Praising JD, KFVE/KHNL VP and GM John Fink said:
"He's been great for the job. He bleeds green and black and has the best interests of the university and state at heart. He'll do the best job anyone could ask for." (HA)
HA Note: "Today is the 108th day since Jim Donovan was officially named University of Hawai'i athletic director. But, who's counting? Well, you might be if you still didn't have a contract. And, Donovan doesn't. Officially, according to a spokesman for the Manoa Chancellor's Office, Donovan's contract is, "still pending." Pending what, exactly? Someone untying red tape surrounding it? Someone growing tired of playing power games?"
Sunday, June 29, 2008
The tough economy has affected UH's corporate sponsors
About how some of UH's corporate partners (78 businesses that contribute from $4k to more than $100k each) have had to reduce their sponsorship of UH due to the economy, McNamara said:
"Some have indicated a need to scale back or take a hiatus because of their situations." (HA)
About how they are looking to hit their financial goals despite the tough economy, McNamara said:
"Basically what I've told Jim (Donovan), is we're committed to hitting that $2.4 million goal and getting well over $500,000 in trade." (HA)
"We've tried to work with all of our corporate partners to tailor their packages in such a way that it works for them and mirrors their marketing strategy. Plus, we're doing a lot more prospecting for new partners than ever before." (HA)
HA Note: "Football season-ticket sales contribute approximately 16 percent of UH's projected $28 million to $30 million budget. The corporate partner program represents about 8 percent."
About how their corporate partners want to keep supporting UH, McNamara said:
"Things have been getting tough for (the corporate partners) but they really feel a real strong affinity for the university and are trying to stay involved." (HA)
About the benefit to their corporate partners for sponsoring UH, JD said:
"We think being partnered with UH is a positive experience and we appreciate our sponsors' loyalty in these tough times." (HA)
"Some have indicated a need to scale back or take a hiatus because of their situations." (HA)
About how they are looking to hit their financial goals despite the tough economy, McNamara said:
"Basically what I've told Jim (Donovan), is we're committed to hitting that $2.4 million goal and getting well over $500,000 in trade." (HA)
"We've tried to work with all of our corporate partners to tailor their packages in such a way that it works for them and mirrors their marketing strategy. Plus, we're doing a lot more prospecting for new partners than ever before." (HA)
HA Note: "Football season-ticket sales contribute approximately 16 percent of UH's projected $28 million to $30 million budget. The corporate partner program represents about 8 percent."
About how their corporate partners want to keep supporting UH, McNamara said:
"Things have been getting tough for (the corporate partners) but they really feel a real strong affinity for the university and are trying to stay involved." (HA)
About the benefit to their corporate partners for sponsoring UH, JD said:
"We think being partnered with UH is a positive experience and we appreciate our sponsors' loyalty in these tough times." (HA)
PPV and ticket prices deals being offered for UH
About how they adjusted PPV and season-ticket prices to reflect the challenging economy, JD said:
"We're concerned about the economy, which is one big reason why we took a good look at what we could do to give our customers more value. That's why we asked our pay-per-view partners, KFVE/KHNL and Oceanic Time Warner Cable, to take a hard look at coming up with a good package and discounts for our season-ticket holders and why we have instituted changes in our football ticket sales." (HA)
"In these tough economic times, we want to be responsive to the additional financial hurdles facing our fans. We feel these price reductions will help people better afford season tickets and enjoy fun family outings to UH football games." (HA)
HA Note: "UH has dropped ticket prices in six selected end zone areas for football, and froze other prices. In addition, Donovan said season-ticket holders who purchase their tickets by July 18 will receive 65 percent off on a special road football pay-per-view package."
About dropping season-ticket prices in certain sections at Aloha Stadium, JD said:
"We want to make UH football affordable for as many of our fans as possible and provide added value to our season-ticket holders." (HSB)
"We hope this will encourage more families to buy season tickets." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Adult season tickets in the red and yellow levels of the north end zone dropped $24 from last year to $75. Youth (4 years old to high school) season tickets in the north end zone are $60, a drop of $17 from 2007. Senior citizens also will be paying $17 less from last season for tickets in these same areas. Season tickets in the south end zone's red and yellow sections dropped $17 to $110 for the season."
HSB Note: "Pay-per-view prices for Hawaii sports events have been tinkered with every year. Partners UH, KHNL/KFVE and Oceanic Time-Warner try to come up with what will maximize attendance and revenue through a combination of ticket and TV sales. They officially released their pricing today for football this fall (along with volleyball and basketball pay per view), with the highlight being lower prices for some seats in the stadium (as previously reported), and a 65 percent discount on road game pay per view for season-ticket purchasers".
About having the 5-game road PPV package costing just $99 for season-ticket holders instead of $280, JD said:
"My main concern was that we come up with a package for the season-ticket holders, the people who actually fill the stadium for the home games, so they can watch the road games (live). I think $99 for all those road games is a great introductory rate. Secondly, we wanted to have something affordable (for home games), yet make you consider being a season-ticket holder. I think we're there. On a game-to-game basis, it's about the same (price)." (HSB)
HSB Note: "The price for a complete 11-game pay-per-view package is $580 for Oahu and $295 for neighbor islands (renewals from 2007 are $380 and $185). Single-game prices are $50 or $60 on Oahu and $25 or $30 depending on the opponent. Last year, Oahu viewers paid $385 as new subscribers and $330 if renewing."
HA Note: "
UH and its partners, KFVE/KHNL and Oceanic Time Warner Cable, will offer 21 events — the largest pay-per-view package in the plan's seven-year history. It will include the most football selections ever, 11 of the 13 regular season games, five Rainbow Wahine volleyball matches and five men's basketball events. Last year UH had a 19-event package, which included eight football games. The package will include UH's first two road games, Aug. 30 at Florida and Sept. 13 at Oregon State. The only exclusions are the Oct. 17 game at Boise State and either the Nov. 29 Washington State or Dec. 6 Cincinnati home games, which ESPN has selected."
About the increased number of games for PPV this year, KHNL/KFVE GM John Fink said:
"If you do the math, last year there were eight games, this year there are 11. So it's actually less expensive per game this year. And if you look at the games we've got, it's the best package we've ever had." (HSB)
HSB Note: "The pay-per-view road games are Florida, Oregon State, Fresno State, Utah State and New Mexico State. The home games are Weber State, San Jose State, Louisiana Tech, Nevada, Idaho and either Washington State or Cincinnati. ESPN plans on televising the Washington State or Cincinnati game."
About how PPV subscribers will get a rebate (like in past year) if other games are picked up by networks that won't black out the game locally, Fink said:
"We deal with that every year and we'll deal with that as it comes along." (HSB)
About how season-ticket holders have to purchase the road PPV by July 18 if they want the discount, Fink said:
"I want to make it clear that after we beat Florida and then we beat Weber State the guy wants to buy the pay-per-view package and says I'm a season-ticket holder, (well), you don't get the discount any more." (HA)
About their projection of a gain of 2000 season-ticket packages sold from last year, JD said:
"That's a vote of confidence in (new coach) Greg McMackin and because of what happened last season." (HSB)
About how not everyone can go to games so PPV lets them see the games, JD said:
"A lot of people who moved over from old Honolulu Stadium in 1975, they're now retired. So If you're 65 to 70-plus, it can be very difficult moving up and down numerous steps without rails (at the stadium). Pay per view becomes an option for them .There's a lot of people working on Saturdays now. They work shifts that don't let them get off on time to get out there, tailgate, but they can get home and grab the pay per view. That's where society is today. Pay per view is a necessity for a portion of our fans. For others it's an option. KFVE and Oceanic come in with about 10 percent of our budget for the year, and it's primarily through pay per view. People who watch pay per view support us. We'd just like those who can to strongly consider coming out to a game." (HSB)
About how advertising sales are encouraging so far for their broadcasts, Fink said:
"We're just starting. We've had great response so far. We're real happy with what we're presenting and we expect it to be another good year. As far as pay per view goes, the numbers were actually slipping on the season package (last year). But because the price went up we were able to maintain our revenue. We'll see what happens this year. As the team does better, you get more individual game buys, based on the team's performance. That's going to be a wait-and-see as the season goes along." (HSB)
About how UH games will not be in HD yet, John McNamara said:
"It is on the horizon, just not this time around." (HA)
About how they want to go to HD sometime in the near future, Fink said:
"We're looking at the possibility down the road. There's no question we will gravitate toward it but right now it is prohibitively expensive and we're just not prepared, at this point, to put everything into HD." (HA)
HA Note: "Norman Santos, Oceanic's vice president of operations, said approximately 17 per cent of Oceanic's 420,000 subscribers have HD capability and people in the industry say the number grows by about 2,000 a month. Oceanic's OC-16 will show high school football in HD this fall."
About how adding HD would cost about $2 mil, Fink said:
"We have to weigh the cost involved. We're in the process of putting in a whole new facility (on Waiakamilo Road), which is costing is multi-millions." (HA)
About the concern that people might prefer HD on TV over going to Aloha Stadium, JD said:
"I believe we are going to create an environment at the facility itself that people will want to be a part of." (HA)
HA Note: "Nate Smith, Oceanic president, has said it is no longer a case of "if" for HD on UH games, "but when." "
"We're concerned about the economy, which is one big reason why we took a good look at what we could do to give our customers more value. That's why we asked our pay-per-view partners, KFVE/KHNL and Oceanic Time Warner Cable, to take a hard look at coming up with a good package and discounts for our season-ticket holders and why we have instituted changes in our football ticket sales." (HA)
"In these tough economic times, we want to be responsive to the additional financial hurdles facing our fans. We feel these price reductions will help people better afford season tickets and enjoy fun family outings to UH football games." (HA)
HA Note: "UH has dropped ticket prices in six selected end zone areas for football, and froze other prices. In addition, Donovan said season-ticket holders who purchase their tickets by July 18 will receive 65 percent off on a special road football pay-per-view package."
About dropping season-ticket prices in certain sections at Aloha Stadium, JD said:
"We want to make UH football affordable for as many of our fans as possible and provide added value to our season-ticket holders." (HSB)
"We hope this will encourage more families to buy season tickets." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Adult season tickets in the red and yellow levels of the north end zone dropped $24 from last year to $75. Youth (4 years old to high school) season tickets in the north end zone are $60, a drop of $17 from 2007. Senior citizens also will be paying $17 less from last season for tickets in these same areas. Season tickets in the south end zone's red and yellow sections dropped $17 to $110 for the season."
HSB Note: "Pay-per-view prices for Hawaii sports events have been tinkered with every year. Partners UH, KHNL/KFVE and Oceanic Time-Warner try to come up with what will maximize attendance and revenue through a combination of ticket and TV sales. They officially released their pricing today for football this fall (along with volleyball and basketball pay per view), with the highlight being lower prices for some seats in the stadium (as previously reported), and a 65 percent discount on road game pay per view for season-ticket purchasers".
About having the 5-game road PPV package costing just $99 for season-ticket holders instead of $280, JD said:
"My main concern was that we come up with a package for the season-ticket holders, the people who actually fill the stadium for the home games, so they can watch the road games (live). I think $99 for all those road games is a great introductory rate. Secondly, we wanted to have something affordable (for home games), yet make you consider being a season-ticket holder. I think we're there. On a game-to-game basis, it's about the same (price)." (HSB)
HSB Note: "The price for a complete 11-game pay-per-view package is $580 for Oahu and $295 for neighbor islands (renewals from 2007 are $380 and $185). Single-game prices are $50 or $60 on Oahu and $25 or $30 depending on the opponent. Last year, Oahu viewers paid $385 as new subscribers and $330 if renewing."
HA Note: "
UH and its partners, KFVE/KHNL and Oceanic Time Warner Cable, will offer 21 events — the largest pay-per-view package in the plan's seven-year history. It will include the most football selections ever, 11 of the 13 regular season games, five Rainbow Wahine volleyball matches and five men's basketball events. Last year UH had a 19-event package, which included eight football games. The package will include UH's first two road games, Aug. 30 at Florida and Sept. 13 at Oregon State. The only exclusions are the Oct. 17 game at Boise State and either the Nov. 29 Washington State or Dec. 6 Cincinnati home games, which ESPN has selected."
About the increased number of games for PPV this year, KHNL/KFVE GM John Fink said:
"If you do the math, last year there were eight games, this year there are 11. So it's actually less expensive per game this year. And if you look at the games we've got, it's the best package we've ever had." (HSB)
HSB Note: "The pay-per-view road games are Florida, Oregon State, Fresno State, Utah State and New Mexico State. The home games are Weber State, San Jose State, Louisiana Tech, Nevada, Idaho and either Washington State or Cincinnati. ESPN plans on televising the Washington State or Cincinnati game."
About how PPV subscribers will get a rebate (like in past year) if other games are picked up by networks that won't black out the game locally, Fink said:
"We deal with that every year and we'll deal with that as it comes along." (HSB)
About how season-ticket holders have to purchase the road PPV by July 18 if they want the discount, Fink said:
"I want to make it clear that after we beat Florida and then we beat Weber State the guy wants to buy the pay-per-view package and says I'm a season-ticket holder, (well), you don't get the discount any more." (HA)
About their projection of a gain of 2000 season-ticket packages sold from last year, JD said:
"That's a vote of confidence in (new coach) Greg McMackin and because of what happened last season." (HSB)
About how not everyone can go to games so PPV lets them see the games, JD said:
"A lot of people who moved over from old Honolulu Stadium in 1975, they're now retired. So If you're 65 to 70-plus, it can be very difficult moving up and down numerous steps without rails (at the stadium). Pay per view becomes an option for them .There's a lot of people working on Saturdays now. They work shifts that don't let them get off on time to get out there, tailgate, but they can get home and grab the pay per view. That's where society is today. Pay per view is a necessity for a portion of our fans. For others it's an option. KFVE and Oceanic come in with about 10 percent of our budget for the year, and it's primarily through pay per view. People who watch pay per view support us. We'd just like those who can to strongly consider coming out to a game." (HSB)
About how advertising sales are encouraging so far for their broadcasts, Fink said:
"We're just starting. We've had great response so far. We're real happy with what we're presenting and we expect it to be another good year. As far as pay per view goes, the numbers were actually slipping on the season package (last year). But because the price went up we were able to maintain our revenue. We'll see what happens this year. As the team does better, you get more individual game buys, based on the team's performance. That's going to be a wait-and-see as the season goes along." (HSB)
About how UH games will not be in HD yet, John McNamara said:
"It is on the horizon, just not this time around." (HA)
About how they want to go to HD sometime in the near future, Fink said:
"We're looking at the possibility down the road. There's no question we will gravitate toward it but right now it is prohibitively expensive and we're just not prepared, at this point, to put everything into HD." (HA)
HA Note: "Norman Santos, Oceanic's vice president of operations, said approximately 17 per cent of Oceanic's 420,000 subscribers have HD capability and people in the industry say the number grows by about 2,000 a month. Oceanic's OC-16 will show high school football in HD this fall."
About how adding HD would cost about $2 mil, Fink said:
"We have to weigh the cost involved. We're in the process of putting in a whole new facility (on Waiakamilo Road), which is costing is multi-millions." (HA)
About the concern that people might prefer HD on TV over going to Aloha Stadium, JD said:
"I believe we are going to create an environment at the facility itself that people will want to be a part of." (HA)
HA Note: "Nate Smith, Oceanic president, has said it is no longer a case of "if" for HD on UH games, "but when." "
Feature on Dylan Linkner
About people who recognize him when he is bussing tables, Linkner said:
"Our restaurant has a lot of Japanese tourists, so when that happens, they're looking and wondering, 'Who's that?' This one guy says, 'I remember when you almost scored that touchdown against USC.' Talk about a hard-core fan. Some people say 'What are you doing bussing?' I explain I'm a regular person trying to make ends meet." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Dylan Linkner busses tables at a restaurant in Waikiki. After summer school, he works an 8-hour shift, finishing at midnight, and is up at 5 the next morning so he can get from his Kailua home in time for early-morning workouts at the University of Hawaii."
HSB Note: "Linkner's father, Jim, is an award-winning sound engineer with a long history of working with local recording artists. Willie K and Keali'i Reichel to us are Uncle Willie and Uncle Keali'i to Dylan Linkner."
About the famous singers that he grew up around, Linkner said:
"When you meet them when you're a little kid, it's like, 'This is blah, blah, blah,' and you're like OK, but you don't really understand who they are. For me, it wasn't really like an awe-ing experience. It was more like, this is just my dad's friend. And they're down-to-earth, like any normal guy off the street. Recently one person I've been seeing a lot because he's been doing a lot of stuff on Oahu is Willie K. That guy's the most impressive instrument player I've ever seen. Then you see him after the show and he's the most regular, cool guy. Keali'i Reichel, just this guy from Maui who wanted to play music. Then he blew up, and everybody''s like, 'Man, I can't believe you know him.'" (HSB)
About playing trombone at Kailua High School, Linkner said:
"I can say I'm knowledgeable about music. I'm not very good at singing. I played high school band, trombone. I felt I did pretty good in high school band, but nothing like I could come to college and play. Henry Fu, the band director, he understood I couldn't be good at everything. People think band is for dorks, but he would tell us about music theory and how music relates to life. Not only through football, but through band you learn discipline. To get good at a song, you've got to practice. Through high school I would say Henry Fu was my mentor and a guy I wanted to live up to. To me, he's one of the top teachers in the state, not just band. He takes the extra time to help you solve things." (HSB)
About how Linkner has been helping the younger WRs despite how that could hurt his playing time, Linkner said:
"His teammates love and respect him for it. He never complains, never takes a day off. He's always trying to improve, but he knows his role." (HSB)
HSB Note: "That role expanded during spring practice, when Linkner was No. 1 on the depth chart at right wide receiver after Malcolm Lane was injured. He will get a chance to regain it again in fall camp, or at least get into a playing rotation -- especially if he cuts 5 pounds as the coaches have requested."
About how he needs to get faster, Linkner said:
"College sports is speed. Everyone can work on their speed. I know that's one thing I need to do. I'm not the fastest guy out there, so that's my biggest thing." (HSB)
About how he didn't give up despite limited playing time, Linkner said:
"Some guys, I know, in my situation would get discouraged. I know some who have quit or wanted to transfer. For me it's like football is my love, football is my passion. I love the sport. I'm hoping after I graduate to do something in football like broadcasting. To me it's just a love for it. I come out here, it's the brotherhood, all these guys. After college you step into the world, you have to start real life. I think of it as you can still have your fun before you step into real life." (HSB)
"Our restaurant has a lot of Japanese tourists, so when that happens, they're looking and wondering, 'Who's that?' This one guy says, 'I remember when you almost scored that touchdown against USC.' Talk about a hard-core fan. Some people say 'What are you doing bussing?' I explain I'm a regular person trying to make ends meet." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Dylan Linkner busses tables at a restaurant in Waikiki. After summer school, he works an 8-hour shift, finishing at midnight, and is up at 5 the next morning so he can get from his Kailua home in time for early-morning workouts at the University of Hawaii."
