Warriors open training camp!

HA Note: "One of the rites of training camp was the annual pillow fight featuring first-year Warriors. An octagon ring would be set up using bedsprings. But the practice likely will be abandoned because one of this year's newcomers, linebacker Cory Daniel, is a former mixed martial arts fighter. Instead, the Warriors will have to find other ways to spend their rare free time during the 2 1/2 weeks of training camp, which opened yesterday. The Warriors are staying in two dance studios at the UH athletic complex."

HA Note: "Several players brought laptop computers, although they said the studios are not equipped for wireless Internet connection. Offensive lineman Ray Hisatake set up a card table. Wideout Royce Pollard hooked up his Xbox console to a flat-screen television. Several players set up sound systems."

About how he brought a guitar to camp, senior Josh Rice said:
"My first camp, I was pretty nervous. I didn't know what was going on. I didn't know what to bring. I'm pretty comfortable now. I know what to expect. It's kind of like camping indoors. I don't mind. I can sleep anywhere." (HA)

HA Note: "He also is eligible to set up in the Senior Triangle, a covered lanai that connects the two dance studios."

About how he and Rocky Savaiigaea claimed spots near a glass door fronting the line, Brashton Satele said:
"Need this protection in case a hurricane comes." (HA)

About the advice he gave his younger brother Liko, Brashton said:
"He asked me what to bring. Basically, all you need is whatever is in your locker. You just need shorts and T-shirts. They do your laundry." (HA)

About what to pack for camp, Rocky said:
"All you do is practice, go to meetings, eat and rest. That's it. There's no reason to bring dress-up clothes." (HA)

About how his brother Jake gave him a list of things to bring to camp, Luke Ingram said:
"Fan and earplugs. And an iPod. I've got lots of reggae, lots of country, some rap and some rock. That's about it." (HA)

About competing as an MMA fighter and playing for a California JC before transferring to UH, Daniel said:
"I made 24 this past February. Pretty soon I'll be a coach over here. It's been a long bumpy road. I've been chasing the dream." (HA)

HA Note: "Offensive tackle Kainoa LaCount signed with UH in February 2008 after playing two years at a junior college. But he did not have enough transferrable credits to play for UH in 2008 or to participate in spring training in April."

About his long wait to join UH, Kainoa LaCount said:
"It was pretty frustrating. I should be all right. I'm glad to be here. It's pretty fun. There are a little butterflies." (HA)

HA Note: "Satele, Savaiigaea and linebacker Mana Lolotai participated in a specialized training program in Arizona this summer. Satele lost 26 pounds and now weighs 238. Lolotai cut his body fat to 11 percent. And Savaiigaea lost 31 pounds."

About going through Chad Ikei's training program, Rocky said:
"I weighed in at 305 today. You go there, and they push you to the limit, beyond what you think you can do. It's all about your diet, your running. They're strict on you. No carbs. No catsup. No hot sauces. No butter. No cheating. Everything is small portions. You get two snacks. It's like two slices of roast beef or chicken breast or 10 or 12 almonds. That's it. That's your snack." (HA)

About how his mother stocked up on healthy food, Rocky said:
"There's no sense working that hard and then throwing it all away in a couple of days. I've been waiting for camp. I've been dreaming about it." (HA)

Looking forward to camp, Greg Alexander said:
"I'm really excited to be sleeping in a big room with a bunch of stinky athletes. I'm kidding. I'm looking forward to playing." (HA)

Describing the accommodations at the "University Hilton", Stephen Tsai wrote:
"You get a cot, mattress, bed spread, pillow.

You have to assemble it yourself.

Then you find a place to settle.

No A/C, no WiFi, no cable, no fridge.

And they also have to deal with the painting/construction projection outside the studios.

As one player said: "They didn't tell me this on my recruiting trip." He also said it would be a great bonding experience."

http://sports.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090806/SPORTS0201/908060354&template=UHsports

http://warriorbeat.honadvblogs.com/2009/08/06/the-university-hilton/