The Board of Regents approved the UH Student Athletic Fee

UH = Official University of Hawaii website
HNN = Hawaii News Now

UH Note: "The University of Hawai'i Board of Regents today approved a UH Mānoa student athletic fee of $50 per semester that will go into effect in Spring (January) 2011."

About the goal of this student athletics fee, UH Manoa Chancellor Virginia Hinshaw said:
"The goal of this investment is for our students to benefit from a strong, visible sports program that magnifies UH Mānoa's image, along with encouraging greater student participation in athletic events—providing memorable experiences that connect them with UH Mānoa now and throughout their lives." (UH, HNN)

Happy that the athletics fee was passed, JD said:
"I'm grateful for Chancellor Hinshaw's leadership on this issue. I firmly believe that today's decision will provide a great long-term benefit to our University—both in the student experience and eventually in expanded philanthropy." (UH)

"I firmly believe that today's decision will provide a great long-term benefit to our University, both in the student experience and eventually in expanded philanthropy." (HNN)

UH Note: "The projected $2 million raised annually by the fee will go to the Athletics Department for support of student-athletes, through scholarships, travel, materials and supplies, and other expenses—but not staff compensation or benefits. The fee will also enable Mānoa students to attend home athletic events simply by showing their ID cards—a first for the campus. For example, 5,000 seats (10%) of Aloha Stadium will be set aside for Mānoa students for Warrior football games. In addition, 5-8% of the revenues ($100,000-$160,000) will be set aside for student activities, as determined by a Student Athletic Fee Committee controlled by a student majority."

About how they now have to determine how they will provide benefits for the students, Chancellor Hinshaw said:
"Our next step is to determine details of the student benefit package through working with a new Student Athletic Fee Committee that is predominantly students and represent different student organizations." (UH)

http://www.hawaii.edu/news/article.php?aId=3726

http://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/Global/story.asp?S=12816573

The UH Athletic Department has no plan to pay back the $10+ million it has borrowed since 2002 and is being charged interest by UH

CB = civilbeat.com

CB Note: "The University of Hawaii at Manoa Athletic Department has no plan in place to pay back the more than $10 million it has borrowed from school funds since 2002.

The Chancellor's spokesman Gregg Takayama said that the Chancellor's office does not expect the debt to be paid back:
"right now or even in the immediate future. We can't provide a timeline at this point. There is no crystal ball as to the future finances of the athletic department. They could win the nation championship and gain a financial windfall but, you know, it's not something that we're banking on at this point." (CB)

About how the Athletic Department is charged interest on its debt, Associate AD Carl Clapp said in June:
"Athletics has borrowed against the pooled cash (of the university) and athletics is charged interest on the amount borrowed." (CB)

CB Note: "But Takayama said Wednesday that there is no strategy or timeline for the athletic department to pay the money back. In fact, Takayama couldn't say for certain if athletics would have to repay anything at all."

About the financial arrangement between UH and the Athletic Department, Takayama said:
"It's an open understanding." (CB)

http://www.civilbeat.com/articles/2010/07/14/2798-uh-manoa-athletic-department-what-10-million/

Feature on how the walk-on players for the Warriors view the Athletics Fee

About the $50-per-semester athletics fee that he will have to pay, walk-on LG Andrew Faaumu said:
"That might be one of the many extra things we have to pay for in Hawaii." (HSA)

Faaumu said that implementing the fee would not:
"be a surprise to me." (HSA)

HSA Note: "Caught in the middle are the walk-on players -- nonscholarship student-athletes -- who might benefit from a fee they would pay."

About how the athletics fee is significant to some people who are paying for their UH education, Parker Paredes said:
"To some people, (the amount) is substantial." (HSA)

About how he would not object to an athletics fee, Paredes said:
"I'll pay, man. Either way, it's coming back to the team. It's a big circle." (HSA)

HSA Note: "Defensive end Kamalu Umu also said he would be agreeable to paying the fee, even though it would mean less spending money. Umu said his financial-aid packages cover tuition and school expenses."

About how he will have less money to spend, Umu said:
"All of that (extra) financial-aid money could be spending money." (HSA)

About how he is in favor of an athletics fee and had that as part of his platform for his unsuccessful run for the ASUH presidency, Jett Jasper said:
"Me and my sister, Jori Jasper, a member of the (Rainbow Wahine) softball team are going to pay the fee. We feel honored and proud to support our athletic department by paying this fee. There's no animosity. It's going to help out not only the students by having universal access to a lot of the athletic events ... it's going to help school spirit. ... Every student has a stake in how this university's athletic teams do. The teams represent the school and the state." (HSA)

About how he hopes that the fee will improve conditions for the programs and facilities, Faaumu said:
"Fifty bucks from every kid in the school is big. We've got to see something. That's the way I feel. ... It is a lot, but there are a lot of things we all have to pay for. I don't really mind as long as I see some things getting done. If not, oh, well, what can you do?" (HSA)

http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20100715_Walk-ons_OK_with_paying_and_playing.html

Chancellor Hinshaw's statement in support of the Student Athletics Fee

HSA Note: "In serving as chancellor, I focus on improving the University of Hawaii-Manoa's learning and research experiences and environments -- from raising funds for scholarships and facility renovations to generating awareness and support of Manoa's academic excellence. A very important connection to folks providing such support and improvements for the entire campus is through a strong, successful athletics program. This magnifies the visibility of UH-Manoa throughout Hawaii and beyond, and that is important to the whole campus. In addition, greater student participation in such events provides experiences and memories that connect them with UH-Manoa now and throughout their lives. Be assured that my No. 1 priority is ensuring student success, because they are our greatest contribution to the state and the world.

It is for these reasons -- improving the student experience and strengthening financial stability for the whole university -- that I will recommend a $50 per semester student athletic fee, starting in Spring 2011, at tomorrow's UH Board of Regents meeting.

