Monday, August 31, 2009

KHON feature on the Warriors

Hoping ticket discounts and promotions will help fill the stadium, UH Associate AD John McNamara said:
"We have our family fun pack which offers great discounts for families, we have a group discount plan for 20 or more folks who want to bring a big group out, some great savings there, we have half off for the military, half off for UH Alumni Association members." (KHON)

KHON Note: "Oceanic Time Warner Cable and KFVE are offering five home games in high definition for Pay-Per-View customers including the season opener at $55 for Oahu customers and $27.50 for neighbor island residents. Oceanic's full package features nine football games including road games at Washington State, Idaho, Nevada and San Jose State, along with several volleyball matches and three men's basketball games. For O'ahu cable customers, the PPV package price is $400 for renewals and $480 for new purchases."

About the PPV option for fans, McNamara said:
"We want folks at the stadium but if you can't be for whatever reason you have great alternatives." (KHON)

About how Oceanic will offer streaming video of games for $12 per football game, McNamara said:
"Any fan throughout the world can go to Oceanic's streaming site and basically watch the game live along with everybody else here in the state." (KHON)

About opening the lower parking lot at 1:30pm, Aloha Stadium manager Scott Chan said:
"They wanted us to try and help them find other ways to enhance the experience for the guests that come through games one of the ways would be through the tailgate that we have here at Aloha Stadium." (KHON)

KHON Note: "That's five-and-a-half hours of tailgating. Turnstiles open at 4 P.M. three hours before kickoff. Several bus companies are offering express shuttle service. Added incentives to get people in the house."

http://www.khon2.com/news/local/story/UH-Football-Season-Opener-Inching-Closer/CwxVs7z5g06t0P4WctsUYA.cspx

Feature on UH in the Maui News

MN = Maui News

About how the band helped pick up the team’s spirit in the dead days of camp, Greg Alexander said:
”During camp, everyone was kind of down a little bit, starting to dread it. But they started doing the band practice and (when) everyone starts hearing the band, you just start picking it up a bit. It’s football season now.” (MN)

Believing in their inexperienced defense, Mac said:
”We’ve got one guy back that started last year, but I believe in the players. The coaches are doing a great job of coaching them. They’re guys that can run to the football. They’ve been very coachable. Now we just need game reps to see where we’re at.” (MN)

Praising Alexander’s leadership, Rocky Savaiigaea said:
”He’s a great leader. He stepped into the position, and I think he’s going to do a lot better than he did last year. He did great last year, and he’s going to step it up another notch.” (MN)

http://www.mauinews.com/page/content.detail/id/523049.html

Oakland's head coach criticized Samson's line calls

PD = Santa Rosa Press Demcrat

PD Note: "Samson Satele has taken virtually all the first-team reps in OTAs and training camp, appearing for all the world like the opening-day starter. But after practice, Cable said “there’s definitely competition there.” Part of the picture is John Wade finally coming back from his stinger injury. Wade was supposed to push Satele for the job (just as he was supposed to push Jake Grove last year), but didn’t stay healthy long enough to do it. But it isn’t just Wade’ return."

Asked if he's been pleased with Satele’s play, Oakland head coach Tom Cable said: “Sometimes I have. There are some things he needs to improve on. There are things that I like and there are some things I don’t feel like he’s getting it quick enough.” (PD)

PD Note: "And primary among those things is making protection calls for the line, something that Grove excelled at."

About Samson's problems with their line calls, Cable said:
“That’s really the issue, because in this system the center has to run the show." (PD)

Adding a third candidate to their competition for starting center, Cable said:
“I think Morris, too. Morris has really showed himself here the last two weeks.” (PD)

http://raiders.blogs.pressdemocrat.com/10391/center-position-still-wide-open/

Quotes from the local papers (Rausch appears to have won the backup QB spot)

Looking forward to playing against another team, Greg Alexander said:
"It'll be good to go out there Friday and go against different people. We'll finally be able to see if our hard work pays off." (HA)

About how Rausch took the majority of the backup QB snaps yesterday, seeming to indicate that he's ahead in the battle for the #2 QB job, Mac said:
"You have to report what you see." (HA)

"Brent took most of the reps today, but we're going to make up our mind today or tomorrow. Greg will get the majority (of the reps in practice), and the second guy will get plenty, but we like all three of them." (HSB)

Mac said that Rausch has improved significantly:
"since we started the competition. He's really stepped up to the challenge." (HA)

About how Rausch is better this season, Rolo said:
"I liked how he came into the season compared to last season. He gained more control of his arm. He's throwing to spots. He knows what type of throw needs to be thrown on most plays. He increased his offensive knowledge." (HA)

About how Rausch used to wait for a receiver to get open before he would throw the ball, Rolo said:
"Last year, he had to see something before throwing it. He's doing a better job of anticipating plays." (HA)

About how he can anticipate plays now and throw the ball sooner, Rausch said:
"I'm still not the best at it." (HA)

About how Moniz was able to get into the battle for the #2 QB spot, Rolo said:
"He put in the extra work in the film room. He came up on his own. He asks good questions. He naturally does what we're trying to teach. He's very focused." (HA)

About sitting out a year, Moniz said:
"I had to pick it up pretty fast to catch up with everybody's speed." (HA)

About how he doesn't stare at his primary receiver anymore, Greg Alexander said:
"I'm using my eyes to move (defenders)." (HA)

About Alexander's long throwing motion, Rolo said:
"The windup is not exactly what you're looking for in a quick-release quarterback. But as long as he makes the decision (where to throw) before pumping, seeing it before it happens, that will help him a lot as far as getting rid of the ball on time." (HA)

About being healthy enough to practice again, John Estes said:
"Excellente. It's good. I'm ready to go." (HA)

About missing three practices due to injury, Estes said:
"Fresh legs. I'm a little banged up, but I've been a lot more hurt before and I played." (HSB)

About how he will be able to practice soon, Fonoti said:
"I'll be playing this week. I'll be doing everything in my will to make sure I do." (HA)

About being diagnosed with a dislocated left knee cap, not as severe an injury as feared, and he will be able to play this season, Chris Leatigaga said:
"It all depends on how good the rehab is and how fast my leg reacts." (HA)

About how they cannot overlook Central Arkansas, Estes said:
"In 2004 we lost to (Florida Atlantic) and we had a pretty good team. We had good players, but if you're not ready to play you're going to get your (butt) kicked." (HSB)

HSB Note: "The Owls were in their first year of Division I membership that season, having just moved up from I-AA, and stunned the Warriors -- led by Tim Chang and Chad Owens -- in overtime at Aloha Stadium."

About their preparation for the season, Estes said:
"There's more attention to detail. We've had the whole summer to prepare for them, so we have to get a good week of work in and it started today. Now we're ready to roll." (HSB)

About Central Arkansas, Mac said:
"I think they're a dangerous team. What stands out is their athleticism, they have good schemes and they're well coached." (HSB)

About taking Central Arkansas seriously, R.J. Kiesel-Kauhane said:
"Their guys are Division I caliber. We have to make sure we're on top of our game and work from there. Once we set the foundation for the mood at practice it kind of continues to everybody. So if we provide a sense of urgency to these younger guys, they can follow where we're coming from." (HSB)

About Fonoti and Mana Silva missing practices on Friday and Sunday but being expected to be able to play this week, Mac said:
"They had little nicks, so we're just treating them pro-style trying to get them feeling real good for (Friday's game)." (HSB)

http://sports.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090831/SPORTS0201/908310343&template=UHsports

http://www.starbulletin.com/sports/sportsnews/20090831_warriors_can_take_no_team_lightly.html

Sunday, August 30, 2009

Pisa Tinoisamoa feels he needs to prove himself every week

About how he feels that he still needs to prove himself every week despite being named a starting LB with the Bears, Pisa Tinoisamoa said:
"I'm not even sure if I really got accepted yet. I mean, everyone has been cordial and nice to me. But week in and week out, you just have to show not only to your teammates but to yourself that you're good enough to hang around." (LA Times)

http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-random31-2009aug31,0,5909564.story

Feature story on UH's use of social networking

Asked about his use of Twitter, John Estes said:
"You have to use some common sense. Don't say anything detrimental. Don't mention injuries, new plays. It'll pretty much be about my mood, the mood of the team, our morale." (HSB)

"I'm not doing it based on myself. It'll be about the team." (HSB)

HSB Note: "He's not going to call anyone out, opponents or teammates. He's not going to make political or religious statements, he's not going to swear."

Asked if he would post Tweets during games, Estes said:
"During games? I don't know, I don't think that's such a good idea. You've got to focus on the game. It ticks me off when guys on the sidelines are looking off into the stands, I don't think we should have phones out there." (HSB)

About how he has 359 friends on his Facebook page, Blaze Soares said:
"Everybody wants to see how I'm doing. People are concerned with my health." (HSB)

About how he has 798 Facebook friends and uses his phone to read and post updates often, Rocky Savaiigaea said:
"My biggest thing is be true to myself. A lot of people put up dumb pictures, and they're saying f-this, f-that. I'm not judging them, but you have to be careful because people will judge you." (HSB)

HSB Note: "Running back Inoke Funaki eliminates any possibility of that the easiest way of all; he does not participate in any social media. Years ago, while his peers were signing up for MySpace, Funaki was trying to sign up new LDS church members in the Dominican Republic."

About how he doesn't use any social networking sites, Inoke said:
"All I use the computer for is research or writing papers." (HSB)

About his old phone with a lot of dents in it, Inoke said:
"This is the only cell phone I've ever had. My mom gave it to me when I came back from my mission five years ago. I didn't want one, but the coaches told me I needed it." (HSB)

About how he goes online all the time, Rocky said:
"I wouldn't say I'm a technology geek. But me and technology are homies." (HSB)

http://www.starbulletin.com/specialprojects/09/football/20090830_mackworld_common_sense_applications.html

Feature story on Mac entering his second year as UH head coach

About how he's always trying to learn from his experience each season, Mac said:
"You're always learning in this game." (HSB)

Expecting them to be better than last year, Mac said:
"I expect us to be a lot better football team than we were last year. This is an unknown team. There are a lot of factors and I've seen these guys work. I've seen these coaches coach, and these players compete, and I believe in them." (HSB)

About how Mac has everything how he wants it now, John Estes said:
"It's pretty much his camp and how he wants to run it. Last year it was part how he runs stuff and part how Coach (June) Jones ran stuff. There were little remnants." (HSB)

About rebuilding their defense after losing 9 starters and several key backups, Mac said:
"I've never had this many players gone. In '99 when we came here we had a few players to build on and basically got speed on the field. It's the same type of system. It's just getting speed on the football field and getting guys who can make plays." (HSB)

Disagreeing with the notion that the offense will have to win shootouts to compensate for the D, Mac said:
"We're going to win as a total team. I fully expect the defense to be a top-notch defense. We have good coaches and we have good players. We just have to get speed on the field and good tacklers and force turnovers." (HSB)

About how their offense struggled last season, Estes said:
"Offensively, we really didn't have too much chemistry. The defense had chemistry and it showed, while we struggled at times last year. It's all about reps and knowing the guy next to you." (HSB)

HSB Note: "Local high school coaches have noted the program's enhanced presence in recruiting, including the creation of a Junior Day to expose prospects to the school, and McMackin continues to target the South Pacific's fertile recruiting grounds."

