About how Mouton will be featured in each of their defensive formations, return kicks, and even play WR, Mack said:
"He's a playmaker. We want our playmakers on the field." (HA)
About Mouton, Mack said:
"Mouton is the quickest guy we have on our team. We have a little package for him (on offense). His main thing is to be a corner(back). But if we can give him some things to allow him to use his quickness, why not?" (HA)
About his expanded role, Mouton said:
"I played offense in high school and junior college. I'm willing to do whatever. I guess it shows he has confidence in me to let me do this." (HA)
HA Note: "Last season, his first at UH, Mouton was a cornerback and kick returner before suffering a partially torn posterior cruciate ligament in his right knee. To ease the wear on his knee, he was given an honorary discharge from kick-return duties."
About how Mouton is even put at LB in some formations, Mack said:
"He's a natural blitzer because he's so quick." (HA)
HA Note: "In front of scouts at a workout at Blinn College in Texas, Mouton ran 40 yards in under 4.3 seconds."
McMackin likened Mouton to Shawn Springs, a former All-Pro with the Seattle Seahawks.
Comparing Mouton to Shawn Springs (former All-Pro with the Seahawks), Mack said:
"He's a shorter Shawn Springs. I think he's a great athlete and a great person. And he really works hard. He has a passion for football. He's a student of the game. He's really smart." (HA)
About Mack's comparison of him and Shawn Springs, Mouton said:
"He said he drafted Shawn Springs when he was with the Seattle Seahawks. (Springs) had a great career in the NFL. To be compared to someone like Shawn Springs is high praise." (HA)
About how they have to be ready to play the rest of their season no matter what happens at Florida, Adam Leonard said:
"We understand that no matter what happens in Florida, we have to play the next week. We definitely feel it can be a confidence builder if we go out there and play well. No matter what the outcome is of the game, we have to go out and play the rest of the season." (HA)
HA Note: "As a UH freshman in 2005, he still was not fully healed from knee surgery that abbreviated his senior season of high school football. He played most of the 2006 season with a torn meniscus. Last season, he played virtually one-handed. He had a fracture in his right hand, which required him to wear a cast when he was not playing football."
About playing last season with a fracture in his right hand, Adam said:
"It was difficult breaking the right hand. But it's football. I don't need it as much. It's not as important as a leg." (HA)
About the benefit of having to wear a cast when he was not playing football, Adam said:
"I managed to get a note-taker. It made things a lot easier. I couldn't write, and I couldn't read my handwriting." (HA)
Friday, July 25, 2008
Quotes from the WAC Media Preview Day
After interviewing Sol and Adam yesterday, Idaho Statesman columnist Brian Murphy said:
"I was impressed. They seem introspective and thoughtful." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Several other reporters had similar comments after meeting them, and those who played golf with them the previous day appreciated their willingness to try something new which is notoriously difficult for beginners."
Asked if Mack is a father figure, Adam said:
"He's more like a grandfather. A grandfather who can be tough when he has to." (HSB)
Asked if he ever hesitated wearing his WAC Champion ring after what happened in the Sugar Bowl, Sol said:
"You take the good with the bad. look at the ring, and it's not the Sugar Bowl, it's the season." (HSB)
About his popularity right now, Mack said:
"I'm on my honeymoon. But this isn't my first luau. I know I haven't played a game yet." (HSB)
About their improved meeting-room amenities, Mack said:
"We've now got big-butt chairs for the linemen." (HSB)
About how the WAC is a conference with excellent RBs, especially with the top 9 rushers from last season returning, La Tech coach Derek Dooley said:
"It seems like every team you play has a good runner. (The dominance of passing is) one of the myths. It's been a great marketing tool about this wide-open league we have. But people don't realize how physical this league is. Even Hawaii last year. That was not a finesse football team. I think you have to run the ball and you have to play physical." (HSB)
About the RBs in the WAC, Dick Tomey said:
"There are many, many good players at running back in this league. This league is a contradiction in many ways. It's wide open and people spread out, but it's also a league where you have to run the ball well." (HSB)
About WAC teams (aside from UH) have to run the ball to win, Utah State coach Brent Guy said:
"Teams that win in this league are running the ball, with the exception of Hawaii. If you can't stop the run, you can't stop anything. We have to do that on offense and we have to stop the run." (HSB)
HSB Note: "But even Warriors coach Greg McMackin said UH will run more, passing first to set it up. That's why Hawaii will not be in the shotgun as often, unlike last season when Brennan was the focal point of the attack."
About the resignation of their assistant AD for compliance Bill Bryant, JD said:
"We're thankful for everything he's done." (HSB)
About getting the interim promotion, Amanda Peterson said:
"Bill kept me up to speed and I learned a lot about the day-to-day aspects of the job." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Paterson, a former UH soccer player, has been the No. 2 person in compliance the past two years and was a graduate assistant the previous three. She graduated from UH with a double major in speech and communications, and holds a master's in educational administration. Her responsibilities include monitoring student-athlete eligibility and NCAA institutional control issues."
Happy that Amanda was promoted, Bryant said:
"Hopefully Amanda will be the one. She'd be great. She knows her stuff. I think she's qualified." (HSB)
"I was impressed. They seem introspective and thoughtful." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Several other reporters had similar comments after meeting them, and those who played golf with them the previous day appreciated their willingness to try something new which is notoriously difficult for beginners."
Asked if Mack is a father figure, Adam said:
"He's more like a grandfather. A grandfather who can be tough when he has to." (HSB)
Asked if he ever hesitated wearing his WAC Champion ring after what happened in the Sugar Bowl, Sol said:
"You take the good with the bad. look at the ring, and it's not the Sugar Bowl, it's the season." (HSB)
About his popularity right now, Mack said:
"I'm on my honeymoon. But this isn't my first luau. I know I haven't played a game yet." (HSB)
About their improved meeting-room amenities, Mack said:
"We've now got big-butt chairs for the linemen." (HSB)
About how the WAC is a conference with excellent RBs, especially with the top 9 rushers from last season returning, La Tech coach Derek Dooley said:
"It seems like every team you play has a good runner. (The dominance of passing is) one of the myths. It's been a great marketing tool about this wide-open league we have. But people don't realize how physical this league is. Even Hawaii last year. That was not a finesse football team. I think you have to run the ball and you have to play physical." (HSB)
About the RBs in the WAC, Dick Tomey said:
"There are many, many good players at running back in this league. This league is a contradiction in many ways. It's wide open and people spread out, but it's also a league where you have to run the ball well." (HSB)
About WAC teams (aside from UH) have to run the ball to win, Utah State coach Brent Guy said:
"Teams that win in this league are running the ball, with the exception of Hawaii. If you can't stop the run, you can't stop anything. We have to do that on offense and we have to stop the run." (HSB)
HSB Note: "But even Warriors coach Greg McMackin said UH will run more, passing first to set it up. That's why Hawaii will not be in the shotgun as often, unlike last season when Brennan was the focal point of the attack."
About the resignation of their assistant AD for compliance Bill Bryant, JD said:
"We're thankful for everything he's done." (HSB)
About getting the interim promotion, Amanda Peterson said:
"Bill kept me up to speed and I learned a lot about the day-to-day aspects of the job." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Paterson, a former UH soccer player, has been the No. 2 person in compliance the past two years and was a graduate assistant the previous three. She graduated from UH with a double major in speech and communications, and holds a master's in educational administration. Her responsibilities include monitoring student-athlete eligibility and NCAA institutional control issues."
Happy that Amanda was promoted, Bryant said:
"Hopefully Amanda will be the one. She'd be great. She knows her stuff. I think she's qualified." (HSB)
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Feature interview with Mack
HA Note: "In the 30-step walk to the hotel elevator, McMackin spotted a maid. He said, "Hi," and, few minutes later, she was offering best wishes for the coming football season. "I like people," said the first-year University of Hawai'i head football coach, who also engaged in conversations with a waiter and restaurant hostess."
About his friendly personality, which led Ron Lee to say that he shakes more hands "than Obama", Mack said:
"I've always been a friendly person. My wife is that way, too. And it's easier to be that way in Hawai'i because the people of Hawai'i are the same way. I'm amazed by the response we've received. I know I'm on my honeymoon. We haven't played any games, and we had a great season last year. There's a lot of enthusiasm. I feel really responsible to do a great job because of the faith of the administrators, coaches, players and fans. I take this as a very serious responsibility." (HA)
HA Note: "McMackin is scheduled to address reporters today at the Western Athletic Conference Football Preview. He skipped the event's golf tournament — "believe me, it was no sacrifice" — and worked on his tentative game plan for the Aug. 30 opener at Florida. He already has mapped every play of every drill for the 18 full practices of training camp."