While raising fees is always difficult, I am convinced that it is time to move forward and work closely with students on enhancing their experience at Manoa. The proposal for this fee was introduced over a year ago. Since then, there have been numerous meetings and discussions with students and student organizations, particularly with members of Student Affairs and Athletics Department. In addition, I required the Athletics Department to cut its budget and emphasized that this fee would not be used for administrative purposes, such as paying coaches' salaries.

The projected $2 million raised annually by this fee will clearly strengthen our athletics program's ability to provide successful experiences for all our student-athletes, specifically through scholarships, travel, materials and supplies, and other expenses directly beneficial to student-athletes. This support is critically important in the area of federally mandated gender equity, because most of our Wahine sports programs -- like our wonderful softball team that competed in the 2010 Women's College World Series -- need such support to thrive, since such sports generate limited income. For those reasons, every other member of our Western Athletic Conference charges a student athletic fee.

This projected $2 million annually will also benefit Manoa's general student population, both undergraduates and graduates. Our students will be able to attend UH-Manoa athletic events simply by showing their ID cards -- a first for this campus -- with the goal of supporting and encouraging student participation. For example, 10 percent of the seating (5,000 seats) at Aloha Stadium will be set aside for Manoa students at Warrior football games. Between 5-8 percent of the total fees collected will support a variety of activities for students to enhance their experience at UH-Manoa. Should the Board of Regents vote to approve the fee tomorrow, we will immediately convene a Student Athletic Fee Committee comprised of student leadership and student groups to discuss the details of a student fee benefit package.

This fee will play an important role in ensuring student engagement and connectivity, lead to a more well-rounded campus life for our 20,000 students, and also assist in addressing financial stability for the university. I have never viewed a student athletic fee as the sole solution in any situation, or in this one, but rather one of several approaches needed to stabilize campus-wide functions. I believe this will encourage more students to attend, enjoy and remember these social gatherings as a positive part of their college experience, ultimately keeping them connected with UH-Manoa."

http://www.staradvertiser.com/editorials/20100714_A_healthy_athletics_program_will_improve_the_student_experience.html

UH's Graduate Students oppose the athletics fee

HSA Note: "UH Manoa Chancellor Virginia Hinshaw's proposal to implement an athletics fee for students is receiving strong opposition from not only ASUH, the undergraduate student government, but also from its Graduate Students Organization."

About how the GSO has voted to oppose the fee, GSO President Sharain Naylor said:
"Our concerns are that, as grad students, we lost a number of graduate positions and lectureships. So it's really difficult for us to support a fee increase when we have insufficient funds." (HSA)

HSA Note: "Naylor suggested that instead of "placing the burden solely on students," Chancellor Hinshaw should ask for funds from the people who want it, such as the broader Hawaii community."

About how the graduate students are too busy to attend football games, Naylor said:
"We support athletics. But during the weekend, you would probably find us in the lab or working on our dissertation, than at a football game." (HSA)

http://www.staradvertiser.com/news/breaking/98426684.html

Student groups pledge to oppose the student activities fee

HSA Note: "University of Hawaii student groups are vowing a "student presence" at tomorrow's Board of Regents meeting to oppose a proposal that would require them to pay $50 per semester for an athletic fee. Representatives from the Associated Students of UH (ASUH) and Graduate Student Organization (GSO) have said they will attend the 9 a.m. meeting at the Stan Sheriff Center, a rare athletics venue for a regents' meeting."

HSA Note: "The proposal has been slightly modified to provide "five to eight percent of the total student fee" to "activities designated to enhance student experiences ..." as determined by a student athletic fee committee. It was originally listed at five percent."

About his opposition go the student activities fee, ASUH president Andrew Itsuno said:
"If the BOR passes this fee amid strong opposition from both ASUH and GSO, they will be sending a clear message to the students of the university that it is acceptable to disregard process when making decisions." (HSA)

The GSO general assembly said it:
"recognizes the need for a fiscally viable and student-centered athletics program," but said it "lacks confidence in the chancellor's proposal" and is asking the regents to reject it. (HSA)

HSA Note: "The GSO executive committee was scheduled to meet yesterday to plot strategy, according to Amy Donahue, chair of the GSO advocacy committee."

About how the student athletic fee is one of a variety of new approaches needed to improve campus operations, Chancellor Hinshaw said:
"I have never viewed a student athletic fee as the sole solution in any situation or in this one, but rather one of several approaches needed to stabilize campus-wide functions." (HSA)

HSA Note: "If passed, Itsuno said the athletic fee would be the second largest of nine fees totaling $305.70 that undergraduates would be required to pay each semester."

About how students will be surprised if this fee is implemented, graduate student Hannah Miyamoto said:
"Most students will be surprised by this fee when it appears on their billing statements this fall. The majority of students in the system at Manoa do not consider student-athletics to be material to their lives or even an indispensable part of the UH system." (HSA)

http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20100714_Student_groups_pledge_to_oppose_fee.html

Shawn Ching will serve as color analyst for UH football games this season

HSA Note: "Ching, 40, was a popular sports and news anchor for KITV for 14 years. With 18 months remaining on his KITV contract, he resigned as anchor in 2008 to pursue a law career. He is an attorney with King, Nakamura & Chun-Hoon, specializing in labor and employment law. He also handles some medical malpractice and personal injury cases. Ching will continue to announce high school football games for OC 16."

About how he can fit his color duties for UH telecasts in his busy schedule, Shawn Ching said:
"I have some flexibility with my schedule. I can control out of it if I have advance notice." (HSA)

About working with play-by-play announcer Jim Leahey, Ching said:
"I look at it as an opportunity to work with Jim again. I started with Jim back in 1993 and 1994." (HSA)

"It'll be nice to talk football with Jim. I think the real neat part about it is having the opportunity to go back to where I started from." (HSA)

HSA Note: "For two seasons, they were telecast partners when the UH football games aired on KHNL. This year, eight UH football games -- six at Aloha Stadium, two on the road -- will be shown live on Oceanic Cable's pay-per-view channel and replayed on KFVE, KHNL's sister station. Russell Yamanoha, who was the football analyst the past three seasons, will become the on-field reporter. Ching, a Roosevelt High graduate, was a center for the Warriors from 1987 through 1991. After that, he worked as the manager for what was then known as Rainbow Stadium (now Murakami Stadium). He was the football analyst for radio broadcasts of UH football games in 1992 before working with KHNL in 1993."