HSB Note: "Linkner's father, Jim, is an award-winning sound engineer with a long history of working with local recording artists. Willie K and Keali'i Reichel to us are Uncle Willie and Uncle Keali'i to Dylan Linkner."
About the famous singers that he grew up around, Linkner said:
"When you meet them when you're a little kid, it's like, 'This is blah, blah, blah,' and you're like OK, but you don't really understand who they are. For me, it wasn't really like an awe-ing experience. It was more like, this is just my dad's friend. And they're down-to-earth, like any normal guy off the street. Recently one person I've been seeing a lot because he's been doing a lot of stuff on Oahu is Willie K. That guy's the most impressive instrument player I've ever seen. Then you see him after the show and he's the most regular, cool guy. Keali'i Reichel, just this guy from Maui who wanted to play music. Then he blew up, and everybody''s like, 'Man, I can't believe you know him.'" (HSB)
About playing trombone at Kailua High School, Linkner said:
"I can say I'm knowledgeable about music. I'm not very good at singing. I played high school band, trombone. I felt I did pretty good in high school band, but nothing like I could come to college and play. Henry Fu, the band director, he understood I couldn't be good at everything. People think band is for dorks, but he would tell us about music theory and how music relates to life. Not only through football, but through band you learn discipline. To get good at a song, you've got to practice. Through high school I would say Henry Fu was my mentor and a guy I wanted to live up to. To me, he's one of the top teachers in the state, not just band. He takes the extra time to help you solve things." (HSB)
About how Linkner has been helping the younger WRs despite how that could hurt his playing time, Linkner said:
"His teammates love and respect him for it. He never complains, never takes a day off. He's always trying to improve, but he knows his role." (HSB)
HSB Note: "That role expanded during spring practice, when Linkner was No. 1 on the depth chart at right wide receiver after Malcolm Lane was injured. He will get a chance to regain it again in fall camp, or at least get into a playing rotation -- especially if he cuts 5 pounds as the coaches have requested."
About how he needs to get faster, Linkner said:
"College sports is speed. Everyone can work on their speed. I know that's one thing I need to do. I'm not the fastest guy out there, so that's my biggest thing." (HSB)
About how he didn't give up despite limited playing time, Linkner said:
"Some guys, I know, in my situation would get discouraged. I know some who have quit or wanted to transfer. For me it's like football is my love, football is my passion. I love the sport. I'm hoping after I graduate to do something in football like broadcasting. To me it's just a love for it. I come out here, it's the brotherhood, all these guys. After college you step into the world, you have to start real life. I think of it as you can still have your fun before you step into real life." (HSB)
Friday, June 27, 2008
Feature article about Reagan going to the Samoa camp
About going to Samoa to help with the camp, Reagan said:
"I want to show the kids there that anything is possible." (HA)
About joining UH in 2005 as a walk-on 360-pound nose tackle, Reagan said:
"Man, those were tough times." (HA)
Note: "Reagan took out loans, received financial aid and worked to pay for his UH tuition and help support his son."
HA Note: "Near the end of the 2005 season, he moved to running back and made a commitment to physical fitness. He weighed 295 pounds when he reported to spring training in March 2006. Sharing the running back's job with Nate Ilaoa, Mauia had a productive 2006 season. That merited selection, by the Dolphins, in the sixth round of the 2007 draft. Mauia, despite suffering a fracture in his left hand in the final preseason game, played in all 16 games, starting nine times."
About reaching the NFL, Reagan said:
"I struggled. When you want something so bad in life, you'll do whatever it takes to get it. You keep at it and you keep at it. You don't give up. If it's in your heart, go for it. That's what I want to show those kids (in American Samoa)." (HA)
HA Note: "Mauia, who is 6 feet, now weighs 270 pounds. He said his body fat is 9.6 percent. He also will relate his story of overcoming adversity and mistakes. In April, he was arrested and charged with misdemeanor battery."
About his arrest in April, Reagan said:
"Can't talk about it now. I hope you understand." (HA)
About fulfilling a childhood dream, Reagan said:
"Playing in the pros was my dream. I remember a teacher told me to stand up and say what I wanted to be when I grew up. I said: 'An NFL player.' ... This is what I wanted all of my life. I didn't want to be a lawyer. I didn't want to be a teacher. I didn't want to be anything else but a pro player, and I'm here today as testimony." (HA)
About his passion for football can be traced to his Dad, who was a great rugby player, Reagan said:
"I used to go with him to my uncle's house to watch the football games. I didn't understand it. I thought there were bricks (instead of shoulder pads) under their jerseys. Just to see how football made my dad so happy, I wanted to do that for him. I wanted to play football so he could watch and enjoy it." (HA)
HA Note: "Mauia said this three-day trip, which includes a clinic co-produced by coaches from Southern Methodist and Hawai'i, completes his life's circle. Until he was 10, Mauia lived in American Samoa, a territory in which there is no Pop Warner program and the high school football teams share a rugby field."
Happy to a part of this camp, Reagan said:
"I'm glad I can help." (HA)
HA Note: "A few years ago, Jones decided he wanted to establish a football clinic in American Samoa. UH had successfully recruited players from American Samoa, including Isa'ako Sopoaga, Melila Purcell III, Amani Purcell, Larry Sauafea and Keith AhSoon. The spark, Jones said, came from a meeting several years ago with High Paramount Chief Letuli Letuli, who died in 2006."
About how his idea to hold a football clinic in Samoa came after he met with High Paramount Chief Letuli Letuli, JJ said:
"We sat around and talked all night. I saw so many things. I heard the stories. It was a connection right away." (HA)
HA Note: "Jones and McMackin decided to lead a group that included Mauia, Purcell and Jesse Sapolu, a UH alum who won four Super Bowl rings with the San Francisco 49ers. Then Ellie Taft, wife of former UH assistant coach Jeff Reinebold, asked Jones if it would be possible to bring over doctors and deliver medical supplies."
About the medical mission that is part of their Samoa trip, JJ said:
"There is so much need down there in some of the emergency areas." (HA)
HA Note: "Jones said about 550 athletes and 100 coaches will attend the football clinic. The June Jones Foundation will award five $2,000 scholarships that may be used at any U.S. college."
About the camp, scholarships, and medical mission, JJ said:
"It's a way to give back. I want to give back to those kids." (HA)
"I want to show the kids there that anything is possible." (HA)
About joining UH in 2005 as a walk-on 360-pound nose tackle, Reagan said:
"Man, those were tough times." (HA)
Note: "Reagan took out loans, received financial aid and worked to pay for his UH tuition and help support his son."
HA Note: "Near the end of the 2005 season, he moved to running back and made a commitment to physical fitness. He weighed 295 pounds when he reported to spring training in March 2006. Sharing the running back's job with Nate Ilaoa, Mauia had a productive 2006 season. That merited selection, by the Dolphins, in the sixth round of the 2007 draft. Mauia, despite suffering a fracture in his left hand in the final preseason game, played in all 16 games, starting nine times."
About reaching the NFL, Reagan said:
"I struggled. When you want something so bad in life, you'll do whatever it takes to get it. You keep at it and you keep at it. You don't give up. If it's in your heart, go for it. That's what I want to show those kids (in American Samoa)." (HA)
HA Note: "Mauia, who is 6 feet, now weighs 270 pounds. He said his body fat is 9.6 percent. He also will relate his story of overcoming adversity and mistakes. In April, he was arrested and charged with misdemeanor battery."
About his arrest in April, Reagan said:
"Can't talk about it now. I hope you understand." (HA)
About fulfilling a childhood dream, Reagan said:
"Playing in the pros was my dream. I remember a teacher told me to stand up and say what I wanted to be when I grew up. I said: 'An NFL player.' ... This is what I wanted all of my life. I didn't want to be a lawyer. I didn't want to be a teacher. I didn't want to be anything else but a pro player, and I'm here today as testimony." (HA)
About his passion for football can be traced to his Dad, who was a great rugby player, Reagan said:
"I used to go with him to my uncle's house to watch the football games. I didn't understand it. I thought there were bricks (instead of shoulder pads) under their jerseys. Just to see how football made my dad so happy, I wanted to do that for him. I wanted to play football so he could watch and enjoy it." (HA)
HA Note: "Mauia said this three-day trip, which includes a clinic co-produced by coaches from Southern Methodist and Hawai'i, completes his life's circle. Until he was 10, Mauia lived in American Samoa, a territory in which there is no Pop Warner program and the high school football teams share a rugby field."
Happy to a part of this camp, Reagan said:
"I'm glad I can help." (HA)
HA Note: "A few years ago, Jones decided he wanted to establish a football clinic in American Samoa. UH had successfully recruited players from American Samoa, including Isa'ako Sopoaga, Melila Purcell III, Amani Purcell, Larry Sauafea and Keith AhSoon. The spark, Jones said, came from a meeting several years ago with High Paramount Chief Letuli Letuli, who died in 2006."
About how his idea to hold a football clinic in Samoa came after he met with High Paramount Chief Letuli Letuli, JJ said:
"We sat around and talked all night. I saw so many things. I heard the stories. It was a connection right away." (HA)
HA Note: "Jones and McMackin decided to lead a group that included Mauia, Purcell and Jesse Sapolu, a UH alum who won four Super Bowl rings with the San Francisco 49ers. Then Ellie Taft, wife of former UH assistant coach Jeff Reinebold, asked Jones if it would be possible to bring over doctors and deliver medical supplies."
About the medical mission that is part of their Samoa trip, JJ said:
"There is so much need down there in some of the emergency areas." (HA)
HA Note: "Jones said about 550 athletes and 100 coaches will attend the football clinic. The June Jones Foundation will award five $2,000 scholarships that may be used at any U.S. college."
About the camp, scholarships, and medical mission, JJ said:
"It's a way to give back. I want to give back to those kids." (HA)
JJ and Mack are off to Samoa
HSB Note: "June Jones was telling some folks in Dallas about his upcoming trip to American Samoa. Afterward, he was told that the first football gear brought there from the United States was from SMU. Although Jones no longer coaches in Hawaii, he's maintaining a high profile throughout Polynesia. He and four SMU assistants, Warriors coach Greg McMackin and four of his assistants, and several NFL players, past and present of Polynesian descent, are conducting the June Jones American Samoa Football Academy today and tomorrow."
About Samoa, JJ said:
"I hold a special affection for the Polynesian culture and I know that this terrific group of coaches and players will make a real difference in helping to develop the game of football in American Samoa." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Five $2,000 scholarships will be awarded, and the undertaking also includes a medical mission with $100,000 in supplies and the expertise of eight health care professionals."
HSB Note: "In the big picture, the most important part of the undertaking is its medical mission component."
About the importance of the medical mission to Samoa, Kevin Kaplan (executive director of the June Jones Foundation that is sponsoring the trip along with some other charities) said:
"They need a lot of help there." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Five doctors and three other medical professionals, led by Ellie Taft, the wife of SMU and former UH assistant coach Jeff Reinebold, are volunteering their expertise and bringing $100,000 worth of medical supplies donated by Kapiolani Medical Center for Women and Children."
About how Samoa needs the medical help, Reagan Mauia said:
"They need all the help medically that they can get. There are a lot of elderly people there who are in need of medical assistance. For June Jones and everyone to do this, it means a lot. It shows that people really care." (HSB)
HSB Note: "It will be a very emotional trip for Mauia. He was born in American Samoa, but moved when he was 13. This is his first time back after leaving in 1995."
Happy to be part of the trip, Reagan said:
"I'm very grateful to be involved." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Another former UH player from American Samoa, defensive lineman Melila Purcell, now plays for the Cleveland Browns. He looks forward to tomorrow's clinic, where the coaches and players will share their knowledge with 550 youths. There will also be a clinic for American Samoa coaches."
About being involved with the Samoa camp, Mel Purcell said:
"I'm excited to go back home, but even more, to go back and spend some time with the young players. We hardly had any NFL players or camps. I went to one camp. I told myself I want to be in that position some day to come back and help out. Teaching the kids and telling them what I went through will be great. I want to give them the idea, 'You can do anything.' The road I took was tough, but very exciting." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Former UH greats and NFL players Jesse Sapolu and Leo Goeas are also on the trip. So is Paul Soliai, a former Utah player now in the NFL. Warriors head coach Greg McMackin and assistants Alex Gerke, Nick Rolovich, Brian Smith and Craig Stutzmann were slated to make the trip. They were joined by Dennis McKnight, Wes Suan, Frank Gansz and Reinebold of Jones' SMU staff. All coached at UH, even Gansz, who was a guest coach one spring."
About the Samoa trip, Mack said:
"There are two special things about this. It's great for Samoa to have these superstar guys come back. And our staffs are very close. We have brothers on the SMU staff. It's really a joint venture." (HSB)
About the camp, which he plans to do every year, JJ said:
"Originally I was going to take the UH staff, but then I left for SMU (in January). I'm really excited Mack has joined us." (HSB)
About Samoa, JJ said:
"I hold a special affection for the Polynesian culture and I know that this terrific group of coaches and players will make a real difference in helping to develop the game of football in American Samoa." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Five $2,000 scholarships will be awarded, and the undertaking also includes a medical mission with $100,000 in supplies and the expertise of eight health care professionals."
HSB Note: "In the big picture, the most important part of the undertaking is its medical mission component."
About the importance of the medical mission to Samoa, Kevin Kaplan (executive director of the June Jones Foundation that is sponsoring the trip along with some other charities) said:
"They need a lot of help there." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Five doctors and three other medical professionals, led by Ellie Taft, the wife of SMU and former UH assistant coach Jeff Reinebold, are volunteering their expertise and bringing $100,000 worth of medical supplies donated by Kapiolani Medical Center for Women and Children."
About how Samoa needs the medical help, Reagan Mauia said:
"They need all the help medically that they can get. There are a lot of elderly people there who are in need of medical assistance. For June Jones and everyone to do this, it means a lot. It shows that people really care." (HSB)
HSB Note: "It will be a very emotional trip for Mauia. He was born in American Samoa, but moved when he was 13. This is his first time back after leaving in 1995."
Happy to be part of the trip, Reagan said:
"I'm very grateful to be involved." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Another former UH player from American Samoa, defensive lineman Melila Purcell, now plays for the Cleveland Browns. He looks forward to tomorrow's clinic, where the coaches and players will share their knowledge with 550 youths. There will also be a clinic for American Samoa coaches."
About being involved with the Samoa camp, Mel Purcell said:
"I'm excited to go back home, but even more, to go back and spend some time with the young players. We hardly had any NFL players or camps. I went to one camp. I told myself I want to be in that position some day to come back and help out. Teaching the kids and telling them what I went through will be great. I want to give them the idea, 'You can do anything.' The road I took was tough, but very exciting." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Former UH greats and NFL players Jesse Sapolu and Leo Goeas are also on the trip. So is Paul Soliai, a former Utah player now in the NFL. Warriors head coach Greg McMackin and assistants Alex Gerke, Nick Rolovich, Brian Smith and Craig Stutzmann were slated to make the trip. They were joined by Dennis McKnight, Wes Suan, Frank Gansz and Reinebold of Jones' SMU staff. All coached at UH, even Gansz, who was a guest coach one spring."
About the Samoa trip, Mack said:
"There are two special things about this. It's great for Samoa to have these superstar guys come back. And our staffs are very close. We have brothers on the SMU staff. It's really a joint venture." (HSB)
About the camp, which he plans to do every year, JJ said:
"Originally I was going to take the UH staff, but then I left for SMU (in January). I'm really excited Mack has joined us." (HSB)
Aloha Stadium will get a $185 mil overhaul
About the renovation of Aloha Stadium, state Comptroller Russ Saito said:
"It'll be just like when you walked into the stadium the first time. The seats were all shiny. The colors were bright. The steps you walked on were all solid. All of that will be refurbished. It will be like a new stadium." (HA)
HA Note: "The renovation project — aimed at extending the lifespan of the 50,000-seat multi-purpose facility for another 30 years — will entail several phases."
Stadium Authority Chairman Kevin Chong Kee said that the first stage is aimed at fixing:
"the health and safety issues of the stadium." (HA)
HA Note: "Later stages, aimed at enhancing "the spectator experience" and generating revenue, will explore adding luxury suites and several other amenities. Saito said the project will start in March, with major work being done between the end of the NFL's 2009 Pro Bowl and the University of Hawai'i football season. The makeover is expected to be completed in 2013."
About what needs to be fixed first, Saito said:
"The roof deck is the most corroded and the one most in need of attention." (HA)
HA Note: "Other highlights of the initial project include strengthening roof supports, controlling rust, replacing seats, repairing the parking lot, stabilizing pedestrian bridges and recommendations to add at least eight elevators and 300 women's toilets. Since opening in 1975 at a cost of $32 million, the state's largest facility has been dogged by costly repairs and lawsuits. From 1985 to 1995, rust treatment cost $80 million. By comparison, building a new stadium will cost an estimated $278 million in 2005 dollars, according to a study released yesterday by SSFM International, and Wiss, Janney, Elstner and Associates Inc."
A state environmental assessment draft said that new private elevators could take fans to suites, which will:
"enhance the spectator experience to a level on par with other venues of its size and, hence, its revenue-producing potential, thereby offsetting future maintenance costs." (HA)
HA Note: "The study explored the idea of adding 12 suites across the 50-yard line of the middle level of the stadium. The suites will have a total of 248 seats. The upgrades will displace 308 upper-field seats along the 50-yard line, according to the study. Since the stadium will be locked in football configuration, another proposal calls for adding an enclosed lounge on the four open corners of the stadium. This "loge level corner and sideline club addition" will have 960 total seats. Another proposal will be the "sideline club lounge and amenities addition," which will have 1,454 padded seats. The report also suggested converting the baseball press box into a super suite with 270 seats. It was unclear if more stadium seats would have to be displaced for this project to be completed."
About how structural improvements will take priority over seating amenities, Chong Kee said:
"I want the stadium to be structurally fit." (HA)
Downplaying the way the stadium vibrates when the crowd goes crazy, Saito said:
"The vibration is perceived to be a lot larger than it is. Its like .01 inch of displacement. It's safe." (HA)
HA Note: "Starting next year, workers will "stiffen" the eight pedestrian bridges that connect the corners of the stadium. The plan will attach stabilizing struts to the walkways, Saito said."
"It'll be just like when you walked into the stadium the first time. The seats were all shiny. The colors were bright. The steps you walked on were all solid. All of that will be refurbished. It will be like a new stadium." (HA)
HA Note: "The renovation project — aimed at extending the lifespan of the 50,000-seat multi-purpose facility for another 30 years — will entail several phases."
Stadium Authority Chairman Kevin Chong Kee said that the first stage is aimed at fixing:
"the health and safety issues of the stadium." (HA)
HA Note: "Later stages, aimed at enhancing "the spectator experience" and generating revenue, will explore adding luxury suites and several other amenities. Saito said the project will start in March, with major work being done between the end of the NFL's 2009 Pro Bowl and the University of Hawai'i football season. The makeover is expected to be completed in 2013."