About his first training camp as UH head coach, Mack said:
"I'm really not nervous at all. I'm anxious, if anything. I appreciate getting my shot. I've been a head coach at high schools and smaller-level colleges. As a defensive coordinator, it was like being the head coach of the defense. Instead of having 50 guys out of 110 guys, now I'm responsible for the entire team. But the reason I'm not nervous is because I really believe I have a great staff. If you have good people — and that's one thing I've learned in this business — loyal people who are going to work hard and care about players, everything is easier. I trust my coaches." (HA)
About implementing his version of the four-wide offense, Mack said:
"(Quarterback coach Nick "Rolo" Rolovich) is doing an unbelievable job with the quarterbacks. I know we're going to have an unbelievably great (starting) quarterback. I know we're going to be one of the top throwing teams in the country. I'm not worried at all. We've run this offense before. June did a great job running this offense. But this offense is special. We're really getting back to the basics. Ron (Lee) knows the basics. I know the basics. Rolo knows the basics. Brian Smith (the line coach) is as good as there is in knowing how to block the front. Alex Gerke (the backfield coach) helps us not only with the running backs but with the offensive line. I really believe in the people we have." (HA)
About choosing a starting QB, Mack said:
"It's a repetition offense, so experience really helps. That, of course, is the concern. Inoke and, obviously, Graunke have the experience but not as starters. Alexander has played in 42 (junior) college games. He's thrown for a lot of yards. He's not going to get intimidated by a bunch of people. Not that he's been in front of big crowds, but he doesn't care. He's worked hard. He's lost weight. He's been a student of the game. He's one of those who's the first guy there and the last to leave. He's got a rocket arm. Brent is a natural. He's got three years (of eligibility). That's the nice thing about him. I think we can get a quarterback ready for the first game." (HA)
About when he plans to choose a #1 QB, Mack said:
"We're going to go from four (quarterback candidates) to three really fast (in training camp). They've got to get quality reps (in training camp). Then, we're going to have a first and second guy. The first guy will get three-fourths of the reps. The second guy will get a fourth of the reps. The third guy is in waiting. I don't want quarterback controversies. But somebody might be good coming off the bench. Tyler was great coming off the bench last year. He won us a couple of ball games. I'm not saying he's coming off the bench. Maybe he starts and Inoke comes off the bench. With having four good quarterbacks, I'm not going to let a guy have a bad game. I'm not afraid to play our best players. Some days, our best player might not be as good that day. I don't want to give up on a quarterback. That's a confidence position. Quarterbacks, to me, are like coaching corners. You don't want to be too negative at a game. Everybody in the stadium knows the good things he's doing and the bad things. They don't have to have me chewing their tail on it. I don't get on quarterbacks or corners. I talk with them. There's a lot of pressure on them. I don't want to add to that." (HA)
About their defensive adjustments, Mack said:
"We're going to be a no-huddle defense just because of the 40-second (play) clock and because of all of the no-huddle (offenses) we're going to see. The reason we can do this is because we have smart players. I learned that last year. The majority are back on defense. I did things with them that I did in the pros. And they didn't miss a beat. And they made adjustments I did in the pros." (HA)
About finding CBs to go with Mouton, Mack said:
"Jameel (Dowling) is tall, about 6-3. I wanted to see if he had good enough footwork to play outside. You don't get tall guys who have good footwork. I talked to him, and we thought he could play safety, but we wanted to look at him at corner (in spring practice), and he did outstanding. He's got great feet, great attitude. He's a big-time athlete. I like him a lot. So he's going to play corner. (JoPierre Davis) has improved. Calvin Roberts has improved. He's worked hard. The other guy is (junior-college transfer) Jeramy Bryant. He's a stud. He's got great attitude. We've got five corners. When have we ever had five corners? Now we can do more man(to-man coverages). It gives me more toys." (HA)
Asked about a defensive sleeper, Mack said:
"People forget about (safety) Kenny Estes. But, I tell you, he made some plays this spring. He's a smart player." (HA)
About the coming season, Mack said:
"We have a challenging schedule. In my heart, I feel blessed to be here. We play for Hawai'i. Really, it's like how the 49er fans go on the road to follow their team. We're really playing for the Polynesian people and the people of Hawai'i. That excites me. I've been to a lot of bowls and big games. It's never been like the turnout we had at the Sugar Bowl. I hope we can continue this. It's going to take some patience. We've got a challenging schedule. But I believe in my coaches. And I believe in our players. And I believe, with the help of our fans and administration, that we're going to have a great year." (HA)
About his coaching future, Mack said:
"I signed a five-year contract. I hope to get rolled over for three more. I want to get (grandson) Taylor through high school. Taylor is a sixth-grader. (Granddaughter) Kayla is a freshman. This is where I'm going to finish my career. I've coached in a lot of places. This is the best place I've ever coached. Both times, it's been the best experiences I've had. I heard somebody say this and it's so true: It's the beauty that brings you to Hawai'i, but it's the people who keep you there." (HA)
About his friendly personality, which led Ron Lee to say that he shakes more hands "than Obama", Mack said:
"I've always been a friendly person. My wife is that way, too. And it's easier to be that way in Hawai'i because the people of Hawai'i are the same way. I'm amazed by the response we've received. I know I'm on my honeymoon. We haven't played any games, and we had a great season last year. There's a lot of enthusiasm. I feel really responsible to do a great job because of the faith of the administrators, coaches, players and fans. I take this as a very serious responsibility." (HA)
HA Note: "McMackin is scheduled to address reporters today at the Western Athletic Conference Football Preview. He skipped the event's golf tournament — "believe me, it was no sacrifice" — and worked on his tentative game plan for the Aug. 30 opener at Florida. He already has mapped every play of every drill for the 18 full practices of training camp."
About his first training camp as UH head coach, Mack said:
"I'm really not nervous at all. I'm anxious, if anything. I appreciate getting my shot. I've been a head coach at high schools and smaller-level colleges. As a defensive coordinator, it was like being the head coach of the defense. Instead of having 50 guys out of 110 guys, now I'm responsible for the entire team. But the reason I'm not nervous is because I really believe I have a great staff. If you have good people — and that's one thing I've learned in this business — loyal people who are going to work hard and care about players, everything is easier. I trust my coaches." (HA)
About implementing his version of the four-wide offense, Mack said:
"(Quarterback coach Nick "Rolo" Rolovich) is doing an unbelievable job with the quarterbacks. I know we're going to have an unbelievably great (starting) quarterback. I know we're going to be one of the top throwing teams in the country. I'm not worried at all. We've run this offense before. June did a great job running this offense. But this offense is special. We're really getting back to the basics. Ron (Lee) knows the basics. I know the basics. Rolo knows the basics. Brian Smith (the line coach) is as good as there is in knowing how to block the front. Alex Gerke (the backfield coach) helps us not only with the running backs but with the offensive line. I really believe in the people we have." (HA)
About choosing a starting QB, Mack said:
"It's a repetition offense, so experience really helps. That, of course, is the concern. Inoke and, obviously, Graunke have the experience but not as starters. Alexander has played in 42 (junior) college games. He's thrown for a lot of yards. He's not going to get intimidated by a bunch of people. Not that he's been in front of big crowds, but he doesn't care. He's worked hard. He's lost weight. He's been a student of the game. He's one of those who's the first guy there and the last to leave. He's got a rocket arm. Brent is a natural. He's got three years (of eligibility). That's the nice thing about him. I think we can get a quarterback ready for the first game." (HA)
About when he plans to choose a #1 QB, Mack said:
"We're going to go from four (quarterback candidates) to three really fast (in training camp). They've got to get quality reps (in training camp). Then, we're going to have a first and second guy. The first guy will get three-fourths of the reps. The second guy will get a fourth of the reps. The third guy is in waiting. I don't want quarterback controversies. But somebody might be good coming off the bench. Tyler was great coming off the bench last year. He won us a couple of ball games. I'm not saying he's coming off the bench. Maybe he starts and Inoke comes off the bench. With having four good quarterbacks, I'm not going to let a guy have a bad game. I'm not afraid to play our best players. Some days, our best player might not be as good that day. I don't want to give up on a quarterback. That's a confidence position. Quarterbacks, to me, are like coaching corners. You don't want to be too negative at a game. Everybody in the stadium knows the good things he's doing and the bad things. They don't have to have me chewing their tail on it. I don't get on quarterbacks or corners. I talk with them. There's a lot of pressure on them. I don't want to add to that." (HA)
About their defensive adjustments, Mack said:
"We're going to be a no-huddle defense just because of the 40-second (play) clock and because of all of the no-huddle (offenses) we're going to see. The reason we can do this is because we have smart players. I learned that last year. The majority are back on defense. I did things with them that I did in the pros. And they didn't miss a beat. And they made adjustments I did in the pros." (HA)
About finding CBs to go with Mouton, Mack said:
"Jameel (Dowling) is tall, about 6-3. I wanted to see if he had good enough footwork to play outside. You don't get tall guys who have good footwork. I talked to him, and we thought he could play safety, but we wanted to look at him at corner (in spring practice), and he did outstanding. He's got great feet, great attitude. He's a big-time athlete. I like him a lot. So he's going to play corner. (JoPierre Davis) has improved. Calvin Roberts has improved. He's worked hard. The other guy is (junior-college transfer) Jeramy Bryant. He's a stud. He's got great attitude. We've got five corners. When have we ever had five corners? Now we can do more man(to-man coverages). It gives me more toys." (HA)
Asked about a defensive sleeper, Mack said:
"People forget about (safety) Kenny Estes. But, I tell you, he made some plays this spring. He's a smart player." (HA)
About the coming season, Mack said:
"We have a challenging schedule. In my heart, I feel blessed to be here. We play for Hawai'i. Really, it's like how the 49er fans go on the road to follow their team. We're really playing for the Polynesian people and the people of Hawai'i. That excites me. I've been to a lot of bowls and big games. It's never been like the turnout we had at the Sugar Bowl. I hope we can continue this. It's going to take some patience. We've got a challenging schedule. But I believe in my coaches. And I believe in our players. And I believe, with the help of our fans and administration, that we're going to have a great year." (HA)
About his coaching future, Mack said:
"I signed a five-year contract. I hope to get rolled over for three more. I want to get (grandson) Taylor through high school. Taylor is a sixth-grader. (Granddaughter) Kayla is a freshman. This is where I'm going to finish my career. I've coached in a lot of places. This is the best place I've ever coached. Both times, it's been the best experiences I've had. I heard somebody say this and it's so true: It's the beauty that brings you to Hawai'i, but it's the people who keep you there." (HA)
Random Quotes from the local papers
About the coaches and media picking UH to finish 4th in the WAC, Mack said:
"It's not a big deal. Obviously people don't think we have offensive players. But we have 80 percent of our players back from last year's championship team and I have a lot of faith in our offense." (HSB)
About how Bill Bryant, assistant AD for compliance and eligibility, took a position as a vice-chancellor at Florida International University, JD said:
"I appreciate everything Bill has done for us. I'm very happy he has a job in Florida. We wish him the best." (HA)
About being selected as the WAC's Preseason Defensive Player of the Year, Sol Elimimian said:
"It's a team honor. "I'm grateful, but this wouldn't be possible without my teammates." (HA)
Asked how he and Sol prepared for the WAC golf outing (the first time either golfed), Adam Leonard said:
"I didn't do anything. The first time I picked up a club was right before I swung it for the first time." (HA)
About how he did, Adam (who noted they used a best-ball format) said:
"I knocked down a few putts." (HA)
About their golfing outing, Sol said:
"It was very challenging. I have new respect for golfers. Tiger Woods is the best athlete there is. It's not an easy sport by any means." (HA)
"I probably started with 20 balls, and left there with about three. But I survived. It was a good experience." (HA)
About golfing, Adam said:
"All of the pressure is on you. You have so much ground to cover to hit it into a little hole. It's pretty nuts. One little glitch in your stroke throws you off. I respect all golfers. It's definitely a game I want to play." (HA)
About getting top RB recruit Kama Bailey from Hawaii, Idaho's coach Robb Akey said:
"We're trying to get more players from the Islands. We've patterned our program as if we're building a family. That's one of the strengths of the Polynesian culture, in my opinion." (HA)
HA Note: "Shiloh Ke'o, a starting safety and team captain, said there are about 20 Polynesian players on the team. He said they often perform the haka in front of their teammates. Ke'o is a mixture of Cuban and Hawaiian. He has several relatives in Hawai'i, although he grew up in the Northwest."
Ke'o said that in his home:
"Hawaiian is the main culture we practice. You know how it is. Everyone is family. Friends we bring into our house, they become family. We're out there helping each other. That's 'ohana. That's the Hawaiian way." (HA)
HA Note: "Akey said Bailey blends in with his teammates. He also will have a significant role in the Vandals' expanded offensive plans."
"It's not a big deal. Obviously people don't think we have offensive players. But we have 80 percent of our players back from last year's championship team and I have a lot of faith in our offense." (HSB)
About how Bill Bryant, assistant AD for compliance and eligibility, took a position as a vice-chancellor at Florida International University, JD said:
"I appreciate everything Bill has done for us. I'm very happy he has a job in Florida. We wish him the best." (HA)
About being selected as the WAC's Preseason Defensive Player of the Year, Sol Elimimian said:
"It's a team honor. "I'm grateful, but this wouldn't be possible without my teammates." (HA)
Asked how he and Sol prepared for the WAC golf outing (the first time either golfed), Adam Leonard said:
"I didn't do anything. The first time I picked up a club was right before I swung it for the first time." (HA)
About how he did, Adam (who noted they used a best-ball format) said:
"I knocked down a few putts." (HA)
About their golfing outing, Sol said:
"It was very challenging. I have new respect for golfers. Tiger Woods is the best athlete there is. It's not an easy sport by any means." (HA)
"I probably started with 20 balls, and left there with about three. But I survived. It was a good experience." (HA)
About golfing, Adam said:
"All of the pressure is on you. You have so much ground to cover to hit it into a little hole. It's pretty nuts. One little glitch in your stroke throws you off. I respect all golfers. It's definitely a game I want to play." (HA)
About getting top RB recruit Kama Bailey from Hawaii, Idaho's coach Robb Akey said:
"We're trying to get more players from the Islands. We've patterned our program as if we're building a family. That's one of the strengths of the Polynesian culture, in my opinion." (HA)
HA Note: "Shiloh Ke'o, a starting safety and team captain, said there are about 20 Polynesian players on the team. He said they often perform the haka in front of their teammates. Ke'o is a mixture of Cuban and Hawaiian. He has several relatives in Hawai'i, although he grew up in the Northwest."
