." (CBS Sportsline)
About their poor facilities, Colt said:
"These critics would have so much more respect if they realized what we overcome every day with facilities and resources. Even though we lost to Oregon State, Alabama and Boise State, we were in it until the fourth quarter. Last year 11-3 with the talent we had was a complete letdown. We were 18 points from being undefeated. If we feel like we're in a Division I program that has the resources, that makes us feel a lot better when we walk into Alabama and Michigan State." (CBS Sportsline)
About his scholarship check, Colt said:
"We only get $870 in our scholarship check, and we are living in the highest rental market. Last year we were only getting $630, my rent was $650. That was supposed to cover rent and
food. Once I saw the soap and a bunch of other stuff going on, I felt like I needed to say something to get things going. We've already got soap dispensers donated within hours of that article being printed." (CBS Sportsline)
About being targeted by criminals, Colt said:
"When the season ended I got my house broken into, my car broken into twice. After that, I was just really, really irritated and frustrated. They got me the first day. The just got my golf clubs and some other stuff, a phone charger and Ipod. For some reason the next day at 3 in the afternoon they decided to come back. I happened to leave my wallet in that day." (CBS Sportsline)
About how they only have one janitor to take care of their whole team's facilities, Colt said:
"They have one janitor to clean up after 80 people. He recycles shampoo bottles, fills them up with soap and gives them back to us. People should really realize how impressive it's been with Hawaii succeeding at the level they're succeeding at." (CBS Sportsline)
• The school's response to Brennan's claims:
University of Hawaii at Manoa
Athletics Department
UH Response To Items In The Honolulu Advertiser
Story In The Friday, May 4, Edition
"Brennan Fires Away At UH Facilities"
Soap Dispensers
Individual soap dispensers in the football locker room have been replaced numerous times over the last year because of vandalism. Twice, all 25 dispensers had to be replaced at a cost of $4,000 each time. New dispensers were in place at the time the Brennan story was published.
Nagatani Academic Center Staffing
There are eight full-time employees to service the student-athletes at the Nagatani Academic Center. There are plans to add two additional full-time employees. Also, there are a total of 56 other people working as tutors, mentors, computer-support assistants, and study
hall monitors.
Facilities
There is a capital improvement campaign that was set in motion two years ago. It includes: improvement projects for Cooke Field, Les Murakami Stadium, and the Duke Kahakamoku Aquatic Complex. The "Verizon Room," a computer room for football players, has been closed indefinitely due to ongoing vandalism and improper computer usage. Currently, it is available for use by appointment only.
Parking
Student-athletes, like the rest of the UH student body, are afforded the opportunity to obtain a parking pass through a lottery, since parking spaces are limited. Daily parking is available on a first-come first-serve basis for the remaining stalls on campus. Providing student-athletes free parking or permitting them to park in "special" unmarked areas on lower campus would be against NCAA rules. Student-athletes are not allowed to receive any benefits that are not available to the entire student body.
Licensing & Merchandising
Licensing rights for UH-logoed items are managed by the UH Office of External Affairs and merchandising rights are managed by the Department of Auxiliary Services. The UH Athletics Department receives a percentage of licensing and online merchandise revenue. These percentages are determined by upper-campus administration.
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