About how the Warrior program needs to continue to improve, Mac said:
"We just have to continue to get better. Not only in spring ball and fall ball as a football team, but our entire program." (HSB)

http://www.starbulletin.com/specialprojects/09/football/20090830_mackworld_mack_20.html

Feature on the Warriors' use of technology in their preparations

About how UH's coaches use the latest technology to teach their players, DL coach Dave Aranda (who is the Warriors' tech guru) said:
"Coach Mack (Greg McMackin) believes that way. He believes in the latest technology. He believes in using all the media available." (HSB)

HSB Note: "The Warriors coaches consider themselves at the forefront of the electronic arms race in college football by using innovative means to give their players mental reps. It was kick-started by new video equipment last year that overhauled UH's outdated, hand-carted film system."

About the new video equipment they got last year, Mac said:
"Now we're at the leading edge on how we present. We cut things up, we show movies for motivation. Players are all computer literate and play video games, so just drawing Xs and Os doesn't get their attention anymore." (HSB)

About how PowerPoint presentations are used instead of hand-written schemes on chalkboards or overhead projectors, Mac said:
"It does things like 'ZOOM, ZAP.' It does things to get their attention, guys moving, then we have actual video and have it spliced in." (HSB)

HSB Note: "UH can interweave clips of NFL teams to display how to execute a technique, or highlight a particularly tricky play by an upcoming opponent. Meanwhile, the coaches can draw on the screen using a digital marker, a la John Madden in Monday Night Football. Aranda said the UH coaches have also talked about implementing a teaching tool called "Eyes of the Linebacker" that Aranda and McMackin used at Texas Tech in 2000 and 2001, when Aranda was a graduate assistant and McMackin the Red Raiders' associate head coach."

About the "Eyes of the LB" technique they used at Texas Tech, Aranda said:
"We would have our scout offense run a play by Central Arkansas, and position Chris Williams with a camera in the position a linebacker would be on the field. We would film it from the player's perspective. Then we drew up the play, on PowerPoint, here's how they block it. Then you show the (opponent footage) clip. Then we'd show the Eyes of the Linebacker. One, two, three." (HSB)

HSB Note: "Aranda foresees the coaches exploring new techniques as the tech race continues to evolve, such as using Madden NFL video games to implement new offensive and defensive schemes."

About the evolution of coaching technology, Aranda said:
"I could see coming in to see the coaches' offices almost really kind of going away." (HSB)

HSB Note: "- POWERPOINT PRESENTATIONS -

Warriors coaches diagram X's and O's electronically with sound effects to keep players' attention during meetings. Replaced chalkboards, whiteboards, etc.

- VIDEO FOOTAGE -

UH and opponent video clips are easily compiled and replayed in the Internet age. Coaches can make points on screen with a digital marker, or show a movie clip to get a point across. Removed the hassle of transporting heavy film to the viewing room.

- IPOD AND IPHONE -

Players have taken the initiative to download content on their iPods and iPhones for their own viewing. Footage of specific plays and formations can be called up at a moment's notice as a new memorization tool."

http://www.starbulletin.com/specialprojects/09/football/20090830_mackworld_training_hard_with_hard_drives.html

Quotes from the Star-Bulletin features on each Warrior position

About their QBs, QB coach Nick Rolovich said:
"Overall it's a great group of people to work with. They're very attentive when it's time to work, very good listeners, good communicators as far as asking questions. Football-wise, the overall group has made a huge step over last year. They're really fun to work with." (HSB)

About their depth at RB, RB coach Brian Smith said:
"The most positive thing has been the depth. Having five guys we feel comfortable giving playing time to is a good problem to have. Leon's looked outstanding in spring and early in camp. Inoke came in bigger and stronger. I've been impressed with both Alex and Chizzy. I compare them with Leon as far as a similar style of back." (HSB)

About their talented but inexperienced WRs, Ron Lee said:
"We have some talented athletes, but they didn't play much. ... When they understand what we're doing, they're going to be fast and they're going to be confident. They're coming, they're learning as they're playing." (HSB)

About how their OL will be better this season, OL coach (the 5th Warrior OL coach in 5 seasons!) Gordy Shaw said:
"They're stronger and leaner. They hit all of their goals (in the offseason); every one of them are where they want to be." (HSB)

About their DL this season, Dave Aranda said:
"We have a different skill set than we had last year. Last year we had guys who were real talented with their hands and were more finesse guys. Our guys right now are a bit more physical guys, more power moves." (HSB)

About their young, deep LB corps, Cal Lee said:
"You can never have enough linebackers. We have seven or eight good linebackers, heck, what a problem to be in." (HSB)

About their inexperienced but talented DBs, Rich Miano said:
"It's an unproven group, but with a lot of the intangibles in terms of work ethic, focus, and ability. It's just a matter of these guys early in the season getting their feet wet, feeling confident and living up to their potential." (HSB)

About how they want to attack and try to block punts this year (UH hasn't blocked a punt since 2006), special teams coach Chris Tormey said:
"We want to attack the punt team and we want to make them defend themselves. The more effective you are at blocking punts, the better your punt return will be." (HSB)

About the battle between Blumberg and Enos for their starting kicker position, Tormey said:
"It's a pretty tight competition right now. We do field goals every day, and we're charting times and get-offs. How many we make and how many we miss. The competition's pretty close. ... They both know what their strengths are, and have to improve on their weaknesses." (HSB)

http://www.starbulletin.com/specialprojects/09/football/20090830_mackworld_clear_leader_at_qb.html

http://www.starbulletin.com/specialprojects/09/football/20090830_mackworld_options_on_the_run.html

http://www.starbulletin.com/specialprojects/09/football/20090830_mackworld_corps_is_a_year_wiser.html

http://www.starbulletin.com/specialprojects/09/football/20090830_stability_a_priority.html

http://www.starbulletin.com/specialprojects/09/football/20090830_time_to_step_up.html

http://www.starbulletin.com/specialprojects/09/football/20090830_experience_needed.html

http://www.starbulletin.com/specialprojects/09/football/20090830_starting_from_scratch.html

http://www.starbulletin.com/specialprojects/09/football/20090830_special_project.html

Quotes from the local papers

HA Note: "The Hawai'i football team's 2005 recruiting class already is highly regarded. It has featured quarterback Colt Brennan, slotbacks Davone Bess, Aaron Bain and Michael Washington, defensive end David Veikune, linebackers Adam Leonard and Solomon Elimimian, and kicker Dan Kelly. Thing is, those players — who completed their UH eligibility — represent only part of the 2005 class. The remaining members are preparing for their senior season, which begins with Friday's opener against Central Arkansas."

About being one of four 2005 recruits who will start on their OL, RT Laupepa Letuli said:
"This is the last hoo-rah." (HA)

About how their offense is on schedule to be ready for the season, Ron Lee said:
"I think we're right on schedule. We're giving the first two units all the reps (this) week to really sharpen up the timing with the QBs. We dropped a couple passes (during Thursday's practice). That's why we stayed after working on our hands. But I think we're right on schedule. We just need to go play." (HSB)

About their talented but extremely inexperienced receiver group, Ron Lee said:
"They're talented as can be and they understand what we're doing, but we're going to see how they play on (Friday). We're coming along nicely; we're ahead of last season by a bunch. It's just a matter how they show up when the lights go on." (HSB)

About how they will prepare for Central Arkansas this week instead of just working on their system, Greg Alexander said:
"It's going to be a different mind-set. This week is going to be more about Central Arkansas and focus more on them. I think everybody's excited. We've been going against each other since the start of spring, I think we're kind of sick of seeing each other's faces in practice and want to get into seeing some other faces." (HSB)

About how redshirt freshman Kawika Ornellas hsa done well since joining the late in fall camp after returning from a knee injury, Rich Miano said:
"If he was here from the beginning of camp, he'd be challenging for a starting job and he still is because of some of the injuries. He's a capable replacement, we don't think we drop off with Kawika Ornellas, it's just a matter of getting him reps." (HSB)

http://www.starbulletin.com/sports/sportsnews/20090830_uh_offense_looks_forward_to_first_test.html

http://sports.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090830/SPORTS0201/908300377&template=UHsports

Saturday, August 29, 2009

The #2 QB battle between Brent Rausch and Bryant Moniz still isn't decided

HA Note: “It will be another few days before the coaches decide between fourth-year junior Brent Rausch and third-year sophomore Bryant Moniz. Greg Alexander is the starter for Friday’s season opener against Central Arkansas. A choice was supposed to have been made when training camp ended a week ago. But Rausch and Moniz have been impressive in 6-on-7 and team drills.”

About how they need to decide on their backup QB so that he can get enough reps to get ready to play, Mac said:
“The only rush is if you need a No. 2 guy, you’ve got to have that decision made. I don’t want to go all the way to game time.” (HA)

About how they should decide by Tuesday, Mac said:
“I think by Tuesday we have to make up our mind on the second guy. We’re in a good situation. And Shane (Austin, the No. 4 quarterback) looks good. We’re not in the same quarterback situation we were in last year.” (HA)

HA Note: “Last year, the Warriors did not name Alexander as the starter until the day before the season opener. UH played three quarterbacks in that game.”

http://sports.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090829/SPORTS0201/908290345&template=UHsports

Other quotes from the local papers

About naming Leon Wright-Jackson their starting RB, Mac said:
“He’s been consistent, and he’s not hurt. Hopefully, he’ll be able to continue. It’s very competitive, and he’s getting better. He’s sort of a slasher/big guy.” (HA)

About practicing as the wildcat, LWJ said:
“We wanted to run (the wildcat), and coach threw me in there. We had some fun.” (HA)

about the plays where the wildcat throws option passes, LWJ said with a laugh:
“If it’s a pass play,. I’ll run it.” (HA)

About their RB rotation, Mac said that he’ll start LWJ and:
“then we’ll go from there.” (HA)

Praising Alex Green, Mac said:
“Alex is a big-time player. He’s really an athlete. He’s quick for a big man.” (HA)

About participating in light workouts as he is recovering from a bruised left calf, John Estes said:
“It’s a little tender. I have to get the blood flowing.” (HA)

About being on the practice field at 7:45am (after a team meeting) on Friday after ending Thursday night’s practice around 9pm, Rocky Savaiigaea said:
“You have to really battle through. It took us a little while to get into it, but everyone’s sharp and we know no practices can be wasted. The season’s right around the corner.” (HSB)

About giving the players today off and going back at practice on Sunday, Mac said:
“We’ve had a good camp; we got done what we wanted to get done. (Today) I want them to rest and come back fresh and Sunday we start our preparation on Central Arkansas.” (HSB)

http://www.starbulletin.com/sports/sportsnews/20090829_d_lines_depth_is_put_to_the_test.html

http://sports.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090829/SPORTS0201/908290345&template=UHsports

The Warriors practiced the haka yesterday

HA Note: “The Warriors practiced the haka for the first time in the preseason. They are practicing a version of the Maori war chant that the team performed in 2006. Seniors Laupepa Letuli and Rocky Savaiigaea took turns leading the rehearsal. Savaiigaea said there are no specific haka leaders.”