HSA Note: "While still anchoring the evening news, Ching enrolled in law school in 2000. He earned a law degree in 2003, passed the bar, and began practicing law."

http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20100714_Ching_hired_as_color_analyst_for_UH_football_telecasts.html

The USC game could make more money than ANY previous UH home game

HSB Note: "With a sellout—or something approaching it—in the Sept. 2 game, UH could go over the $1.2 million mark in ticket revenue for the first time in its history. To date, UH's biggest revenue game was USC's last visit, 2005, when the Warriors took in $1,148,424 in ticket sales."

About how they are hoping to get a sellout and break their revenue record, JD said:
"Obviously we're hoping for a sellout. It (the record) would seem logical with some of the things in place." (HSA)

HSA Note: "For one, UH has raised the price of some sideline single-game tickets for the USC game only from $38 to $50 and student tickets from $8 to $15. Some premium locations also had changes."

About how USC is close to selling out their 7,500-ticket allotment for the game, USC sports information director Tim Tessalone said:
"Tickets are moving well and we are approaching selling our allotment." (HSA)

About how they have been doing well with the travel packages advertised on USC's website, Jack E. Richards (President and CEO of Pleasant Holidays) said through a spokeswoman:
"The USC vs. UH football game is generating a great deal of interest. It's not only the season opener for both schools, it's Lane Kiffin's first game as USC's head coach and Trojan fans are showing their support." (HSA)

http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20100713_UH-USC_game_could_be_most_lucrative_ever.html

Top recruits Zachary Quines and Tu'ulauena Lolohea will not play for UH this season due to academic qualification problems

HSA Note: "Two top recruits -- linebackers Zachary Quines of Mililani High and Tu'ulauena Lolohea of Kapolei High -- will not play for the University of Hawaii this season."

HSA Note: "Quines, who is 6-foot-3 and 210 pounds, said he will attend Arizona Western, a junior college in Yuma, Ariz. Lolohea will attend UH-West Oahu for a year with the intent of transferring to UH-Manoa next June. Quines said he did not meet the academic requirements to play for the Warriors this season. He said he decided to enroll at Arizona Western, where he will receive a football scholarship."

About how he hopes to play for UH in 2012, Quines said:
"I want to take care of business and come back home. I want to play for Hawaii." (HSA)

HSA Note: "One scouting service rated Quines as the state's fifth-best recruit. The UH athletics website said Quines was ranked as the nation's No. 17 inside linebacker. He was recruited by Oregon, Oregon State and Washington before signing with the Warriors. Lolohea, according to UH, was ranked as the state's 12th-best recruit and the nation's 35th-best inside linebacker. As a Kapolei senior, Lolohea amassed 11 sacks and forced four fumbles. He was recruited by Arkansas, Arizona and Colorado before signing with the Warriors. Lolohea needs to earn 24 transferable credits to be eligible to transfer to UH-Manoa. If he qualifies, he will lose a year on his five-year eligibility clock, and will have four years to play four seasons. Also, Tim Brown, a linebacker from Waianae who was on the Warriors' spring roster, has decided to transfer to a junior college."

http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20100711_2_uh_commits_fail_to_make_grade.html

Feature article on the Board of Regents deciding on the UH Student Activities Fee on Thursday

HSA Note: "When the University of North Texas sought a multi-million-dollar infusion to help bolster the future of its athletic program, instead of turning to rich oilmen or well-heeled cattle barons, UNT first approached its students. The willingness of the 36,000-member student body to accept a $10 per credit hour athletic fee will add nearly $8 million annually to the potential Western Athletic Conference member's coffers beginning in 2011, enough to get construction of the Mean Green's new 30,000-seat on-campus stadium under way."

HSA Note: "A proposal to assess Manoa students $50 per semester, raising nearly $2 million a year for UH's financially challenged athletic program, is on the Board of Regents' Thursday agenda. But unlike UNT, where students voted 58.1 percent to 41.9 percent to accept the fee, UH is asking the regents to impose the fee, which has consistently been opposed by Associated Students of UH leaders."

About how the Associated Students of UH (ASUH) leaders are opposed to the athletic fee, ASUH President Andrew Itsuno said:
"ASUH is strongly opposed to the proposed athletic fee because of the unclear process of student consultation, the timing of the proposal and the lack of student support for the fee." (HSA)

HSA Note: "The UH athletic department has made several presentations to a series of ASUH committees without a student vote. But Itsuno said 77 percent of the students who responded to an ASUH survey last year "opposed the fee." Last year two campus committees split on whether a $50 fee should be imposed. The Campus Fees Committee recommended against the fee, according to the Chancellor's office, while the Athletic Advisory Board supported the fee."

About forwarding the student activities fee proposal to the Board of Regents, Manoa Chancellor Hinshaw said:
"I have listened and thought about this decision during this time, weighing the pros and cons, and waited to see if other proposals came forward. I have received only the fee proposal from athletics and, during this time, they have definitely improved the oversight and tangible benefits for students related to the fee. So, although this is a difficult decision, I believe that it is time to move forward on this fee." (HSA)

About the situation that ASUH has been put in, Itsuno said:
"Due to the situation we have been placed in, we were forced to negotiate with the administration and the athletic department to come to an agreement that would provide the best benefit for the students in order to make the most out of an unfavorable situation in an event the athletics fee proposal were to pass." (HSA)

Chancellor Hinshaw said that the proposed $50 fee will begin with the Spring 2011 semester and be used to underwrite:
"scholarships, travel and subsistence, materials and supplies, and other expenses directly beneficial to student-athletes, but not on compensation and benefits for the staff." (HSA)

About the concert that the Athletic Department will provide in exchange for this fee, Itsuno said that:
"students already pay a fee to the campus center to hold free concerts, why should students be taxed twice for the same benefit?" (HSA)

HSA Note: "Many students oppose the fee, ASUH officials have said, because they do not believe the students should have to "bail out" athletics."

