SFSS = South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Asked where he thinks he is in their WR competition, Bess said:
"That's not my decision to judge where I'm at right now. I just know that I'm giving it my all and I'm working hard to compete and earn a roster spot. It's a good competition at the receiver spot and everybody is pushing each other, making us all better." (SFSS)
Asked what he thinks he's done to earn a roster spot, Bess said:
"Personally, I think I've done a little bit of everything. I'm just trying to get better, like I said. There's so much room for improvement and I can't be satisfied where I'm at. I'm still urging to get better." (SFSS)
Asked if doing special teams might give him an edge, Bess said:
"Definitely, wherever they want me to play that's where I'm going to be. It's not my decision to be where I want to be and I'm just here to contribute and help the team." (SFSS)
Asked if he's talked to the coach and if the coach has talked to him, Bess said:
"I've talked to all of them, not personally. I'm pretty sure they talk to all of the players. Every coach wants a relationship with their players, but at the same time, I don't take anything for granted. I'm coming out every day giving it my all, and trying to earn a spot on the team." (SFSS)
Asked if he's nervous knowing that any play could put him on the line, Bess said:
"I think it's more of an excitement than a nervous thing. When the lights are on you have to perform. That's what we've been doing pretty much our whole careers. I'm looking forward to it and I can't wait to actually get under the lights and be able to perform again." (SFSS)
Asked how long it takes for a QB and WR to develop a good relationship, Bess said:
"I don't have an exact answer for that, but at the same time, me and my quarterback at the University of Hawaii, (Colt Brennan) we've known each other for three years. We clicked instantly. We were actually good friends off the field. I think your relationship off the field just as well as your relationship on the field is just as important. The more and more reps we get with Chad (Pennington), the more and more opportunities we get to spend with him off the field, going to the movies like we did last night, just anyway in general is definitely going to help your chemistry." (SFSS)
Asked if he tries to buddy up with the QBs, Bess said:
"No, I wouldn't say buddy up, but you definitely want to be on the same page at all times with your quarterback. It carries over to the field definitely." (SFSS)
Asked when he felt comfortable at Hawaii and if he's feeling comfortable in Miami, Bess said:
"It took me about a whole year at Hawaii. Obviously, the offense was, I wouldn't say complicated, but it definitely wasn't easy. The more and more reps I got of it, the more and more comfortable I got with the offense. The same thing here, I don't see myself getting comfortable at anytime being in this level, especially with the expectations I want from myself. I want to be great. I want to be the best I can be for the team and make as many plays possible. I know in the NFL you can't get comfortable, you always got to be hungry." (SFSS)
Asked if he's sizing up his competition about who is catching how many balls, Bess said:
"No, not necessarily, if anything, I go up and congratulate them because they do the same thing in return. Like I said, as long as we do that it's helping the group and everybody is clicking together." (SFSS)
Asked if he still talks to Colt, Bess said:
"Yeah, I talk to him every other week or so. We're all pretty busy so when we have a little free time off I go out and call him and we have a little conversation or a good text message." (SFSS)
Asked if he finds any similarities between them about trying to get a roster spot, Bess said:
\"Somewhat, exactly. We all, all of the guys that I played with at college are out and working hard to earn a roster spot. That's the biggest goal right now." (SFSS)
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Quotes from the local papers
HA Note: "Under the NCAA rule implemented for this season, at the end of every play, the referee takes a deep breath, then signals for the 40-second clock to start. That rule is similar to the one used in the National Football League. Last season, the NCAA 25-second clock did not start until the officials marked the ball ready for play."
About how the new 40-second rule is important on long incompletions, Malcolm Lane said:
"Then you have to come all the way back (while the clock is running)." (HA)
About how last year's rule was more flexible, Rolo said:
"When the refs took their time to put the ball down, there was more thinking time. Now, it's pretty fast, especially when guys take deep routes. You have to take (into consideration) substitutions, fatigue, and all of that stuff. You almost have to have two scenarios ready in your head for a completion and an incompletion." (HA)
About their 2.5-hour practice at Aloha Stadium, which included a full officiating crew and a 40-second clock, Mack said:
"We went the whole (practice) and didn't have a penalty on the 40-second clock, and we had officials. I was really pleased at how our tempo is right now." (HA)
About how they had to be careful to make the correct pre-snap reads despite the 40-second clock, Estes said:
"We might not get delay-of-game calls, but we don't want to snap the ball before we want to. We have to have our calls before we snap it." (HA)
About adjusting to the 40-second rule, Brent said:
"I was trying to get used to the pace of the game — running every play and turning around and getting back to the huddle real quick. It definitely takes some getting used to." (HA)
HA Note: "The coaches also tried to get the Warriors accustomed to the warm conditions they will face for the Aug. 30 opener against Florida. The Warriors, who usually practice in the morning, began yesterday's workout at 12:30 p.m. The Aloha Stadium crew also watered the FieldTurf in the morning. The combination of moisture and mid-day sun was to create a sauna effect."