About how they do not have leaders for their haka, Rocky said:
“We do everything as a senior class.” (HA)

HSB Note: “Before heading to the locker room, the Warriors spent a few minutes after practice working on the Haka. Savaiigaea led the instructions, but said a game day leader for the pregame chant had yet to be decided.”

About using the 2006 version of their haka, when some of their seniors now were freshmen, Rocky said:
“Some of us already know it, so we try to kind of spread it on and help all the newer guys learn it. In meetings the other day we went into what the haka really means, what it stands for and the way to do it. The big thing is not everybody here is of Polynesian descent … but we tell them when you’re at the University of Hawaii you represent the whole Pacific. We want them to do it correctly, know that it’s serious when we do it, and we’re doing it for a reason.” (HSB)

http://www.starbulletin.com/sports/sportsnews/20090829_d_lines_depth_is_put_to_the_test.html

http://sports.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090829/SPORTS0201/908290345&template=UHsports

Chris Leatigaga's X-rays were fine and he had an MRI yesterday

About his knee injury (initially diagnosed as a hyper-extended left knee), Chris Leatigaga said:
“It just buckled when I hit another lineman. It’s frustrating.” (HA)

About how Leatigaga earned a spot in their DT rotation, DL coach Dave Aranda said:
“Chris has been one of the hardest workers in the offseason. He dedicated himself to making a statement in his senior year.” (HSB)

HSB Note: “Although the Warriors use two tackles in their 4-3 base alignment, the coaches consider Vaughn Meatoga, Rocky Savaiigaea and Tuika Tufaga starters in the defensive tackle rotation. They were followed by the trio of Leatigaga and redshirt freshmen Geordon Hanohano and Haku Correa on the second line of the depth chart.”

About how they want to have 6 DTs ready to play, Aranda said:
“There’s not a lot of places where you have six defensive tackles you’re comfortable playing in the game. Hopefully we can get that back.” (HSB)

About how Leatigaga worked hard to learn what DTs needed to do in their system, Aranda said:
“It’s almost night and day as far as him being a technician. Any time you see a guy turn a corner like that, you want to see him succeed.” (HSB)

http://www.starbulletin.com/sports/sportsnews/20090829_d_lines_depth_is_put_to_the_test.html

http://sports.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090829/SPORTS0201/908290345&template=UHsports

Colt Brennan's teammates supported him after his INT

WP = Washington Post

WP Note: “When Colt Brennan’s first series Friday night ended with a goal-line interception that the Patriots returned for a touchdown, the jokes started. Press box jokes about Chase Daniel jerseys going on sale. Internet jokes about how Colt would need to be gelded. At that point, he had three preseason interceptions, and zero preseason touchdowns, and the Cult of Colt was on the verge of being dissolved.”

About his INT that was returned for a TD during his first drive, Colt said:
“Pretty abysmal. I couldn’t believe it when it happened. It was kind of surreal for a second. I was like, ‘Not again…Are you serious?’ ” (WP)

WP Note: “And then he walked to the sidelines, and walked into the warm embrace of Interceptions Anonymous, Redskins style. Casey Rabach came up to offer a word of encouragement. So did Chris Cooley. So did Jim Zorn. And so did every quarterback on the roster, from Daniel to Todd Collins to Jason Campbell.”

About how all of their QBs supported him after his INT, Colt said:
“I mean, these are guys you’re competing with, and they’re rooting for you. I mean, that’s pretty impressive, considering it’s the NFL, [considering] it’s such a business.” (WP)

About his advice to Colt, Jason Campbell said:
“I said, ‘That happens in football, move past it.’ Get ready for the next series, get out there and strike ‘em with a touchdown pass, don’t let that get you down.” (WP)

About how he told Colt to put the INT behind him and have some success the rest of the game, CB Fred Smoot said:
“That’s my guy, man, that’s my guy. I love Colt Brennan, man. You know what? There’s some guys that’s born to do what they’re doing, and they just get the perfect name, the perfect everything. He’s one of those guys to me. He just reminds me of Brett so much. I’ve been around Brett Favre so long, and I see a lot of Brett in Colt. I feel like I’ve got to look out for him and take care of him. That’s my guy.” (WP)

WP Note: “Now, none of this would have mattered much had Brennan gone back out on the field and tossed three more picks. But he didn’t. He may not have dazzled, but he held things together. His final line was at least respectable; 6-for-12 for 81 yards and a touchdown, although he was sacked four times. And he said the words of his teammates had helped accomplish that much.”

About how the support he got from his teammates helped him, Colt said:
“I can’t even remember how many guys came up to me and just said don’t worry about it. You know, I’ve done so well in practice, and it’s been frustrating to not really do all that well in the games this year. So to have that kind of support from teammates and coaches made me settle down, made me realize, hey look, let’s just focus on getting in the end zone, and luckily I was able to score one…. Everyone knows me, everyone’s seen me have success here. They know that I kind of get in a rhythm and I get confidence and I go. And the way things have fallen into place this preseason, I’ve kind of just had some bad things happen and I’ve had to deal with it….But at least everyone’s been real understanding and been real supportive and been rooting for me, and I really can’t ask for anything more.” (WP)

About how he finally threw a TD pass this preseason, Colt said:
“I just sat there and looked at the sideline, like finally, I can’t believe it’s been this hard. It was like a huge weight off my shoulders. Hopefully I can really put it together and end preseason on a good note.” (WP)

WP Note: “He was referring to Thursday’s game at Jacksonville. When I chatted with Smoot, though, the cornerback was thinking bigger picture. He described Brennan as his “little brother,” and talked about helping him in practice and seeing his improvement. I asked Smoot if he thought Brennan could play in this league.”

Asked if he thought that Colt could make it in the NFL, Smoot said:
“Think he can play? I think he’s gonna be great. I don’t say that about a lot of players. Put it like this, the Falcons traded Brett Favre years ago. I just hope we don’t make that mistake.” (WP)

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/dcsportsbog/2009/08/colt_brennan_feels_the_love.html

Friday, August 28, 2009

UH practiced at Aloha Stadium last night

HA Note: "Midway through last night's 2-hour practice, the Warriors' defensive leader — middle linebacker Brashton Satele — walked onto the FieldTurf. A day earlier in Los Angeles, Satele underwent season-ending shoulder surgery. Satele arrived in town last night. But instead of heading to his Mililani home, he opted to attend the Warriors' practice."

About going straight to the practice from the airport, Brashton Satele said:
"I wanted to see the coaches, see my brother (defensive end Liko Satele), see the guys. I'm glad to be back home. And I'm glad to be here to watch them." (HA)

HA Note: "It was a quick turnaround for Satele, who arrived in Los Angeles Tuesday morning. The 2-hour surgery involved two procedures to his left shoulder: mending the chip fracture in the rotator cuff and repairing the torn labrum. Satele said Israel Kamakawiwa'ole music played on the operating-room speakers before the surgery."

About the music playing before his surgery, Brashton said:
"It made me feel like I was at home." (HA)

HA Note: "The Warriors usually conduct morning practices on their grass practice field or at Cooke/Ching field. But McMackin wanted a night workout at the stadium to acclimate the newcomers and test the communication system. There were referees to monitor the passing drills. The Warriors did not scrimmage, and tackling was prohibited."

About how practice went well, Mac said:
"We got to do a lot of things. And we really got into our kicking game." (HA)

HA Note: "Alex Dunnachie, a freshman from Australia, launched several towering punts. Dunnachie warmed up by booting punts, from 25 yards away, over a 50-foot-high netting behind the North end zone goal posts."

About punting over the 50-foot-high netting, Alex Dunnachie said:
"That's what I used to do at practices to work on my hang time. I used to stand under a large pole or a tree, and try to kick it over. That's a pretty good hurdle for me to practice." (HA)

About how Aloha Stadium's turf provided fast traction, Rodney Bradley said:
"It really did. It was good to be out here. We have to get used to it before we start playing." (HA)

About being at Aloha Stadium for the first time, George Daily-Lyles said:
"I really wanted to scrimmage, but it didn't happen. I'll wait for next time." (HA)

HA Note: "The Warriors met at the UH athletic complex, where they could hear the marching band rehearse. They traveled in three buses to the stadium. They had a meeting in the locker room before walking onto the field for the practice."

About how he's excited for the season to start, Greg Alexander said:
"The school had the band going, and you come out here, and you've got the lights. You definitely get that vibe. It felt good. I'm getting excited. I'm definitely getting ready for game time." (HA)

About how their season will start soon, Kealoha Pilares said:
"We're one week away. We're getting anxious. That's why it felt great to get out here." (HA)

http://sports.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090828/SPORTS0201/908280365&template=UHsports

Feature article on UH's kick and punt returners

About how the return team has to believe in each other, Taylor said:
"It takes a lot of trust. You have to have faith in all your guys that they're going to do their job. If not, it could be nasty. But we all have faith in each other to know that we're going to get it done." (HSB)

HSB Note: "Taylor is the leading contender to return kickoffs for Hawaii this season, and the Warriors hope his combination of speed and elusiveness can ignite the return game."