About the athletic fee, Chuck Neinas (former Big Eight commissioner and now with a Colorado-based athletic consulting firm) said:
"most (major) colleges have some form of athletic fee." (HSA)

Asked if UH could be competitive without an athletic fee, Neinas said:
"no." (HSA)

Chancellor Hinshaw said that student support:
"... is critically important in the area of gender equity because most of our Wahine sports programs -- our terrific softball team, for example -- need such support to thrive since such sports generate limited income." (HSA)

Unhappy with the timing of the Board of Regents meeting, Itsuno said:
"ASUH has requested numerous times that the administration present the athletic fee proposal to the BOR in September instead of July so that more students could voice their opinions, however, Chancellor Hinshaw has remained adamant about presenting the athletic fee proposal to the BOR during July when the majority of students are away for the summer and are unable to provide input." (HSA)

About her support of the student activities fee, Hinshaw said:
"A strong, successful athletics program magnifies UH-Manoa's message -- a wonderfully positive message -- throughout Hawaii and beyond. That visibility is important to all of us as members of this campus." (HSA)

About how student fees have been increased lately as University funding has declined, Lindsay McCluskey (VP of the US student Association in DC) said:
"We are definitely opposed to any kind of assessment on students, in this case for athletics." (HSA)

HSA Note: "Students at several California state schools have recently voted down student fee proposals, only to have them overridden and fees implemented by university presidents at San Diego State and Fresno State."

About how their students supported their student athletics fee, UNT student body president Kevin Sanders said:
"The fee here ... was a hot topic for a good amount of time, but once the students attained the proper information regarding the fee, it was accepted. We believe the fee will, indeed pay dividends not only for our athletics department but also for the university as a whole." (HSA)

WHAT OTHERS OFFER
What some other schools provide in exchange for student athletic fees:

Boise State ($101 per semester):
» Free admission to home athletic events, up to 5,000 for football.

Louisiana Tech ($10 per semester):
» Free admission to home athletic events.

San Jose State ($77.50 per semester):
» Free admission to home football games (first 5,000 students), free admission to home men's basketball games (first 1,000 students), free admission to home baseball, softball, women's basketball, women's gymnastics and women's volleyball.
» Shuttle bus service from main campus to Spartan Stadium for home football games.

North Texas ($10 per semester unit):
» Free admission to all home athletic events.

Utah State ($123.22 per semester):
» Free admission to home athletic events.

WHAT UH IS PROPOSING
Here is what the athletic department is offering students in exchange for a $50 per semester athletic fee:

» Free student seating areas at UH athletic events at Aloha Stadium, the Stan Sheriff Center and Murakami Stadium. At Aloha Stadium, for example, plans call for 5,000 seats for students.

» Five percent of the collected fees, approximately $100,000 per year, will be used to support activities for students, including transportation, tailgate events, increased access to facilities for recreation and prize giveaways.

» Require the athletic department to host "a free concert or other event responsive to student interests during the school year."

http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20100711_not_a_simple_fee.html

Feature article on Chad Owens in the Toronto Star

Star = Toronto Star

Star Note: "Seventeen days ago, Chad Owens was in the middle of what appeared to be a losing battle to land a job with the Montreal Alouettes. Today, the Toronto Argonauts are hailing him as one of the most exciting and consequential players in the CFL."

Star Note: "Owens' speed, moves and instincts are striking fear in opposing teams as he has sent a message that every kick has big-return potential. He's also showing potential as a wide receiver."

About how Chad's success does not surprise him, Toronto head coach Jim Barker (who traded a 4th-round pick for Chad) said:
"When I was in Calgary I tried to get him. He's a special player." (Star)

Asked what makes Chad special, Barker said:
"He just has a knack for it and he has a tremendous amount of confidence. He's the ultimate warrior." (Star)

About how he's having fun, Chad Owens said:
"I feel like I'm in college again. The reason I say that is because I'm just out here having fun, playing the game I love with no pressure. When I'm like that, I'm at my best." (Star)

About how the confidence his teammates have in him have helped his success, Owens said:
"I'm playing within myself. I'm not trying to do too much, but at the same time you've got to go out there with a mentality that you're going to score, make a big play." (Star)

About how he enjoys returning missed FGs, Owens said:
"A field goal return is a new aspect for me and I love it. Anytime we get to do a return that's a very exciting part of the game for the fans, for myself, for my teammates it's a big momentum changer." (Star)

About how his family will be joining him in Toronto, Owens said:
"They need to be part of this special thing we've got going on here in Toronto and I want them to experience it with me." (Star)

http://www.thestar.com/sports/football/cfl/argos/article/834543--chad-owens-brings-argos-big-returns

Feature article on Chad Owens in the Toronto Sun

TS = Toronto Sun

Happy to be with the Toronto Argonauts, Chad Owens said:
"I'm surrounded by a great group of guys and I'm just trying to do my part. If that means returning balls for touchdowns, that's what I am going to do. If that means making a catch on offence, that is what I'm going to do." (TS)

TS Note: "In the Argos' first two games, Owens has returned a punt and a missed field goal for touchdowns. That's two more special-teams majors than the Argos had all of last year."

TS Note: "When Argos head coach Jim Barker worked for Calgary, he tried to pry Owens from Montreal, but finally was able to do so when he sent a fourth-rounder in 2011 to the Alouettes. While he was at the University of Hawaii, Owens set an NCAA record for a season with five punt-return TDs in 2004.

About Chad's TDs in their first 2 games of the season, offensive guard Taylor Robertson said:
"Two returns in two weeks (for touchdowns)? Thanks, Montreal. He's a hell of a player. No one knows what is going to happen when he gets the ball. He needs a crease about three-inches wide, and he can break it any time." (TS)

TS Note: "And to think that Owens isn't quite in the right frame of mind. He will be once his wife, Rena, and children Chad (7), Areana (5) and Sierra-Lynn (2) join him in Toronto."