Ke'o said that in his home:
"Hawaiian is the main culture we practice. You know how it is. Everyone is family. Friends we bring into our house, they become family. We're out there helping each other. That's 'ohana. That's the Hawaiian way." (HA)
HA Note: "Akey said Bailey blends in with his teammates. He also will have a significant role in the Vandals' expanded offensive plans."
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Shane Austin and Vili Nauahi are healthy, Blaze hopes for an injury-free season
Hoping for an injury-free season, Blaze said:
"Right now, I'm just another name on the depth chart." (HA)
HA Note: "Soares will become a full-time starter at left-side linebacker this season. He endured injuries during each of his first two UH seasons. Last year, he endured a left-shoulder injury and a stinger."
About his injuries, Blaze said:
"It's sore, brah." (HA)
About his stinger, Blaze said:
"You have no feeling whatsoever in your arm." (HA)
About playing while injured, Blaze said:
"It's mind over matter. You have a different mentality. I'm not a wussy." (HA)
About how he will not lose his intensity (his injuries occurred in practices, not games) but he will try to stay healthy, Blaze said:
"I'm not going to take it easy. I'm going to be smarter about things that I do and the choices that I make. That's been my motto: the way you practice is the way you play. To me, that's why I practice hard, because I want to play good. Unfortunately, I've had so many injuries. It's been killing my self esteem and killing my goals and dreams. Hopefully this season, the luck is on my side." (HA)
Asked for an update on his health, Blaze said that his shoulder:
"feels right." (HA)
Blaze said that he'll know if he's fully recovered from the stinger:
"when we suit up with pads. We'll see. I hope to God it won't come back." (HA)
About how he's recovered from the fracture in his right foot (suffered on the final play of the Warrior Bowl in May), Shane Austin said:
"I'm back 100 percent. Now I have to scrape off the rust. Other than that, life is good. I can run at full speed." (HA)
Not minding the other competition at QB (6 will be at Fall Camp, 4 others will join the team after camp), Shane said:
"I'm fortunate and grateful for the opportunity to be on the team. I just love throwing the football. I want to play football as long as I can. We'll see how it goes."(HA)
HA Note: "Austin recently returned to Hawai'i after spending two weeks in his native California. While there, he worked out under the direction of former NFL quarterback Bob Gagliano."
I'm not sure what the quote here means, but Shane said:
"I don't want to take off." (HA)
Vili Nauahi said that his surgically repaired left elbow:
"is 100 percent." (HA)
HA Note: "Nauahi underwent surgery in February for a torn ligament. He resumed participating in 7-on-7 unsupervised workouts on Monday."
Nauahi said that the surgeon:
"grabbed a tendon out of my left wrist, and that's how they replaced the ligament on my elbow. I'm OK now." (HA)
"Right now, I'm just another name on the depth chart." (HA)
HA Note: "Soares will become a full-time starter at left-side linebacker this season. He endured injuries during each of his first two UH seasons. Last year, he endured a left-shoulder injury and a stinger."
About his injuries, Blaze said:
"It's sore, brah." (HA)
About his stinger, Blaze said:
"You have no feeling whatsoever in your arm." (HA)
About playing while injured, Blaze said:
"It's mind over matter. You have a different mentality. I'm not a wussy." (HA)
About how he will not lose his intensity (his injuries occurred in practices, not games) but he will try to stay healthy, Blaze said:
"I'm not going to take it easy. I'm going to be smarter about things that I do and the choices that I make. That's been my motto: the way you practice is the way you play. To me, that's why I practice hard, because I want to play good. Unfortunately, I've had so many injuries. It's been killing my self esteem and killing my goals and dreams. Hopefully this season, the luck is on my side." (HA)
Asked for an update on his health, Blaze said that his shoulder:
"feels right." (HA)
Blaze said that he'll know if he's fully recovered from the stinger:
"when we suit up with pads. We'll see. I hope to God it won't come back." (HA)
About how he's recovered from the fracture in his right foot (suffered on the final play of the Warrior Bowl in May), Shane Austin said:
"I'm back 100 percent. Now I have to scrape off the rust. Other than that, life is good. I can run at full speed." (HA)
Not minding the other competition at QB (6 will be at Fall Camp, 4 others will join the team after camp), Shane said:
"I'm fortunate and grateful for the opportunity to be on the team. I just love throwing the football. I want to play football as long as I can. We'll see how it goes."(HA)
HA Note: "Austin recently returned to Hawai'i after spending two weeks in his native California. While there, he worked out under the direction of former NFL quarterback Bob Gagliano."
I'm not sure what the quote here means, but Shane said:
"I don't want to take off." (HA)
Vili Nauahi said that his surgically repaired left elbow:
"is 100 percent." (HA)
HA Note: "Nauahi underwent surgery in February for a torn ligament. He resumed participating in 7-on-7 unsupervised workouts on Monday."
Nauahi said that the surgeon:
"grabbed a tendon out of my left wrist, and that's how they replaced the ligament on my elbow. I'm OK now." (HA)
The Central Arkansas game is finalized
Happy that they are opening their 2009 season at home vs. Central Arkansas, Mack said:
"I'm happy to be playing our first game next year at home. I know Jim (Donovan, UH's athletic director) called a lot of teams, and Central Arkansas stepped up to the plate. They're going to be a good team to open with. I have a lot of respect for their program." (HA)
"I'm really excited about opening our season in front of our home fans. And I have a lot of respect for Central Arkansas. Having been in Texas, I know what their program is about. Jim talked to a lot of schools about playing us, and I respect them for stepping up." (HSB)
Confirming the game, JD said:
"I can say we sent them a contract, and if we receive it signed we have a game on Sept. 4, 2009. The kickoff will be at 7 or 7:30 p.m. (at Aloha Stadium)." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Donovan said he got the blessing of Hawaii high school football leaders to play the game on Friday. UH and UCA both wanted an extra day before their next games because of travel issues."
About the UH game (they will get their travel expenses plus $125k), UCA coach Clint Conque said:
"It's another landmark game for our program, one that's just another step in what we're trying to build here. It's good for the school and our conference." (HSB)
"I'm happy to be playing our first game next year at home. I know Jim (Donovan, UH's athletic director) called a lot of teams, and Central Arkansas stepped up to the plate. They're going to be a good team to open with. I have a lot of respect for their program." (HA)
"I'm really excited about opening our season in front of our home fans. And I have a lot of respect for Central Arkansas. Having been in Texas, I know what their program is about. Jim talked to a lot of schools about playing us, and I respect them for stepping up." (HSB)
Confirming the game, JD said:
"I can say we sent them a contract, and if we receive it signed we have a game on Sept. 4, 2009. The kickoff will be at 7 or 7:30 p.m. (at Aloha Stadium)." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Donovan said he got the blessing of Hawaii high school football leaders to play the game on Friday. UH and UCA both wanted an extra day before their next games because of travel issues."
About the UH game (they will get their travel expenses plus $125k), UCA coach Clint Conque said:
"It's another landmark game for our program, one that's just another step in what we're trying to build here. It's good for the school and our conference." (HSB)
Kimo Makaula commits to UH!
About accepting UH's scholarship offer, Punahou QB (who is being recruited at DE for UH) Kimo said:
"It was a dream for me. Since I was young, I wanted to play for the Warriors." (HA)
About how they would have supported Kimo no matter where he went, but this makes traveling to his games much easier, Kimo's father James Makaula said:
"It didn't matter where he went. We still would have traveled there. This decision makes it totally a lot simpler." (HA)
About how Mack is shifting him from QB to DE, the 6'3", 225-pound Kimo said:
"Coach (Greg) McMackin said he feels more comfortable with me there." (HA)
Kimo said that he has:
"always been a UH fan. I went to pretty much all of the games. Last season was great, and I'm excited that coach Mack is the head coach." (HA)
"It has been a dream to play at home and I am thankful Coach McMackin and his staff have made this possible for me. I can play on both sides of the ball, but Coach wants me as a defensive end, so that's what I'm going to focus on at UH. Whatever the coaches want." (HSB)
HA Note: "He said he was inspired when McMackin addressed the campers last week. He also said he received positive feedback in e-mail exchanges."
About his belief in Mack, Kimo said:
"After speaking to coach Mack, he made me feel that Hawai'i is my home, and playing for Hawai'i is what I wanted to do. ... I know coach Mack will have a good team this year. I'm excited for that." (HA)
About how Kimo wants to be a part of the Warriors, James said:
"He wants to be part of the program and what they're trying to do. They're moving in a positive direction." (HA)
Note: HSB reports that Kimo also had an offer from UNLV.
About his Punahou teammates Te'o, Hilliard, and Shutter (all have offers from UH), Kimo said:
"We've talked about how fun it would be if we all went to the same school, if it were UH or another school, that would be something. But everyone has to go their own way." (HSB)
"It was a dream for me. Since I was young, I wanted to play for the Warriors." (HA)
About how they would have supported Kimo no matter where he went, but this makes traveling to his games much easier, Kimo's father James Makaula said:
"It didn't matter where he went. We still would have traveled there. This decision makes it totally a lot simpler." (HA)
About how Mack is shifting him from QB to DE, the 6'3", 225-pound Kimo said:
"Coach (Greg) McMackin said he feels more comfortable with me there." (HA)
Kimo said that he has:
"always been a UH fan. I went to pretty much all of the games. Last season was great, and I'm excited that coach Mack is the head coach." (HA)
"It has been a dream to play at home and I am thankful Coach McMackin and his staff have made this possible for me. I can play on both sides of the ball, but Coach wants me as a defensive end, so that's what I'm going to focus on at UH. Whatever the coaches want." (HSB)
HA Note: "He said he was inspired when McMackin addressed the campers last week. He also said he received positive feedback in e-mail exchanges."
About his belief in Mack, Kimo said:
"After speaking to coach Mack, he made me feel that Hawai'i is my home, and playing for Hawai'i is what I wanted to do. ... I know coach Mack will have a good team this year. I'm excited for that." (HA)
About how Kimo wants to be a part of the Warriors, James said:
"He wants to be part of the program and what they're trying to do. They're moving in a positive direction." (HA)
Note: HSB reports that Kimo also had an offer from UNLV.
About his Punahou teammates Te'o, Hilliard, and Shutter (all have offers from UH), Kimo said:
"We've talked about how fun it would be if we all went to the same school, if it were UH or another school, that would be something. But everyone has to go their own way." (HSB)
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Feature article on Corey Nielsen
LBPT = Long Beach Press-Telegram
About how he knew that he'd found the right college for him when he attended the UH Football Skills Camp last week, Corey said:
"It was just like going home. It was an easy decision." (LBPT)
LBPT Note: "Gahr High quarterback Corey Nielsen didn't have to choose the University of Hawaii. He had scholarship offers from Arizona, Idaho and UNLV as well. And with a 4.0 GPA, Nielsen was giving a few Ivy League schools a look."