About returning kicks, Taylor said:
"It's something I've always done. You have to read your blocks, but it comes natural. ... You have to have that feel for it. You have to be fearless. You have to know sometimes you're going to get hit. But you just have to get up and get back to it." (HSB)

About the importance of timing on kick returns, special teams coach Chris Tormey said:
"Kickoff return is a lot about timing. So everybody has to pick their man up at the right time at the right place on the field and keep proper leverage, and understand where the threats are. And Jovonte just needs to trust in his teammates and hit that thing full speed. It's all about faith, belief without evidence. Because you have to hit that thing believing that hole's going to be there." (HSB)

HSB Note: "The front line, a mix of safeties and linebackers, absorbs the initial push from the coverage team. The wedge then forms in front of the returner, leading him into the fray. Reserve running back Jayson Rego has been the hub of the wedge in practice, flanked by Victor Clore and Paipai Falemalu."

About their wedge blockers, Tormey said;
"There's a lot of detail that goes into it. (Rego's) got to have a little center fielder in him. He has to do a good job of getting back in front of the returner and having the proper distance." (HSB)

HSB Note: "Punt returning is an area where the Warriors are seeking improvement. Hawaii ranked last in the country (119th) in that category with a total of 62 yards in 31 returns. Junior receiver Ryan Henry has gotten the most work returning punts, a role he's eyed since he arrived on campus. Dustin Blount and Greg Salas have also gotten work fielding punts in practice."

About returning punts, Ryan Henry said:
"It's something I take pride in. I take it serious. It's something I did in JUCO and high school and had fun with it." (HSB)

Greg Salas said that he hasn't returned punts since high school, but:
"you just have to keep practicing it and it comes back to you. It's like riding a bike. The main thing is to secure the catch, not let it bounce and just give us better field position. That's all I want to do." (HSB)

HSB Note: "The Warriors open the season a week from today against a Central Arkansas team that gave up a total of 25 yards on punt returns last season. Punter Jonathan Beard is back after leading the Southland Conference in net punting at 40.3 yards per punt."

About how Central Arkansas defends the punt returns well, Tormey said:
"They've got a very nice scheme, they do a great job, so it's a great challenge for us." (HSB)

http://www.starbulletin.com/sports/sportsnews/20090828_taylor_primed_for_kick_return_duty.html

DT Chris Leatigaga was hurt during practice last night

HA Note: "Leatigaga was hurt during a one-on-one drill. His left knee buckled, and he fell to the turf in a dazed heap. Leatigaga was face down for about 10 minutes while trainers tried to offer medical assistance."

About the injury to Leatigaga, Mac said
"It was really disappointing. We have to see how it turns out. I hope everything is OK. ... It was a freak thing. Nobody went down low. He sort of jammed his knee. It wasn't like anybody was going on his knees. I pray he's OK." (HA)

"Just hope and pray everything's OK." (HSB)

HA Note: "As a sophomore at Foothill College in 2006, Leatigaga was named as a junior college All-America defensive lineman. There are 72 community college football teams in California, and being named to the All-California team is regarded as earning All-America status."

HA Note: "Leatigaga worked his way into the playing rotation in spring training. On the recently revised depth chart, he is listed as a No. 2 defensive left tackle."

http://sports.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090828/SPORTS0201/908280365&template=UHsports

http://www.starbulletin.com/sports/sportsnews/20090828_taylor_primed_for_kick_return_duty.html

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Pisa Tinoisamoa earned a starting LB spot with the Bears

CB = chicagobears.com

About selecting Pisa as a starter, Bears head coach Lovie Smith said:
“We have some good linebackers here and they all have played well, but Pisa’s been steady and been that way throughout. He really played well this past week against the Giants. He brings energy, he hustles, he’s a tough guy, and he’s played at a high level in the league before, so we have an idea [how he’ll perform]. We let it play out and he deserves to be called the starter now.” (CB)

CB Note: "The most impressive of Tinoisamoa’s four tackles in last Saturday night's win over the Giants came when the 6-1, 230-pound linebacker stuffed bruising 6-4, 264-pound running back Brandon Jacobs in the hole for no gain."

About earning the starting spot, Pisa said:
“Being here has just been a great experience. It’s good to be named the starter, but I know that I’ve got my work cut out for me. I’ve got to hold up my end of the bargain and perform.” (CB)

http://www.chicagobears.com/news/NewsStory.asp?story_id=6055

Quotes from training camp

About replacing John Estes as first-team center even though he has a fractured middle finger on his dominant hand, Matagisila Lefiti said:
"It's tough, but you have to get it done." (HA)

About the deep bruise to his left shin, Estes said:
"I got leg-whipped by somebody. It's really tender. It'll be OK. Luckily, it's only a bruise." (HA)

About helping backup centers Lefiti and Tiwanak yesterday, Estes said:
"They're doing a good job. They're getting reps with the No. 1s. It's football. Anybody can go down at any moment. You have to be ready." (HA)

HA Note: "Lefiti is a third-year sophomore from Mater Dei, a football power in Southern California. He met the NCAA requirements to play as a freshman in 2007, but fell short of UH's standards. After June Jones, who was UH head coach at the time, pledged his support of Lefiti, he was allowed to enroll at UH under probationary status. The terms called for Lefiti to not play football in 2007 while earning at least a 3.0 grade-point average for the fall semester."

About how he earned higher than a 3.0 GPA at UH, Lefiti said:
"I took care of that." (HA)

Lefiti said that his academic status is now:
"fine and dandy." (HA)

HA Note: "But during the recently completed 2 1/2-week training camp, he suffered a fracture to his middle finger. For every practice, he wraps the finger with medical tape. He has not experienced any problems with his snaps or blocks."


About how he needed to take an extra class during the spring semester and attend both summer sessions to make up for having to withdraw from UH last fall due to a stomach virus, Jovonte Taylor said:
"It was really hard. I wanted to go back home (to Los Angeles) for the summer, to be with my family and friends. But I stayed out here for both summer sessions to make up for the classes. I rode it out. It put me back to where I needed to be." (HA)

About being on crutches due to an injury to his right knee, Tuiatuia Tuiasosopo said:
"If I try to stand up straight without my crutches, my right knee always buckles." (HA)

About not practicing yesterday due to a sore hip, #1 left CB Tank Hopkins said:
"I should be OK." (HA)

About trying to limit the contact his players have while still giving them some contact in practice to prepare them for the season, Mac said:
Attempting to plow the middle ground is McMackin, who has worked with both men and "You don't ever want to lose anybody (in preseason), but I don't want to sugarcoat it, either." (HA)

"How much — and how — you hit can be a touchy situation." (HA)

About how the OL likes the practice periods that are dedicated to the run, Raphael Ieru said:
"When we get to run out, it's our turn." (HSB)

About working out hard this offseason to report for fall camp at 315, 10 pounds lighter than he was during Spring Practice (and 50 pounds lighter than his peak UH weight), Ieru said:
"Running was brutal, but it's all worth it." (HSB)

HSB Note: "Offensive line coach Gordy Shaw gave Ieru a target of getting to 315 after spring ball, and has noted the difference in his mobility and conditioning in preseason practices."

About Ieru's weight loss, Shaw said:
"It's made a tremendous difference in his stamina, and, knock on wood, he hasn't missed a practice or a drill. His durability is outstanding now ... and his movement has improved tremendously. Some of the stuff in the run game they have to be quick. They have to be able to get into their blocks quicker. It's not so much positioning any more, it's more driving blocks. That's where dropping that weight has really helped him." (HSB)

About how he took some snaps at center with Estes out with injury yesterday, Ieru said:
"I did my best. Trying to not snap it over the quarterback's head." (HSB)

About how under Shaw the guards have to read the D to determine who to block, Ieru said:
"You have to know who you're reading. If you mess up on a little read, it can change up a lot. It can mess up the whole protection." (HSB)

HSB Note: "haw brings a background based in run blocking after coaching at Minnesota for 14 seasons, and the Warriors linemen are relishing their opportunities to drive forward. Several times in practice, including last week's scrimmage, Estes has punished defenders while leading the running back around the corner on runs."

About how Estes appreciates being able to pull on runs, Ieru said:
"I think John has the best time, mostly every play he gets to pull. He gets to show everybody we don't just sit back and relax and pass block, he can get downfield and get physical." (HSB)

About how Alexanders quicker throws helps their OL protect him, Shaw said:
"(Quarterback Greg Alexander) is doing an outstanding job of reading the coverages and getting the ball to the right guy, fast. That's helped our protection as much as anything. And we've been able to move our feet once we get engaged with defenders and stay on blocks better." (HSB)

About how the start of the fall semester shows what a difference the scholarship he was awarded in the spring makes, Jon Medeiros said:
"I don't have to worry about financial aid coming in or hoping for another loan." (HSB)

Note: "Medeiros wasn't sure that he would be able to take another loan this year if he hadn't received a scholarship.

About competing for a starting spot at slot receiver, Medeiros said:
"Just because I have a scholarship it doesn't change my mentality about the game and how hard I work out here on the practice field and my attitude. I just continue to work hard, scholarship or not. This is my last season so I'm going to give it my all." (HSB)

http://sports.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090827/SPORTS0201/908270348&template=UHsports

http://sports.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090827/COLUMNISTS06/908270345/1142&template=UHSports

http://www.starbulletin.com/sports/sportsnews/20090827_uhs_mobile_ieru_on_the_offensive.html

Jake Ingram talked about long-snapping for the Patriots

NESN Note: "The New England Patriots have a good battle going at the long snapper position during their preseason camp. Nathan Hodel, who signed as a free agent after spending seven seasons with the Arizona Cardinals, and rookie Jake Ingram, a sixth-round pick out of Hawaii, appear to be in a dead heat with a week and a half remaining until roster cuts. The winner will replace Lonie Paxton, the Patriots’ long snapper for nine seasons before signing with the Denver Broncos last winter.

It’s been a friendly competition between Hodel and Ingram, a pair of down-to-earth guys who have been willing to help one another in any way possible. That seems to be the status quo for the league’s long snappers, who are typically genuine, unassuming and chock-full of humility. While that should be expected for players who receive no individual glory, the intensity of their one-on-one battle — after all, there are only 32 long-snapping jobs in the world — might be enough to break someone with a lesser character."

About how JJ chose him to long snap for UH and he picked it up quickly, Jake Ingram said:
“I just could kind of do it. I just picked up long snapping as I went — at practice, reading things online and tried it out. It was just kind of weird the way it all worked out.” (NESN)

NESN Note: "Sure, they’ll help out the scout team during practices, but long snappers are in camp for one thing and one thing only. The days can get long and monotonous, with Ingram and Hodel often working alone on the sideline while the rest of the team is broken off into larger groups or 11-on-11 drills."