About what needs to be fixed first, Saito said:
"The roof deck is the most corroded and the one most in need of attention." (HA)
HA Note: "Other highlights of the initial project include strengthening roof supports, controlling rust, replacing seats, repairing the parking lot, stabilizing pedestrian bridges and recommendations to add at least eight elevators and 300 women's toilets. Since opening in 1975 at a cost of $32 million, the state's largest facility has been dogged by costly repairs and lawsuits. From 1985 to 1995, rust treatment cost $80 million. By comparison, building a new stadium will cost an estimated $278 million in 2005 dollars, according to a study released yesterday by SSFM International, and Wiss, Janney, Elstner and Associates Inc."
A state environmental assessment draft said that new private elevators could take fans to suites, which will:
"enhance the spectator experience to a level on par with other venues of its size and, hence, its revenue-producing potential, thereby offsetting future maintenance costs." (HA)
HA Note: "The study explored the idea of adding 12 suites across the 50-yard line of the middle level of the stadium. The suites will have a total of 248 seats. The upgrades will displace 308 upper-field seats along the 50-yard line, according to the study. Since the stadium will be locked in football configuration, another proposal calls for adding an enclosed lounge on the four open corners of the stadium. This "loge level corner and sideline club addition" will have 960 total seats. Another proposal will be the "sideline club lounge and amenities addition," which will have 1,454 padded seats. The report also suggested converting the baseball press box into a super suite with 270 seats. It was unclear if more stadium seats would have to be displaced for this project to be completed."
About how structural improvements will take priority over seating amenities, Chong Kee said:
"I want the stadium to be structurally fit." (HA)
Downplaying the way the stadium vibrates when the crowd goes crazy, Saito said:
"The vibration is perceived to be a lot larger than it is. Its like .01 inch of displacement. It's safe." (HA)
HA Note: "Starting next year, workers will "stiffen" the eight pedestrian bridges that connect the corners of the stadium. The plan will attach stabilizing struts to the walkways, Saito said."
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Feature article on John Fonoti
HA Note: "John Fonoti's commitment to the offseason conditioning program is a slam dunk. That was evident yesterday morning, when he performed a taxing drill in the University of Hawai'i's Klum Gym. Starting in a back-to-the-ground position, Fonoti was required to spring to his feet, catch a rubber ball on the second bounce, and then soar for a dunk. Swish!"
Praising John Fonoti's condition, David Veikune said:
"He's in shape." (HA)
HA Note: "This offseason, middle linebacker Brashton Satele and Fonoti, who is listed as the No. 1 defensive right end, are workout partners. Their day begins with a 5 a.m. wake-up call."
About how Fonoti has been motivated for his workouts, Satele said:
"I used to have to call him. Now, the majority of the time he's waking up on his own. Now he's calling me. He's way more committed this year. He's taking on a leadership role." (HA)
HA Note: "It is a remarkable change from last season, when Fonoti's career was in retreat. After a promising freshman season in 2005, Fonoti was forced to redshirt in 2006. Although he was academically eligible by UH and NCAA standards, the coaches felt he needed to focus more on his academics. He was not allowed to practice with the team or attend meetings. What's more, his football scholarship was revoked. Last summer, he was told he would be reinstated to the team. But without a scholarship, he had to work in construction."
About working in construction, Fonoti said:
"It was hard work. I had to carry some heavy stuff." (HA)
About how working in construction left him little time to train with his teammates, Fonoti said:
"I used to walk in here and see everybody training. I'd say, 'Good job.' " (HA)
About how his poor preparation showed up in the first practice, where ever player is asked to run ten 22-yard sprints, Fonoti said:
"I did three. Last year, I was so out of shape. I couldn't do anything. I wasn't that committed. I was slacking off." (HA)
HA Note: "He suffered another setback when he injured his heels after falling off a roof. But, by the end of the season, Fonoti worked his way into the rotation at defensive end. He also emerged as a physical player on special teams. During spring practice, head coach Greg McMackin, who was the defensive coordinator last season, declared open competition at all of the positions. By the end of spring training, Veikune and Fonoti established themselves as the No. 1 defensive ends."
About being the #1 DE at the end of Spring Training, Fonoti said:
"I don't take it as a starting job. Everybody is equal. All I can do is work hard and train hard." (HA)
About how his Mom wakes up early to drop him off, Fonoti said:
"I have to wake up my mom to drop me off (at UH). She has the hard job. She has to wake up early." (HA)
HA Note: "Fonoti then spends the next several hours competing running and agility drills, lifting weights, and competing in more running and agility drills. The 6-foot-3 junior said he now weighs "a solid 265," up from last season, when he was 240."
About the weight that Fonoti has gained, Veikune said:
"He's heavier than me. He's always in the weight room." (HA)
About his workouts, Fonoti said:
"I'm trying to bust my butt, trying to stay in shape." (HA)
About how he will receive a football scholarship in the fall, Fonoti said:
"I'm very thankful." (HA)
Praising John Fonoti's condition, David Veikune said:
"He's in shape." (HA)
HA Note: "This offseason, middle linebacker Brashton Satele and Fonoti, who is listed as the No. 1 defensive right end, are workout partners. Their day begins with a 5 a.m. wake-up call."
About how Fonoti has been motivated for his workouts, Satele said:
"I used to have to call him. Now, the majority of the time he's waking up on his own. Now he's calling me. He's way more committed this year. He's taking on a leadership role." (HA)
HA Note: "It is a remarkable change from last season, when Fonoti's career was in retreat. After a promising freshman season in 2005, Fonoti was forced to redshirt in 2006. Although he was academically eligible by UH and NCAA standards, the coaches felt he needed to focus more on his academics. He was not allowed to practice with the team or attend meetings. What's more, his football scholarship was revoked. Last summer, he was told he would be reinstated to the team. But without a scholarship, he had to work in construction."
About working in construction, Fonoti said:
"It was hard work. I had to carry some heavy stuff." (HA)
About how working in construction left him little time to train with his teammates, Fonoti said:
"I used to walk in here and see everybody training. I'd say, 'Good job.' " (HA)
About how his poor preparation showed up in the first practice, where ever player is asked to run ten 22-yard sprints, Fonoti said:
"I did three. Last year, I was so out of shape. I couldn't do anything. I wasn't that committed. I was slacking off." (HA)
HA Note: "He suffered another setback when he injured his heels after falling off a roof. But, by the end of the season, Fonoti worked his way into the rotation at defensive end. He also emerged as a physical player on special teams. During spring practice, head coach Greg McMackin, who was the defensive coordinator last season, declared open competition at all of the positions. By the end of spring training, Veikune and Fonoti established themselves as the No. 1 defensive ends."
About being the #1 DE at the end of Spring Training, Fonoti said:
"I don't take it as a starting job. Everybody is equal. All I can do is work hard and train hard." (HA)
About how his Mom wakes up early to drop him off, Fonoti said:
"I have to wake up my mom to drop me off (at UH). She has the hard job. She has to wake up early." (HA)
HA Note: "Fonoti then spends the next several hours competing running and agility drills, lifting weights, and competing in more running and agility drills. The 6-foot-3 junior said he now weighs "a solid 265," up from last season, when he was 240."
About the weight that Fonoti has gained, Veikune said:
"He's heavier than me. He's always in the weight room." (HA)
About his workouts, Fonoti said:
"I'm trying to bust my butt, trying to stay in shape." (HA)
About how he will receive a football scholarship in the fall, Fonoti said:
"I'm very thankful." (HA)
Financial contrast between Florida and UH
From Ferd's article in the Honolulu Advertiser:
HA Note: "The athletic department budget UF has announced for the upcoming fiscal year is a record $84 million, according to an executive summary. Or, about three times what UH is expected to operate on. It is a sign of UH's current financial plight that, currently occupied by the furious bailing of red ink, the Warriors have yet to release a forecast for the fiscal year that starts Tuesday. But estimates are that the Warriors will come in at about $28 million to $29 million, a record by UH standards.
Clearly, the North American continent isn't the only thing that separates them. Football is credited with producing $54.6 million in revenue for the Gators, or nearly 65 percent of the total budget. At UH, football might do $11.5 million all things considered, or about 41 percent.
Florida projects a $1.39 million surplus. UH, at last report, was staring at a $1.1 million deficit for the upcoming fiscal year. Even after the $600,000 guarantee, from which they might hope to bank half.
UF reports an athletic endowment of $39.3 million; UH is at $4 million."
HA Note: "The athletic department budget UF has announced for the upcoming fiscal year is a record $84 million, according to an executive summary. Or, about three times what UH is expected to operate on. It is a sign of UH's current financial plight that, currently occupied by the furious bailing of red ink, the Warriors have yet to release a forecast for the fiscal year that starts Tuesday. But estimates are that the Warriors will come in at about $28 million to $29 million, a record by UH standards.
Clearly, the North American continent isn't the only thing that separates them. Football is credited with producing $54.6 million in revenue for the Gators, or nearly 65 percent of the total budget. At UH, football might do $11.5 million all things considered, or about 41 percent.
Florida projects a $1.39 million surplus. UH, at last report, was staring at a $1.1 million deficit for the upcoming fiscal year. Even after the $600,000 guarantee, from which they might hope to bank half.
UF reports an athletic endowment of $39.3 million; UH is at $4 million."
Article about it is expected to be hot and humid during the Florida game
About playing in the hottest time of the day in Florida, JD said:
"(Florida head coach) Urban Meyer probably figured it would be a nice environment for the University of Hawai'i. (That) it is not on national television means it was set locally, which goes to show you the kind of great fans Florida has because there were no complaints. My guess is it will be about 92 to 97 degrees — and about 106 percent humidity. We may need to issue snorkels." (HA)
HA Note: "Florida has announced a set of what it terms "heat initiatives" for fans attending the game at The Swamp, including "misting tents" and free cups of ice to help take the edge of what is expected to be sweltering conditions. The 12:30 p.m. Eastern time (6:30 a.m. Hawai'i) kickoff will be only the second game at that hour for the Gators in 16 years."
A Florida spokeswoman said that their last 12:30 game came in last year's opener vs. Western Kentucky where:
"it was only 83 (degrees). Humidity was 80 percent." (HA)
HA Note: "With Florida leading, 49-3, the game was terminated with 8 minutes, 23 seconds remaining because of what UF described as "severe weather in the area." Attendance at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium was announced as 90,086."
HA Note: "The UF athletic department received a $282,000 increase this year for what was described as increased heat initiative and security expenses. Florida said "cool misting tents" will be set up on concourses on the north, south and west sides of the stadium. In addition, fans will be installed on the east concourse, 12-ounce containers of water will sell for $1 and "cooling buses" will be employed on the east and west sides of the stadium to supplement aid stations. Florida officials are recommending spectators use sunscreen of "at least 30 SPF," wear hats and loose fitting clothing and "avoid excess alcohol." The UF release noted, "officers at gates (will be) looking out for fans in heat distress and directing (them) to aid stations." "
"(Florida head coach) Urban Meyer probably figured it would be a nice environment for the University of Hawai'i. (That) it is not on national television means it was set locally, which goes to show you the kind of great fans Florida has because there were no complaints. My guess is it will be about 92 to 97 degrees — and about 106 percent humidity. We may need to issue snorkels." (HA)
HA Note: "Florida has announced a set of what it terms "heat initiatives" for fans attending the game at The Swamp, including "misting tents" and free cups of ice to help take the edge of what is expected to be sweltering conditions. The 12:30 p.m. Eastern time (6:30 a.m. Hawai'i) kickoff will be only the second game at that hour for the Gators in 16 years."
A Florida spokeswoman said that their last 12:30 game came in last year's opener vs. Western Kentucky where:
"it was only 83 (degrees). Humidity was 80 percent." (HA)
HA Note: "With Florida leading, 49-3, the game was terminated with 8 minutes, 23 seconds remaining because of what UF described as "severe weather in the area." Attendance at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium was announced as 90,086."
HA Note: "The UF athletic department received a $282,000 increase this year for what was described as increased heat initiative and security expenses. Florida said "cool misting tents" will be set up on concourses on the north, south and west sides of the stadium. In addition, fans will be installed on the east concourse, 12-ounce containers of water will sell for $1 and "cooling buses" will be employed on the east and west sides of the stadium to supplement aid stations. Florida officials are recommending spectators use sunscreen of "at least 30 SPF," wear hats and loose fitting clothing and "avoid excess alcohol." The UF release noted, "officers at gates (will be) looking out for fans in heat distress and directing (them) to aid stations." "
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Feature Interview with JJ
About giving up his Harley-Davidson, which is painted in the same dark green as the Warriors' helmets, JJ said:
"I'm going to give it up. I'm going to give the bike to (booster club official Don Murphy), and let him auction it off at his Pigskin Pigout in August. The money can go to (UH's football program). I bought (the motorcycle) here (in 1999). It's a great bike." (HA)
HA Note: "Jones, now Southern Methodist's head coach, is in the Islands to host his annual celebrity golf tournament in Kona. Proceeds will benefit two Hawai'i charities. After that, the SMU and UH coaches will travel to American Samoa for a joint football clinic."
About how he can't comment on the mediation over the $400k, JJ said:
"I can't comment on it at all. But (when it's over), I'll have a whole bunch of comments. Trust me." (HA)
About leaving UH without saying goodbye, JJ said:
"The timing of the thing didn't allow me any time to do things the way you need to do them. It happened so fast, you just don't have time to do what you need to do. I at least had a chance to say my piece at the Northern California Chamber of Commerce (dinner), when they gave me an award. There were a lot of Hawai'i people there. That was my first chance to say what needed to be said." (HA)
About his decision to leave, JJ said:
"You know ... the day is not long enough to discuss all of that. I don't want to get into all of that. I know it was the right thing to do for me, and I think, people will find out, it was the right thing for the university, too. One day when we have more time, when we can look back in two or three years, I'll tell you everything. Right now is just not the time. I don't want to get into all of that. I think it was the best thing for the school, and it was the best thing for me. And it was just hard to do because of my attachment to Hawai'i and a lot of people I love. I had to do what I had to do for me personally, for my family, for everybody. Sometimes you have to do things that aren't the easiest thing to do, but are the best thing to do for those around you." (HA)
About how Mack is perfect for UH now, JJ said:
"(New UH coach Greg McMackin) is a great football coach, and a good person, and he is perfect for the job. He will win, and he will get it done his way. I think the commitment people are making to the program right now is what I'm talking about. People are stepping up and realizing that if they want to have a top program, everybody has to do what they've got to do. I've been watching what's happening with people stepping up to do things. It looks like those things are going to get done." (HA)
About how the needed changes would not have been made if he stayed at UH, JJ said:
"If I had stayed, I don't think that the sense of urgency would have been what it is right now to get things done. In the long run, (leaving) will be the best thing for the school." (HA)
About recruiting in Hawaii, JJ said:
"We'll recruit in Hawai'i. We've already offered (scholarships to) some kids here. And we're going to recruit in American Samoa, too. I don't think we'll compete (against UH) on a lot of guys. The guys who want to stay home are going to stay home. The guys who want to go away, we've got a shot at. It's the same way when I was (coaching) in Hawai'i. The guys who wanted to go away are going to go away. I don't see it as competition." (HA)
About Mack, JJ said:
"I talk to Mack once a week. He's coming to my tournament. We're going to American Samoa together. I'll help him however and he'll help me however." (HA)
About playing UH, JJ said:
"I was trying to do it this year. But Jim (Donovan, UH's athletic director) said they were filled. I'd like to have a three- or four-year deal. I know our ADs are talking. Now our AD is kind of the front-runner for that Notre Dame job, so it might go on the backburner. But I was the one who told them to (try and schedule the game). It's out of my hands now. But I told them and I promoted it and they're for it." (HA)
About Daniel Smith's lawsuit, JJ said:
"I would think there's no grounds for him to win that case. It happens all of the time. It happened at SMU. I know a kid was offered at SMU, and we didn't honor it. A new coaching staff has the right to say what it wants to say. It must happen a lot with coaching changes." (HA)
About adjusting to life in Dallas, JJ said:
"The first week of spring practice, we got rained out. We got snowed out. I immediately knew we needed an indoor facility. I've been going 100 miles per hour since I've been up there. I haven't had time to do much besides (focusing on) football. My son is going to go to high school. And, no, I still don't wear socks. I go to Roy's once a week. It's in Plano. And now they've got an L & L in Lewisville, which is an hour away. We all go up there and get our fix." (HA)
About finding Polynesian influences in Texas, JJ said:
"The state championship team that won the last two years in the state of Texas was primarily a Polynesian team. Trinity Euless. When we went to practice at Trinity, they stopped practice and broke into the haka. Dennis (McKnight, the offensive line coach who followed Jones to SMU) was blown away. Dennis was in the middle of Texas somewhere on a recruiting trip. He walked into a coach's office, and on the board was (UH's chant last season): Eo na toa, eo na toa e. Dennis freaked out. The guy said, 'that's a saying we're going to adopt. I don't know how to say it.' Dennis said, 'what do you mean you don't know how to say it?' Dennis showed him the tattoo on his arm. He taught him what it meant, and how to say it. The two of them were saying it in the middle of Texas." (HA)
"I'm going to give it up. I'm going to give the bike to (booster club official Don Murphy), and let him auction it off at his Pigskin Pigout in August. The money can go to (UH's football program). I bought (the motorcycle) here (in 1999). It's a great bike." (HA)
HA Note: "Jones, now Southern Methodist's head coach, is in the Islands to host his annual celebrity golf tournament in Kona. Proceeds will benefit two Hawai'i charities. After that, the SMU and UH coaches will travel to American Samoa for a joint football clinic."