LBPT Note: "Nielsen said new Hawaii coach Greg McMackin offered him a scholarship last Tuesday and Nielsen accepted Wednesday. Nielsen, who will begin his senior season at Gahr in September, threw for a state-leading 4,363 yards and 35 touchdowns with just five interceptions last season. He was selected MVP of the San Gabriel Valley League and was an All-CIF first-team pick. Hawaii had a bit of a head start in the recruitment of Nielsen. The youngster has made many trips to the islands to visit a large extended family in Oahu, and he's been a Hawaii fan since the early years of record-setting quarterback Timmy Chang."
LBPT Note: "The fact that McMackin has no plans to scrap Hawaii's pass-happy offense - former coach June Jones left to take over at Southern Methodist in January - didn't hurt, either."
About how his offense in high school is similar to the run-and-shoot, Corey said:
"(The run-and-shoot) is really similar to our offense at Gahr." (LBPT)
About how UH primarily using the shotgun will help the 5'11" QB, Corey said:
"I'm not the typical 6-3, 6-4 quarterback." (LBPT)
LBPT Note: "By committing early, Nielsen hopes he can focus solely on his senior prep season. Gahr made huge strides in 2007 with a second-place finish in the SGVL, a CIF-SS Western Division semifinal appearance and a school-record 10 wins."
About how committing to UH early makes things easier for his senior season, Corey said:
"(Committing early) makes my life easier. Now I won't have to worry about what's happening (in recruiting next season)." (LBPT)
About how he knew that he'd found the right college for him when he attended the UH Football Skills Camp last week, Corey said:
"It was just like going home. It was an easy decision." (LBPT)
LBPT Note: "Gahr High quarterback Corey Nielsen didn't have to choose the University of Hawaii. He had scholarship offers from Arizona, Idaho and UNLV as well. And with a 4.0 GPA, Nielsen was giving a few Ivy League schools a look."
LBPT Note: "Nielsen said new Hawaii coach Greg McMackin offered him a scholarship last Tuesday and Nielsen accepted Wednesday. Nielsen, who will begin his senior season at Gahr in September, threw for a state-leading 4,363 yards and 35 touchdowns with just five interceptions last season. He was selected MVP of the San Gabriel Valley League and was an All-CIF first-team pick. Hawaii had a bit of a head start in the recruitment of Nielsen. The youngster has made many trips to the islands to visit a large extended family in Oahu, and he's been a Hawaii fan since the early years of record-setting quarterback Timmy Chang."
LBPT Note: "The fact that McMackin has no plans to scrap Hawaii's pass-happy offense - former coach June Jones left to take over at Southern Methodist in January - didn't hurt, either."
About how his offense in high school is similar to the run-and-shoot, Corey said:
"(The run-and-shoot) is really similar to our offense at Gahr." (LBPT)
About how UH primarily using the shotgun will help the 5'11" QB, Corey said:
"I'm not the typical 6-3, 6-4 quarterback." (LBPT)
LBPT Note: "By committing early, Nielsen hopes he can focus solely on his senior prep season. Gahr made huge strides in 2007 with a second-place finish in the SGVL, a CIF-SS Western Division semifinal appearance and a school-record 10 wins."
About how committing to UH early makes things easier for his senior season, Corey said:
"(Committing early) makes my life easier. Now I won't have to worry about what's happening (in recruiting next season)." (LBPT)
Monday, July 21, 2008
Feature on Colt's first practice with Washington
About the UH fans that showed up to watch his first practice, Colt said:
"That was a great experience to see them. I was really surprised (by the size of the crowd). I knew there would be a lot of fans, but it's kind of amazing. We were doing routes — there's no defense — you complete a pass, and the place goes crazy." (HA)
Looking forward to showing what he could do now that he's medically cleared for practice, Colt said:
"Today for the first time I was really pushing it, and my hip was holding up fine. Everything felt really good." (HA)
About Colt's adjustment to their system, head coach Jim Zorn said:
"He's very awkward just because everything is new to him, dropping back in a disciplined manner, getting the ball, being efficient with his feet and how to hand the ball off, even reaching underneath the center, being quiet underneath the center. He's learning right now, and I'd say he's got a long way to go, but I like what I see." (HA)
About how Zorn is concerned with their footwork being precisely correct, backup QB Todd Collins said:
"In a disciplined system like this, especially with Coach Zorn, he wants the steps to be exact. Everyone is different, but he wants everyone's technique to look the same. ... (Brennan's) footwork and his release is a little bit unorthodox, but that's not necessarily a bad thing." (HA)
HA Note: "Having played almost exclusively out of the shotgun in college, Brennan is adjusting to being under center. His hip injury also led to some bad habits that he's trying to correct."
About how things are different with Washington's system than any other systems he's been in, Colt said:
"What (Zorn has his quarterbacks do) under center is a lot different than the generic under center. I grew up my whole life running under center and I thought it would be like just jump back into it, and I come to find out we run things a little bit different than everybody else. It's definitely a learning process." (HA)
Impressed with Colt's arm strength but mentioning that Colt has a lot he needs to learn, WR Burl Toler said:
"Guys joke with him in the huddle because sometimes he calls the wrong formation, but for the most part he's doing a great job." (HA)
HA Note: "Brennan seems to be adjusting well to his new team. He's even gotten a nickname from his teammates, who are calling him "McGarrett" after the Jack Lord character in "Hawaii Five-0.""
"That was a great experience to see them. I was really surprised (by the size of the crowd). I knew there would be a lot of fans, but it's kind of amazing. We were doing routes — there's no defense — you complete a pass, and the place goes crazy." (HA)
Looking forward to showing what he could do now that he's medically cleared for practice, Colt said:
"Today for the first time I was really pushing it, and my hip was holding up fine. Everything felt really good." (HA)
About Colt's adjustment to their system, head coach Jim Zorn said:
"He's very awkward just because everything is new to him, dropping back in a disciplined manner, getting the ball, being efficient with his feet and how to hand the ball off, even reaching underneath the center, being quiet underneath the center. He's learning right now, and I'd say he's got a long way to go, but I like what I see." (HA)
About how Zorn is concerned with their footwork being precisely correct, backup QB Todd Collins said:
"In a disciplined system like this, especially with Coach Zorn, he wants the steps to be exact. Everyone is different, but he wants everyone's technique to look the same. ... (Brennan's) footwork and his release is a little bit unorthodox, but that's not necessarily a bad thing." (HA)
HA Note: "Having played almost exclusively out of the shotgun in college, Brennan is adjusting to being under center. His hip injury also led to some bad habits that he's trying to correct."
About how things are different with Washington's system than any other systems he's been in, Colt said:
"What (Zorn has his quarterbacks do) under center is a lot different than the generic under center. I grew up my whole life running under center and I thought it would be like just jump back into it, and I come to find out we run things a little bit different than everybody else. It's definitely a learning process." (HA)
Impressed with Colt's arm strength but mentioning that Colt has a lot he needs to learn, WR Burl Toler said:
"Guys joke with him in the huddle because sometimes he calls the wrong formation, but for the most part he's doing a great job." (HA)
HA Note: "Brennan seems to be adjusting well to his new team. He's even gotten a nickname from his teammates, who are calling him "McGarrett" after the Jack Lord character in "Hawaii Five-0.""
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Feature on Leon Wright-Jackson
About how he was taught to follow his instincts, LWJ said:
"My high school coach would tell me, 'Don't think so much.' He would tell me, 'The play's designed to go to the right, but if you see a hole in the middle or a cutback to the left, just do it and make sure you do it fast.' " (HSB)
HSB Note: "Trusting those instincts resulted in a 47-yard touchdown run against Louisiana Tech, in which Wright-Jackson followed his blockers, then spotted a seam in the defense and showed off the speed that helped him attain Parade All-America status at Pasco High in Washington. Wright-Jackson reached the end zone just one other time that sophomore season and played sparingly down the stretch. This summer, he's approaching his second fall camp in Manoa more comfortable in his role."
About how LWJ and Libre as competing for the starting RB spot, RB coach Alex Gerke said:
"Right now, those guys (Wright-Jackson and Libre) are split at one. It'll be a great battle between those two in fall camp. One day one guy will run with the ones, another day the other guy will run with the ones. We'll grade them out and whoever has the best day is going to keep running with the ones." (HSB)
About how he feels good about prospects for this season, LWJ said:
"I think I have the confidence back that I was looking for." (HSB)
About how he's changed since high school, LWJ said:
"I feel like I'm a completely different person. When I first got into college I was a little jittery and letting things get the best of me. Now I'm calm and just taking it day-by-day." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Wright-Jackson, then simply Leon Jackson, blazed to Parade All-America honors at Pasco (Wash.) High School and was a prized part of Nebraska's recruiting class in 2005. But after shuffling among running back, safety and receiver, he found Cornhusker red an uncomfortable fit and left after one season. He returned home to attend Columbia Basin Community College in Pasco, and after not playing in 2006, he received an unexpected opportunity to resume his career in Hawaii."
About playing at UH after leaving Nebraska, LWJ said:
"It was something I had to prove, not to anybody, mostly just to myself, that I wasn't going to give up after I left Nebraska. A lot of people probably thought that was it after I left Nebraska and nobody was interested in me. I kept looking for schools and I didn't think Hawaii even knew about me. But Coach (Rich) Miano called me and I jumped aboard as fast as possible because I knew the success the school was going through and I wanted to be a part of that." (HSB)
About adding Wright to his name before he joined UH, LWJ said:
"I looked at it as a new era. I'm not going to look back in the past. There was some success, but the past is the past ... and I have to keep moving forward." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Wright-Jackson (who measures in at 6-foot-1 and 220 pounds) regularly studies film of backs who share his attributes as a taller, long-striding runner -- such as Adrian Peterson, Darren McFadden, Eric Dickerson and Eddie George -- and implemented some of Peterson's training techniques to his regimen to build greater explosiveness into his game."
About how the new offense could be good for his game, LWJ said:
"(The quarterback) being under center and being able to see the defense from that perspective is a lot better than being on the side of the quarterback in the shotgun. It's going to open up some holes." (HSB)
Note: If you want to see LWJ and the rest of the Warriors, you can get college football tickets from this site and go to the home and road games.
About how he was too critical about himself last season, LWJ said:
"Coach (June) Jones would try to tell me, 'you're fine, just relax.' But for some reason I was just harder on myself. It was just me trying to critique myself way too much. It's maturing. It's a slow process, but I think I've got a hold of it now." (HSB)
"My high school coach would tell me, 'Don't think so much.' He would tell me, 'The play's designed to go to the right, but if you see a hole in the middle or a cutback to the left, just do it and make sure you do it fast.' " (HSB)
HSB Note: "Trusting those instincts resulted in a 47-yard touchdown run against Louisiana Tech, in which Wright-Jackson followed his blockers, then spotted a seam in the defense and showed off the speed that helped him attain Parade All-America status at Pasco High in Washington. Wright-Jackson reached the end zone just one other time that sophomore season and played sparingly down the stretch. This summer, he's approaching his second fall camp in Manoa more comfortable in his role."