About how he will help with the scout team when needed but has to focus on doing his long snapping job perfectly, Ingram said:
“I’ll contribute and do as much as I can on the look squads and everything, but I’m definitely here to snap the football. I’m a specialist. I’m a little different, not really a position player. You’re here to do one thing, and you’ve got to do it well or you’re not going to stick around.” (NESN)

http://www.nesn.com/2009/08/hodel-ingram-and-the-life-of-a-patriots-long-snapper.html

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Feature on starting MLB Mana Lolotai

About how Lolotai took over his MLB spot after he was hurt, Brashton said:
"I told Mana: 'It's your job now.' " (HA)

About how Lolotai improved this offseason, Cal Lee said:
"He dedicated himself to getting quicker, faster, stronger." (HA)

HA Note: "Lolotai spent four weeks in Arizona participating in trainer Chad Ikei's intensive workout program. Lolotai was placed on a strict low-carb diet — small portions, frequent light snacks, lots of salads — and focused on footwork and speed drills."

About the benefit Lolotai got from going through Chad Ikei's program, Cal Lee said:
"He came back in excellent shape." (HA)

About how he thinks Lolotai will do well, Brashton said:
"I think he's going to have a good year." (HA)

About how Brashton has been helping him, Lolotai said:
"Brashton has been helping me a lot." (HA)

HA Note: "Each day, Lolotai goes to the defensive conference room, where he watches freshly edited videos of practices. Alongside Satele and Lee, Lolotai would review his play in practice."

About the daily practice video reviews, Lolotai said:
"I'm more of a visual person. I have to see (the wide picture), then make my corrections." (HA)

HA Note: "The videos show a panoramic view of the offensive and defensive formations."

About what he sees in the videos, Lolotai said:
"You can see all of the routes, and what the receivers are doing, what they try to do when they line up in certain formations." (HA)

HA Note: "He said his improved condition — he lost more than 10 pounds and reduced his body fat to 11 percent this summer — enables him to cover more turf."

About the importance of the improvement he made this offseason, Lolotai said:
"Getting faster was a big thing. And I wanted to get my lungs ready. I want to play stronger (deeper) in games." (HA)

HA Note: "Lolotai was born with the football gene. His grandfather, Al Lolotai, was the first National Football League player of Samoan ancestry. His father and uncles were standout local high school defensive players. As a Kamehameha senior in 2006, Lolotai signed with Oregon State. But because of family commitments, he remained in Hawai'i, attending a private college during the 2006-2007 academic year. During that time, he and his wife, Shaela, had a daughter, Zaiah. Today is Zaiah's third birthday."

About the sacrifices that were made during the 2006-2007 academic year, Lolotai said:
"It was tough that year, working and going to school. I wasn't working out like I should have been. But my wife and family really stuck by me. They made a lot of sacrifices. They really motivated me. I owe them a lot." (HA)

http://sports.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090826/SPORTS0201/908260388&template=UHsports

Starting center (and captain) John Estes will miss a few days of practice

HA Note: There was somewhat of a scare when center John Estes was carted off the field after suffering a tweaked ankle. While coaches expect Estes to be fine, the incident did trigger an emergency plan. Matagisila Lefiti, a sophomore from Mater Dei High in California, and Bronson Tiwanak, a junior from Damien Memorial School, are Estes' immediate replacements."

About the battle between Lefiti and Tiwanak for the backup center spot, OL coach Gordy Shaw said:
"They're battling to be the backup center. They're fighting to be on the plane for that Washington State-UNLV trip in two weeks." (HA)

About Lefiti (who has more experience in the offense than Tiwanak), Shaw said:
"Sila is an outstanding, strong, agile athlete who loves to play football." (HA)

HA Note: "Lefiti has practiced as the No. 2 right guard. Tiwanak played two seasons at Fresno City College, then attended a Hawai'i community college last fall to earn enough credits to enroll at UH-Manoa."

About transferring to UH, Tiwanak said:
"I kind of missed my family. I wanted to be home. I wanted to play in front of my family." (HA)

About how Estes has helped him with his footwork and hand placement on blocks, Tiwanak said:
"He's one of the best in the nation. He has a lot of things to teach the younger guys — a lot of tips and techniques. I think it's a good thing to learn from him." (HA)

HSB Note: "Center John Estes is expected to miss the next couple of days of practice with a bruised lower left leg. The senior captain was hurt during a goal-line period late in yesterday's practice. He was carted from the field with ice on his leg and had X-rays taken, which didn't show a break."

About Estes' injury, Mac said:
"He's got a contusion, but he's fine and we're going to hold him out for a couple of days. We're at a point where we just have to get him ready for the game." (HSB)

HSB Note: "Sophomore Matagisila Lefiti is Estes' backup at center, followed by junior transfer Bronson Tiwanak. UH offensive line coach Gordy Shaw said he also plans to give starting right guard Raphael Ieru a look at center, with Lefiti getting work at guard."

http://www.starbulletin.com/sports/sportsnews/20090826_Aiea_alumni_ascend_at_UH.html

Article about how Aiea alums R.J. Kiesel-Kauhane and Rocky Savaiigaea are captains for UH

About how RJ and Rocky are good examples for their players, Aiea coach Wendell Say said:
"It's always good to have our players see players like that. It makes our players know those goals are attainable, you just need a lot of hard work and those two players were two of our hardest workers when they were here." (HSB)

About how RJ and he were captains at Aiea also, Rocky said:
"In high school we were captains together too and we had our front-row lockers. It's kind of reminiscent of the old days. The biggest thing is to get respect from our peers like that to vote us as captains means a lot." (HSB)

HSB Note: "For varying reasons, Savaiigaea and Kiesel-Kauhane have both waited to take leading roles in college. Savaiigaea suffered a triceps injury during fall camp last year and was limited to one game in 2008. Kiesel-Kauhane started four games last year, but was primarily a special teams player and reserve in a linebacker corps that featured Solomon Elimimian and Adam Leonard."

Remembering when he met Rocky in intermediate school (they bonded over football and weightlifting), RJ said:
"I can still remember the first day I met him. Rocky's a big guy with a heart, always trying to make an impact on a lot of people's lives. You can see he's always trying to put a smile on everybody's face. He's the whole package, he's vocal, he shows by example and I think he developed as a player and a person." (HSB)

HSB Note: "Savaiigaea said it was Kiesel-Kauhane, now one of the Warriors' strongest players, who invited him to the 4H Club run by Milton Kanemoto and got him into weight training."

About how Kanemoto got him into weight training, RJ said:
"(Kanemoto) worked with the public housing kids, he always had his home open to us and he always kept the weight room open and taught us life skills." (HSB)

About how RJ can be outgoing, Rocky said:
"Everybody sees that R.J. puts his talk onto the field, but like anything else, there's a time to be outgoing and he's one of those dudes that's hilarious off the field. When you get to know him that guy will tell jokes, play music. I can't sing, but this guy will jam on the guitar and sing." (HSB)

HSB Note: "Kiesel-Kauhane still has a connection to the Aiea program as his younger brother, Chucky Ka'ahanui, is the starting quarterback for Na Alii."

About how he tries to lead like former UH DT/NT Michael Lafaele, Rocky said:
"The person I feel was the best leader I've ever been around was (former UH lineman) Michael Lafaele. If you see the way he led and the way he carried himself, hands down that's the best leader I've been around. I still talk to him and try to take everything he teaches me." (HSB)

http://www.starbulletin.com/sports/sportsnews/20090826_Aiea_alumni_ascend_at_UH.html

Feature story on Ryan Grice-Mullins

About returning kicks in the CFL, Ryan Grice-Mullins (RGM) said:
"I'm just happy to play — it's a blessing to play up here. I mean, if you look at the AFL (Arena Football League) folding, a lot of guys (are) out of jobs. And that's another thing, it's not easy to make a team here, especially if you're American. There's only eight teams and only 22 roster spots for Americans for each team, so it's just as hard to make a team here as it is to make a team in the NFL." (HSB)

About leaving UH a year early because he had nothing left to prove in college, RGM said:
"If I come back for my senior season and I get 1,400 yards instead of 1,300 yards, and 15 touchdowns instead of 14 touchdowns, is that really going to make a difference?" (HSB)

HSB Note: "He said at the NFL combine he finished in the top 10 in three categories and ran the 40-yard dash in 4.3 seconds twice, just to prove that it wasn't a fluke."

About how he was shocked not to be drafted, RGM said:
"I did everything possible to solidify to get drafted. It (not being drafted) was a shock to everybody. It was a shock to me definitely. It was a shock to my family. It was a huge shock to my agency." (HSB)

Note: RGM added that he still can't understand how Colt Brennan went as low as the sixth round, and that no one else on that high-powered offense was picked at all.

RGM Note: "Despite the bitter disappointment, he persevered. He had a good training camp with the Texans and after two days of organized team activities he insists he had impressed the coaches. But on the third day of OTAs he pulled a hamstring and everything changed in an instant. He was cut with little hesitation."

About being cut by the Texans once he was hurt, RGM said:
"That's the difference between a draftee and being a free agent. If you're a draftee, they've got money invested in you now so they take their time with you. But if you're a free agent, you just can't get hurt. The Texans said, 'We didn't release you because you couldn't play. We had to release you because you couldn't show what you could do.' " (HSB)

About his short time with Chicago, RGM said:
"They had already drafted a receiver in the third (round). And they just gave Devin Hester a $40-million contract to make him into a receiver. They were going to make him into a receiver no matter what. I never really got the opportunity." (HSB)

HSB NOte: "Next stop Vancouver. The 5-foot-11, 180-pounder from Rialto, Calif., was signed to a spot on the practice roster at the end of September. That's late in the CFL season, which runs from July to October, followed by the playoffs in November. The coaching staff liked what they saw and put him on the active roster as a receiver for the last few games of the season. He caught nine passes for 175 yards and one touchdown. Then he hauled in a 67-yard touchdown pass in a playoff game the Lions lost to end the season.

He had done so well that the team made some offseason roster moves to move him up to the top of the depth chart for this season. But he had a terrible start to the year, and after some dropped balls that drew heavy media criticism, he was placed on the inactive roster about a month ago. He was reactivated a week later when another receiver — and also the team's main kick returner — went down with a knee injury."

My note: Ian Smart was the kick returner and he is a *RB*, not a WR.

HSB Note: "While Grice-Mullins is still struggling as a receiver — just six catches for 62 yards after seven games — his opportunity on special teams has taken his career in a new direction. He had 82 return yards in his first game fielding kicks, followed by 160 return yards the next time. In the game against the Toronto Argonauts two weeks ago, he added 120 more, including a season-long 43-yard kickoff return."