About how he can't comment on the mediation over the $400k, JJ said:
"I can't comment on it at all. But (when it's over), I'll have a whole bunch of comments. Trust me." (HA)
About leaving UH without saying goodbye, JJ said:
"The timing of the thing didn't allow me any time to do things the way you need to do them. It happened so fast, you just don't have time to do what you need to do. I at least had a chance to say my piece at the Northern California Chamber of Commerce (dinner), when they gave me an award. There were a lot of Hawai'i people there. That was my first chance to say what needed to be said." (HA)
About his decision to leave, JJ said:
"You know ... the day is not long enough to discuss all of that. I don't want to get into all of that. I know it was the right thing to do for me, and I think, people will find out, it was the right thing for the university, too. One day when we have more time, when we can look back in two or three years, I'll tell you everything. Right now is just not the time. I don't want to get into all of that. I think it was the best thing for the school, and it was the best thing for me. And it was just hard to do because of my attachment to Hawai'i and a lot of people I love. I had to do what I had to do for me personally, for my family, for everybody. Sometimes you have to do things that aren't the easiest thing to do, but are the best thing to do for those around you." (HA)
About how Mack is perfect for UH now, JJ said:
"(New UH coach Greg McMackin) is a great football coach, and a good person, and he is perfect for the job. He will win, and he will get it done his way. I think the commitment people are making to the program right now is what I'm talking about. People are stepping up and realizing that if they want to have a top program, everybody has to do what they've got to do. I've been watching what's happening with people stepping up to do things. It looks like those things are going to get done." (HA)
About how the needed changes would not have been made if he stayed at UH, JJ said:
"If I had stayed, I don't think that the sense of urgency would have been what it is right now to get things done. In the long run, (leaving) will be the best thing for the school." (HA)
About recruiting in Hawaii, JJ said:
"We'll recruit in Hawai'i. We've already offered (scholarships to) some kids here. And we're going to recruit in American Samoa, too. I don't think we'll compete (against UH) on a lot of guys. The guys who want to stay home are going to stay home. The guys who want to go away, we've got a shot at. It's the same way when I was (coaching) in Hawai'i. The guys who wanted to go away are going to go away. I don't see it as competition." (HA)
About Mack, JJ said:
"I talk to Mack once a week. He's coming to my tournament. We're going to American Samoa together. I'll help him however and he'll help me however." (HA)
About playing UH, JJ said:
"I was trying to do it this year. But Jim (Donovan, UH's athletic director) said they were filled. I'd like to have a three- or four-year deal. I know our ADs are talking. Now our AD is kind of the front-runner for that Notre Dame job, so it might go on the backburner. But I was the one who told them to (try and schedule the game). It's out of my hands now. But I told them and I promoted it and they're for it." (HA)
About Daniel Smith's lawsuit, JJ said:
"I would think there's no grounds for him to win that case. It happens all of the time. It happened at SMU. I know a kid was offered at SMU, and we didn't honor it. A new coaching staff has the right to say what it wants to say. It must happen a lot with coaching changes." (HA)
About adjusting to life in Dallas, JJ said:
"The first week of spring practice, we got rained out. We got snowed out. I immediately knew we needed an indoor facility. I've been going 100 miles per hour since I've been up there. I haven't had time to do much besides (focusing on) football. My son is going to go to high school. And, no, I still don't wear socks. I go to Roy's once a week. It's in Plano. And now they've got an L & L in Lewisville, which is an hour away. We all go up there and get our fix." (HA)
About finding Polynesian influences in Texas, JJ said:
"The state championship team that won the last two years in the state of Texas was primarily a Polynesian team. Trinity Euless. When we went to practice at Trinity, they stopped practice and broke into the haka. Dennis (McKnight, the offensive line coach who followed Jones to SMU) was blown away. Dennis was in the middle of Texas somewhere on a recruiting trip. He walked into a coach's office, and on the board was (UH's chant last season): Eo na toa, eo na toa e. Dennis freaked out. The guy said, 'that's a saying we're going to adopt. I don't know how to say it.' Dennis said, 'what do you mean you don't know how to say it?' Dennis showed him the tattoo on his arm. He taught him what it meant, and how to say it. The two of them were saying it in the middle of Texas." (HA)
Quotes from Jim Donovan
About UH's successful and controversial year, JD said:
"May you live in interesting times. That certainly was the case this year." (HSB)
"It was a very remarkable year in both success and change." (HSB)
About taking over the head coaching job at UH, Mack said:
"I feel blessed to be in the position I'm in. I'm not intimidated by it. I've been practicing for it my entire career. I'm really looking forward to it. I'm surrounded by great people and surrounded by great support." (HSB)
About how it will take them awhile to get out of their financial hole, JD said:
"It took a few years to get into this situation and I don't think we'll get out of it overnight. We pretty much know where we are and we know where we want to go and we're starting the process of charting how to get there." (HSB)
HSB Note: "UH's aging facilities remained at the forefront and the state legislature appropriated $7 million for projects including the replacement of Cooke Field's playing surface, improvements to the locker room at Duke Kahanamoku Aquatics Complex and refurbishment of coaches offices. UH also received a $5 million donation from the Clarence T.C. Ching Foundation to go toward construction of an athletic complex on the Cooke Field site."
About the largest single gift to the athletic department in UH history, JD said:
"The Ching Foundation (donation) was just a great step to show that people are really backing us." (HSB)
Excited about their future, JD said:
"As good as 2007-08 was, the potential for even greater success and memories is there. That's what gets me really excited." (HSB)
"May you live in interesting times. That certainly was the case this year." (HSB)
"It was a very remarkable year in both success and change." (HSB)
About taking over the head coaching job at UH, Mack said:
"I feel blessed to be in the position I'm in. I'm not intimidated by it. I've been practicing for it my entire career. I'm really looking forward to it. I'm surrounded by great people and surrounded by great support." (HSB)
About how it will take them awhile to get out of their financial hole, JD said:
"It took a few years to get into this situation and I don't think we'll get out of it overnight. We pretty much know where we are and we know where we want to go and we're starting the process of charting how to get there." (HSB)
HSB Note: "UH's aging facilities remained at the forefront and the state legislature appropriated $7 million for projects including the replacement of Cooke Field's playing surface, improvements to the locker room at Duke Kahanamoku Aquatics Complex and refurbishment of coaches offices. UH also received a $5 million donation from the Clarence T.C. Ching Foundation to go toward construction of an athletic complex on the Cooke Field site."
About the largest single gift to the athletic department in UH history, JD said:
"The Ching Foundation (donation) was just a great step to show that people are really backing us." (HSB)
Excited about their future, JD said:
"As good as 2007-08 was, the potential for even greater success and memories is there. That's what gets me really excited." (HSB)
Feature Story on David Veikune
About how Veikune gets up early and sets an example for their workouts, Keala Watson said:
"I have a picture of him in my locker as inspiration. I would say yes, he is (the weight-room king). He's kind of like a genetic freak. He'll pretty much out-lift anyone else on the team." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Before anybody else has picked up a thing, David Veikune has finished his first set for the day."
HSB Note: "It's always been that way for the soon-to-be senior, who despite taking four summer school classes, still makes it to the weight room nearly every day."
HSB Note: "Since as early as the fifth grade, Veikune has been put through vigorous weight-training routines by his father, Oma. Oma had to be at his job as a postal worker every day by 7:30 in the morning. That meant the younger Veikune was up before sunrise, doing sit-ups, push-ups or whatever his father had planned for that day."
About the workouts his father would plan for him each day, Veikune said:
"We would always get into arguments. But I would always end up doing it. He would tell me if I wanted to play football, I'd have to get up and work out, so I always did. That's when you know you want to play this game." (HSB)
HSB Note: "His passion for football was tested after spending his freshman year of college at Colorado. Buried on the depth chart at defensive end and unsure of where the program was headed, Veikune requested a release from his scholarship. A year after stepping foot on the campus of a Big-12 program, Veikune was at Fresno City College and unsure if his playing days would continue."
About going from Colorado to Fresno City College, Veikune said:
"Going from Colorado to a (junior college) was the biggest obstacle of my life. I didn't know what was going to happen. I wasn't even sure if I was ever going to play football again." (HSB)
HSB Note: "The time away from football made him realize his love for the sport and he started lifting weights again. On his own, he decided to call Hawaii assistant coach Rich Miano and let him know he wanted to be a Warrior."
About how Rich Miano called him the day after his call and offered him a scholarship, Veikune said:
"(Miano) called me and said I had a scholarship. I had to take 22 credits my second semester of JC to get myself to come here." (HSB)
HSB Note: "After playing mostly on special teams and sparingly off the bench as a sophomore, Veikune broke out as part of Hawaii's deep defensive line rotation last year. His seven sacks and 8.5 tackles for loss earned him those all-league honors, despite not playing every down. That could change this season as the departures of Karl Noa and Amani Purcell could mean steady playing time for Veikune and John Fonoti."
About how he'll play a lot unless one of their backup DEs earns the playing time, Veikune said:
"Coach Mack said he wants to keep me and John in the whole game unless some of the guys can step it up and rotate with us. Rotation is always the best so everyone can be fresh. Now I've got to make sure I'm in better shape than last year if I'm going to be in there the whole time." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Veikune played at 250 pounds a season ago and is trying to get to 270 by the start of camp. He says his bench press is up to 500 pounds, but his ability to keep his speed and agility while adding strength is what makes him such a dominating force."
About how Veikune can add weight without losing speed and agility, Keala Watson said:
"It's surprising he can keep his mobility with the strength he has. He's probably one of our most versatile guys on the line. He can play defensive tackle, defensive end and he's even the nose guard in our 3-4 packages. He contributes everywhere coach asks him to." (HSB)
About how he's learned a lot from new DL coach Aranda, Veikune said:
"I've gone through so many coaches in my career it's nothing different. Him and (Jeff) Reinebold have different styles of coaching. Dave is more of a teacher. He's talked to some of the best coaches in the NFL and given us a lot of techniques. He's more of a teacher while Reinebold is more of a get in-your-face type." (HSB)
HSB Note: "The Campbell High graduate is anything but that. Soft-spoken, Veikune is generally the guy on the sidelines by himself before a game, focusing in his own way. While the rest of the team is yelling and screaming and pounding each other's pads, Veikune is already thinking about his first play of the game."
About how he doesn't talk much on the sidelines, Veikune said:
"I don't need to get all crazy to get into a game. I don't want to gas myself out." (HSB)
HSB Note: "That's because he needs all the energy he can get. And that's why he's the first guy in the weight room every morning."
"I have a picture of him in my locker as inspiration. I would say yes, he is (the weight-room king). He's kind of like a genetic freak. He'll pretty much out-lift anyone else on the team." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Before anybody else has picked up a thing, David Veikune has finished his first set for the day."
HSB Note: "It's always been that way for the soon-to-be senior, who despite taking four summer school classes, still makes it to the weight room nearly every day."
HSB Note: "Since as early as the fifth grade, Veikune has been put through vigorous weight-training routines by his father, Oma. Oma had to be at his job as a postal worker every day by 7:30 in the morning. That meant the younger Veikune was up before sunrise, doing sit-ups, push-ups or whatever his father had planned for that day."
About the workouts his father would plan for him each day, Veikune said:
"We would always get into arguments. But I would always end up doing it. He would tell me if I wanted to play football, I'd have to get up and work out, so I always did. That's when you know you want to play this game." (HSB)
HSB Note: "His passion for football was tested after spending his freshman year of college at Colorado. Buried on the depth chart at defensive end and unsure of where the program was headed, Veikune requested a release from his scholarship. A year after stepping foot on the campus of a Big-12 program, Veikune was at Fresno City College and unsure if his playing days would continue."
About going from Colorado to Fresno City College, Veikune said:
"Going from Colorado to a (junior college) was the biggest obstacle of my life. I didn't know what was going to happen. I wasn't even sure if I was ever going to play football again." (HSB)
HSB Note: "The time away from football made him realize his love for the sport and he started lifting weights again. On his own, he decided to call Hawaii assistant coach Rich Miano and let him know he wanted to be a Warrior."
About how Rich Miano called him the day after his call and offered him a scholarship, Veikune said:
"(Miano) called me and said I had a scholarship. I had to take 22 credits my second semester of JC to get myself to come here." (HSB)
HSB Note: "After playing mostly on special teams and sparingly off the bench as a sophomore, Veikune broke out as part of Hawaii's deep defensive line rotation last year. His seven sacks and 8.5 tackles for loss earned him those all-league honors, despite not playing every down. That could change this season as the departures of Karl Noa and Amani Purcell could mean steady playing time for Veikune and John Fonoti."
About how he'll play a lot unless one of their backup DEs earns the playing time, Veikune said:
"Coach Mack said he wants to keep me and John in the whole game unless some of the guys can step it up and rotate with us. Rotation is always the best so everyone can be fresh. Now I've got to make sure I'm in better shape than last year if I'm going to be in there the whole time." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Veikune played at 250 pounds a season ago and is trying to get to 270 by the start of camp. He says his bench press is up to 500 pounds, but his ability to keep his speed and agility while adding strength is what makes him such a dominating force."
About how Veikune can add weight without losing speed and agility, Keala Watson said:
"It's surprising he can keep his mobility with the strength he has. He's probably one of our most versatile guys on the line. He can play defensive tackle, defensive end and he's even the nose guard in our 3-4 packages. He contributes everywhere coach asks him to." (HSB)
About how he's learned a lot from new DL coach Aranda, Veikune said:
"I've gone through so many coaches in my career it's nothing different. Him and (Jeff) Reinebold have different styles of coaching. Dave is more of a teacher. He's talked to some of the best coaches in the NFL and given us a lot of techniques. He's more of a teacher while Reinebold is more of a get in-your-face type." (HSB)
HSB Note: "The Campbell High graduate is anything but that. Soft-spoken, Veikune is generally the guy on the sidelines by himself before a game, focusing in his own way. While the rest of the team is yelling and screaming and pounding each other's pads, Veikune is already thinking about his first play of the game."
About how he doesn't talk much on the sidelines, Veikune said:
"I don't need to get all crazy to get into a game. I don't want to gas myself out." (HSB)
HSB Note: "That's because he needs all the energy he can get. And that's why he's the first guy in the weight room every morning."
Friday, June 20, 2008
Quotes from the Star-Bulletin
About the scholarships that the June Jones Foundation is giving out, Foundation director Kevin Kaplan said:
"They don't have to go to Hawaii or SMU. They can go anywhere they want, as long as it's in the United States." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Ten football coaches, five from Hawaii and five from SMU, will conduct the first June Jones American Samoa Football Academy a week from tomorrow in Pago Pago. The UH coaches are Greg McMackin, Alex Gerke, Nick Rolovich, Brian Smith and Craig Stutzmann. The SMU coaches are Jones, Dennis McKnight, Wes Suan, Jeff Reinebold and Frank Gansz. The June Jones Foundation is sponsoring the academy, as well as $2,000 college football scholarships that will go to five of the expected 550 participants, foundation director Kevin Kaplan said."
HSB Note: "Current and former NFL players Jesse Sapolu, Maa Tanuvasa, Mel Purcell, Reagan Mauia, Paul Soliai and Leo Goeas are also scheduled to appear, Kaplan said."
Looking forward to his first trip to American Samoa, Mack said:
"It's going to be a fun deal. I'm really looking forward to it because they're a big part of the Warrior Nation." (HSB)
HSB Note: "It will cap a week of island-hopping for the UH head coach who replaced Jones. McMackin is on the Big Island for the Dolphin Days celebration and will play in Jones' annual celebrity tournament Sunday and Monday at Hokulia. Then McMackin has his own golf tournament on Kauai next Tuesday and Wednesday. Meanwhile, mediation continues in a dispute between Jones and UH. At issue is $400,008 the school says Jones owes it for leaving for SMU before the end of his contract, which would have been the end of this month."
About how they are close to finalizing their 2009 schedule, JD said:
"We're working diligently with several different schools. But there's nothing at this point. Our goal is to have it done before we open this season at Florida (on Aug. 30)." (HSB)
About how they have sold at least 2,000 more ticket packages for 2008 than they sold in 2007, John McNamara said:
"Right now, we're going with a soft number of 24,500. We're only about 75 percent through callbacks to the fans who put deposits down." (HSB)
HSSB Note: "A total of 98 percent of depositors last year (the first year of the program) followed through with purchases, McNamara said. The projection also includes an estimate of 1,000 student purchases, consistent with last year's sales. Last year's total season tickets sold were 22,975."
About how they still could meet their goal of 30,000 season tickets, McNamara said:
"All the callbacks should be completed by next week. Then we start ramping up for the campaign that starts July 7." (HSB)
In addition to the hope that reduced ticket prices in some sections will increase sales, McNamara said:
"Plus we're offering 50 percent off on a special road pay-per-view package to season-ticket holders of record and those who buy by July 18." (HSB)
"They don't have to go to Hawaii or SMU. They can go anywhere they want, as long as it's in the United States." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Ten football coaches, five from Hawaii and five from SMU, will conduct the first June Jones American Samoa Football Academy a week from tomorrow in Pago Pago. The UH coaches are Greg McMackin, Alex Gerke, Nick Rolovich, Brian Smith and Craig Stutzmann. The SMU coaches are Jones, Dennis McKnight, Wes Suan, Jeff Reinebold and Frank Gansz. The June Jones Foundation is sponsoring the academy, as well as $2,000 college football scholarships that will go to five of the expected 550 participants, foundation director Kevin Kaplan said."
HSB Note: "Current and former NFL players Jesse Sapolu, Maa Tanuvasa, Mel Purcell, Reagan Mauia, Paul Soliai and Leo Goeas are also scheduled to appear, Kaplan said."
Looking forward to his first trip to American Samoa, Mack said:
"It's going to be a fun deal. I'm really looking forward to it because they're a big part of the Warrior Nation." (HSB)
HSB Note: "It will cap a week of island-hopping for the UH head coach who replaced Jones. McMackin is on the Big Island for the Dolphin Days celebration and will play in Jones' annual celebrity tournament Sunday and Monday at Hokulia. Then McMackin has his own golf tournament on Kauai next Tuesday and Wednesday. Meanwhile, mediation continues in a dispute between Jones and UH. At issue is $400,008 the school says Jones owes it for leaving for SMU before the end of his contract, which would have been the end of this month."
About how they are close to finalizing their 2009 schedule, JD said:
"We're working diligently with several different schools. But there's nothing at this point. Our goal is to have it done before we open this season at Florida (on Aug. 30)." (HSB)
About how they have sold at least 2,000 more ticket packages for 2008 than they sold in 2007, John McNamara said:
"Right now, we're going with a soft number of 24,500. We're only about 75 percent through callbacks to the fans who put deposits down." (HSB)
HSSB Note: "A total of 98 percent of depositors last year (the first year of the program) followed through with purchases, McNamara said. The projection also includes an estimate of 1,000 student purchases, consistent with last year's sales. Last year's total season tickets sold were 22,975."
About how they still could meet their goal of 30,000 season tickets, McNamara said:
"All the callbacks should be completed by next week. Then we start ramping up for the campaign that starts July 7." (HSB)
In addition to the hope that reduced ticket prices in some sections will increase sales, McNamara said:
"Plus we're offering 50 percent off on a special road pay-per-view package to season-ticket holders of record and those who buy by July 18." (HSB)
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Feature on Keala Watson
About how they have been visiting a lot of schools to talk with the students, Keala Watson said:
"We've been doing a lot of school talks. It feels like we're on tour or something, about four or five a week. It humbles you when you see yourself in some of the kids and they're looking up at you as something they can aspire to be," Watson said.
HSB Note: "In addition to standing tall in the middle of the Warriors defensive line, Watson is a force in the classroom and community. The All-WAC academic honoree carries a 3.6 GPA in a custom-made, sciences-heavy curriculum of environmental studies specific to Hawaiian issues."
About all of the changes that have gone on during his UH playing career, Keala said:
"I was here for the Timmy Chang era, playing with Lui Fuga and Matt Faga. And another group, Mel Purcell and Kahai LaCount. I've seen a lot of good guys go through. I think it really helped me as a player. We got to pick up a few of the good things from every class that came through. Work ethic, what it takes to win. I think that's what really helped us last year when we actually won the WAC championship. If we can pass that on it's something that can start a tradition of learning and passing on the skills. That's what it takes to build a football program." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Watson spoke Friday between offseason workouts at UH. So much has changed since 2004 -- for the program and for him. George Lumpkin was the defensive coordinator in 2004 now it's Cal Lee (following Jerry Glanville and then McMackin, who is now the head coach). Cooke Field is now Ching Field. The quarterback chain has gone from Chang to Brennan to Who Knows?"