About how LWJ and Libre as competing for the starting RB spot, RB coach Alex Gerke said:
"Right now, those guys (Wright-Jackson and Libre) are split at one. It'll be a great battle between those two in fall camp. One day one guy will run with the ones, another day the other guy will run with the ones. We'll grade them out and whoever has the best day is going to keep running with the ones." (HSB)
About how he feels good about prospects for this season, LWJ said:
"I think I have the confidence back that I was looking for." (HSB)
About how he's changed since high school, LWJ said:
"I feel like I'm a completely different person. When I first got into college I was a little jittery and letting things get the best of me. Now I'm calm and just taking it day-by-day." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Wright-Jackson, then simply Leon Jackson, blazed to Parade All-America honors at Pasco (Wash.) High School and was a prized part of Nebraska's recruiting class in 2005. But after shuffling among running back, safety and receiver, he found Cornhusker red an uncomfortable fit and left after one season. He returned home to attend Columbia Basin Community College in Pasco, and after not playing in 2006, he received an unexpected opportunity to resume his career in Hawaii."
About playing at UH after leaving Nebraska, LWJ said:
"It was something I had to prove, not to anybody, mostly just to myself, that I wasn't going to give up after I left Nebraska. A lot of people probably thought that was it after I left Nebraska and nobody was interested in me. I kept looking for schools and I didn't think Hawaii even knew about me. But Coach (Rich) Miano called me and I jumped aboard as fast as possible because I knew the success the school was going through and I wanted to be a part of that." (HSB)
About adding Wright to his name before he joined UH, LWJ said:
"I looked at it as a new era. I'm not going to look back in the past. There was some success, but the past is the past ... and I have to keep moving forward." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Wright-Jackson (who measures in at 6-foot-1 and 220 pounds) regularly studies film of backs who share his attributes as a taller, long-striding runner -- such as Adrian Peterson, Darren McFadden, Eric Dickerson and Eddie George -- and implemented some of Peterson's training techniques to his regimen to build greater explosiveness into his game."
About how the new offense could be good for his game, LWJ said:
"(The quarterback) being under center and being able to see the defense from that perspective is a lot better than being on the side of the quarterback in the shotgun. It's going to open up some holes." (HSB)
Note: If you want to see LWJ and the rest of the Warriors, you can get college football tickets from this site and go to the home and road games.
About how he was too critical about himself last season, LWJ said:
"Coach (June) Jones would try to tell me, 'you're fine, just relax.' But for some reason I was just harder on myself. It was just me trying to critique myself way too much. It's maturing. It's a slow process, but I think I've got a hold of it now." (HSB)
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Quotes from the Hawaii Football Skills Camp
HSB Note: "Yesterday, McMackin spoke to hundreds of aspiring young football players at the Hawaii Football Skills Camp, and he passed around his Sugar Bowl ring for them to see what hard work can do. McMackin talked to the youths about how the Warriors came back to beat San Jose State and Washington to keep alive their unbeaten regular season last year against daunting odds."
Relating UH's comeback to the kids at their camp, Mack said:
"You have the power inside you to make it happen. Don't ever let anyone tell you you don't." (HSB)
About how there really is no offseason for football anymore, Mack said:
"That's what I've found. But it's fast and fun. Just like this camp. The most important thing is we wanted the kids to have fun." (HSB)
Happy with the attitude of their campers, Mack said:
"The attitude has been outstanding from the kids." (HSB)
Pleased with what they have accomplished since he took over at UH, Mack said:
"I feel really good as far as we've accomplished a lot of things. Getting Jim Donovan as athletic director has been a big plus. I've been meeting with Under Armour the past two days. We've recruited a staff, recruited players, spring ball, summer school, raising money. On Aug. 19 we have a women's football clinic, hosted by my wife, Heather. And then we have our own camp. And then we play Florida." (HSB)
About how their coaches have been working together, Mack said:
"I want to go over philosophy, our coaching routine, fundamentals and drills for our camp. We have a lot to do. The staff has been breaking down Florida, Weber State and Oregon State." (HSB)
About his interest in UH despite his commit to New Mexico, Punahou QB Cayman Shutter said:
"I still consider (the New Mexico commitment) solid. But this is something I've really got to look at. UH is the one school I would consider de-committing for." (HSB)
HSB Note: "The skill camp ended yesterday with 7-on-7 drills. On the final play, Shutter lofted a beautiful long pass to the speedy Stutzmann, who gathered it in behind the defense despite having to run up a hill to get it."
Praising Shutter's passing, Billy Ray Stutzmann said:
"He has a nice release. The ball just floats. I'm going to talk to him about (signing with UH)." (HSB)
HSB Note: "McMackin is not allowed by NCAA rules to speak on individual recruits. But he did say 24 scholarship offers are out for the incoming class of 2009. Jones had begun to recruit earlier in his last year, but nothing of this scale (which is standard procedure at most schools)."
About how camps are not just for recruiting, Mack said:
"We wanted to do our fundamentals and techniques that we teach here. The assistants that aren't on our staff, our staff taught them what we want to do. We wanted to have (student-athlete consultant) Doris Sullivan come over and teach them about drugs and alcohol awareness and also what you have to do to get into college. Academics is important, we wanted to stress that. The attitude has been outstanding from the kids." (HSB)
Relating UH's comeback to the kids at their camp, Mack said:
"You have the power inside you to make it happen. Don't ever let anyone tell you you don't." (HSB)
About how there really is no offseason for football anymore, Mack said:
"That's what I've found. But it's fast and fun. Just like this camp. The most important thing is we wanted the kids to have fun." (HSB)
Happy with the attitude of their campers, Mack said:
"The attitude has been outstanding from the kids." (HSB)
Pleased with what they have accomplished since he took over at UH, Mack said:
"I feel really good as far as we've accomplished a lot of things. Getting Jim Donovan as athletic director has been a big plus. I've been meeting with Under Armour the past two days. We've recruited a staff, recruited players, spring ball, summer school, raising money. On Aug. 19 we have a women's football clinic, hosted by my wife, Heather. And then we have our own camp. And then we play Florida." (HSB)
About how their coaches have been working together, Mack said:
"I want to go over philosophy, our coaching routine, fundamentals and drills for our camp. We have a lot to do. The staff has been breaking down Florida, Weber State and Oregon State." (HSB)
About his interest in UH despite his commit to New Mexico, Punahou QB Cayman Shutter said:
"I still consider (the New Mexico commitment) solid. But this is something I've really got to look at. UH is the one school I would consider de-committing for." (HSB)
HSB Note: "The skill camp ended yesterday with 7-on-7 drills. On the final play, Shutter lofted a beautiful long pass to the speedy Stutzmann, who gathered it in behind the defense despite having to run up a hill to get it."
Praising Shutter's passing, Billy Ray Stutzmann said:
"He has a nice release. The ball just floats. I'm going to talk to him about (signing with UH)." (HSB)
HSB Note: "McMackin is not allowed by NCAA rules to speak on individual recruits. But he did say 24 scholarship offers are out for the incoming class of 2009. Jones had begun to recruit earlier in his last year, but nothing of this scale (which is standard procedure at most schools)."
About how camps are not just for recruiting, Mack said:
"We wanted to do our fundamentals and techniques that we teach here. The assistants that aren't on our staff, our staff taught them what we want to do. We wanted to have (student-athlete consultant) Doris Sullivan come over and teach them about drugs and alcohol awareness and also what you have to do to get into college. Academics is important, we wanted to stress that. The attitude has been outstanding from the kids." (HSB)
Friday, July 18, 2008
Bess and Leonard Peters helped out with UH's camp
HSB Note: "Bess and Peters were among the Warriors alumni working at the Hawaii Football Skills Camp yesterday with Bess closing the session with a talk stressing the importance of education."
About helping out at UH's camp before returning to the Dolphins, Bess said:
"It just feels good to give back. I love to come back and show my support for these kids." (HSB)
About how he benefitted from the workouts with the Dolphins, Bess said:
"I think (the workouts) helped a lot in giving me my confidence to go into training camp ready to play. I'm pretty comfortable with the offense and knowing what's at stake." (HSB)
About how Samson and Reagan helped him adjust to the Dolphins, Bess said:
"Reagan and Sam are well respected on the team, so for them to take me in as a little brother I'm happy about that and just can't wait to get out there and get things rolling." (HSB)
About helping the kids this week at the camp, Leonard Peters said:
"It's great to see the kids. There's so much talent here and coming here and showing what they can do. They get to compete against the best on the island." (HSB)
About how they emphasized education to the kids at the camp, Bess said:
"Whatever you do, give 100 percent effort, on and off the field. Without grades, there's no college, there's no football, there's none of that. That was the No. 1 thing I was stressing to them." (HSB)
HSB Note: "The skills camp concludes today and UH's trio of summer clinics continues Monday with the start of the three-day Big Man Camp for offensive and defensive linemen. The kids camp drew about 500 youngsters last weekend and about 350 have attended this week's skills camp, bringing organizers within sight of their goal of 1,000 total participants as they couple football with education."
About reaching so many kids in Hawaii through their camps, Rich Miano said:
"We want to get these kids when they're in the fifth and sixth grade and talking about academics and staying in school and being around good people. By the time you're a (high school) sophomore it's too late with the core requirements you have to pass. If you do bad your freshman and sophomore years, you're not going to a Division I college. You have to get these kids in intermediate school to realize the importance of their freshman year in high school." (HSB)
About how he's learned a lot about UH's offense and QB skills at the camp, Leilehua QB Andrew Manley said:
"I've learned a lot about the UH offense and just how to throw the ball and when to throw the ball, how to read defenses. It's helped a lot." (HSB)
About how Brad Kalilimoku and Timo Paepule have been teaching the campers the ha'a, Miano said:
"They're getting into it and learning it,. Coach (Greg McMackin's) going to be shocked tomorrow because they're going to put on a show." (HSB)
About how he's recognized now that he led Leilehua to a state championship after being brought up from JV during the OIA playoffs (he led Leilehua to 5 straight wins), Manley said:
"It's weird now -- everybody's like 'what's up Drew,' and I don't even know half of them. It's been fun; I'm having a good time with it, but I'm ready to go next season." (HSB)
About helping out at UH's camp before returning to the Dolphins, Bess said:
"It just feels good to give back. I love to come back and show my support for these kids." (HSB)
About how he benefitted from the workouts with the Dolphins, Bess said:
"I think (the workouts) helped a lot in giving me my confidence to go into training camp ready to play. I'm pretty comfortable with the offense and knowing what's at stake." (HSB)
About how Samson and Reagan helped him adjust to the Dolphins, Bess said:
"Reagan and Sam are well respected on the team, so for them to take me in as a little brother I'm happy about that and just can't wait to get out there and get things rolling." (HSB)
About helping the kids this week at the camp, Leonard Peters said:
"It's great to see the kids. There's so much talent here and coming here and showing what they can do. They get to compete against the best on the island." (HSB)
About how they emphasized education to the kids at the camp, Bess said:
"Whatever you do, give 100 percent effort, on and off the field. Without grades, there's no college, there's no football, there's none of that. That was the No. 1 thing I was stressing to them." (HSB)
HSB Note: "The skills camp concludes today and UH's trio of summer clinics continues Monday with the start of the three-day Big Man Camp for offensive and defensive linemen. The kids camp drew about 500 youngsters last weekend and about 350 have attended this week's skills camp, bringing organizers within sight of their goal of 1,000 total participants as they couple football with education."