About how he thinks that RGM's skills are perfectly suited for the CFL, GM and head coach Buono said:
"Ryan's got, I believe, tremendous, tremendous skills and speed. And in our game, if you can get him the ball in space, he is, in my mind, as dangerous as any returner who's playing right now. He's going to be one of those guys who people will stand up out of their chairs because he's that exciting. I'm just toughing him up (by making him a returner) and making him a better prepared football player and that will make him a better receiver. Every game I get excited about him because I can see the growth." (HSB)

About returning kicks or whatever else the team needs, RGM said:
"I'm just one of those players who wants to do whatever I can to help the team win. So if the coaches feel I'm the best person to do that I'm going to do it. If I'm going to be on the field, I may as well do it to the best of my abilities." (HSB)

http://www.starbulletin.com/sports/sportsnews/20090826_RGM_in_the_CFL.html

Feature article on UH's walk-on program

Rich Miano (UH associate head coach) said that UH's walk-on program:
"is the fabric of who we are. To me, it's the best walk-on program in the United States." (HA)

HA Note: "Miano, who played 11 seasons in the NFL, should know: After all, he is a former UH walk-on himself."

About walking on to UH in the mid-1970s, Nelson Maeda said:
"I was just grateful for the opportunity to be playing at home. But right away, you were very aware of who was on scholarship and who was a walk-on. Basically, it was the difference between the 'haves and the have-nots.' " (HA)

About earning a scholarship and a starting spot by his senior year, Maeda said:
"It was such a gratifying feeling." (HA)

About how his walk-on experience has influenced the way he treats his players, Maeda (who has been the head coach at Castle High for 13 years) said:
"You enter coaching with a different perspective. You know how it is to have to work your way up." (HA)

About how nobody offered him a scholarship, Miano said:
"None. Nobody." (HA)

HA Note: "But at UH, he literally worked his way into the starting lineup and became an All-Western Athletic Conference safety before embarking on a lengthy NFL career."

About walk-ons from Hawaii, Miano (who runs UH's walk-on program) said:
"Hawai'i kids can't always measure up when it comes to size or stats, but we're passionate and play with a lot of heart. And the walk-ons are usually the hardest working guys on the team." (HA)

HA Note: "David Stant was an all-star defensive lineman at Kahuku in 1980, but at 5 feet 10, 195 pounds, he had zero scholarship offers. So he entered the work force for a short time before serving a two-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Stant then resumed his football career at Yuma (Ariz.) Junior College, earning all-conference honors."

About walking on to UH, Stant said:
"But I wanted to come home." (HA)

HA Note: "As a UH walk-on, like Maeda, Stant started at the bottom of the depth chart and quickly learned the social hierarchy of scholarship players vs. walk-ons."

About how walk-ons are treated differently than scholarship players, Stant said:
"You're not treated like a blue-chipper, you have to put up with so much more. But it makes you so much stronger, it builds character, because you're either going to quit or become a better man. They put me on the o-line, scout team, and we had to go up against guys like (All-American nose guard) Al Noga. But we never backed down." (HA)

Stant said that working so hard without seeing any reward for his work tested his patience and:
"a couple of times I wanted to quit. But I didn't, because I loved football so much." (HA)

After UH suffered several injuries on the DL during Stant's senior season in 1989, defensive coordinator Rich Ellerson told Stant:
"If you wanna play, here's your chance." (HA)

HA Note: "Stant, by then a chiseled 236 pounds, earned not just a starting position at defensive tackle but a scholarship as well."

About finally getting his chance in his final season at UH, Stant said:
"When my break came, I was ready, and all my hard work paid off. It was like a dream come true." (HA)

About trying to instill the values he learned as a walk-on and give opportunities to players who work extra hard, Stant (head coach at Kamehameha) said:
"That's how our philosophy is. We have players who maybe should be starting but are not because they're not hungry, and we have players who maybe wouldn't be starting but are because they are hungrier. So long as you work hard, we'll find a way to get you some playing time." (HA)

HA Note: "Coming out of Hilo High in 1985, Sean Saturnio was bound for small college football and ended up at Division III Beloit (Wisc.) College. But after two relatively successful seasons, he "had an itch" to come home and play for Division I Hawai'i. As a 5-7, 169-pound slotback, however, Saturnio had to start out at the bottom as a walk-on."

About walking on to UH, Sean Saturnio said:
"On the scout team, you don't even get a real jersey — you get a yellow practice jersey. Nobody knows who you are, nothing is given to you. It really teaches you humility and appreciation, and perseverance." (HA)

HA Note: "Saturnio never did earn a scholarship, but by his senior year he did earn a spot on the game roster, an experience he describes as "a pinch-me moment.""

About earning a roster spot by his senior year, Saturnio said:
"Coming from the Big Island, it was every kid's dream to be a part of UH football. So the first time I saw my white jersey with the green number (39) hanging in my locker, it was a dream fulfilled." (HA)

About teaching the virtues of hard work, teamwork and compassion, Saturnio (head coach at Waipahu) said:
"Being a former walk-on allows me to have a more empathetic view. It makes it a lot easier for me to relate to that kid who barely made the team, who doesn't get to play much but tries hard anyway." (HA)

About how his walk-on experience helped shape his life, Saturnio said:
"Going through that route, it helps me in anything I do." (HA)

http://sports.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090826/SPORTS0201/90824052&template=UHsports

Article on JJ leaving UH for SMU

HA Note: "Jones' contract had been allowed to lapse into its final year, even though Jones had offered to sign a new, unique five-year deal in March 2006 for less than his current annual salary of $800,016. Instead, athletic director Herman Frazier rejected Jones' proposal and the two would not discuss a contract proposal until two days after the 2008 Sugar Bowl."

About JJ's contract running out at UH and Herman Frazier rejecting JJ's offer to take a pay *cut*, former UH tight end (and prominent Hawaii business man) Kent Untermann said:
"Any athletic director in his right mind would have had June under contract at this time last year, for recruiting purposes, if nothing else. This is inexcusable." (HA)

HA Note: "With SMU offering a five-year deal worth between $1.85 million to $2 million, UH launched an 11th-hour charge, offering Jones $1.1 million, then $1.3 million, then $1.3 million with a $1 million annuity that would boost his per-year average to $1.5 million. Jones, already in Dallas for face-to-face interviews, turned off his cell phones, kneeled in prayer in his hotel room and slept on it. Five hours later, his mind was clear and decision made."

About choosing SMU over UH's last-minute offer, JJ said:
"I had peace about coming here (to Dallas)." (HA)

HA Note: "So ended the tenure of the winningest coach in UH history. Jones' nine-year record at UH was 76-41, including six bowl appearances."

About why it was important for him to leave UH for the changes needed to get implemented, JJ said:
"It was time to go. My gut feeling was I didn't think the university would pull the trigger on the things that needed to change, to keep going, unless I left. I think it's great the university has FieldTurf now and they've accomplished a lot of things. I'm not convinced those things would have happened if I stayed. My leaving brought attention, just like when we got a grass field when vonAppen left. They have more recruiting money. They have new offices. I was there nine years and nothing ever changed. I wasn't convinced those things would have happened." (HA)

http://sports.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090826/SPORTS0201/908260319&template=UHsports

Feature on Colt Brennan's career at UH

HA Note: "June Jones knew he had a jewel. With the career of a high-profile local quarterback winding down, Jones remembers former UH athletic director Paul Durham asking him, "What are you going to do next year after Timmy Chang?" Jones didn't need words to explain, just visuals. He popped in a videotape, and both watched Colt Brennan in action while at Saddleback Junior College."

About how he told his Durham to keep Colt a secret, JJ said:
"Don't breathe a word of who that guy is. I don't want anybody to know." (HA)

About his high expectations for Colt, JJ said:
"I knew he was special the first time I saw him throw." (HA)

HA Note: "In his first year at UH in 2005, Brennan led the nation in passing and touchdown throws. In his second year, he set the NCAA record for touchdown passes in a season with 58. In his third year, he played the lead role in a storybook season in which he led the Warriors to a 12-0 regular-season record and a berth in the Sugar Bowl while finishing third in the Heisman Trophy voting."

About staying at UH for his senior season, Colt said:
"The second I made that decision, my time became Hawai'i's time. Everything I did, I did for Hawai'i." (HA)

"I always felt the NFL would always be there. I wanted to come back so I could do something great with my teammates, do something awesome. I wanted to do it for my teammates, and my school, and the state. If you do it for someone else, it's always more rewarding." (HA)

Not regretting coming back for his senior season, Colt said:
"Just the experience alone. I have friends like Matt Leinart, who went to SC. I would never trade what he had and the career he had for what I had here in Hawai'i in a million years." (HA)

http://sports.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090826/SPORTS0201/908260304&template=UHsports

Feature on why JJ chose UH over the San Diego Chargers

HA Note: "In what could be its most significant — and fortunate — head coaching hire, UH lured June Jones away from a multi-million dollar contract with the San Diego Chargers to take over a floundering program that had lost 18 games in a row and had some wondering if its days in Division I were numbered."

Asked why JJ chose far less money to coach at UH instead of the Chargers, Chargers President Dean Spanos said at the time
"I think (June Jones') heart wasn't (in San Diego), I think it was in Hawai'i." (HA)

HA Note: "In a year's time, Jones, behind his a run-and-shoot offense, led UH to a 9-5 record, a win in the O'ahu Bowl, and set a record for the greatest turnaround in NCAA history.

But he was more than a coach. He was a visionary. Jones incorporated black as part of the team's colors and encouraged the school to rebrand itself by changing its nickname from Rainbow Warriors or Rainbows to Warriors, and then creating a new "H" logo for sports teams. Almost every change he made — from practice time to travel — Jones had a purpose in mind."

HA Note: "He left UH with the most victories (76) of any UH coach. His winning percentage of .634 (76-41) ranks second to only Dave Holmes (.722) of UH coaches with more than one season."

About what he wanted to establish at UH, JJ said:
"I wanted to create a tradition of winning. I think the university had some successful football coaches. Some won, some didn't. I wanted a program of consistent winning." (HA)

http://sports.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090826/SPORTS0201/908260302&template=UHsports

Feature on Jason Elam

HA Note: "Late in the University of Hawai'i's 1988 preseason training camp, head coach Bob Wagner installed what came to be known as the "Jason Elam Rule." Elam, a true freshman, had been so amazing a kicker in the practice sessions that Wagner said he and the coaches did not want to build him up too much in the eyes of the fans, so they took the extreme action of declining to talk about him."

About why they didn't talk about Jason Elam, Bob Wagner said:
"We didn't want to raise the expectations and put too much pressure on him." (HA

HA Note: "Elam kicked field goals of 47 yards and 23 yards, the last one with 1 minute, 36 seconds left, to beat ninth-ranked Iowa, 27-24, in his first UH game, the 1988 season opener. Before he left following the 11-2 Holiday Bowl championship season of 1992 as an All-American, Elam owned just about every UH kicking record, including a share of the still-standing mark of longest at 56 yards."