Happy that his family will be joining him in Toronto, Owens said:
"I can't wait for them to get here. I want them with me. They need to be part of this special thing we have going on here. The guys here believe in me. I don't feel as if I have to go out there and do too much — just go out there and run. And be me." (TS)

http://www.torontosun.com/sports/football/2010/07/10/14674361.html

Chad Owens had a 117-yard TD return of a missed FG to help his team to a win over Winnipeg

CFL = Official CFL website
TS = Toronto Sun

TS Note: "The Argos (1-1) had no special teams touchdowns last year when they went 3-15, but already have two in two games, thanks to the electrifying Chad Owens. After returning a punt for a major last week, Owens took a 45-yard missed field goal by Alexis Serna in the fourth quarter and returned it 118 yards for a touchdown, stunning the less-than-capacity crowd of 28,009. The captivating run gave the Argos a 31-27 lead, and they did not trail again."

CFL Note: "The Argos responded with 12 straight points, starting with receiver Chad Owens returning a missed Alexis Serna 45-yard field-goal attempt 117 yards for a TD just 1:20 into the final frame. Owens had a 90-yard punt return for a TD in Toronto's 30-16 season-opening loss to Calgary."

About how he loves playing without feeling pressure, Chad Owens said:
"No pressure, man. This is what I enjoy doing. I feel like I am in college again. I am out there playing the game with no pressure. When I am like that, I am at my best." (TS)

Crediting Chad Owens for helping them pull off the upset win, Toronto head coach Jim Barker said:
"It was a team effort, but when you have a special guy like Chad Owens, that helps you." (CFL)

http://www.cfl.ca/article/lemon-sours-bombers-friday-night-bash

http://www.torontosun.com/sports/football/2010/07/09/14668241.html

Feature story on how Brashton Satele earned his spot in the Jets' training camp

About how Brashton Satele has impressed the Jets, New York Jets defensive coordinator Mike Pettine said:
"We really like Brashton. He's certainly a guy who has all of the tools to do it. What impresses us is he's a three-down linebacker. A lot of linebackers can only play first and second downs. They don't have the coverage ability on third down. It's pretty obvious, from what he showed us, he can cover most tight ends, and he can cover most guys." (HSA)

About Brashton came available to them late after the NCAA rejected his medical hardship request to play this season, Pettine said:
"Brashton is a kid who just popped up on the radar late for us because of the unfortunate situation with the NCAA." (HSA)

About how they gave Brashton a tryout at the recommendation of defensive assistant Mike Smith (who was a UH graduate assistant in 2009), Pettine said:
"He was a kid we felt kind of fell through the cracks. We contacted his agent. We were in a position where we couldn't offer him a spot in training camp just yet. But it was a no-brainer to bring him in, at least for a rookie camp as a tryout." (HSA)

HSA Note: "Tryout players receive pay to cover living expenses during the three-day minicamp. But Pettine said it is considered "long odds" for a tryout player to earn a berth on the 80-player offseason roster."

About how it is rare for tryout players to make the 80-player offseason roster, Pettine said:
"Usually those tryout guys are there to fill out the roster for 11-on-11s. It's, 'Hey, you're here for three days, thank you very much.'" (HSA)

HSA Note: "But Satele, the middle linebacker in UH's 4-3 defense, played well as inside backer in the Jets' 3-4 scheme. He was listed behind All-Pro Bart Scott, and was used as the dime linebacker in schemes involving six pass defenders."

About how Brashton impressed them right away, Pettine said:
"You talk about our mentality to play like a Jet -- passionate, tough, competitive, play like your hair's on fire. When he came in, he was in great shape. He impressed us right away. It was evident after a day we needed to switch him out and get him to (training) camp and send another player home. That's what we did. We're looking forward to a pretty good camp for Brashton." (HSA)

About how he will spend 4 days in Hawaii and then return to the East Coast to prepare for the start of training camp in 3 weeks, Brashton said:
"I'm very fortunate." (HSA)

http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20100709_Former_Hawaii_linebacker_Satele_earned_his_spot_in_Jets_training_camp.html

Travis LaBoy gave pass rushing tips to the Warriors at yesterday's practice

About how Travis LaBoy gave UH's pass rushers tips on spin moves during their unsupervised workout yesterday, DE Kamalu Umu said:
"He taught me his move." (HSA)

Umu said that the move involves extending the left arm forward and, when the OT tries to counter that:
"your hips automatically turn and you're around the corner." (HSA)

About how he used the spin move during their 11-on-11 scrimmage yesterday, Umu said:
"It worked. That's a move I have to work on and try to make my No. 1 move. It's nothing fancy, but it works. It's a privilege for a guy like that to teach us his move. He's a big help." (HSA)

About helping the Warriors, LaBoy said:
"Everybody has a little thing to work on. I give them advice. Nothing special. There's no secret to it." (HSA)

HSA Note: "LaBoy is here on a vacation that ends today. He has been working out daily at UH in preparation for the start of the 49ers' training camp in three weeks. After observing the players-only practice, he decided to offer some advice."

Appreciating the advice that LaBoy gave, Umu said:
"He's been through a lot. Having him talk to us means a lot." (HSA)

About how he emphasized that they have to always be focused, even when doing basic drills in practice, LaBoy said:
"If you're not aware in practice, you're not going to be aware in the game. If you're not aware in the game, you might get your head knocked off. It's always good to know what's going n." (HSA)

HSA Note: "The Tennessee Titans drafted LaBoy in the second round in 2004. After four seasons with the Titans, he left as a free agent, signing a five-year, $22-million contract with the Arizona Cardinals in 2008. He had four sacks in the first four games of the 2008 season, then struggled thereafter, while suffering from torn biceps that eventually required surgery. In March 2009, he was released by the Cardinals. After that, he suffered a foot injury that kept him from playing in 2009."