About reaching so many kids in Hawaii through their camps, Rich Miano said:
"We want to get these kids when they're in the fifth and sixth grade and talking about academics and staying in school and being around good people. By the time you're a (high school) sophomore it's too late with the core requirements you have to pass. If you do bad your freshman and sophomore years, you're not going to a Division I college. You have to get these kids in intermediate school to realize the importance of their freshman year in high school." (HSB)
About how he's learned a lot about UH's offense and QB skills at the camp, Leilehua QB Andrew Manley said:
"I've learned a lot about the UH offense and just how to throw the ball and when to throw the ball, how to read defenses. It's helped a lot." (HSB)
About how Brad Kalilimoku and Timo Paepule have been teaching the campers the ha'a, Miano said:
"They're getting into it and learning it,. Coach (Greg McMackin's) going to be shocked tomorrow because they're going to put on a show." (HSB)
About how he's recognized now that he led Leilehua to a state championship after being brought up from JV during the OIA playoffs (he led Leilehua to 5 straight wins), Manley said:
"It's weird now -- everybody's like 'what's up Drew,' and I don't even know half of them. It's been fun; I'm having a good time with it, but I'm ready to go next season." (HSB)
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Corey Nielsen commits to the Warriors!
About how his desire to go to UH has motivated him in the classroom, Corey said:
"My Auntie Pat (Chang) said if I get a 4.0 every year, she's going to send me to Hawai'i on her dime. That's been my motivation." (HA)
HA Note: "The newest future University of Hawai'i football player led all California high school quarterbacks in passing yards last season. A more significant achievement is Corey Nielsen's 4.0 cumulative grade-point average. He ranks No. 1 in his class at Gahr High in Cerritos."
About accepting a scholarship offer from UH, Corey said:
"It feels great. This feels like home already." (HA)
About making his decision on Tuesday, Corey said:
"I told my friends and family I was going to commit. They told me: 'Congratulations. I'm so excited for you. This is what you've always wanted. It finally comes true. I'm happy for you.' " (HA)
About calling Mack yesterday to tell him about his acceptance of UH's offer, Corey said:
"He was ecstatic. I was even happier. It was crazy. It all happened so fast. But it feels right." (HA)
HA Note: "Nielsen said he has followed the Warriors for several years. His mother, Cheryl, is a Punahou School graduate."
About how Corey has followed the Warriors for a long time, his father Don Nakaya Nielsen (former world kick-boxing champion) said:
"We go to Hawai'i a lot. He's been exposed to UH football for a long time." (HA)
About how Nielsen's grandmother videotapes all of the Warriors' games that past few seasons and Chang delivers the videos during frequent visits to California, Don said:
"We've been doing that for years. We have a system." (HA)
HA Note: "In March, Nielsen accompanied his uncle, Jon Nielsen, to UH's Pro Day in Carson, Calif. Nielsen met his idol, Colt Brennan, and slotbacks Davone Bess and Ryan Grice-Mullins."
About meeting Colt, Bess, and RGM at UH's Pro Day, Corey said:
"Colt's a cool dude. I got to hang out with Ryan and Davone. It was all good." (HA)
About how Chang sent him UH T-shirts, Corey said:
"I'd wear them at school. Everybody would say, 'Where'd you get that?' Nobody wears it back home. It was good to wear." (HA)
HA Note: "Last season, Nielsen passed for 4,363 yards and 35 touchdowns. He was named to the All-California Interscholastic Federation's first team. Nielsen has received scholarship offers from Arizona, Nevada-Las Vegas and Idaho. He chose: None of the Above."
About how he wanted to be a Warrior, Corey said:
"Hawai'i was always No. 1. I liked Hawai'i since I was a little kid. I always said: 'I want to be a Warrior.' Now, to finally be a Warrior, it feels great. No words can explain it." (HA)
"It was always a goal to come to UH, they've been my number one school for a long time. So when they offered I couldn't pass it up." (HSB)
"I've been a big fan ever since Timmy Chang was here and I'm excited to be a part of the Coach Mack era. I was watching every game. I had my grandma tape the games for me and send them back so I knew what was going on." (HSB)
The 5'11", 185-pound Corey said that he hopes to:
"grow a little bit this year." (HA)
About attending UH's camp, Corey said:
"It always an audition when you're in front of coaches, when they see you in person and see what you can do." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Nielsen, a 4.0 student, was named most valuable player of the San Gabriel League and said Gahr runs a similar passing attack to UH's run-and-shoot system. He completed 65 percent of his passes and went 21-for-23 with six scores in a season-opening win over Valley Christian last September."
About meeting Billy Ray at the camp, Corey said:
"He was real cool. I'm happy he committed so we'll be going to school together." (HSB)
"My Auntie Pat (Chang) said if I get a 4.0 every year, she's going to send me to Hawai'i on her dime. That's been my motivation." (HA)
HA Note: "The newest future University of Hawai'i football player led all California high school quarterbacks in passing yards last season. A more significant achievement is Corey Nielsen's 4.0 cumulative grade-point average. He ranks No. 1 in his class at Gahr High in Cerritos."
About accepting a scholarship offer from UH, Corey said:
"It feels great. This feels like home already." (HA)
About making his decision on Tuesday, Corey said:
"I told my friends and family I was going to commit. They told me: 'Congratulations. I'm so excited for you. This is what you've always wanted. It finally comes true. I'm happy for you.' " (HA)
About calling Mack yesterday to tell him about his acceptance of UH's offer, Corey said:
"He was ecstatic. I was even happier. It was crazy. It all happened so fast. But it feels right." (HA)
HA Note: "Nielsen said he has followed the Warriors for several years. His mother, Cheryl, is a Punahou School graduate."
About how Corey has followed the Warriors for a long time, his father Don Nakaya Nielsen (former world kick-boxing champion) said:
"We go to Hawai'i a lot. He's been exposed to UH football for a long time." (HA)
About how Nielsen's grandmother videotapes all of the Warriors' games that past few seasons and Chang delivers the videos during frequent visits to California, Don said:
"We've been doing that for years. We have a system." (HA)
HA Note: "In March, Nielsen accompanied his uncle, Jon Nielsen, to UH's Pro Day in Carson, Calif. Nielsen met his idol, Colt Brennan, and slotbacks Davone Bess and Ryan Grice-Mullins."
About meeting Colt, Bess, and RGM at UH's Pro Day, Corey said:
"Colt's a cool dude. I got to hang out with Ryan and Davone. It was all good." (HA)
About how Chang sent him UH T-shirts, Corey said:
"I'd wear them at school. Everybody would say, 'Where'd you get that?' Nobody wears it back home. It was good to wear." (HA)
HA Note: "Last season, Nielsen passed for 4,363 yards and 35 touchdowns. He was named to the All-California Interscholastic Federation's first team. Nielsen has received scholarship offers from Arizona, Nevada-Las Vegas and Idaho. He chose: None of the Above."
About how he wanted to be a Warrior, Corey said:
"Hawai'i was always No. 1. I liked Hawai'i since I was a little kid. I always said: 'I want to be a Warrior.' Now, to finally be a Warrior, it feels great. No words can explain it." (HA)
"It was always a goal to come to UH, they've been my number one school for a long time. So when they offered I couldn't pass it up." (HSB)
"I've been a big fan ever since Timmy Chang was here and I'm excited to be a part of the Coach Mack era. I was watching every game. I had my grandma tape the games for me and send them back so I knew what was going on." (HSB)
The 5'11", 185-pound Corey said that he hopes to:
"grow a little bit this year." (HA)
About attending UH's camp, Corey said:
"It always an audition when you're in front of coaches, when they see you in person and see what you can do." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Nielsen, a 4.0 student, was named most valuable player of the San Gabriel League and said Gahr runs a similar passing attack to UH's run-and-shoot system. He completed 65 percent of his passes and went 21-for-23 with six scores in a season-opening win over Valley Christian last September."
About meeting Billy Ray at the camp, Corey said:
"He was real cool. I'm happy he committed so we'll be going to school together." (HSB)
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Feature on the UH Coaches' Skills Camp
About how he attended the Arizona, Nike Elite, and All-Poly football camps but only the UH camp offered a lesson in the ha'a, Punahou QB Kimo Makaula said:
"That was pretty good. It was good to learn our heritage." (HA)
HA Note: "This camp — for quarterbacks, running backs, receivers, linebackers and defensive backs — runs through Friday. There were about 350 participants, including many of the state's top prospects, for yesterday's two-hour session."
About coming from the mainland for the camp, QB Corey Nielsen (a lifelong Warrior fan) said:
"I love Hawai'i. I can't get enough of it. My mom went to Punahou, so I've got some local ties. To be here, it feels like home already." (HA)
HA Note: "Nielsen, who will be a senior at Gahr High School, led California quarterbacks with 4,363 passing yards last season. He threw 35 scoring passes. Gahr employs an offense that is similar to the Warriors' four-wide attack."
About how he tries to emulate Colt, Nielsen said:
"My grandma taped all of the (UH) games for me, so I've been watching. I'm always asking: 'What's CB doing this week?' " (HA)
About how he's already attracted interest from several colleges, Mililani RB/WR Taz Stevenson (a 2010 recruit) said:
"I've got a couple of years to see my options." (HA)
About how he learned at the camp, Taz said:
"The drills were good. It's been fun." (HA)
Kailua QB Kenny Ellis (6'5", 225-pounds) signed up for the camp to:
"try to get better at my position." (HA)
About learning footwork from Nick Rolovich and Jack Rolovich, Ellis said:
"This is really going to help me." (HA)
Hoping to get UH's recruiting interest, Ellis said:
"I would like to play for Hawai'i. I'm going to work for that." (HA)
About committing to UH, Billy Ray (who was at the camp) said:
"It feels good to get all of that stuff off of me. It feels like a whole weight has been lifted off of my shoulders. It's been an unbelievable experience." (HA)
HA Note: "Stutzmann displayed quickness — he can run 100 meters in 10.7 seconds — during passing drills, despite not fully recovered from a tight hamstring."
About how he needs to keep working hard on rehabbing his hamstring, Billy Ray said:
"I have to keep working on it. I want to be ready for the start of the season." (HA)
About how UH's camp was comparable to the others he attended on the mainland, Makaula (who has 4 offers already) said:
"The competition is the same. It's very good." (HA)
Pearl City incoming freshman Jayden Zadlo discussed why he attended the camp:
"I came here to work on my skills and try to learn things and get better." (HA)
HA Note: "Zadlo took part in the ha'a, which was taught by this version's creator, former UH linebacker Brad Kalilimoku."
About the ha'a at their camp, Rich Miano said:
"This has to be the only camp that does the ha'a. It was pretty good for the first day. Wait until the fourth day. Those guys are going to look like true Warriors. Right now they're Warriors in training." (HA)
"That was pretty good. It was good to learn our heritage." (HA)
HA Note: "This camp — for quarterbacks, running backs, receivers, linebackers and defensive backs — runs through Friday. There were about 350 participants, including many of the state's top prospects, for yesterday's two-hour session."
About coming from the mainland for the camp, QB Corey Nielsen (a lifelong Warrior fan) said:
"I love Hawai'i. I can't get enough of it. My mom went to Punahou, so I've got some local ties. To be here, it feels like home already." (HA)
HA Note: "Nielsen, who will be a senior at Gahr High School, led California quarterbacks with 4,363 passing yards last season. He threw 35 scoring passes. Gahr employs an offense that is similar to the Warriors' four-wide attack."