HA Note: "Elam is in the 18th year of an NFL career that many believe will eventually make him the first UH grad in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Elam came to UH from Snellville, Ga., much overlooked in national recruiting. The battle for his services pretty much came down to UH and Appalachian State. But UH, from the beginning, felt it had landed a gem."

http://sports.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090826/SPORTS0201/908260313&template=UHsports

Article about Paul Johnson bringing his offense to UH

HA Note: "Wagner, who as a former defensive coordinator knew what was hard to defend, sold athletic director Stan Sheriff on the spread option. Johnson ran it as an assistant at Division I-AA power Georgia Southern and heard the clamor here."

About why he chose to take the UH job, Paul Johnson said:
"When I visited before (taking the UH job) everybody I ran into and saw seemed like they were really excited about Hawai'i football, the offense and opening it up. That was definitely a positive factor in deciding to come." (HA)

HA Note: "In 1986, UH ranked 74th in scoring offense. In 1987, Johnson's first year, they were 21st and, thereafter, were consistent a Top 20 team offensively. In the bowl seasons of 1989 (Aloha) and 1992 (Holiday), UH was fifth and eighth in scoring offense. The 11-2 1992 team was the first to finish the season in the Top 20 and won UH's first Western Athletic Conference title. Johnson left after the 1994 season for Navy, where he eventually became head coach before moving on to Georgia Tech."

http://sports.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090826/SPORTS0201/908260322&template=UHsports

Feature on Jesse Sapolu choosing to play for UH in 1979

HA Note: "A highly sought recruit out of Farrington High, Sapolu was deciding between Arizona State, Brigham Young and UH when he picked the Warriors, giving the school a rare major early coup in its backyard. It was a statement signing for then-head coach Dick Tomey, who had just finished his second season at UH and was readying the program to be competitive in the WAC, which UH began play in Sapolu's freshman year (1979)."

About why he chose to play for UH, Jesse Sapolu said:
"I went to UH and tried to make an impact. Coach Tomey asked me which I'd feel better about, playing for a program that was already established or one that I could help get established." (HA)

"It was a tough decision (choosing a school) and I was leaning toward ASU or BYU but I picked Hawai'i partly because of that." (HA)

HA Note: "In the process, he made first-team all-WAC as an offensive lineman in 1980, second team in 1981, and honorable mention as a center in 1982. He went on to play 13 seasons in the NFL."

http://sports.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090826/SPORTS0201/908260306&template=UHsports

Article about JJ losing the QB battle to run the "Hula-T" in 1974

HA Note: "In 1974, in a decision that would set in motion a chain reaction that would reverberate through the football program years later, former Leilehua quarterback Alex Kaloi was named the starter over a tall, skinny quarterback to run Larry Price's "Hula-T" running offense. This tall, thin quarterback would later transfer to Portland State, where he rewrote the Division II record book for passing. The quarterback was June Jones, who went on to play for the NFL's Atlanta Falcons from 1977-81 before becoming UH's all-time winningest football coach."

About how JJ would not have reached the NFL or developed his offensive system if he had won the UH QB battle in 1974, Alex Kaloi said:
"If June stayed here in that offense (Price's Hula-T formation required a running quarterback), he probably wouldn't have made it into the pros, and he would have never met Mouse Davis (regarded as the developer of the modern-age, run-and-shoot passing offense). Like they say, things happen for a reason." (HA)

http://sports.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090826/SPORTS0201/908260317&template=UHsports

Feature on UH's 10-7 upset at Washington in 1973

HA Note: "On a remarkable mid-September afternoon in Seattle in 1973, UH proved it could, upsetting the University of Washington, 10-7, before a disbelieving Husky Stadium crowd of 52,500. It is a game that ranks among UH's biggest all-time victories."

About how UH was a huge underdog, Rick Blangiardi (then a UH assistant coach) said:
"Back then, we turned on the TV and Jimmy the Greek, who was doing telecasts, said we were 50-point underdogs. That was the way people viewed it." (HA)

http://sports.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090826/SPORTS0201/908260323&template=UHsports

Feature on the push from Gov. Burns to upgrade UH's Athletic Program and get into the WAC

HA Note: "Tired of watching UH football teams struggle in the 1960s, then-Gov. John A Burns challenged the school and its administration to put a competitive program on the field — or give up the sport for good. But Burns did more than issue an ultimatum, he provided a clear vision and the blueprint for not only UH football but its athletic program to play on the major-college level."

About the relationship between athletics and academics, Gov. Burns said:
"Show me a university that is financially secure and I'll show you its athletic foundation; show me a championship team and I'll show you a student body academically driven by the same zeal of excellence." (HA)

HA Note: "The governor enlisted his right-hand man, Dan Aoki, a former 442nd Regimental Combat Team sergeant, to plow ahead on the details. He rallied school officials, prominent citizens and businessmen behind the idea that UH could compete in not only football but several sports."

About why they had to work so hard to get people behind UH Athletics, Jim Burns (the governor's son) said:
"Back then people had to be persuaded because they didn't think it (the climb to major college respectability) could be done. And the only way to do that was through the power and respect of the governor's office." (HA)

About how he identified the WAC as the goal for UH from 1966 (UH was admitted as a member in 1979), Gov. Burns said in 1969:
"We want to belong to a conference that would rate about with our prospects. The WAC does just that." (HA)

HA Note: "Gov. Burns began by lobbying the western governors who had schools in the WAC. Then, he gave the new UH athletic director, Paul Durham, his marching orders."

About how he worked on getting UH into the WAC, Paul Durham said:
"I started working on it (WAC membership) as soon as I got the (athletic director's) job in 1968 at the governor's request." (HA)

http://sports.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090826/SPORTS0201/908260314&template=UHsports

JD talked about the importance of the Hawaii Exemption

HA Note: "In a 10-game season, when it initially was established, that meant an 11th bonus game. The thought was that schools could use the added game to take in enough revenue to help defray the costs of the trip here. Since then, as the NCAA has expanded schedules to 11 and 12 games, the exemption added a 12th and 13th game."

About the importance of the Hawaii Exemption that Hank Vasconcellos was able to get approved in 1954, JD said:
To be honest, it is something we wouldn't be where we are right now without. He (Vasconcellos) was a man of vision for the university." (HA)

http://sports.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090826/SPORTS0201/908260312&template=UHsports

Feature on the how each UH coach ran a different offense

HA Note: "The "wildcat" formation? UH running back Mike Bass was taking direct snaps in June Jones' four-wide offense in 2001. And 46 years before that, Skippy Dyer was doing the same in the I-back formation."

About how every coach takes elements from other team's systems, former UH head coach Larry Price said:
"There's a lot of copying in football. One guy would try something, and another would copy it." (HA)

About the different offensive systems, UH assistant head coach George Lumpkin said:
"Offensive coaches try to come up with schemes to counter tough defenses. The guys who used to coach defense come up with offenses that used to give them trouble. Football is all about adjusting." (HA)

About how success in football comes down to mismatches, Price said:
"That's how you play offensive football. You put the big guy on the small guy. You put the fast guy on the slow guy. That kind of thing has not changed from when the game was invented." (HA)

About their offense in 1966, the first year UH played an all-college schedule, Tom Shine (QB for the first 3 games before suffering a season-ending broken thumb) said:
"We ran some type of pro offense. All I know is we didn't throw very much." (HA)

About adjusting their offense for QB Alex Kaloi when he took over as head coach in 1974, Price said:
"Having Kaloi, with the small offensive line we had, we couldn't drop back and pass. He wouldn't be able to see." (HA)

About switching to the veer because it fit Kaloi better, Price said:
"With the rollout, he could run away from the defensive line." (HA)

HA Note: "The most difficult thing was to concoct a nickname. An assistant suggested Hawaiian-I, a play on the television show, "Hawaiian Eye." Instead, because of the offense's constant shifting — like the hips of a hula performer — the offense was named Hula-T."

About naming their offense the Hula-T, Price said:
"It actually was a modified Houston veer, but I wasn't about to call it the Houston veer." (HA)

HA Note: "Tomey's two-back offense was meant to chew up yards — and time — while limiting turnovers. Tomey's mantra was: "We want a chance to win the game in the fourth quarter." He deviated from the plan once, in 1984, when Jones served as an assistant coach. Jones put in elements of the run-and-shoot passing attack he learned at Portland State, where he played after transferring from UH. But a year later, after Jones left, Tomey went back to his ball-control offense."

HA Note: "Soon after being hired, Wagner looked to Georgia Southern with the intent of hiring either offensive coordinator Paul Johnson or line coach Mike Sewak. Wagner ended up landing both."

Asked why he wanted to implement such a radically different offense, Bob Wagner said:
"I wanted to beat BYU. That was No. 1. What's your definition of an idiot? Doing the same thing over and over and getting the same results. BYU was our rival. You're not going to stay around long if you keep losing to your rival." (HA)

About why using a blend of triple option and run-and-shoot made sense for UH, Wagner said:
"There are a lot of slot-type guys in Hawai'i. But it was hard to find tight ends." (HA)

HA Note: "Wagner and Johnson, who was named offensive coordinator, made a significant adjustment. They decided to use one of the slotbacks to block the linebacker assigned to tracking the quarterback. That gave the offense an advantage on plays to the perimeter. What was it Price said about football being a game of mismatches? Wagner's teams beat BYU three times, and in 1992, the Rainbow Warriors defeated Illinois in the Holiday Bowl."

HA Note: "Jones brought in what he called a four-wide offense. He took the basic principles of his mentor Mouse Davis' run-and-shoot offense, then adjusted it to fit his style. The offense has only three formations — three receivers on the left if the ball is on the right hashmark, three on the right if it's on the left hash, and two apiece on each side if it's in the middle. The receivers decide on their routes after reading the defensive coverage. For every coverage, there is a counter attack."

About changing his offense by 25% each season, JJ said:
"Defenses adjust. You have to adjust. That's what football is all about." (HA)

http://sports.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090826/SPORTS0201/908260310&template=UHsports

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Other Warrior Quotes (the haka is back!)