About how Reinbold had the biggest impact on him of his *four* DL coaches at UH, Keala said:
"Jeff Reinebold was really good on key reads and assignments. He had us all being offensive coordinators, breaking down the other team's offense. He was knowledgeable about every play, every read, every scheme. That's why we made a lot of plays. I think he was outspoken because he knew what he was talking about. Everything he said was right. You could see it on film. He would bet with us, 20 pushups, where the ball was going. We'd always end up doing pushups. He knows everything about football, every position." (HSB)
About having 4 position coaches during his Warrior career, Keala said:
"The coaching changes have helped a lot. When you have the same coach for four years, you only learn what that one coach has to offer. From Singletary we learned hard-nosed football. It's something you don't see that much now because there aren't that many of those old-school, hard-nosed coaches. Toughness. Lui and Matt knew what it was." (HSB)
Abotu how Lui Fuga was like a coach on the field, Keala said:
"He held you accountable. He was one of the best leaders I've seen come through the program. Nobody got away with anything. That's the kind of leader I would like to be." (HSB)
About new DL coach Ikaika Malloe, Keala said:
"Ikaika's a players' coach. He's kind of in your face, but he's right alongside you, too. He runs with us. He doesn't ask us to do anything he can't do himself. That earns your respect. That's the kind of coach we need to help push us." (HSB)
About how Keala's teammates have noticed how he works hard and sets an example for the others, Sol said:
"He's a big-time leader for us on and off the field because of many reasons including his work ethic. And he gets a lot of other guys into the weight room. The main reason there's so much respect for him is because he's a great person with a great heart, always looking to do things for his teammates." (HSB)
About playing right out of high school, Keala said:
"My first game I was totally in awe. I felt like a tourist, on vacation. When you're thrown into situations like that when you're young it kind of forces you to pick things up faster, the speed of the game, the technique. It was good, but everything was a fast-forward learning experience so you don't get all your technique. Since then it's been a lot better. Me and Lafu (Tuioti-Mariner, now an offensive lineman) were second string because there were no other D-tackles. We were thrown in the mix and it was kind of a shock. But we got through it. I think it helped us out." (HSB)
HSB Note: "But the playing time as a true freshman season didn't last long. He was diagnosed with a rare blood disorder similar to hemophilia. Watson had to stop playing football or risk bleeding to death from a tiny scratch."
About how he had to stop playing football because of his rare blood disorder, Keala said:
"I didn't know there was such a thing. I went through a lot of tests, a blood specialist on the mainland. I saw about 20 different doctors." (HSB)
About how the players are regular people too, Keala said:
"One of the things some of the fans don't realize is we're humans, like them. We go through struggles and everyone on the team has a story to tell. Being on the team helps us cope with our problems. It's pretty hard to play football here. Two-hour practices in the morning, two-hour meetings in the afternoons. School, homework and stuff. It's a struggle, but it keeps you honest. It keeps you disciplined. It helped me get through a lot of problems I had, with the bleeding condition I have." (HSB)
About his wife Leona, Keala said:
"She understands the sacrifices I have to make to be on the team." (HSB)
About Kela, who she met in high school, Leona said:
"The first thing that caught my eye was that he was spiritual. And he never swore. I liked that." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Their relationship has withstood many tests, including the deaths of Leona's parents just months apart while she and Keala were still in high school."
About how Faith bonds Keala and her, Leona said:
"Our faith has given us the motivation to keep going. We lean on each other, and if we can't do that we lean on our faith." (HSB)
About Keala, Mack said:
"Off the field he is the kindest, gentlest person, with a great sense of humor, and very smart. When he gets on the field he is a big-time aggressive hitter. He's got that same leadership ability Mike Lafaele has." (HSB)
"We've been doing a lot of school talks. It feels like we're on tour or something, about four or five a week. It humbles you when you see yourself in some of the kids and they're looking up at you as something they can aspire to be," Watson said.
HSB Note: "In addition to standing tall in the middle of the Warriors defensive line, Watson is a force in the classroom and community. The All-WAC academic honoree carries a 3.6 GPA in a custom-made, sciences-heavy curriculum of environmental studies specific to Hawaiian issues."
About all of the changes that have gone on during his UH playing career, Keala said:
"I was here for the Timmy Chang era, playing with Lui Fuga and Matt Faga. And another group, Mel Purcell and Kahai LaCount. I've seen a lot of good guys go through. I think it really helped me as a player. We got to pick up a few of the good things from every class that came through. Work ethic, what it takes to win. I think that's what really helped us last year when we actually won the WAC championship. If we can pass that on it's something that can start a tradition of learning and passing on the skills. That's what it takes to build a football program." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Watson spoke Friday between offseason workouts at UH. So much has changed since 2004 -- for the program and for him. George Lumpkin was the defensive coordinator in 2004 now it's Cal Lee (following Jerry Glanville and then McMackin, who is now the head coach). Cooke Field is now Ching Field. The quarterback chain has gone from Chang to Brennan to Who Knows?"
About how Reinbold had the biggest impact on him of his *four* DL coaches at UH, Keala said:
"Jeff Reinebold was really good on key reads and assignments. He had us all being offensive coordinators, breaking down the other team's offense. He was knowledgeable about every play, every read, every scheme. That's why we made a lot of plays. I think he was outspoken because he knew what he was talking about. Everything he said was right. You could see it on film. He would bet with us, 20 pushups, where the ball was going. We'd always end up doing pushups. He knows everything about football, every position." (HSB)
About having 4 position coaches during his Warrior career, Keala said:
"The coaching changes have helped a lot. When you have the same coach for four years, you only learn what that one coach has to offer. From Singletary we learned hard-nosed football. It's something you don't see that much now because there aren't that many of those old-school, hard-nosed coaches. Toughness. Lui and Matt knew what it was." (HSB)
Abotu how Lui Fuga was like a coach on the field, Keala said:
"He held you accountable. He was one of the best leaders I've seen come through the program. Nobody got away with anything. That's the kind of leader I would like to be." (HSB)
About new DL coach Ikaika Malloe, Keala said:
"Ikaika's a players' coach. He's kind of in your face, but he's right alongside you, too. He runs with us. He doesn't ask us to do anything he can't do himself. That earns your respect. That's the kind of coach we need to help push us." (HSB)
About how Keala's teammates have noticed how he works hard and sets an example for the others, Sol said:
"He's a big-time leader for us on and off the field because of many reasons including his work ethic. And he gets a lot of other guys into the weight room. The main reason there's so much respect for him is because he's a great person with a great heart, always looking to do things for his teammates." (HSB)
About playing right out of high school, Keala said:
"My first game I was totally in awe. I felt like a tourist, on vacation. When you're thrown into situations like that when you're young it kind of forces you to pick things up faster, the speed of the game, the technique. It was good, but everything was a fast-forward learning experience so you don't get all your technique. Since then it's been a lot better. Me and Lafu (Tuioti-Mariner, now an offensive lineman) were second string because there were no other D-tackles. We were thrown in the mix and it was kind of a shock. But we got through it. I think it helped us out." (HSB)
HSB Note: "But the playing time as a true freshman season didn't last long. He was diagnosed with a rare blood disorder similar to hemophilia. Watson had to stop playing football or risk bleeding to death from a tiny scratch."
About how he had to stop playing football because of his rare blood disorder, Keala said:
"I didn't know there was such a thing. I went through a lot of tests, a blood specialist on the mainland. I saw about 20 different doctors." (HSB)
About how the players are regular people too, Keala said:
"One of the things some of the fans don't realize is we're humans, like them. We go through struggles and everyone on the team has a story to tell. Being on the team helps us cope with our problems. It's pretty hard to play football here. Two-hour practices in the morning, two-hour meetings in the afternoons. School, homework and stuff. It's a struggle, but it keeps you honest. It keeps you disciplined. It helped me get through a lot of problems I had, with the bleeding condition I have." (HSB)
About his wife Leona, Keala said:
"She understands the sacrifices I have to make to be on the team." (HSB)
About Kela, who she met in high school, Leona said:
"The first thing that caught my eye was that he was spiritual. And he never swore. I liked that." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Their relationship has withstood many tests, including the deaths of Leona's parents just months apart while she and Keala were still in high school."
About how Faith bonds Keala and her, Leona said:
"Our faith has given us the motivation to keep going. We lean on each other, and if we can't do that we lean on our faith." (HSB)
About Keala, Mack said:
"Off the field he is the kindest, gentlest person, with a great sense of humor, and very smart. When he gets on the field he is a big-time aggressive hitter. He's got that same leadership ability Mike Lafaele has." (HSB)
Saturday, June 14, 2008
UH vs. SMU to open the 2009 season?
About how UH is talking with SMU about their 2009 season opener, JD said:
"Both sides are taking a look at it. June is very supportive." (HA)
HA Note: "Three years ago, Navy contracted to open UH's 2009 season with a Sept. 5 game at Aloha Stadium. But UH athletic director Jim Donovan said yesterday that he has reached an agreement with Navy that will allow the Midshipmen to move the game to Nov. 21, 2009 instead. Navy is coached by former UH quarterback and assistant coach Ken Niumatalolo. The switch came after Ohio State, which had a change in its scheduled, offered Navy a reported $1.4 million, according to USA Today, to go to Columbus on Sept. 5, 2009 The $1.4 million is one of the largest guarantees on record in college football. UH, for example, is contracted to receive $600,000 for its Aug. 30, 2008, opener at Florida."
About how Mack likes the idea of playing SMU, JD said:
"Coach (Greg) McMackin is behind it (a game with SMU) and the UH fans would love it." (HA)
HA Note: "Earlier, SMU officials had said it could be a decade or more before the two schools could play because the Mustangs have full schedules. But Jones and UH have reminded Mustangs' officials about the potential for a 13th game if they play in Hawai'i. The NCAA has a 12-game regular-season limit except for UH and teams that play the Warriors here. The extra game exemption was allowed more than 40 years ago to encourage teams to play UH."
"Both sides are taking a look at it. June is very supportive." (HA)
HA Note: "Three years ago, Navy contracted to open UH's 2009 season with a Sept. 5 game at Aloha Stadium. But UH athletic director Jim Donovan said yesterday that he has reached an agreement with Navy that will allow the Midshipmen to move the game to Nov. 21, 2009 instead. Navy is coached by former UH quarterback and assistant coach Ken Niumatalolo. The switch came after Ohio State, which had a change in its scheduled, offered Navy a reported $1.4 million, according to USA Today, to go to Columbus on Sept. 5, 2009 The $1.4 million is one of the largest guarantees on record in college football. UH, for example, is contracted to receive $600,000 for its Aug. 30, 2008, opener at Florida."
About how Mack likes the idea of playing SMU, JD said:
"Coach (Greg) McMackin is behind it (a game with SMU) and the UH fans would love it." (HA)
HA Note: "Earlier, SMU officials had said it could be a decade or more before the two schools could play because the Mustangs have full schedules. But Jones and UH have reminded Mustangs' officials about the potential for a 13th game if they play in Hawai'i. The NCAA has a 12-game regular-season limit except for UH and teams that play the Warriors here. The extra game exemption was allowed more than 40 years ago to encourage teams to play UH."
Friday, June 13, 2008
Recruiting Update
HA Note: "Officially, we are smack in the middle of what the NCAA mandates as — and let's lower our voices here — a "quiet period" in major college football recruiting. Unofficially, in Hawai'i, however, the volume of mail hitting home and school mail boxes and e-mail in-baskets is thunderous by historical standards. By NCAA rule, in this "quiet period" coaches aren't allowed to go into the schools or homes of prospective recruits or meet with them again until the fall. But through allowable letters and e-mails, including early scholarship offers, we're told the process is more furious than it has ever been here."
About how recruiting in Hawaii has been busier than ever before, PIAA director Doris Sullivan said:
"For a quiet period, it is anything but." (HA)
HA Note: "In the nine years of tracking recruiting with the PIAA, Sullivan said this is the busiest "quiet period" she has seen. Likewise for Keith Amemiya, the executive director of Hawai'i High School Athletic Association, who calls it "the most competitive" off-season he's seen in more than a decade.
Doris said that not too many years ago if a player had a scholarship offer before his senior year:
"if you had one, you had one more than most everybody else." (HA)
HA Note: "But Punahou School linebacker Manti Te'o already has 25 or more, depending upon whether today's mail has arrived yet. While the 6-foot-2, 225-pound Te'o is the marquee player in this year's crop of major college prospects, he is not alone. Several prospects have double-figure offers. In most any other year, a number of players, Kapolei offensive tackle Stan Hasiak among them, could be the top player. Small wonder Tom Lemming of the Chicago-based Prep Football Report was here last month to personally meet with some of the leading prospects."
About how Te'o bring Hawaii's prospects to a higher level, Amemiya said:
"This was already a solid (recruiting) class, but Manti takes it to another level." (HA)
HA Note: "UH, which in previous years was curiously reluctant to extend much in the way of early offers, has become aggressive under new head coach Greg McMackin. The Warriors, by Sullivan's count, have made at least 12 early solicitations. That is an indication of just how competitive things have become in their backyard, where every Bowl Championship Series conference now recruits. As Sullivan notes, it was once unheard of for Auburn or Clemson to send a coach this far, the feeling being their interests — and budgets — could be better served sticking closer to home."
About how recruiting in Hawaii has been busier than ever before, PIAA director Doris Sullivan said:
"For a quiet period, it is anything but." (HA)
HA Note: "In the nine years of tracking recruiting with the PIAA, Sullivan said this is the busiest "quiet period" she has seen. Likewise for Keith Amemiya, the executive director of Hawai'i High School Athletic Association, who calls it "the most competitive" off-season he's seen in more than a decade.
Doris said that not too many years ago if a player had a scholarship offer before his senior year:
"if you had one, you had one more than most everybody else." (HA)
HA Note: "But Punahou School linebacker Manti Te'o already has 25 or more, depending upon whether today's mail has arrived yet. While the 6-foot-2, 225-pound Te'o is the marquee player in this year's crop of major college prospects, he is not alone. Several prospects have double-figure offers. In most any other year, a number of players, Kapolei offensive tackle Stan Hasiak among them, could be the top player. Small wonder Tom Lemming of the Chicago-based Prep Football Report was here last month to personally meet with some of the leading prospects."
About how Te'o bring Hawaii's prospects to a higher level, Amemiya said:
"This was already a solid (recruiting) class, but Manti takes it to another level." (HA)
HA Note: "UH, which in previous years was curiously reluctant to extend much in the way of early offers, has become aggressive under new head coach Greg McMackin. The Warriors, by Sullivan's count, have made at least 12 early solicitations. That is an indication of just how competitive things have become in their backyard, where every Bowl Championship Series conference now recruits. As Sullivan notes, it was once unheard of for Auburn or Clemson to send a coach this far, the feeling being their interests — and budgets — could be better served sticking closer to home."
UH and BSU faced different Bowl travel rules
HSB Note: "As it turns out, what's good for the Broncos isn't necessarily good for the Warriors. Hawaii and Idaho state laws vary when it comes to what employees are allowed to accept. Spouses and children traveling to bowl games on the public dime may be a no-no here, although not a problem in other states, including Idaho."
About how BSU and UH had to follow different rules for their travel to BCS Bowls, BSU assistant AD Max Corbet said:
"Every school and every state is different. When we (go to bowl games) our athletic director (Gene Bleymaier) works very closely with our vice president of administration and finance and our legal counsel. Gene's always going to double-check everything and make sure everything's above board. I'm not saying Hawaii did anything wrong. I'm just saying we're really good about double and triple checking those things." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Boise State -- which Hawaii based some of its 2008 Sugar Bowl travel policies -- may have been accountable to significantly less strenuous state law when determining who could have their Fiesta Bowl trips paid for in 2007. Idaho law requires "specific authorization of the governmental entity for which he serves" in order for a public servant to "use public funds or property to obtain a pecuniary benefit for himself." Hawaii law is more stringent, specifically prohibiting receiving or granting of "unwarranted privileges." "
HSB Note: "The functions of guests, including spouses and children of UH staff, are under scrutiny. The commission's executive director said he left a pre-trip meeting with school officials with the impression that any children on the trip would not be paid for by UH. But 14 children of university employees were listed by UH as having their way to New Orleans paid by the school."
About how they used BSU as an example when they formed their travel policy, Chancellor Hinshaw said:
"We made these decisions based on extensive conversations with our fellow WAC school Boise State on their travel to the Fiesta Bowl, along with our own knowledge of other schools' policies and our experiences with the Sheraton Hawaii Bowl." (HSB)
About how spouses and children of employees went to the Fiesta Bowl at state expense and how that is routine for them, Corbet said:
"That's been pretty normal for all our bowl games. But it's different for every game. For people on staff, like myself, that can vary. One thing for sure is that we're not going to go over budget." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Corbet said the Fiesta Bowl travel group included 478 and total travel expenses were $1,036,293.96. UH's expenses for more than 550 to New Orleans (a much farther trip) came to close to $2 million."
About how there was no controversy over their travel policy, Corbet said:
"From what I've gathered over the years every state is different and every school handles it differently. It's good to get ideas, but you have to make sure what you do fits your situation. I'm sure Oklahoma did a lot of things differently than we did." (HSB)
About how every school has to follow state law no matter what the NCAA or WAC says, Corbet said:
"You can get in trouble thinking, 'This money was given to us, we can do whatever we want with it.' The answer is yes and no. It's still state money. You still can't violate state laws with what you do with it." (HSB)
About how BSU and UH had to follow different rules for their travel to BCS Bowls, BSU assistant AD Max Corbet said:
"Every school and every state is different. When we (go to bowl games) our athletic director (Gene Bleymaier) works very closely with our vice president of administration and finance and our legal counsel. Gene's always going to double-check everything and make sure everything's above board. I'm not saying Hawaii did anything wrong. I'm just saying we're really good about double and triple checking those things." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Boise State -- which Hawaii based some of its 2008 Sugar Bowl travel policies -- may have been accountable to significantly less strenuous state law when determining who could have their Fiesta Bowl trips paid for in 2007. Idaho law requires "specific authorization of the governmental entity for which he serves" in order for a public servant to "use public funds or property to obtain a pecuniary benefit for himself." Hawaii law is more stringent, specifically prohibiting receiving or granting of "unwarranted privileges." "
HSB Note: "The functions of guests, including spouses and children of UH staff, are under scrutiny. The commission's executive director said he left a pre-trip meeting with school officials with the impression that any children on the trip would not be paid for by UH. But 14 children of university employees were listed by UH as having their way to New Orleans paid by the school."