About how he tries to emulate Colt, Nielsen said:
"My grandma taped all of the (UH) games for me, so I've been watching. I'm always asking: 'What's CB doing this week?' " (HA)
About how he's already attracted interest from several colleges, Mililani RB/WR Taz Stevenson (a 2010 recruit) said:
"I've got a couple of years to see my options." (HA)
About how he learned at the camp, Taz said:
"The drills were good. It's been fun." (HA)
Kailua QB Kenny Ellis (6'5", 225-pounds) signed up for the camp to:
"try to get better at my position." (HA)
About learning footwork from Nick Rolovich and Jack Rolovich, Ellis said:
"This is really going to help me." (HA)
Hoping to get UH's recruiting interest, Ellis said:
"I would like to play for Hawai'i. I'm going to work for that." (HA)
About committing to UH, Billy Ray (who was at the camp) said:
"It feels good to get all of that stuff off of me. It feels like a whole weight has been lifted off of my shoulders. It's been an unbelievable experience." (HA)
HA Note: "Stutzmann displayed quickness — he can run 100 meters in 10.7 seconds — during passing drills, despite not fully recovered from a tight hamstring."
About how he needs to keep working hard on rehabbing his hamstring, Billy Ray said:
"I have to keep working on it. I want to be ready for the start of the season." (HA)
About how UH's camp was comparable to the others he attended on the mainland, Makaula (who has 4 offers already) said:
"The competition is the same. It's very good." (HA)
Pearl City incoming freshman Jayden Zadlo discussed why he attended the camp:
"I came here to work on my skills and try to learn things and get better." (HA)
HA Note: "Zadlo took part in the ha'a, which was taught by this version's creator, former UH linebacker Brad Kalilimoku."
About the ha'a at their camp, Rich Miano said:
"This has to be the only camp that does the ha'a. It was pretty good for the first day. Wait until the fourth day. Those guys are going to look like true Warriors. Right now they're Warriors in training." (HA)
Colt does not regret returning for his senior season
About how he does not second-guess his decision to return for his senior season, Colt said:
"No way." (HA)
Colt said that his decision to return to UH:
"never came down to the money."
HA Note: "But once the rookie that Redskin veterans have come to nickname "McGarrett" got a look at the check and had an opportunity to compare pay days, rides and portfolios with other players, you wondered if there would be second thoughts? After all in the NFL, unlike many other pro leagues, the signing bonus is one of the few things that is guaranteed. For all the gloss of a reported $1.8 million, four-year contract and prospects of a first-year salary of $295,000 and escalation to $555,00 on the fourth year, only the signing bonus is assured. Everything else depends on performance, perception and health. The employment agency can be a ligament — or free agent signing— away."
Colt said that the 2007 season was worth any financial hit he took for coming back, Colt said:
"What (that season) meant to me, the team and for the state was something. We got to do something tremendous. We were one game away from living the (unbeaten season) fantasy. The team, the love and respect of the fans, meant more to me." (HA)
HA Note: "A magical time filled with memories that, apparently, money couldn't buy. And, now, seven months later, a reminder of why its leader had been so special, too."
"No way." (HA)
Colt said that his decision to return to UH:
"never came down to the money."
HA Note: "But once the rookie that Redskin veterans have come to nickname "McGarrett" got a look at the check and had an opportunity to compare pay days, rides and portfolios with other players, you wondered if there would be second thoughts? After all in the NFL, unlike many other pro leagues, the signing bonus is one of the few things that is guaranteed. For all the gloss of a reported $1.8 million, four-year contract and prospects of a first-year salary of $295,000 and escalation to $555,00 on the fourth year, only the signing bonus is assured. Everything else depends on performance, perception and health. The employment agency can be a ligament — or free agent signing— away."
Colt said that the 2007 season was worth any financial hit he took for coming back, Colt said:
"What (that season) meant to me, the team and for the state was something. We got to do something tremendous. We were one game away from living the (unbeaten season) fantasy. The team, the love and respect of the fans, meant more to me." (HA)
HA Note: "A magical time filled with memories that, apparently, money couldn't buy. And, now, seven months later, a reminder of why its leader had been so special, too."
Anheuser-Busch will help fund UH Athletic facilities!
About the donation towards their athletic facilities, JD said:
"We truly appreciate Anheuser-Busch Sales of Hawai'i generating funds for UH athletics facilities improvements. They are already a top-level member of our corporate partner program and now they are stepping up to support this worthwhile cause as well. This is just another clear indication of the dedication and loyalty they have for UH athletics." (HA)
HA Note: "From July 16 to Nov. 30, sales from Anheuser-Busch will help fund improvements to UH athletic facilities. Anheuser-Busch Sales of Hawai'i will donate 25 cents from every case of Budweiser, Bud Light, and Bud Select products sold across the state, in an amount up to $100,000."
Proud to be able to help UH Athletics, Chad Hoffmeister, Anheuser-Busch Hawaii VP and GM said:
"As a proud platinum-level corporate partner of UH athletics for many years, Anheuser-Busch sales of Hawai'i encourages Warrior fans across the state to 'Get in the Game' and continue their tremendous support of UH's athletics program." (HA)
"We truly appreciate Anheuser-Busch Sales of Hawai'i generating funds for UH athletics facilities improvements. They are already a top-level member of our corporate partner program and now they are stepping up to support this worthwhile cause as well. This is just another clear indication of the dedication and loyalty they have for UH athletics." (HA)
HA Note: "From July 16 to Nov. 30, sales from Anheuser-Busch will help fund improvements to UH athletic facilities. Anheuser-Busch Sales of Hawai'i will donate 25 cents from every case of Budweiser, Bud Light, and Bud Select products sold across the state, in an amount up to $100,000."
Proud to be able to help UH Athletics, Chad Hoffmeister, Anheuser-Busch Hawaii VP and GM said:
"As a proud platinum-level corporate partner of UH athletics for many years, Anheuser-Busch sales of Hawai'i encourages Warrior fans across the state to 'Get in the Game' and continue their tremendous support of UH's athletics program." (HA)
Feature on Tony Tuioti
About coming back to Hawaii to work with Mack, Tuioti said:
"I look at (McMackin) as a mentor. So when the call was made for me to come out here it was a no-brainer. So I'm just excited to be here and be able to help out and be a part of a program that I love." (HSB)
About leaving Vegas after spending 3 years settling in there with his wife and 6 kids, Tuioti said:
"It was tough to leave. But the only thing that would bring me back home was to be able to work for the alma mater, especially to be able to work for Coach Mack." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Tuioti's hiring as the Warriors' director of football player personnel was officially announced yesterday and, though much of his first day of work was spent helping out at the UH Skills Camp, his primary duties will be coordinating the Warriors coaching staff's recruiting efforts and monitoring academics."
About his duties, Tuioti said:
"(The coaches) have an eye for what they want. It's working closely with Coach Mack, organizing everything for them as they go out and start recruiting. There's a lot of things just to try to make the job as seamless as possible for the coaches to allow them to do what they need to do. The big thing is to communicate with the kids. We want to keep all the local kids at home. Coach Mack expressed that time and time again, that Hawaii is the No. 1 base for us." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Tuioti played at UH from 1996 to 1999, enduring the 0-12 season in 1998 and celebrating a WAC co-championship the following year. He stayed with the program as a graduate assistant for two years and later became the head coach at Kalaheo High School, leading the Mustangs for three seasons. He then moved to Las Vegas - where both his parents and the parents of his wife, former UH volleyball player Keala (Nihipali), live - and served as defensive coordinator at Silverado High School last season."
About Tuioti, Mack said:
"Tony is the perfect person for this position. He's coached in Hawaii, California and Las Vegas and has a lot of ties with Samoa and Hawaii. Recruiting is the lifeblood of what we do here and his leadership and direction will help us in that area." (HSB)
About how Mack was concerned that he would miss not being able to coach players on the field, Tuioti said:
"That was one of (McMackin's) biggest concerns, because he knows as a coach it's kind of hard to not be so hands-on now. I understand what my role is in this program. I've always been a team player, and just to have the opportunity to work with Coach Mack and work with all the other coaches is a blessing. I'm just excited to be back. I'd come back to do anything, even if it's to water the grass." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Tuioti coached three highly regarded players at Silverado who will be in the sights of recruiters from across the country, and attracting those types of players to Manoa is part of the challenge Tuioti is looking forward to."
About recruiting players that other schools have as priorities also, Tuioti said:
"You have to be able to go out and win recruiting battles, kids that have offers with other schools. We have to win those. We're going to try to raise the bar and be competitive. The biggest thing is winning solves all problems with recruiting. The more we win, the easier it is for us to recruit and get people to come here. My job is just the organizational piece and creating a structure for our coaches to make things a lot easier for them." (HSB)
"I look at (McMackin) as a mentor. So when the call was made for me to come out here it was a no-brainer. So I'm just excited to be here and be able to help out and be a part of a program that I love." (HSB)
About leaving Vegas after spending 3 years settling in there with his wife and 6 kids, Tuioti said:
"It was tough to leave. But the only thing that would bring me back home was to be able to work for the alma mater, especially to be able to work for Coach Mack." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Tuioti's hiring as the Warriors' director of football player personnel was officially announced yesterday and, though much of his first day of work was spent helping out at the UH Skills Camp, his primary duties will be coordinating the Warriors coaching staff's recruiting efforts and monitoring academics."
About his duties, Tuioti said:
"(The coaches) have an eye for what they want. It's working closely with Coach Mack, organizing everything for them as they go out and start recruiting. There's a lot of things just to try to make the job as seamless as possible for the coaches to allow them to do what they need to do. The big thing is to communicate with the kids. We want to keep all the local kids at home. Coach Mack expressed that time and time again, that Hawaii is the No. 1 base for us." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Tuioti played at UH from 1996 to 1999, enduring the 0-12 season in 1998 and celebrating a WAC co-championship the following year. He stayed with the program as a graduate assistant for two years and later became the head coach at Kalaheo High School, leading the Mustangs for three seasons. He then moved to Las Vegas - where both his parents and the parents of his wife, former UH volleyball player Keala (Nihipali), live - and served as defensive coordinator at Silverado High School last season."
About Tuioti, Mack said:
"Tony is the perfect person for this position. He's coached in Hawaii, California and Las Vegas and has a lot of ties with Samoa and Hawaii. Recruiting is the lifeblood of what we do here and his leadership and direction will help us in that area." (HSB)
About how Mack was concerned that he would miss not being able to coach players on the field, Tuioti said:
"That was one of (McMackin's) biggest concerns, because he knows as a coach it's kind of hard to not be so hands-on now. I understand what my role is in this program. I've always been a team player, and just to have the opportunity to work with Coach Mack and work with all the other coaches is a blessing. I'm just excited to be back. I'd come back to do anything, even if it's to water the grass." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Tuioti coached three highly regarded players at Silverado who will be in the sights of recruiters from across the country, and attracting those types of players to Manoa is part of the challenge Tuioti is looking forward to."
About recruiting players that other schools have as priorities also, Tuioti said:
"You have to be able to go out and win recruiting battles, kids that have offers with other schools. We have to win those. We're going to try to raise the bar and be competitive. The biggest thing is winning solves all problems with recruiting. The more we win, the easier it is for us to recruit and get people to come here. My job is just the organizational piece and creating a structure for our coaches to make things a lot easier for them." (HSB)
Article about Billy Ray's Commitment to UH
About how Billy Ray committed early to UH, reflecting how recruiting has become so much earlier than when his son Craig played, Billy Ray's father Bill Stutzmann said:
"The whole process has changed from when Craig played," said Bill Stutzmann, the father of the duo. "Now the recruiting's pretty much done when the kids are in their junior year. Before it was the senior year was big, now it's the junior year."