About the Cardinals' decision to cut him, LaBoy said:
"It's all business. It was a humbling experience. In the end, it was the best thing for me. San Francisco is where I wanted to be from the get-go. This was an avenue for me to get there." (HSA)

About how he grew up as a 49ers fan and signed a 1-year contract worth $1.6 million with them, LaBoy said:
"It's like a second homecoming." (HSA)

LaBoy said that sitting out the 2009 season:
"was hard, but it was good, too. It allowed my body to heal up." (HSA)

About how he never doubted that he would play again in the NFL, LaBoy said:
"I didn't really care what people thought. It was more about what I thought. Whether people thought I could make a comeback or not, it didn't affect me at all. I didn't take the time to hear what other people said." (HSA)

About how he received a few offers earlier in the year, LaBoy said:
"I needed to find a home, and I think I found it in San Francisco. I had a lot of options. But I wanted to be in San Francisco since I was a rookie. I took the opportunity to go there when I had it." (HSA)

HSA Note: "LaBoy is married to the former Nohea Tano, who played volleyball for the Rainbow Wahine. They run a foundation to assist children with autism."

Happy with his life, LaBoy said:
"Life's good. I can't complain, I've been very blessed. I hang out with my family and my kids. That's the most awesome time." (HSA)

About how he hasn't lost his love for football, LaBoy said:
"I still rely on the same things that kept me going from day one - wanting to make a name for myself, and wanting to be remembered as a good player. And the love for football. I love the game." (HSA)

http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20100708_Homecomings_abound_for_49ers_Travis_LaBoy.html

Article about how the Warriors are keeping busy this offseason

About being a tutor for the Samoan language, Shane Austin (who is white) said:
"I know I look like a haole, but I took that class a couple of years, and I'm tutoring student-athletes." (HSA)

HSA Note: "Safety Spencer Smith and slotback Kealoha Pilares were instructors at the recent Koa Kids Football Camp. Linebacker Jake Heun competed in a mixed martial arts fight. Defensive tackle Vaughn Meatoga works in UH's recreation department, helping to coordinate sporting activities for UH-Manoa students."

About being a referee for dodgeball games as part of his job for UH's recreation department, Vaughn Meatoga laughed and said:
"People are very competitive. I used to see things from the players' side. Now I can see things from the other side. It's a lot different, being on the other side." (HSA)

HSA Note: "Up until several years ago, nearly all football players worked summer jobs. But the offseason football-related demands have increased in recent years. One reason is that players, including incoming freshmen, are encouraged to take summer-session classes. Not only can they earn as many as six credits each summer, but scholarship players also receive stipends for living expenses and meals. Their summer days are filled with classes, homework and workouts."

About how he turned down a summer job of working as a luau entertainer, Laupepa Letuli said:
"Our job is football. I could have played (music), but I thought it was more important to focus on training." (HSA)

About working out this summer instead of taking a job, Spencer Smith said:
"I would rather work out than make money,. We want to win the WAC. That's our goal, not making extra money." (HSA)

About working at a part-time job at a retain clothing store in Pearlridge, walk-on CB Kawika Ornellas said:
"It's relaxing, chilling in an air-conditioned room. I fold clothes, work the register, talk to people. I try to sell things." (HSA)

About how he attends all of the offseason conditioning drills and 7-on-7 practices, Ornellas said:
"I'm working because I need the job, but I'm focused on football, too. I'm focused on staying in shape and having a good year." (HSA)

HSA Note: "Austin and wideout Mike Tinoco work in the Nagatani Academic Center, which is on the first floor of the UH athletic complex. Both have not missed a workout."

About working as a tutor, Austin said:
"It's fun to be a tutor. You learn as you teach. It also helps you with leadership and working with people, which will definitely help you later in life." (HSA)

About how he quit his pizza delivering job and works at a surfboard stand in Waikiki, walk-on QB Bryant Moniz said:
"It's awesome. I sit behind the desk, tell people the price, tell them what type of board they need. 'Can we get two surfboards for these gentlemen? Next.'" (HSA)

About communicating with Japanese-speaking tourists, Moniz said:
"Myoji. That's the only Japanese word I know. Every time they rent something, I have to get their last names. So I asked someone, 'How do I say last name in Japanese?' They said, 'myoji,' so it's myoji. I see a lot of Australian guys down there. They're always saying, 'Cheers, mate.' So it's, cheers, mate, too." (HSA)

http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20100707_Different_strokes_for_different_Warrior_folks.html

Articles about UH's PPV TV deal (UH makes more from PPV than they would by selling out Aloha Stadium every game!)

HSA Note: "With a front-loaded $2.3 million per year to UH in each year of the current contract, PPV's price ($480 for new Oahu subscribers last year, $400 for returnees) is a far cry from the modest $75 season price it started as in 2002."

About how they will not stop PPV even if it prevents some fans from going to the games because they make more money from PPV than they would if they stopped PPV and some additional fans went to the game, JD said:
"So when we're in financial tough times and we're running a deficit, why would I do something (stopping PPV for a game or season) that lowered our total revenue? It wouldn't be a financial plus for us." (HSA)

HSA Note: "UH athletic director Jim Donovan counters that with the total PPV revenue, more money is brought in through the service than if PPV were halted and all seven home games last season had instead sold to capacity at 50,000 -- or 13,175 higher than the actual 36,725 average tickets distributed (32,404 turnstile). UH estimates $1.76 million was left on the table in unsold ticket revenue in 2009, vs. the $2.47 million PPV brought in that year. Donovan equates it to overselling the stadium by about 3,000 people every game."