About how they used BSU as an example when they formed their travel policy, Chancellor Hinshaw said:
"We made these decisions based on extensive conversations with our fellow WAC school Boise State on their travel to the Fiesta Bowl, along with our own knowledge of other schools' policies and our experiences with the Sheraton Hawaii Bowl." (HSB)
About how spouses and children of employees went to the Fiesta Bowl at state expense and how that is routine for them, Corbet said:
"That's been pretty normal for all our bowl games. But it's different for every game. For people on staff, like myself, that can vary. One thing for sure is that we're not going to go over budget." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Corbet said the Fiesta Bowl travel group included 478 and total travel expenses were $1,036,293.96. UH's expenses for more than 550 to New Orleans (a much farther trip) came to close to $2 million."
About how there was no controversy over their travel policy, Corbet said:
"From what I've gathered over the years every state is different and every school handles it differently. It's good to get ideas, but you have to make sure what you do fits your situation. I'm sure Oklahoma did a lot of things differently than we did." (HSB)
About how every school has to follow state law no matter what the NCAA or WAC says, Corbet said:
"You can get in trouble thinking, 'This money was given to us, we can do whatever we want with it.' The answer is yes and no. It's still state money. You still can't violate state laws with what you do with it." (HSB)
Monday, June 9, 2008
Hawaii Ethics Commission Reviewing UH Travel Policy
About their review of UH's travel policy, HEC Director Dan Mollway said:
"In general, I think it is basically fair to say we will not only be (looking) at children. Everybody who went is a matter for potential review." (HA)
About how children traveling on state business had not come up previously while he was with the HEC, Mollway said:
"And, I've been with the ethics commission now close to 27 years." (HA)
HA Note: "In December, after UH was picked for the Sugar Bowl and a travel policy was formulated, the Ethics Commission notified UH, questions were raised, "... about whether members of the Board of Regents or other officials of the university, who may justifiably receive a Sugar Bowl ticket, may also receive tickets for a spouse, a guest or children as well as payment of travel expenses for these individuals." In addition, the commission told UH at the time, "... there is a concern of preferential access to Sugar Bowl tickets, and that travel costs may be paid for certain spouses, significant others and children." Soon after, Mollway said, a meeting was held with UH officials to address the concerns. He said the commission was assured the group would be made up of people necessary for the school to fulfill its commitments. The review, he said, would look at how the travel parties were assembled in light of those discussions."
About how there is no timetable for their review, Mollway said:
"It is really hard to say (how long it could take). It could take a month, at least a month. Maybe a few months." (HA)
Ferd wrote in HA: "You sense that Donovan, who played, coached and worked at UH in a variety of capacities over nearly a quarter-century, desperately wants to rebuild public confidence and community trust in the place as well as win games and balance budgets. Maybe he wants to show his bosses he can be a team player as he has asked his own staff to be. Perhaps he hopes to lead by example, a commendable and all-too-rare trait, to be sure.
But his willingness to dive under the bus, whether on command or of his own initiative, has allowed the culpable parties to go on their merry way with little in the way of assurances the same mistakes won't be made again by the same people. There has been, for example, no public accounting of how UH's athletic bank account got so separated from reality. We've heard little from those who were supposed to be watching the checkbook from above.
Nor has there been an explanation from on high about why the university felt the need to run so many dodges over the nearly three months before it began to come clean on opening public records. Was it the general counsel's call? The Manoa Chancellor's? Or, a combination thereof? We do know it wasn't Donovan's, even if his are the only lips that are moving when the subject comes up."
"In general, I think it is basically fair to say we will not only be (looking) at children. Everybody who went is a matter for potential review." (HA)
About how children traveling on state business had not come up previously while he was with the HEC, Mollway said:
"And, I've been with the ethics commission now close to 27 years." (HA)
HA Note: "In December, after UH was picked for the Sugar Bowl and a travel policy was formulated, the Ethics Commission notified UH, questions were raised, "... about whether members of the Board of Regents or other officials of the university, who may justifiably receive a Sugar Bowl ticket, may also receive tickets for a spouse, a guest or children as well as payment of travel expenses for these individuals." In addition, the commission told UH at the time, "... there is a concern of preferential access to Sugar Bowl tickets, and that travel costs may be paid for certain spouses, significant others and children." Soon after, Mollway said, a meeting was held with UH officials to address the concerns. He said the commission was assured the group would be made up of people necessary for the school to fulfill its commitments. The review, he said, would look at how the travel parties were assembled in light of those discussions."
About how there is no timetable for their review, Mollway said:
"It is really hard to say (how long it could take). It could take a month, at least a month. Maybe a few months." (HA)
Ferd wrote in HA: "You sense that Donovan, who played, coached and worked at UH in a variety of capacities over nearly a quarter-century, desperately wants to rebuild public confidence and community trust in the place as well as win games and balance budgets. Maybe he wants to show his bosses he can be a team player as he has asked his own staff to be. Perhaps he hopes to lead by example, a commendable and all-too-rare trait, to be sure.
But his willingness to dive under the bus, whether on command or of his own initiative, has allowed the culpable parties to go on their merry way with little in the way of assurances the same mistakes won't be made again by the same people. There has been, for example, no public accounting of how UH's athletic bank account got so separated from reality. We've heard little from those who were supposed to be watching the checkbook from above.
Nor has there been an explanation from on high about why the university felt the need to run so many dodges over the nearly three months before it began to come clean on opening public records. Was it the general counsel's call? The Manoa Chancellor's? Or, a combination thereof? We do know it wasn't Donovan's, even if his are the only lips that are moving when the subject comes up."
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Feature story on Michael Washington
About assuming a leadership role in his senior season, Michael Washington said:
"You really gotta instill that football-ness, that savvy, to people. I use that Sugar Bowl example a lot. I took that (beating) to heart, man. We got embarrassed and everything. That's just shows you a lot. When we go to Florida this year, it's going to be the same thing, if not worse. It starts now. It really starts now." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Members of the team have noticed Washington help fill the void of a crop of departed offensive leaders. For the past few months, the 5-foot-7, 175-pound Washington has been consumed by a hunger to make good on his final year of eligibility. The past three seasons have been an exercise in frustration as he's bided his time on the Aloha Stadium sidelines, waiting for any and every opportunity to get on the field behind former stars Davone Bess and Ryan Grice-Mullins, who arrived in the same 2005 season. The highly touted recruit (he turned down scholarships from California, Miami, Penn State and other schools) earned some playing time at wideout his freshman year, but was then buried in the deep slotback position for the next two seasons. With Bess and Grice-Mullins leaving for the NFL a season early after the Warriors' 12-0 regular season and loss in the Sugar Bowl, Washington is in prime position to be a difference-maker in 2008."
About how he's looking forward to the Florida game, Washington said:
"There's not a day that goes by that I don't go to sleep dreaming about the Florida game, dreaming about games during the season. Me, Yoda (slotback Aaron Bain), (quarterback) Tyler (Graunke), we got one year left, so we just gotta ball out. I definitely didn't come here all the way from Pennsylvania for no vacation." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Offensive coordinator Ron Lee, the former receivers coach, knows exactly what Washington can bring to the team -- unparalleled speed and meticulous route-running. It was reaffirmed in the team's recent spring training sessions in March."
About how Washington has his chance to shine this year, Ron Lee said:
"He has been waiting a long time for his chance, and it's here now. He had a great spring, working hard, he's excited. I'm excited that he's going to get the chance. The only thing he hasn't really done -- he knows what we're doing -- is doing it on Saturdays." (HSB)
HSB Note: "When Mike was a fifth-grader in South Carolina living with his parents and three siblings, his mom and dad argued one night. The Washington kids woke up to find them gone. Mike and his older brother scraped and struggled to support their two younger sisters, and after a month and a half of leaning on each other to survive with no food or power, the kids were rescued by their maternal grandparents to live in Aliquippa."
About how his parents left the family when he was a 5th grader, Washington said:
"It was hard to forgive (our parents) for what they did because they blame each other for their actions. Their actions affected all of us. I forgave them, but I didn't tell them that. I put it behind me. Everything that happened back home, that just added fuel to the fire to my ambition and dreams, man." (HSB)
HSB Note: "In his adult life, things haven't been much better. His cousin E.J. -- who he grew up with him in Aliquippa and considered a brother -- was murdered during his freshman year, and old friends and teammates have become casualties of the violent culture of his neighborhood. He recently found out his mother, Gloria, is in jail, and he doesn't keep in contact with his estranged father, Lawrence. He considers his grandparents and the Aliquippa Church of the Round his saviors, and keeps in contact with both weekly. But it is still a struggle, and he often felt out of place during the Warriors' best season of record last year. His lowest point mentally came between his sophomore and junior years, when a summer of hard work went unrewarded with no firm spot on special teams the next season. Washington entertained thoughts of transferring, but decided to stick it out. After all, he'd come so far in learning the run-and-shoot system."
About he and Washington bonded as backups who were waiting their chance to play, Tyler said:
"I love the kid. I can't wait for this year for me and him to shine together. He should have been starting the last three years, but we had an unbelievable athlete in Davone Bess. Now it's Mike Washington's turn, and I know he's going to make the best of it." (HSB)
"You really gotta instill that football-ness, that savvy, to people. I use that Sugar Bowl example a lot. I took that (beating) to heart, man. We got embarrassed and everything. That's just shows you a lot. When we go to Florida this year, it's going to be the same thing, if not worse. It starts now. It really starts now." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Members of the team have noticed Washington help fill the void of a crop of departed offensive leaders. For the past few months, the 5-foot-7, 175-pound Washington has been consumed by a hunger to make good on his final year of eligibility. The past three seasons have been an exercise in frustration as he's bided his time on the Aloha Stadium sidelines, waiting for any and every opportunity to get on the field behind former stars Davone Bess and Ryan Grice-Mullins, who arrived in the same 2005 season. The highly touted recruit (he turned down scholarships from California, Miami, Penn State and other schools) earned some playing time at wideout his freshman year, but was then buried in the deep slotback position for the next two seasons. With Bess and Grice-Mullins leaving for the NFL a season early after the Warriors' 12-0 regular season and loss in the Sugar Bowl, Washington is in prime position to be a difference-maker in 2008."
About how he's looking forward to the Florida game, Washington said:
"There's not a day that goes by that I don't go to sleep dreaming about the Florida game, dreaming about games during the season. Me, Yoda (slotback Aaron Bain), (quarterback) Tyler (Graunke), we got one year left, so we just gotta ball out. I definitely didn't come here all the way from Pennsylvania for no vacation." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Offensive coordinator Ron Lee, the former receivers coach, knows exactly what Washington can bring to the team -- unparalleled speed and meticulous route-running. It was reaffirmed in the team's recent spring training sessions in March."
About how Washington has his chance to shine this year, Ron Lee said:
"He has been waiting a long time for his chance, and it's here now. He had a great spring, working hard, he's excited. I'm excited that he's going to get the chance. The only thing he hasn't really done -- he knows what we're doing -- is doing it on Saturdays." (HSB)
HSB Note: "When Mike was a fifth-grader in South Carolina living with his parents and three siblings, his mom and dad argued one night. The Washington kids woke up to find them gone. Mike and his older brother scraped and struggled to support their two younger sisters, and after a month and a half of leaning on each other to survive with no food or power, the kids were rescued by their maternal grandparents to live in Aliquippa."
About how his parents left the family when he was a 5th grader, Washington said:
"It was hard to forgive (our parents) for what they did because they blame each other for their actions. Their actions affected all of us. I forgave them, but I didn't tell them that. I put it behind me. Everything that happened back home, that just added fuel to the fire to my ambition and dreams, man." (HSB)
HSB Note: "In his adult life, things haven't been much better. His cousin E.J. -- who he grew up with him in Aliquippa and considered a brother -- was murdered during his freshman year, and old friends and teammates have become casualties of the violent culture of his neighborhood. He recently found out his mother, Gloria, is in jail, and he doesn't keep in contact with his estranged father, Lawrence. He considers his grandparents and the Aliquippa Church of the Round his saviors, and keeps in contact with both weekly. But it is still a struggle, and he often felt out of place during the Warriors' best season of record last year. His lowest point mentally came between his sophomore and junior years, when a summer of hard work went unrewarded with no firm spot on special teams the next season. Washington entertained thoughts of transferring, but decided to stick it out. After all, he'd come so far in learning the run-and-shoot system."
About he and Washington bonded as backups who were waiting their chance to play, Tyler said:
"I love the kid. I can't wait for this year for me and him to shine together. He should have been starting the last three years, but we had an unbelievable athlete in Davone Bess. Now it's Mike Washington's turn, and I know he's going to make the best of it." (HSB)
Saturday, June 7, 2008
UH Released the Sugar Bowl List
About how UH needs to release information quicker in the future, JD said:
"There are probably several lessons to be learned here, but first and foremost, we need to go back and figure out a better way to get accurate information out. Even though I wasn't involved in setting the policy or determining who would go, during my term, we will be committed to correcting this situation and doing things right. Even though this was our first (Bowl Championship Series) bowl, and (UH's opponent) the University of Georgia didn't release its (travel) information until about a month ago, I want to apologize to The Advertiser, who filed the initial request, for not providing full details by the end of April or early May." (HA)
HA Note: "Herman Frazier, in consultation with the Chancellor's office, crafted a policy in which each department within the athletic program was allotted a specified number of personnel who would receive all-expenses-paid trips to the Sugar Bowl. What's more, each invitee was allowed to bring a guest and, in some cases, additional family members. A guest list also was created for Upper Campus employees. According to people familiar with the situation, the athletic department employees received printed invitations distributed by the office of Carl Clapp, the associate athletic director who was in charge of implementing Frazier's travel policy. As the guest list was compiled, several concerns were raised about the selection process. For instance, one athletic department officer was allowed to invite his girlfriend and her twin daughters. But the administrative assistants to Frazier and Clapp — Margie Okimoto and Erika Buder-Nakasone — were not extended invitations. Okimoto has the most seniority in the athletic department with four decades of employment. Buder-Nakasone helped organize the travel arrangements."
Not understanding why UH took so long to release the full list, UH Regent Kitty Lagareta said:
"They should have disclosed this (list) from day one. I don't see why it was so top secret." (HA)
HA Note: "Congresswoman Mazie Hirono and her husband, Leighton Oshima, were among the dozens of people who flew on a University of Hawai'i charter jet to the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans."
HA Note: "Hirono, in a statement issued by her spokesman Marvin Buenconsejo, said she flew on the UH charter with her husband with the understanding that they would pay for the roundtrip flights later. The flights cost about $1,300 per person. According to Takayama, Hirono and Oshima paid for the trip after the costs were calculated in March."
Stating that she had always planned to pay for her trip, Hirono said in a statement:
"I attended the event on the clear understanding that I would use my personal funds to fully pay for all of my and my husband's expenses, which I did. It was an honor to join the University of Hawai'i administration and athletic department in attending the biggest game in Hawai'i Warrior football history." (HA)
HA Note: "Hirono was the only political figure who flew on the UH charter. Other elected officials who attended the Sugar Bowl such as Gov. Linda Lingle and Mayor Mufi Hannemann flew to New Orleans on their own, paid for their own flights and hotel accommodations and were not part of the official travel group. Clapp, the UH associate athletic director, also traveled to the Sugar Bowl with family members. According to records release yesterday, five members of the Clapp family were among the members of the UH party. Clapp said earlier he paid the university for the travel of his family members but declined to disclose the costs. According to Takayama, Clapp's reimbursement presumably occurred after March since the costs for the airfare and other travel costs were not available until then."
About how the Sugar Bowl travel party issue is not over, Rep. Takai said:
"From my perspective, disclosing the names is just part of the equation. The question that still needs to be asked is how was the $2 million spent." (HA)
HA Note: "The full list included the names of at least 45 people that the university previously blacked out due to concerns raised by the public-employees union, the Hawai'i Government Employees Association. The university also revealed the names of 30 other participants — including Associate Athletic Director Carl Clapp and five members of his family — who were previously left off the list because they reimbursed the school for the travel. The university had earlier promised participants that their names would not be released publicly if they reimbursed the school."
Mark Platte, senior vice president and editor of The Advertiser, welcomed the disclosure by the university but said the newspaper's review of the matter is not done.
Happy that the list was released but noting that HA's review of the Sugar Bowl travel situation is not done, Mark Platte, senior VP and editor of the HA, said:
"The Advertiser is pleased that the University of Hawai'i finally agrees with us that the official UH travel list for the Sugar Bowl is the public's business. Now we can get down to investigating in what official capacity each travel guest represented the university at taxpayer expense." (HA)
About how taking so long to release the list was an unnecessary PR nightmare for UH since the trip involved state funds and the list was public, UH journalism professor Gerald Kato said:
"I'm surprised that the university dragged its feet in releasing the information. The worst part of this delay in releasing the information is that it makes it seem like they have something to hide." (HA)
About how they do not know when they will determine whether laws were broken by providing trips to certain people, Hawaii Ethics Commission Executive Director Daniel Mollway said:
"We'll just review it to see who went. If we have questions, we'll ask them." (HSB)
About why they released the full list, UH spokesman Gregg Takayama said:
"We basically told (the union), 'We understand your concern, but we don't feel you have a strong case.' Also, we took pains to edit out the names of children best we could. That was a lengthy process, as well as (conferring with) our legal counsel. There were many moving parts." (HSB)
The letter from HGEA's Kevin Nakata to UH President McClain asked UH to withold releasing the names of its members and their guest, saying in part:
"Unfortunately, it appears that the university failed to inform the affected employees that their travel would be subject to public disclosure. Had that fact been shared with potential travelers they might have declined the opportunity to travel. As a result of the university's oversight, HGEA respectfully requests that the university not release the names of the affected employees and their guests." (HSB)
HGEA Executive Director Randy Perreira said that HGEA members were in New Orleans to work and they requested to have the names blacked out to discourage:
"scrutiny, including 'why he went and why he didn't go.' Granted, it's an assignment no one would turn down, but the bottom line is they were going for a purpose. Our organization was not seeking to protect their (UH's) interest. Our interest was to maintain confidentiality for our employees. We didn't want to see employees subjected to questions like 'Why'd you get to go?'" (HSB)
About their reaction when UH first asked the HGEA if it would be okay to release the full list, Perreira said:
"Our response, at the time, was we believed the university should not release the names." (HA)
Perreira said that HGEA members went to the Sugar Bowl with:
"legitimate work assignments. ... In that sense, they had to go." (HA)
HA Note: "Bringing along a guest followed a practice used when the Warriors played in the 1992 Holiday Bowl in San Diego. Perreira said the union believed its members would face "unnecessary scrutiny" if their names were released."
About the requests for the list, Perreira said:
"I understand the motives of the (news)paper." (HA)
However, Perreira added that others might question why some employees:
"were selected and not others." (HA)
About how concerns over who got to go to the Sugar Bowl should be directed towards UH officials, Perreira said:
"We don't control nor do we have a say in (the invitations). Our interest is to protect our employees." (HA)
About the letter he sent to UH officials stating HGEA's position to keep the list private, Perreira said:
"We did not make any threats. We made a request." (HA)
About how guests, including spouses and children, might fall under a different level of scrutiny than employees, Perreira said:
"We're not looking to contest what the ethics commission is doing, but I don't think the ethics commission should question if staff was invited inappropriately. Undoubtedly, there are others who should be questioned. Our organization does not think it's right for people to travel on the state's dime for no good reason." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Six people who were guests of UH employees have reimbursed the school for Sugar Bowl travel expenses. They are the wife and four children of associate athletic director Carl Clapp, and a guest of then-media relations employee Markus Owens."