HSB Note: "When Craig Stutzmann announced his intention to sign with Hawaii the day after his final high school game, his November commitment was considered pretty early by 1997 standards."
Billy Ray said about his Oregon State, Washington State, Washington, Colorado, and Notre Dame offers:
"I can put that stuff away now and keep them as souvenirs." (HSB)
About not having to worry about recruiting during his senior season, Billy Ray said:
"It feels great to get that load off my shoulders. I feel a lot more comfortable now." (HSB)
Mentioning the new facilities coming to UH about helping his decision, Billy Ray said:
"(It wasn't) a tough decision, UH had everything I wanted. The coaches, they're getting new facilities here soon, the offense, the atmosphere." (HSB)
About how Billy Ray was much more relaxed after making his commitment, Bill said:
"Honestly, I could see the change in him (Monday) night. He was more relaxed - all the hard work and sacrifice paid off." (HSB)
About working with Billy Ray while he was growing up, Craig (who is basically UH's WR coach now) said:
"I always wanted him to be better and have him set his own path. He's gone to the same schools as I did, but he's his own person. He's a special kid and he's a great student." (HSB)
About how Craig worked with Billy Ray, Bill said:
"Craig at times is hard on him, but in a positive way. There were little things that he taught Billy other kids don't really get because Craig went through it." (HSB)
Proud of his brother for planning his high school program so that he could graduate a semester early and enroll in college early, Craig said:
"To make a decision like that four years ago, that kind of commitment makes you proud as a brother. That's a pretty mature decision for someone that age."
"The whole process has changed from when Craig played," said Bill Stutzmann, the father of the duo. "Now the recruiting's pretty much done when the kids are in their junior year. Before it was the senior year was big, now it's the junior year."
HSB Note: "When Craig Stutzmann announced his intention to sign with Hawaii the day after his final high school game, his November commitment was considered pretty early by 1997 standards."
Billy Ray said about his Oregon State, Washington State, Washington, Colorado, and Notre Dame offers:
"I can put that stuff away now and keep them as souvenirs." (HSB)
About not having to worry about recruiting during his senior season, Billy Ray said:
"It feels great to get that load off my shoulders. I feel a lot more comfortable now." (HSB)
Mentioning the new facilities coming to UH about helping his decision, Billy Ray said:
"(It wasn't) a tough decision, UH had everything I wanted. The coaches, they're getting new facilities here soon, the offense, the atmosphere." (HSB)
About how Billy Ray was much more relaxed after making his commitment, Bill said:
"Honestly, I could see the change in him (Monday) night. He was more relaxed - all the hard work and sacrifice paid off." (HSB)
About working with Billy Ray while he was growing up, Craig (who is basically UH's WR coach now) said:
"I always wanted him to be better and have him set his own path. He's gone to the same schools as I did, but he's his own person. He's a special kid and he's a great student." (HSB)
About how Craig worked with Billy Ray, Bill said:
"Craig at times is hard on him, but in a positive way. There were little things that he taught Billy other kids don't really get because Craig went through it." (HSB)
Proud of his brother for planning his high school program so that he could graduate a semester early and enroll in college early, Craig said:
"To make a decision like that four years ago, that kind of commitment makes you proud as a brother. That's a pretty mature decision for someone that age."
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Billy Ray Stutzmann commits to UH!
About his commitment to UH, Billy Ray said:
"Yes, I'm going to be a Warrior." (HA)
"Everything that I wanted in a college is at UH. I just love the coaches there. I got to know all of the coaches there. They're great people and great coaches. I love what they're doing with the place. They're building all new things." (HA)
HA Note: "This is one of the earliest a prospect has committed to the Warriors, and it coincides with the hiring of Tony Tuioti as director of player personnel. Under Greg McMackin, who was hired as head coach in January, the Warriors have made a commitment to signing the state's top players."
HA Note: "Stutzmann, a 6-foot-1, 150-pound wideout, also received offers from Washington, Washington State, Oregon State, Colorado and Michigan State. A Notre Dame coach made a home visit."
Billy Ray said that it was important:
"to play in front of my family and friends. That's a big part of it." (HA)
About his older brother Craig, a former Warrior WR and a current graduate assistant (who is the WR coach), Billy Ray said:
"I watched every one of my brother's games. Ever since he went to Hawai'i, I wanted to be a part of that. He gave me a few tips." (HA)
About how Billy Ray told him the news yesterday, his father Bill said:
"He came and sat Craig and I down. Craig said: 'Just tell me why.' He rattled off some some really good, well thought-out reasons. We said, 'All right, it's your choice, go for it.' " (HA)
"I'm excited about it. I wanted him to go to UH. We're so delighted. I'm so proud of Billy." (HA)
About how the early commit takes the pressure off of his son, Bill said:
"That's another thing — getting calls and letters every day. The mailbox is always full. He doesn't even open them anymore. He can go out and have fun his senior year." (HA)
About how Billy Ray is considering graduating in December, allowing him to enroll at UH in January and participate in spring training, Bill said:
"That's another plus. He's trying to get a head start. It's a great situation." (HA)
HA Note: "He said McMackin approved his son's request to wear jersey No. 5, which will be vacated by senior slotback Michael Washington after this season."
Asked what would happen in Maiti Te'o (Billy Ray's good friend who also wears #5) asked to wear #5 also, Bill said:
"Coach Mack said (Te'o) could wear No. 5 on defense." (HA)
"Yes, I'm going to be a Warrior." (HA)
"Everything that I wanted in a college is at UH. I just love the coaches there. I got to know all of the coaches there. They're great people and great coaches. I love what they're doing with the place. They're building all new things." (HA)
HA Note: "This is one of the earliest a prospect has committed to the Warriors, and it coincides with the hiring of Tony Tuioti as director of player personnel. Under Greg McMackin, who was hired as head coach in January, the Warriors have made a commitment to signing the state's top players."
HA Note: "Stutzmann, a 6-foot-1, 150-pound wideout, also received offers from Washington, Washington State, Oregon State, Colorado and Michigan State. A Notre Dame coach made a home visit."
Billy Ray said that it was important:
"to play in front of my family and friends. That's a big part of it." (HA)
About his older brother Craig, a former Warrior WR and a current graduate assistant (who is the WR coach), Billy Ray said:
"I watched every one of my brother's games. Ever since he went to Hawai'i, I wanted to be a part of that. He gave me a few tips." (HA)
About how Billy Ray told him the news yesterday, his father Bill said:
"He came and sat Craig and I down. Craig said: 'Just tell me why.' He rattled off some some really good, well thought-out reasons. We said, 'All right, it's your choice, go for it.' " (HA)
"I'm excited about it. I wanted him to go to UH. We're so delighted. I'm so proud of Billy." (HA)
About how the early commit takes the pressure off of his son, Bill said:
"That's another thing — getting calls and letters every day. The mailbox is always full. He doesn't even open them anymore. He can go out and have fun his senior year." (HA)
About how Billy Ray is considering graduating in December, allowing him to enroll at UH in January and participate in spring training, Bill said:
"That's another plus. He's trying to get a head start. It's a great situation." (HA)
HA Note: "He said McMackin approved his son's request to wear jersey No. 5, which will be vacated by senior slotback Michael Washington after this season."
Asked what would happen in Maiti Te'o (Billy Ray's good friend who also wears #5) asked to wear #5 also, Bill said:
"Coach Mack said (Te'o) could wear No. 5 on defense." (HA)
Tony Tuioti is the Warriors Director of Player Personnel
About being hired at the Warriors' director of player personnel (serving as a coordinator for academics and recruiting), Tony Tuioti said:
"I'm grateful for the opportunity to work with coach Mack and the other coaches," Tuioti said. "They're great guys." (HA)
HA Note: "The Warriors have not had a recruiting coordinator since Bob Wagner's tenure, when Jim Cochran filled that role for a season. Cochran, now a scout for the New York Jets, was part of the coaching staff. Tuioti will be assuming a non-coaching position. With the demands of the NCAA's Academic Progress Report, which penalizes schools for failing to meet minimum scores, McMackin wanted a person to oversee the Warriors' classroom performances."
About the impact that the APR has had on recruiting, Tuiti said:
"The APR changed the way you recruit. A recruit can't just be the best athlete. He has to be a good athlete with good grades. I want to help set a standard here, that recruiting will be big and academics will be big. I want that to be the culture of our program." (HA)
HA Note: "McMackin described Tuioti as one of the keys to the Warriors' 9-4 season in 1999. Tuioti stayed on as a graduate assistant, a position that allowed him to earn a master's degree in administration. Tuioti was Kalaheo High's head coach in 2003 and 2004. His staff included former UH players Craig Stutzmann, Thero Mitchell, Jake Espiau, Alapai Andrews and Matt Wright. Tuioti and his family moved to Las Vegas in the spring of 2005. He then earned a master's degree in special education at Nevada-Las Vegas."
Tuioti said that the importance of education is:
"something that's been imbedded by my parents since I was small. ... I knew education would be a key for me, and it has been. There have been a lot of people who have helped me out." (HA)
HA Note: "Tuioti has served as defensive coordinator at Las Vegas' Silverado High School. In last year's playoffs, his team faced Chaparral High, whose offensive coordinator is Paul Nihipali, Tuioti's father-in-law."
About facing his father-in-law in the playoffs year, Tuioti said with a laugh:
"It was a little family feud. We didn't let the kids go to grandpa's house that week." (HA)
About how he and his wife Keala (a former UH volleyball player) have 6 children, Tuioti said:
"There are no more seat belts in the Yukon." (HA)
"I'm grateful for the opportunity to work with coach Mack and the other coaches," Tuioti said. "They're great guys." (HA)
HA Note: "The Warriors have not had a recruiting coordinator since Bob Wagner's tenure, when Jim Cochran filled that role for a season. Cochran, now a scout for the New York Jets, was part of the coaching staff. Tuioti will be assuming a non-coaching position. With the demands of the NCAA's Academic Progress Report, which penalizes schools for failing to meet minimum scores, McMackin wanted a person to oversee the Warriors' classroom performances."
About the impact that the APR has had on recruiting, Tuiti said:
"The APR changed the way you recruit. A recruit can't just be the best athlete. He has to be a good athlete with good grades. I want to help set a standard here, that recruiting will be big and academics will be big. I want that to be the culture of our program." (HA)
HA Note: "McMackin described Tuioti as one of the keys to the Warriors' 9-4 season in 1999. Tuioti stayed on as a graduate assistant, a position that allowed him to earn a master's degree in administration. Tuioti was Kalaheo High's head coach in 2003 and 2004. His staff included former UH players Craig Stutzmann, Thero Mitchell, Jake Espiau, Alapai Andrews and Matt Wright. Tuioti and his family moved to Las Vegas in the spring of 2005. He then earned a master's degree in special education at Nevada-Las Vegas."
Tuioti said that the importance of education is:
"something that's been imbedded by my parents since I was small. ... I knew education would be a key for me, and it has been. There have been a lot of people who have helped me out." (HA)
HA Note: "Tuioti has served as defensive coordinator at Las Vegas' Silverado High School. In last year's playoffs, his team faced Chaparral High, whose offensive coordinator is Paul Nihipali, Tuioti's father-in-law."
About facing his father-in-law in the playoffs year, Tuioti said with a laugh:
"It was a little family feud. We didn't let the kids go to grandpa's house that week." (HA)
About how he and his wife Keala (a former UH volleyball player) have 6 children, Tuioti said:
"There are no more seat belts in the Yukon." (HA)
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