Asked about the impact on the game of having a larger crowd that can make more noise and intimidate opponents, JD said:
"My personal opinion, the last times I've been there, the 36,000 to 40,000 -- I think we had 40,000 for Navy and 40,000 for Wisconsin (issued) -- they were as loud as some of the 44,000, 45,000 crowds that we used to average in the late 80s and early 90s. And it sure isn't a lack of being vocal. The Navy game, the crowd was phenomenal." (HSA)

About how UH is close to selling out the USC game even though fans can watch it for free on TV, KFVE GM John Fink said:
"If that were the case, why would (UH) be selling out games that are live on ESPN that is free TV? Obviously it's because of the game or against a certain opponent. I think you need to look at the games themselves, you need to look at the weather, you need to look at the records of the opponents. You need to look at whatever else is going on around town, rather than making blanket statements about pay-per-view's effect of this." (HSA)

HSA Note: "Another point made is that PPV reaches a segment of the population that wouldn't or couldn't go to the stadium, anyway: the elderly, disabled, or people who work Saturdays."

About how he he wants people at the games and mentions upgraded halftime shows, family ticket packages and overall lowered ticket prices (average of about $20) as reasons to go, JD said:
"There's nothing like being there." (HSA)

About how he hasn't been to a game at the stadium in 15 years and considers the PPV setup "perfect" for him, John Yeh (who has gone to the same house to watch PPV games for the last few years with JJ Johnson, Tony Manzo, and 15-25 other people) said:
"If they didn't broadcast it ... possibly (I'd go back). Not so much the opponent ... just the traffic, and the whole process of a day. It's a long day." (HSA)

About how he considers no live TV a "deal breaker" on watching UH, Johnson said:
"Not only the convenience of having friends, but food, and Hi-Def TV. So it's a little bit more closeness to the game than the stands." (HSA)

About how he hasn't been to Aloha Stadium since PPV began but he would go back if he couldn't watch it live on TV, Manzo said:
"Yes, if there's no pay-per-view, yes. (But) it's confusion, you know? You go there, a lot of walking, the parking ... this, this is beautiful, you know?" (HSA)

When a University of Utah official asked then-AD Stan Sheriff about how much UH's local TV broadcasts were worth, Sheriff took out a gold credit card from his pocked, tapped it on the table, and said:
"It (local TV) is golden for us." (HSA)

HSA Note: "But as last year's sharp decline in pay-per-view receipts suggest, no longer should UH take what has become one of its largest sources of nonticket revenue for granted. No more can it sit back and just wait for the checks to roll in without regard to the product it puts on the field and court. Last year, for the first time in its eight-year experience with pay-per-view, revenues dropped by double figures. According to UH, unaudited revenues were approximately $3.4 million, down approximately 15 percent from 2008. While UH's share of the rights fees slid only 4 percent to $2.47 million due to a renegotiation of provisions of the contract that placed more of the up-front burden on its partner, Oceanic Time Warner Cable, the results were both significant and eye-opening."

HSA Note: "UH's current contract with Oceanic is open to renegotiation if the school's three-year rights fee total hasn't hit at least a $7.5 million threshold by the end of this year. That shouldn't be a problem but, then, few expected the depth of last year's dip, either."

HSA Note: "Then, there is the issue of who UH plays. Witness individual pay-per-view sales of just 396 for the football game with Central Arkansas last season."

HSA Note: "When UH's local television rights were awarded in 2008, Oceanic Time Warner Cable supplanted KHNL/KFVE as the primary contractor, taking on the bulk of a $2.3 million annual payout to the athletic department. Included in the six-year contract is a three-year agreement that allowed KFVE to retain broadcast rights to UH events. KFVE is entering the final year of that period, referred to in the contract as the "transition term." "

Looking forward to having Oceanic take over the production of the events starting in 2011-2012, Oceanic VP for Operations Norman Santos said:
"We're excited about that opportunity, but at the same time I'm a little bit nervous because there's a standard that's been set and there's an expectation. So I want to make sure we not only meet but maybe exceed the expectations of the viewing audience. As a producer it gives us the ability to gather ideas and create something new. I think that's the challenge. ... I think it's an evolution and not a revolution." (HSA)

About how the TV contract includes a window for negotiations (10/1 to 2/28) between Oceanic and KFVE for KFVE to possibly extend its role as a subcontractor for the final 3 years of the TV contract, KFVE GM John Fink said:
"We hope we can continue to be involved in the production going forward. We have a good partnership with Oceanic and the university and those are discussions we'll have later on this year." (HSA)

About how Oceanic and KFVE will decide how produces the games, JD said:
"(KFVE's role) could be extended or not extended, but that's up to the primary contractor, which is Oceanic Time Warner. When we signed the contract we knew it was a possibility. There were several possibilities, they could after three years ... produce it themselves, they could continue to work with KFVE or they could look to some other company to produce it." (HSA)

About how nothing has been decided yet for 2011, Santos said:
"I don't think we've ruled anything out yet. There's an opportunity for a mix of over-the-air and cable broadcasts. What we're planning to do is get into more substantive discussions once we got this season under way. It's a big task, but the first task is to be sure we're all on the same page as far as the look and feel." (HSA)

About how fans want to attend games when UH does well and will just watch them on TV if UH struggles, JD said:
"TV is an amplifier. When things are going good a lot more people are going to come out to see them in person. When teams aren't doing well, people will stay home and watch them on TV. That's typically what we've seen." (HSA)

HSA Note: "KHNL/KFVE began televising UH sports in 1984, and fended off a challenge from Oceanic in 2005, increasing its annual payout from $700,000 to $1.75 million over a three-year deal that expired in 2008. UH, Oceanic and KFVE are in the second year of a contract in which Oceanic pays UH $1.8 million annually with KFVE contributing $500,000. Starting next year, Oceanic takes on the entire $2.3 million payout plus production costs, which Santos estimated at "north of $10,000" per game."

About how it costs more than $10k to televise each game and PPV and commercials need to bring in a lot to make the games profitable, Santos said:
"Pay-per-view certainly is still driving the bus, but advertising has to pay for the production and those games aren't cheap." (HSA)

HSA Note: "Oceanic implemented new technology in its high school sports coverage and UH pay-per-view events, adding high definition and interactive features in recent years. Santos said the flexibility of cable could allow for more pre- and post-game coverage, greater access to replays of games, perhaps even a station dedicated to UH down the line. Along with the television contract, UH receives $442,666 annually in a three-year radio deal with KKEA-1420 (which also expires next year). The new contracts contributed to UH breaking the $3 million mark in media royalties in the 2009 fiscal year."