"There are probably several lessons to be learned here, but first and foremost, we need to go back and figure out a better way to get accurate information out. Even though I wasn't involved in setting the policy or determining who would go, during my term, we will be committed to correcting this situation and doing things right. Even though this was our first (Bowl Championship Series) bowl, and (UH's opponent) the University of Georgia didn't release its (travel) information until about a month ago, I want to apologize to The Advertiser, who filed the initial request, for not providing full details by the end of April or early May." (HA)
HA Note: "Herman Frazier, in consultation with the Chancellor's office, crafted a policy in which each department within the athletic program was allotted a specified number of personnel who would receive all-expenses-paid trips to the Sugar Bowl. What's more, each invitee was allowed to bring a guest and, in some cases, additional family members. A guest list also was created for Upper Campus employees. According to people familiar with the situation, the athletic department employees received printed invitations distributed by the office of Carl Clapp, the associate athletic director who was in charge of implementing Frazier's travel policy. As the guest list was compiled, several concerns were raised about the selection process. For instance, one athletic department officer was allowed to invite his girlfriend and her twin daughters. But the administrative assistants to Frazier and Clapp — Margie Okimoto and Erika Buder-Nakasone — were not extended invitations. Okimoto has the most seniority in the athletic department with four decades of employment. Buder-Nakasone helped organize the travel arrangements."
Not understanding why UH took so long to release the full list, UH Regent Kitty Lagareta said:
"They should have disclosed this (list) from day one. I don't see why it was so top secret." (HA)
HA Note: "Congresswoman Mazie Hirono and her husband, Leighton Oshima, were among the dozens of people who flew on a University of Hawai'i charter jet to the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans."
HA Note: "Hirono, in a statement issued by her spokesman Marvin Buenconsejo, said she flew on the UH charter with her husband with the understanding that they would pay for the roundtrip flights later. The flights cost about $1,300 per person. According to Takayama, Hirono and Oshima paid for the trip after the costs were calculated in March."
Stating that she had always planned to pay for her trip, Hirono said in a statement:
"I attended the event on the clear understanding that I would use my personal funds to fully pay for all of my and my husband's expenses, which I did. It was an honor to join the University of Hawai'i administration and athletic department in attending the biggest game in Hawai'i Warrior football history." (HA)
HA Note: "Hirono was the only political figure who flew on the UH charter. Other elected officials who attended the Sugar Bowl such as Gov. Linda Lingle and Mayor Mufi Hannemann flew to New Orleans on their own, paid for their own flights and hotel accommodations and were not part of the official travel group. Clapp, the UH associate athletic director, also traveled to the Sugar Bowl with family members. According to records release yesterday, five members of the Clapp family were among the members of the UH party. Clapp said earlier he paid the university for the travel of his family members but declined to disclose the costs. According to Takayama, Clapp's reimbursement presumably occurred after March since the costs for the airfare and other travel costs were not available until then."
About how the Sugar Bowl travel party issue is not over, Rep. Takai said:
"From my perspective, disclosing the names is just part of the equation. The question that still needs to be asked is how was the $2 million spent." (HA)
HA Note: "The full list included the names of at least 45 people that the university previously blacked out due to concerns raised by the public-employees union, the Hawai'i Government Employees Association. The university also revealed the names of 30 other participants — including Associate Athletic Director Carl Clapp and five members of his family — who were previously left off the list because they reimbursed the school for the travel. The university had earlier promised participants that their names would not be released publicly if they reimbursed the school."
Mark Platte, senior vice president and editor of The Advertiser, welcomed the disclosure by the university but said the newspaper's review of the matter is not done.
Happy that the list was released but noting that HA's review of the Sugar Bowl travel situation is not done, Mark Platte, senior VP and editor of the HA, said:
"The Advertiser is pleased that the University of Hawai'i finally agrees with us that the official UH travel list for the Sugar Bowl is the public's business. Now we can get down to investigating in what official capacity each travel guest represented the university at taxpayer expense." (HA)
About how taking so long to release the list was an unnecessary PR nightmare for UH since the trip involved state funds and the list was public, UH journalism professor Gerald Kato said:
"I'm surprised that the university dragged its feet in releasing the information. The worst part of this delay in releasing the information is that it makes it seem like they have something to hide." (HA)
About how they do not know when they will determine whether laws were broken by providing trips to certain people, Hawaii Ethics Commission Executive Director Daniel Mollway said:
"We'll just review it to see who went. If we have questions, we'll ask them." (HSB)
About why they released the full list, UH spokesman Gregg Takayama said:
"We basically told (the union), 'We understand your concern, but we don't feel you have a strong case.' Also, we took pains to edit out the names of children best we could. That was a lengthy process, as well as (conferring with) our legal counsel. There were many moving parts." (HSB)
The letter from HGEA's Kevin Nakata to UH President McClain asked UH to withold releasing the names of its members and their guest, saying in part:
"Unfortunately, it appears that the university failed to inform the affected employees that their travel would be subject to public disclosure. Had that fact been shared with potential travelers they might have declined the opportunity to travel. As a result of the university's oversight, HGEA respectfully requests that the university not release the names of the affected employees and their guests." (HSB)
HGEA Executive Director Randy Perreira said that HGEA members were in New Orleans to work and they requested to have the names blacked out to discourage:
"scrutiny, including 'why he went and why he didn't go.' Granted, it's an assignment no one would turn down, but the bottom line is they were going for a purpose. Our organization was not seeking to protect their (UH's) interest. Our interest was to maintain confidentiality for our employees. We didn't want to see employees subjected to questions like 'Why'd you get to go?'" (HSB)
About their reaction when UH first asked the HGEA if it would be okay to release the full list, Perreira said:
"Our response, at the time, was we believed the university should not release the names." (HA)
Perreira said that HGEA members went to the Sugar Bowl with:
"legitimate work assignments. ... In that sense, they had to go." (HA)
HA Note: "Bringing along a guest followed a practice used when the Warriors played in the 1992 Holiday Bowl in San Diego. Perreira said the union believed its members would face "unnecessary scrutiny" if their names were released."
About the requests for the list, Perreira said:
"I understand the motives of the (news)paper." (HA)
However, Perreira added that others might question why some employees:
"were selected and not others." (HA)
About how concerns over who got to go to the Sugar Bowl should be directed towards UH officials, Perreira said:
"We don't control nor do we have a say in (the invitations). Our interest is to protect our employees." (HA)
About the letter he sent to UH officials stating HGEA's position to keep the list private, Perreira said:
"We did not make any threats. We made a request." (HA)
About how guests, including spouses and children, might fall under a different level of scrutiny than employees, Perreira said:
"We're not looking to contest what the ethics commission is doing, but I don't think the ethics commission should question if staff was invited inappropriately. Undoubtedly, there are others who should be questioned. Our organization does not think it's right for people to travel on the state's dime for no good reason." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Six people who were guests of UH employees have reimbursed the school for Sugar Bowl travel expenses. They are the wife and four children of associate athletic director Carl Clapp, and a guest of then-media relations employee Markus Owens."
Kalua Noa is joining the Warriors!
About accepting UH's grayshirt offer, Kalua Noa said:
“Yes, I’m 100 percent sure I’m joining the Warriors." (HA)
"I'm super excited. It's always been in the family." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Noa's father, Henry, played for UH. So did Kalua's older brothers, Kilinahe and Waikoloa."
About seeing Kilinahe run 70 yards with a fake punt in a 2002 game, Kalua said:
"That was the best. That, and watching him blow up people on special teams." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Noa said he got a scholarship offer from Portland State on Wednesday, and was considering playing for former UH coaches Jerry Glanville and Mouse Davis. Then, on Thursday, Warriors coaches offered Noa the opportunity to stay here. Noa said he is fully qualified academically for UH. He said he will likely take some classes at Kapiolani Community College in the fall and train on his own. Noa said he is 6-feet-2, weighs 200 pounds and covers 40 yards in 4.4 or 4.5 seconds. He was second last month in the 200 meters at the state high school track and field championships."
About going to UH instead of Portland State, Kalua said:
“It’s a better (situation) for my family. It’s good to gray shirt so I can develop, study more, learn the program, get my school stuff straight.” (HA)
“Yes, I’m 100 percent sure I’m joining the Warriors." (HA)
"I'm super excited. It's always been in the family." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Noa's father, Henry, played for UH. So did Kalua's older brothers, Kilinahe and Waikoloa."
About seeing Kilinahe run 70 yards with a fake punt in a 2002 game, Kalua said:
"That was the best. That, and watching him blow up people on special teams." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Noa said he got a scholarship offer from Portland State on Wednesday, and was considering playing for former UH coaches Jerry Glanville and Mouse Davis. Then, on Thursday, Warriors coaches offered Noa the opportunity to stay here. Noa said he is fully qualified academically for UH. He said he will likely take some classes at Kapiolani Community College in the fall and train on his own. Noa said he is 6-feet-2, weighs 200 pounds and covers 40 yards in 4.4 or 4.5 seconds. He was second last month in the 200 meters at the state high school track and field championships."
About going to UH instead of Portland State, Kalua said:
“It’s a better (situation) for my family. It’s good to gray shirt so I can develop, study more, learn the program, get my school stuff straight.” (HA)
Friday, June 6, 2008
Lawmakers and the Ethics Commission want the full List
About how they want the full list from UH, Hawaii Ethics Commission Executive Director Dan Mollway said:
"We just thought there was enough there that we should take a look, get the list, find out who went and find out if it was justified." (HA)
HA Note: "State Senate President Colleen Hanabusa, state Rep. Mark Takai and UH Regent Kitty Lagareta said the university should release an unedited list of the more than 550 people who attended the Jan. 1 bowl game in New Orleans, which cost state taxpayers an estimated $2 million. Separately, the Ethics Commission has formally requested the entire list from the university to see if any state employees received "unwarranted advantages or special treatments," said Dan Mollway, the commission's executive director."
HA Note: "The Advertiser previously reported that UH Associate Athletic Director Carl Clapp told a group of 20 to 25 UH staffers they had the option of keeping their names off the list by reimbursing the school. University spokesman Gregg Takayama said yesterday school officials are cooperating with the Ethics Commission. He said UH will turn over all the names of people who attended the Sugar Bowl at university expense. Takayama added that the school wants to release all the names to the public but needs approval from its attorneys to do so."
About how UH wants to release the full list, UH spokesman Gregg Takayama said:
"We would like to see it released publicly. It's a matter of if and when our lawyers approve it." (HA)
HA Note: "Mollway said he was satisfied with UH's rationale for paying for spouses' travel expenses. But he said UH officials told him that the school would not pay for the travel costs of children."
About how he thought that UH was doing things the travel plans properly, with UH not paying for children to travel to the Sugar Bowl, Mollway said:
"It all seemed above board and we were very satisfied that everything was going to be done carefully. What happened recently is that there have been some questions about who went or whether it was for a legitimate state purpose." (HA)
HA Note: "Hanabusa, D-21st (Nanakuli, Makaha), said she sees no legal reason the university can withhold the records since it involves state money. She said UH is still bound to disclose the names of people who repaid the university since the issue still involves the use of state funds because the school would essentially be providing a loan."
About why the full list needs to be disclosed, Sen. Hanabusa said:
"After all, it's university funds or university property in some form or another. If it's considered to be a perk or bonus, they have to disclose it. If it's pure favoritism or a discretionary or arbitrary (award), people are entitled to an explanation." (HA)
HA Note: "Takai, D-34th (Newtown, Waiau, Pearl City), predicted that the state courts will order the university to release the documents. Since state taxpayer money was used to pay for school employees and their family to fly free to the Sugar Bowl, the issue clearly involves public records, he said."
Rep. Takai said that having a written travel policy that would have been subject to public comment and regents' approval would have helped avoid the:
"questions and terrible decision-making that followed the Warriors being invited to the Sugar Bowl. It was as if they were creating policy on the fly. I have said publicly many times that I believe that UH erred in sending some UH employees, and the spouses and children of workers." (HA)
HA Note: "During a UH Board of Regents meeting last week, Lagareta urged UH administrators to disclose the names in the UH travel party, saying the problem has become a bigger headache for the university than it is worth."
UH Regent Kitty Lagareta said that UH's reputation for transparency has been undercut by its actions regarding:
"the disclosure of this frankly stupid list. It's not even who went and who didn't go. It's why can't we be open about it? It doesn't make sense." (HA)
"We just thought there was enough there that we should take a look, get the list, find out who went and find out if it was justified." (HA)
HA Note: "State Senate President Colleen Hanabusa, state Rep. Mark Takai and UH Regent Kitty Lagareta said the university should release an unedited list of the more than 550 people who attended the Jan. 1 bowl game in New Orleans, which cost state taxpayers an estimated $2 million. Separately, the Ethics Commission has formally requested the entire list from the university to see if any state employees received "unwarranted advantages or special treatments," said Dan Mollway, the commission's executive director."
HA Note: "The Advertiser previously reported that UH Associate Athletic Director Carl Clapp told a group of 20 to 25 UH staffers they had the option of keeping their names off the list by reimbursing the school. University spokesman Gregg Takayama said yesterday school officials are cooperating with the Ethics Commission. He said UH will turn over all the names of people who attended the Sugar Bowl at university expense. Takayama added that the school wants to release all the names to the public but needs approval from its attorneys to do so."
About how UH wants to release the full list, UH spokesman Gregg Takayama said:
"We would like to see it released publicly. It's a matter of if and when our lawyers approve it." (HA)
HA Note: "Mollway said he was satisfied with UH's rationale for paying for spouses' travel expenses. But he said UH officials told him that the school would not pay for the travel costs of children."
About how he thought that UH was doing things the travel plans properly, with UH not paying for children to travel to the Sugar Bowl, Mollway said:
"It all seemed above board and we were very satisfied that everything was going to be done carefully. What happened recently is that there have been some questions about who went or whether it was for a legitimate state purpose." (HA)
HA Note: "Hanabusa, D-21st (Nanakuli, Makaha), said she sees no legal reason the university can withhold the records since it involves state money. She said UH is still bound to disclose the names of people who repaid the university since the issue still involves the use of state funds because the school would essentially be providing a loan."
About why the full list needs to be disclosed, Sen. Hanabusa said:
"After all, it's university funds or university property in some form or another. If it's considered to be a perk or bonus, they have to disclose it. If it's pure favoritism or a discretionary or arbitrary (award), people are entitled to an explanation." (HA)
HA Note: "Takai, D-34th (Newtown, Waiau, Pearl City), predicted that the state courts will order the university to release the documents. Since state taxpayer money was used to pay for school employees and their family to fly free to the Sugar Bowl, the issue clearly involves public records, he said."
Rep. Takai said that having a written travel policy that would have been subject to public comment and regents' approval would have helped avoid the:
"questions and terrible decision-making that followed the Warriors being invited to the Sugar Bowl. It was as if they were creating policy on the fly. I have said publicly many times that I believe that UH erred in sending some UH employees, and the spouses and children of workers." (HA)
HA Note: "During a UH Board of Regents meeting last week, Lagareta urged UH administrators to disclose the names in the UH travel party, saying the problem has become a bigger headache for the university than it is worth."
UH Regent Kitty Lagareta said that UH's reputation for transparency has been undercut by its actions regarding:
"the disclosure of this frankly stupid list. It's not even who went and who didn't go. It's why can't we be open about it? It doesn't make sense." (HA)
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Hawaii State Ethics Commission asks for the Sugar Bowl List
About how they want to determine if people were illegally on the trip at state expense without a state function, Hawaii State Ethics Commission Director Daniel Mollway said:
"What the NCAA allows doesn't trump the state ethics code. Not at all. What they allow we would normally say is irrelevant." (HSB)
HSB Note: "The Hawaii State Ethics Commission has requested that the University of Hawaii provide it with a complete list of the travel party for the Sugar Bowl. A UH spokesman said the school will comply. It released a list on May 23, but 45 names were blacked out."
HSB Note: "Commission Executive Director Daniel Mollway wants the complete list to help determine whether any laws were broken, specifically the Hawaii State Ethics Code (HRS 84). The Hawaii State Ethics Commission is a six-member board that administers and enforces governmental and lobbying laws. The commission can refer cases to the state attorney general's office. Penalties for breaking the state ethics code can include recovery of losses, a $500 fine per offense and disciplinary action including discharge from employment."
About the Ethics Commission, Mollway said:
"We can subpoena for information and presumably obtain it. If there's some discrepancy we can ask why and see what happened." (HSB)
About how UH will provide the information that the Ethics Commission requested, UH spokesman Gregg Takayama said:
"Yes, we've been in contact and fully cooperating, as we have from the very start. One thing we both agree on is this is new territory for both of us. We have been fully cooperative." (HSB)
About the law, Mollway said:
"The Sugar Bowl was a unique, unusual thing, but the logic still applies. You need to be there on a legitimate state purpose." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Mollway met with Hinshaw, then-athletic director Herman Frazier, associate athletic director Carl Clapp and other UH officials on Dec. 20, five days before the travel contingent flew to New Orleans. Mollway said he initiated the meeting because he had "heard rumors" there might be problems with UH's proposed travel list. The UH officials told Mollway that Bowl Championship Series, NCAA and Western Athletic Conference officials required that UH send a sizable "delegation" to New Orleans to represent the school and the WAC, and that some spouses would be required to be part of it."
About how UH planned to send spouses at UH expense, Mollway said:
"They explained it as an official party that they had to put together a delegation very quickly. The BCS needed to see a very strong commitment. We were told there would be a lot of social events. Normally the state does not pay for spouses. Our basic thing is a spouse doesn't go. It's a freebie." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Mollway added he was told at the meeting that a few children would be on the trip, presumably at their parents' expense."
About how he was told that UH wasn't going to be paying for children to go to the Sugar Bowl, Mollway said:
"They said they (UH) would not be paying for their travel." (HSB)
About how UH people at the meeting dispute that they were told UH couldn't pay for children, Takayama said:
"They do remember that there was not a specific agreement about the children." (HSB)
Takayama said that discussions at the December 20 meeting were in:
"very general terms. The thing to remember is that, and the chancellor has said, there was no travel policy prior to (the Sugar Bowl invitation). Everything was developed on the fly as quickly as possible and to the best of our ability. We only had about three weeks from the (University of) Washington game to literally getting on the flight on Christmas Day." (HSB)
"What the NCAA allows doesn't trump the state ethics code. Not at all. What they allow we would normally say is irrelevant." (HSB)
HSB Note: "The Hawaii State Ethics Commission has requested that the University of Hawaii provide it with a complete list of the travel party for the Sugar Bowl. A UH spokesman said the school will comply. It released a list on May 23, but 45 names were blacked out."