About how the seniors voted to do the haka this season, Rocky said:
"We decided to do the haka." (HA)

"We haven't finalized the details, but we want everyone to participate. This has to be a team thing." (HA)

About being named first team right guard after being hampered by injuries his entire career, Raphael Ieru said:
"In past years, I always got hurt. God has blessed me to keep going." (HA)

About being named co-#1 RB (with Inoke Funaki), Leon Wright-Jackson said:
"It feels good." (HA)

About how he's trying to live in the moment during his senior year, LWJ said:
"I was trying to foresee everything in the future. Now I'm trying to take it day by day. Nobody should look that far ahead. When you don't concentrate on the present, stuff happens." (HA)

About how he used to have big expectations, LWJ said:
"I'm not worried about them. I'm going to go out and play. I'm just concentrating." (HA)

About how Spencer earned his starting spot due to his excellent special teams play last year, Rich Miano said:
"We tell all of the defensive backs to earn their stripes on special teams. If you go on special teams and make tackles and make decisions and play fast and intelligently, that's how you get your stripes to move to the next level. Spencer Smith, to me, was our best special teams player last year. Now he is ready to move on, not only to be a great special teams player but a big-time defensive player for us. He's ready to take the next step." (HA)

About why he focused on his footwork during the summer, Spencer Smith said:
"The game is played on the field, not in the weight room." (HA)

http://sports.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090825/SPORTS0201/908250351&template=UHsports

John Estes, R.J. Kiesel-Kauhane and Rocky Savaiigaea are team captains

About how 10 players received votes for captain, Mac said:
"That shows how much leadership we have on the team. We let the players vote. It's their team, and they were serious about picking their leaders." (HA)

HA Note: "McMackin said a different honorary fourth captain would be named for each game."

About how RJ and he both graduated from Aiea High, Rocky said:
"Na Ali'i power." ( HA)

Honored to be picked as a captain, Rocky said:
"I feel very privileged to be a captain. It's not by the coaches, it's by the team. To earn respect from your peers is something I really appreciate. And I feel privileged to be picked alongside John and R.J. — two of the great players. A lot of players deserved this. We have a lot of leaders on the team." (HA)

RJ said that he felt he:
"earned a lot of the guys' respect. I feel my actions on and off the field paid off." (HA)

HA Note: "Kiesel-Kauhane is one of the most athletic Warriors. The past spring, he bench pressed 450 pounds and had a 38-inch vertical jump."

About being a captain, RJ said:
"I'll take pride in being a captain, and I look forward to leading by my actions." (HA)

Praising their captains, Mac said:
"I think we have a strong senior class and those three are great representatives. They're strong selections." (HSB)

http://sports.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090825/SPORTS0201/908250351&template=UHsports

http://www.starbulletin.com/sports/sportsnews/20090825_Moniz_makes_move_up_chart.html

Brent Rausch and Bryant Moniz are co-#2 QBs

HA Note: "Entering training camp, Rausch and Shane Austin were bracketed at No. 2, with Moniz at No. 4. Despite a sore right (throwing) arm, Moniz has played well in training camp — enough to move into the competition for the role as top backup. After a lengthy meeting Sunday, it was decided that Rausch and Moniz would be bracketed at No. 2, and Austin would take mental reps during practices."

About how Alexander will get 2/3 of the reps in 6-on-7 and team drills and the #2 QB will get the other third, Mac said:
"And the third guy has to be ready by watching. He's not going to get a lot of reps." (HA)

About how he is better than last year, Rausch said:
"I think I've improved in general. Definitely, my reads are better. I see the defenses and the coverages better." (HA)

About how Rausch has improved, Rolo said:
"I like how Rausch has responded. He came in much more mature this year." (HA)

Rolo said that Moniz has:
"that X factor." (HA)

HA Note: "Moniz was a star quarterback at Leilehua High, leading the Mules to the 2004 state championship game. He played at Fresno City College as a freshman in 2007, then attended Leeward Community College last year."

About how he competed in the X-Flag Football League this year, Moniz said:
"It was fun. It was good competition." (HA)

Praising Moniz, who joined the Warriors in January, Rolo said:
"He has a nice calmness in the huddle. He has a great personality. He has a quick release, and he's fairly accurate." (HA)

HA Note: "Moniz was admittedly bothered by a sore right shoulder caused by overuse. He said that no longer is a problem. Moniz is not on scholarship. He receives financial support from his parents. He also works as a pizza deliveryman in Mililani."

About his best tip when he delivered pizza, Moniz said:
"I once got a $20 tip, but that was from a relative. It doesn't really count." (HA)

HA Note: "Moniz's grandfather was Bill Smithe, who was leader of the O'ahu Interscholastic Association for more than 25 years. Moniz helped care for Smithe when his grandfather became ill in later years."

About his grandfather Bill Smithe, Moniz said:
"I used to watch sumo with him. I helped feed him until he passed away." (HA)

About how he will keep working hard despite dropping to #4 QB, Shane Austin said:
"You've got to keep your head up and keep trying. There's no point in giving up or quitting. You have to keep pushing yourself every day to get better, and when your shot comes, you have to be ready." (HA)

About how he has already accomplished one of his top objectives, Moniz said:
"My goal coming into camp was just to prove that I belong out here, that I can still play." (HSB)

HSB Note: "During the team periods, the rotation had Alexander taking four snaps, followed by two each for Rausch and Moniz."

About the backup QB role, Moniz said:
"It's a big responsibility. In the game you never know what can happen, you're always one play away. You have to be just as ready as everybody else." (HSB)

HSB Note: "Moniz had impressed the coaches with his progress during spring practice and fall camp and elevated his profile with a solid performance in a scrimmage last Friday, throwing the lone touchdown pass of the day."

Praising Moniz, Mac said:
"He's got a great feel for the game. Throws the ball, quick release, knows the offense, very smart, very fast. He gives us another dimension. He's definitely somebody we think can win games for us." (HSB)

HSB Note: "Moniz graduated from Leilehua in 2007 and played one season at Fresno City College, where he threw for 2,268 yards and 18 touchdowns as a freshman. The birth of his daughter nearly 15 months ago contributed to his decision to return home. He was invited to walk on with the Warriors. He seemed to be a long shot to see playing time this season, but his performance in practice has nudged him ever closer to the field."

About how he gained confidence as the QB competition went on, Moniz said:
"With every completion, confidence grows and you become more comfortable." (HSB)

http://sports.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090825/SPORTS0201/908250351&template=UHsports

http://www.starbulletin.com/sports/sportsnews/20090825_Moniz_makes_move_up_chart.html

UH ticket sales down, but they hope for a late surge for the season opener

HA NOte: "Based upon early trends, the University of Hawai'i is projecting a distribution of "about 33,000-35,000 tickets" for its Sept. 4 season-opening football game with Central Arkansas, athletic director Jim Donovan said. With 10 days remaining, Donovan and UH officials said they are "hopeful" a surge of walk-up sales in the waning days might lift the projections — which includes both sales and "comps" — higher."

About how they distributed 39,446 tickets for the 2008 opener vs. Weber State and had a turnstile count of 36,247, JD said about this year's opener:
"When all is said and done, we may be down about 5,000 tickets from last year." (HA)

About how playing a D-IAA team is a factor for ticket sales, JD said:
"If it was USC, I don't think it would be a problem." (HA)

HA Note: "He speculated that many potential ticket purchasers will wait until closer to kickoff to make sure they can attend before buying a ticket."

http://sports.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090825/SPORTS0201/908250352&template=UHsports

Monday, August 24, 2009

David Veikune is more comfortable at OLB but will play at any LB spot

CPD = Cleveland Plain Dealer

CPD Note: "The Browns are short at outside linebacker because of injuries to David Bowens and Titus Brown, meaning rookie David Veikune will see more reps there. A converted defensive end, he's been working primarily inside this camp. Against Detroit, he worked with the ones while Alex Hall left the game for a while."

About how he's more comfortable at OLB instead of inside LB, even though he's gotten first-team reps at inside LB and has been primarily practicing inside, David Veikune said:
"Both are definitely new positions, but I'd guess outside linebacker is a little more natural for me. But I'll play wherever coach wants me to." (CPD)

http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2009/08/qb_leader_in_the_clubhouse_the.html

Just 10 practices left before the season begins!

About having just 10 practices left before the season begins, Mac said:
"Now we'll get into strategies and game plans and working on our first ballgame. Everything (in camp was) fundamentals, getting them to play right, techniques. We've got our whole package we're going to use, and we'll pick things or add things as the season goes on that are specific to that (opponent)." (HSB)

About their regular-season rhythm of 7am practices and afternoon meetings, with classes between those times, Mac said:
"It's really important that they get into their routine of going to classes and we'll get into a normal routine practice-wise." (HSB)

About how she decided to have a clinic for women and girls involved in the Aloha (Oregon) High School's football program (Mac's first head coaching stop), Heather McMackin said:
"It was clear to us that a lot of the moms and sisters and girlfriends really didn't understand the game, and we thought it would be more fun for them if they had more of an understanding of what was going on." (HSB)

http://www.starbulletin.com/sports/sportsnews/20090824_Warriors_move_closer_to_opener.html

Sunday, August 23, 2009

Colt Brennan said that it is embarrassing to throw an NFL interception

Asked to describe what it feels like to throw an NFL interception, Colt said:
"It's, like, embarrassing. It's kind of like when you trip and fall when you're walking, and everyone's like, 'I saw that,'. You're like walking, all cool, and you do that stumble and everyone turns [to] figure out what's wrong with that guy. You kind of catch yourself and try to not make it look bad. That's exactly the feeling it is. Just utter embarrassment....Last year I threw nothing but touchdowns. This year I've thrown nothing but picks. I mean, that's football. That's the way the cookie crumbles....That's football. I've got two more games." (Washington Post)

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/dcsportsbog/2009/08/colt_brennan_discusses_his_int.html

The senior Warriors will decide tomorrow if UH will continue doing the ha'a before games

About how the players will decide if they will continue to do the ha'a, Mac said:
"It's up to the players. I mentioned it in the meetings. I told the players it was their decision to do it or not do it." (HA)

HA Note: "The players have not practiced the ha'a during spring training or the 2 1/2-week training camp, which ended yesterday."

About how they are focused on their first game instead of the ha'a, Rocky Savaiigaea said:
"Right now we're not thinking about the ha'a. We're thinking about the first game. That's our only focus." (HA)

HA Note: "The Warriors performed the haka, a traditional Maori war chant, before the 2004 Sheraton Hawai'i Bowl. In 2006, offensive tackle Tala Esera and safety Leonard Peters created UH's version of the haka. The Warriors debuted that haka during the warmup period before the road game against Alabama. The following year, defensive tackle Keala Watson, safety Keao Monteilh and linebacker Brad Kalilimoku created a ha'a — a Hawaiian-influenced Polynesian chant — for the Warriors."

Mac said that he likes the ha'a, but:
"right now, that's not my big concern. It's not on the practice schedule." (HA)

http://sports.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090823/SPORTS0201/908230387&template=UHsports