HSA Note: "The current deal provides UH a steady revenue stream, while Oceanic keeps a percentage of pay-per-view sales. Ten percent of PPV goes to UH for revenues between $2.3 million and $2.7 million. UH receives 20 percent if revenues top $2.7 million. According to figures provided by UH, the arrangement contributed about $2.5 million to the athletic department in 2009 and about $2.47 million in the 2010 fiscal year, which ended June 30."

About how the TV contract is working for everybody right now, Fink said:
"At the end of the day, we're trying to make it work for UH, for the sponsors and for the fans, and right now the formula seems to be working quite well." (HSA)

Highest single game PPV sales (including season subscribers and individual game purchases)
Fresno State, 2007 13,986
New Mexico St., 2007 12,234
N. Colorado, 2007 12,170
Purdue, 2006 11,569
San Diego State, 2002 11,269

Highest individual game PPV purchases
Fresno State, 2007 5,149
San Diego State, 2002 4,485
Purdue, 2006 4,113

Women's Volleyball
2005 1,552
2006 1,308
2007 1,070
2008 441
2009 854

Mens Basketball
2005 1,083
2006 528
2007 142
2008 142
2009 123

Season Package sales
2002 6,784
2003 8,897
2004 8,997
2005 7,809
2006 7,456
2007 8,837
2008 8,318
2009 7,347

Individual buys average per game
2002 3,052
2003 1,614
2004 1,214.9
2005 1,007.7
2006 2,185
2007 3,040.5
2008 1,727.3
2009 890.6

Commercial purchases
(restaurants, bars, etc.)
2002 80
2003 118
2004 117
2005 143
2006 156
2007 205
2008 244
2009 233

http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20100704_pay_per_view_makes_every_game_a_home_game.html

http://www.staradvertiser.com/columnists/ferdswords/20100704_teams_must_rise_to_meet_potential_of_lucrative_contract.html

http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20100704_changing_channels.html

UH's refusal to pledge loyalty to the WAC resulted in SMU, Rice, and Tulsa leaving in 2003

HA Note: "Southern Methodist and Tulsa to leave the WAC for Conference USA as having been given a nudge by UH.

President Evan Dobelle's outspoken declaration of interest in the Mountain West Conference in the spring and the school's subsequent refusals to back commissioner Karl Benson's plan for WAC solidarity have figured in this.

At the very least, UH made it easier for the three to defect. More likely, it helped galvanize the decision."

HA Note: "Persistent rumors of Fresno State and Hawai'i awaiting a call from the MWC helped feed the fears, along with Dobelle's declaration of interest in the MWC."

HA Note: "To assure the conference the unity it needed to pull the plan off, Benson visited members asking them to pledge one-for-all solidarity. According to two people who took part, the vote was 7-3 with just UH, SMU and Nevada against. The other two might have eventually come around had UH been willing to reconsider, but it never did.

Now, UH is between the WAC and a hard place. If it gets invited to the MWC — no sure thing — it has lost any leverage and will probably have to pay handsomely for the opportunity.

Or, UH faces the prospect of staying in a watered-down WAC, where the options are staying at seven teams or gathering up whatever remnants are left to fill out the lineup.

The people who run UH should, least of all, be surprised it is coming to this."

HA Note: "MWC Commissioner Craig Thompson held out the possibility in November that the conference would expand "by one or two" schools and said Hawai'i, a Western Athletic Conference member since 1979, was under discussion.

Boise State, Fresno State, Nevada and Texas-El Paso, also WAC members, have lobbied the MWC for an invitation."

HA Note: "Dobelle has publicly touted on several occasions the MWC's benefits to UH and what the school could bring to the conference. Asked yesterday if he was concerned UH might not receive an invitation, Dobelle said, "not really." "

About how they would like to be invited if the MWC expands to 12 teams, Dobelle said:
"If (the) Mountain West goes to 12 teams and asks us, we will be happy to consider it." (HA)

http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2003/Oct/20/sp/sp12aferd.html

http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2004/Jan/28/sp/sp04a.html

Toronto's head coach said that Chad Owens' 90-yard TD return was one of the best ever seen in the CFL

CP = Canadian Press

CP Note: "Early in the fourth quarter, Owens broke off a 90-yard punt return for a touchdown to pull the Argos within a point."

About Chad's 90-yard TD return, Toronto head coach Barker said:
"That touchdown run by Chad Owens was one of the best I've seen in the league. That was just heart." (CP)

http://www.cfl.ca/article/stampeders-sink-boatmen-in-opener

UH was the *only* team to earn less than $1 million from the WAC this year

HSA Note: "UH, which received $950,796, was the only school earning less than $1 million when checks went out Wednesday, the final day of the fiscal year, according to figures from the conference office. It was the second-largest payout in WAC history, $13,203,996, thanks to Boise State's appearance in the Bowl Championship Series."

HSA Note: "UH received the minimum $60,000 payout from the WAC basketball tournament because its men's team did not qualify and its women's team lost its first game. Schools earn additional shares for each WAC tournament victory. In addition, teams reaching the NCAA tournament, such as Utah State and New Mexico State, receive an additional $100,000. Fresno State, Nevada and Idaho each received $375,000 for their bowl appearances. UH went 6-7 and was not bowl eligible, opening the way for Nevada's participation in the Sheraton Hawaii Bowl."

1. Boise State $3,727,629
2. Fresno State $1,413,296
Nevada $1,413,296
3. Idaho $1,333,296
4. Utah State $1,138,296
5. Louisiana Tech $1,125,796
6. New Mexico State $1,075,796
7. San Jose State $1,025,796
8. Hawaii $950,796

http://www.staradvertiser.com/sports/sportsnews/20100702_UH_ranks_last_in_receiving_WAC_payout.html