HSB Note: "Commission Executive Director Daniel Mollway wants the complete list to help determine whether any laws were broken, specifically the Hawaii State Ethics Code (HRS 84). The Hawaii State Ethics Commission is a six-member board that administers and enforces governmental and lobbying laws. The commission can refer cases to the state attorney general's office. Penalties for breaking the state ethics code can include recovery of losses, a $500 fine per offense and disciplinary action including discharge from employment."
About the Ethics Commission, Mollway said:
"We can subpoena for information and presumably obtain it. If there's some discrepancy we can ask why and see what happened." (HSB)
About how UH will provide the information that the Ethics Commission requested, UH spokesman Gregg Takayama said:
"Yes, we've been in contact and fully cooperating, as we have from the very start. One thing we both agree on is this is new territory for both of us. We have been fully cooperative." (HSB)
About the law, Mollway said:
"The Sugar Bowl was a unique, unusual thing, but the logic still applies. You need to be there on a legitimate state purpose." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Mollway met with Hinshaw, then-athletic director Herman Frazier, associate athletic director Carl Clapp and other UH officials on Dec. 20, five days before the travel contingent flew to New Orleans. Mollway said he initiated the meeting because he had "heard rumors" there might be problems with UH's proposed travel list. The UH officials told Mollway that Bowl Championship Series, NCAA and Western Athletic Conference officials required that UH send a sizable "delegation" to New Orleans to represent the school and the WAC, and that some spouses would be required to be part of it."
About how UH planned to send spouses at UH expense, Mollway said:
"They explained it as an official party that they had to put together a delegation very quickly. The BCS needed to see a very strong commitment. We were told there would be a lot of social events. Normally the state does not pay for spouses. Our basic thing is a spouse doesn't go. It's a freebie." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Mollway added he was told at the meeting that a few children would be on the trip, presumably at their parents' expense."
About how he was told that UH wasn't going to be paying for children to go to the Sugar Bowl, Mollway said:
"They said they (UH) would not be paying for their travel." (HSB)
About how UH people at the meeting dispute that they were told UH couldn't pay for children, Takayama said:
"They do remember that there was not a specific agreement about the children." (HSB)
Takayama said that discussions at the December 20 meeting were in:
"very general terms. The thing to remember is that, and the chancellor has said, there was no travel policy prior to (the Sugar Bowl invitation). Everything was developed on the fly as quickly as possible and to the best of our ability. We only had about three weeks from the (University of) Washington game to literally getting on the flight on Christmas Day." (HSB)
Feature Interview with Hercules
scout = Scout.com
Asked who were his favorite teams and players when he was growing up, Hercules said:
"I grew up in California, so I liked all of the California teams. The 49ers and Raiders, and Jerry Rice and Joe Montana were my favorite players." (scout)
Asked what is his favorite non-football activity, Hercules said:
"Playing video games, going to the movies, hanging with the fellas and relaxing." (scout)
Asked when he realized he had NFL potential, Hercules said:
"Probably during my senior year. People started talking to me as the season started winding down. I spoke to a couple agents and they told me I had the potential. That’s when I started thinking about going pro and everything else just fell into place." (scout)
Asked who was his biggest football and non-football influence growing up and why, Hercules said:
"My biggest football influence came from all of the relatives I have played with in college. I had two relatives that got drafted last year (Samson Satele and Melila Purcell) and they have been through the ropes. When they came back to Hawaii they taught me everything that they have learned and told me what it takes to play at the pro level.
My biggest non-football influence comes from my father. He is the first person to introduce me to the game. He never played football, but he got my foot in the door and showed me the true meaning of work ethic." (scout)
Asked about his goals for the season, Hercules said:
"A lot of good things are going on around this organization. Personally, my main goal is just to make the team and hopefully keep a spot over here. I think this team can go far and this is their second year with the new coaching staff. The veterans have told me about the differences they have seen between this year and last year. They say there is a whole new vibe this year because they went 8-8 last season with a brand new coaching staff. Now that everyone has a full year in the new system, everyone is confident in the possibility of making the playoffs. So I'm excited for this team and am just trying to learn as much as I can. (scout)
Asked if there is a particular game that he's looking forward to, Hercules said:
"My cousin, Samson Satele plays for the Dolphins, so I am excited to play them. Also a good friend of mine, Isaac Sopoaga, plays for the 49ers. It will be great to play against his team twice this season. And someday I hope to be able to play against the Cleveland Browns, because my cousin Melila Purcell plays for them." (scout)
Asked what he's planning to do with his first NFL paycheck, Hercules said:
"Right now, I wish I could do a lot of things. But I am going to save it up, so I can get my parents a good present." (scout)
Asked if there is a vet on the team that has helped his transition from college football, Hercules said:
"There are a lot of them. But the main person in Deuce Lutui. He has helped me go over the plays and has given me little tips that will help me in the future." (scout)
Asked about his biggest challenge in the NFL that he didn't have to deal with in college, Hercules said:
"The talent level and the whole schedule of the NFL is very different from the college level. In the NFL even 3rd stringers are in the league for a reason. They know what they need to do and you can’t slack off when you face anyone. Everyone is the real deal. Also, in college you have to go to class and practices. But in the NFL there are no classes, there are meetings after meetings. The playbook is three times larger, and there are so many new things to learn. Those are the biggest challenges." (scout)
Asked about his strengths that he brings to the Cardinals, Hercules said:
"From my position, the offensive line, I can bring quickness and technique. Especially, playing college at Hawaii, I have a lot of experience with pass blocking. My run blocking skills are getting better all the time. Now that I am in the 3-point stance, I am quicker off the snap and I can feel the difference." (scout)
Asked who were his favorite teams and players when he was growing up, Hercules said:
"I grew up in California, so I liked all of the California teams. The 49ers and Raiders, and Jerry Rice and Joe Montana were my favorite players." (scout)
Asked what is his favorite non-football activity, Hercules said:
"Playing video games, going to the movies, hanging with the fellas and relaxing." (scout)
Asked when he realized he had NFL potential, Hercules said:
"Probably during my senior year. People started talking to me as the season started winding down. I spoke to a couple agents and they told me I had the potential. That’s when I started thinking about going pro and everything else just fell into place." (scout)
Asked who was his biggest football and non-football influence growing up and why, Hercules said:
"My biggest football influence came from all of the relatives I have played with in college. I had two relatives that got drafted last year (Samson Satele and Melila Purcell) and they have been through the ropes. When they came back to Hawaii they taught me everything that they have learned and told me what it takes to play at the pro level.
My biggest non-football influence comes from my father. He is the first person to introduce me to the game. He never played football, but he got my foot in the door and showed me the true meaning of work ethic." (scout)
Asked about his goals for the season, Hercules said:
"A lot of good things are going on around this organization. Personally, my main goal is just to make the team and hopefully keep a spot over here. I think this team can go far and this is their second year with the new coaching staff. The veterans have told me about the differences they have seen between this year and last year. They say there is a whole new vibe this year because they went 8-8 last season with a brand new coaching staff. Now that everyone has a full year in the new system, everyone is confident in the possibility of making the playoffs. So I'm excited for this team and am just trying to learn as much as I can. (scout)
Asked if there is a particular game that he's looking forward to, Hercules said:
"My cousin, Samson Satele plays for the Dolphins, so I am excited to play them. Also a good friend of mine, Isaac Sopoaga, plays for the 49ers. It will be great to play against his team twice this season. And someday I hope to be able to play against the Cleveland Browns, because my cousin Melila Purcell plays for them." (scout)
Asked what he's planning to do with his first NFL paycheck, Hercules said:
"Right now, I wish I could do a lot of things. But I am going to save it up, so I can get my parents a good present." (scout)
Asked if there is a vet on the team that has helped his transition from college football, Hercules said:
"There are a lot of them. But the main person in Deuce Lutui. He has helped me go over the plays and has given me little tips that will help me in the future." (scout)
Asked about his biggest challenge in the NFL that he didn't have to deal with in college, Hercules said:
"The talent level and the whole schedule of the NFL is very different from the college level. In the NFL even 3rd stringers are in the league for a reason. They know what they need to do and you can’t slack off when you face anyone. Everyone is the real deal. Also, in college you have to go to class and practices. But in the NFL there are no classes, there are meetings after meetings. The playbook is three times larger, and there are so many new things to learn. Those are the biggest challenges." (scout)
Asked about his strengths that he brings to the Cardinals, Hercules said:
"From my position, the offensive line, I can bring quickness and technique. Especially, playing college at Hawaii, I have a lot of experience with pass blocking. My run blocking skills are getting better all the time. Now that I am in the 3-point stance, I am quicker off the snap and I can feel the difference." (scout)
Colt update
WP = Washington Post
About his recovery from hip surgery, Colt said:
“I’m four weeks from being 100 percent.” (WP)
WP Note: "Zorn, a driving force behind the decision to select Brennan - a collegiate record-setter at Hawaii - late in the draft, said he is pleased with what he has seen from Brennan thus far."
About how Colt has been making progress and even participating in 7-on-7
“He has been in on a seven-on-seven situation and he’s starting to come around. Really, I’m encouraged with Colt. He’s doing a great job.” (WP)
About his recovery from hip surgery, Colt said:
“I’m four weeks from being 100 percent.” (WP)
WP Note: "Zorn, a driving force behind the decision to select Brennan - a collegiate record-setter at Hawaii - late in the draft, said he is pleased with what he has seen from Brennan thus far."
About how Colt has been making progress and even participating in 7-on-7
“He has been in on a seven-on-seven situation and he’s starting to come around. Really, I’m encouraged with Colt. He’s doing a great job.” (WP)
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Quotes from the informal passing practice yesterday
About the turnout for their unsupervised passing drills, Inoke said:
"For the first time, we had more quarterbacks showing up than receivers." (HA)
HA Note: "There were, in fact, more receivers (15) than quarterbacks (eight). But with the number of long pass patterns, by the 90th minute in sun-baked conditions, there were few fresh receivers available."
About how the WRs were tired by the end of their 90 minute practice, Tyler said:
"Everybody was breathing hard. That's all going to change soon when we start getting into shape." (HA)
HA Note: "NCAA rules allow teams to set up summer strength and conditioning programs. But it is up to the players to coordinate football-related drills. Funaki is one of several who have crafted a schedule of three-times-a-week passing drills. Funaki and Graunke exited spring practice as co-No. 1 quarterbacks. But head coach Greg McMackin declared the competition open entering training camp. Funaki and Graunke have been helpful in tutoring the three newcomers — junior-college transfers Greg Alexander and Brent Rausch, and incoming freshman Steele Jantz."
About how the vets are helping the new QBs this summer, Tyler said:
"The newcomers are asking questions, and the veterans are giving good advice, and letting them know the offense. Everybody is getting a pretty good idea of what's going on out here." (HA)
About why the vets help the new QBs, Inoke said:
"We help each other because we're one team. And somebody has to be ready if somebody goes down with an injury. It's nice to have everybody familiar with the offense." (HA)
HA Note: "Bryce Kalauokaaea, a second-year freshman who will join the team Aug. 25, spurned the option of moving to defensive back. He threw passes yesterday. So, too, did Shane Austin, whose right foot was in a medical boot. Austin is recovering from a fracture in his right foot."
About throwing passes yesterday despite having his right foot in a medical boot, Shane Austin said:
"It's all in the hips. I don't put much weight on it." (HA)
After Austin completed a long pass, Inoke said:
"What do I think about him having a (boot) on his foot and still throwing the ball farther than me? It doesn't make me feel very good." (HA)
HA Note: "Graunke, who missed last week's drills to complete school work, said he is getting into football shape. Graunke gained 18 pounds and now weighs 200."
About the 18 pounds he gained, Tyler said:
"That was pretty much my goal (weight). I'm going to have to check the body-fat monitor in the training room because I don't think it's very good weight that I gained. Hopefully, I can lose some weight and gain it back in muscle." (HA)
HA Note: "Graunke has made a U-turn in the classroom. This past semester, he earned two A-minus grades and a B-plus. He expects to earn at least a B for the course in which he was granted an extension."
About his grades, Tyler said:
"I didn't want (grades) to be an issue this year. I have to take some summer-school credits, and I'll be good to roll. That's a priority this offseason." (HA)
About how their offseason workouts help them come together as a team, Inoke said:
"I hear a lot of talk about the (proposed improvements to the) field and equipment. That's nice. But more importantly is the attitude of the team. We're trying to build on what we did last year." (HA)
HSB Note: "Mike Tinoco knows he still has a lot to learn, despite his experience in a four-receiver offensive system. The 6-foot-2, 200-pound junior receiver out of Saddleback College (Mission Viejo, Calif.) was one of about 25 Hawaii football players participating in drills during an unsupervised practice yesterday on campus. He and Craig Bell (6-1,185), two of the Warriors' five incoming receivers, followed the lead of their new teammates."
About how UH's offense is similar to the 4-wide system used at his JC (Saddleback, where Colt played), Mike Tinoco said:
"I'm kind of used to that offensive style. It's just different route-running. At JC, if you had a route, that's all you could do. There was a couple times you would switch it up, but here, you got options all over the place. It's good -- it really makes you read the defense. (Improvisation) is good, I like that." (HSB)
HSb Note: "Tinoco got in on a lot of the action in the first half of the 2-hour session, then kept a careful eye on his teammates for much of the second hour."
Learning from watching his teammates, Tinoco said:
"I can pick stuff up pretty quick. I like to study it and make sure I know what I'm doing out there. That's my goal -- I'm hoping to learn it in the next month. I know it'll be tough, but I'm going to try to really work hard at it so I can be good to (the point) where the quarterback calls the play, and I know what to do." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Of course, it's not easy being one of the select few newcomers in a group of over two-dozen players familiar with each other. Tinoco was still working on remembering names."
About how Tinoco and Bell became tentative when more players arrived, Inoke said:
"I know how it can be when you come out and you don't really know anybody. I was like, 'Guys, get up, run around,' you know? Sometimes you need someone like that, because they kind of feel like the outcasts. They don't really know everybody like the rest of us who know each other well." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Tinoco mentioned Funaki and fellow receivers Royce Pollard and Joe Avery as the most helpful in the early stages of summer."
When he heard that Tinoco credited him as one of the most helpful Warriors, Inoke said:
"When I first came, it wasn't so easy either, all the adjustments and everything. I know that their head is swimming right now. Baby steps, you know? Milk first before you eat. I know they have the willingness to learn. I see them watching film and stuff." (HSB)
"For the first time, we had more quarterbacks showing up than receivers." (HA)
HA Note: "There were, in fact, more receivers (15) than quarterbacks (eight). But with the number of long pass patterns, by the 90th minute in sun-baked conditions, there were few fresh receivers available."
About how the WRs were tired by the end of their 90 minute practice, Tyler said:
"Everybody was breathing hard. That's all going to change soon when we start getting into shape." (HA)
HA Note: "NCAA rules allow teams to set up summer strength and conditioning programs. But it is up to the players to coordinate football-related drills. Funaki is one of several who have crafted a schedule of three-times-a-week passing drills. Funaki and Graunke exited spring practice as co-No. 1 quarterbacks. But head coach Greg McMackin declared the competition open entering training camp. Funaki and Graunke have been helpful in tutoring the three newcomers — junior-college transfers Greg Alexander and Brent Rausch, and incoming freshman Steele Jantz."
About how the vets are helping the new QBs this summer, Tyler said:
"The newcomers are asking questions, and the veterans are giving good advice, and letting them know the offense. Everybody is getting a pretty good idea of what's going on out here." (HA)
About why the vets help the new QBs, Inoke said:
"We help each other because we're one team. And somebody has to be ready if somebody goes down with an injury. It's nice to have everybody familiar with the offense." (HA)
HA Note: "Bryce Kalauokaaea, a second-year freshman who will join the team Aug. 25, spurned the option of moving to defensive back. He threw passes yesterday. So, too, did Shane Austin, whose right foot was in a medical boot. Austin is recovering from a fracture in his right foot."
About throwing passes yesterday despite having his right foot in a medical boot, Shane Austin said:
"It's all in the hips. I don't put much weight on it." (HA)
After Austin completed a long pass, Inoke said:
"What do I think about him having a (boot) on his foot and still throwing the ball farther than me? It doesn't make me feel very good." (HA)
HA Note: "Graunke, who missed last week's drills to complete school work, said he is getting into football shape. Graunke gained 18 pounds and now weighs 200."
About the 18 pounds he gained, Tyler said:
"That was pretty much my goal (weight). I'm going to have to check the body-fat monitor in the training room because I don't think it's very good weight that I gained. Hopefully, I can lose some weight and gain it back in muscle." (HA)
HA Note: "Graunke has made a U-turn in the classroom. This past semester, he earned two A-minus grades and a B-plus. He expects to earn at least a B for the course in which he was granted an extension."
About his grades, Tyler said:
"I didn't want (grades) to be an issue this year. I have to take some summer-school credits, and I'll be good to roll. That's a priority this offseason." (HA)
About how their offseason workouts help them come together as a team, Inoke said:
"I hear a lot of talk about the (proposed improvements to the) field and equipment. That's nice. But more importantly is the attitude of the team. We're trying to build on what we did last year." (HA)
HSB Note: "Mike Tinoco knows he still has a lot to learn, despite his experience in a four-receiver offensive system. The 6-foot-2, 200-pound junior receiver out of Saddleback College (Mission Viejo, Calif.) was one of about 25 Hawaii football players participating in drills during an unsupervised practice yesterday on campus. He and Craig Bell (6-1,185), two of the Warriors' five incoming receivers, followed the lead of their new teammates."
About how UH's offense is similar to the 4-wide system used at his JC (Saddleback, where Colt played), Mike Tinoco said:
"I'm kind of used to that offensive style. It's just different route-running. At JC, if you had a route, that's all you could do. There was a couple times you would switch it up, but here, you got options all over the place. It's good -- it really makes you read the defense. (Improvisation) is good, I like that." (HSB)
HSb Note: "Tinoco got in on a lot of the action in the first half of the 2-hour session, then kept a careful eye on his teammates for much of the second hour."
Learning from watching his teammates, Tinoco said:
"I can pick stuff up pretty quick. I like to study it and make sure I know what I'm doing out there. That's my goal -- I'm hoping to learn it in the next month. I know it'll be tough, but I'm going to try to really work hard at it so I can be good to (the point) where the quarterback calls the play, and I know what to do." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Of course, it's not easy being one of the select few newcomers in a group of over two-dozen players familiar with each other. Tinoco was still working on remembering names."
About how Tinoco and Bell became tentative when more players arrived, Inoke said:
"I know how it can be when you come out and you don't really know anybody. I was like, 'Guys, get up, run around,' you know? Sometimes you need someone like that, because they kind of feel like the outcasts. They don't really know everybody like the rest of us who know each other well." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Tinoco mentioned Funaki and fellow receivers Royce Pollard and Joe Avery as the most helpful in the early stages of summer."
When he heard that Tinoco credited him as one of the most helpful Warriors, Inoke said:
"When I first came, it wasn't so easy either, all the adjustments and everything. I know that their head is swimming right now. Baby steps, you know? Milk first before you eat. I know they have the willingness to learn. I see them watching film and stuff." (HSB)
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