About practicing in the heat and humidity at Aloha Stadium, Mack said:
"It was hot. I'm sweating." (HA)
About how they attempted to simulate the heat and humidity in Florida, Lane (who lived in Florida) said:
"There's nothing you can do to simulate the Florida weather. It's a lot more humid. ... It'll be all right. When there are tough times, tired times, you have to fight through it." (HA)
About how he expects to practice today after his JC transcripts are confirmed, Jovonte Taylor said:
"I'll be out there ... for sure." (HA)
About how he might redshirt this season since seniors Washington and Bain are ahead of him, Ryan Henry said:
"It might work in my favor to redshirt. I'll still have two years to play. I don't want to waste a year." (HA)
About how he's preparing as if he'll play this year, Henry said:
"I'm still trying to work up the depth chart. I'll talk to coach and see what he thinks is best." (HA)
About how UH fans can follow the games via Hawaii IPTV, John Fink (VP/GM of KFVE/KHNL) said:
"It is a great opportunity for parents (of UH players) and ex-pats to follow UH. It is like putting a cable box in your house anywhere in the world." (HA)
"KFVE has been a proud supporter and partner of UH sports for 25 years. It's a wonderful opportunity, through Hawaii IPTV, to be able to give our athletics and athletic programs this kind of exposure outside of the state." (HSB)
HSB Note: "The agreement excludes UH road games and any games blacked out due to ESPN or other nationwide television broadcasts."
HA Note: "Seven UH football games, 22 Rainbow Wahine volleyball matches and 24 men's basketball games are among the initial offerings planned in addition to baseball, men's volleyball and women's basketball, according to Hawaii IPTV's Web site (www.TVfromHawaii.com). Fink said Hawaii IPTV has the rights to select from KFVE's 100 sporting events offered. UH road contests and games carried by ESPN and the Western Athletic Conference TV partners are not available."
About how Hawaii IPTV has offered UH sports and other Hawaii shows including local news and entertainment since 2007, director of marketing Jon Bryan said:
"We have subscribers in Tahiti, Japan and Europe. The beauty of Internet protocol television is that you can connect your TV to the Internet and you don't need a computer." (HA)
About how his teammates helped him when he needed support when his mother was dying from cancer, Vaughn Meatoga said:
"They really had my back, especially the way they rallied around me during that time. If they can get my back during something like that, they can get my back on the field, too." (HA)
HA Note: "He called on teammates just days before her death and they answered, showing up at Hawaii Medical Center-East to pray over her."
About how his teammates supported Meatoga, Mack said:
"This is a close team and they all love Vaughn and think the world of him. Coaches and players rallied around him and he's a class act. We're a part of his family, too. He's got a great family and I know his mom is watching over him, too." (HA)
About how he's learned both DT positions to be able to help out where needed, Meatoga said:
"I learned both (left and right) sides, so if I get in the game, I can take out either person." (HA)
About how Metoga's game has been "coming along", DT coach Ikaika Malloe said:
"I would feel confident putting him in the game if I need to." (HA)
About how he's gotten a lot of practice reps due to their injuries at DT, Meatoga said:
"It's going pretty good so far, I've been getting a lot of reps, especially because Fale guys have been out. I've just been lucky. I'm learning how to push through when I'm tired. The coaches have a lot of confidence in me so that gives me confidence." (HA)
Mack said that Meatoga is:
"a big factor in our plans. We're going to have fun this season, and he's going to be a big part of it." (HA)
Meatoga said that he had a hard time staying motivated after his mother's death, but:
"my family and my girlfriend helped me to stay on track, and whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger, and it just made me stronger." (HA)
About being inspired to get playing time in games, Meatoga said:
"(My mom) can make it to every one of my games now." (HA)
About how they had a live practice at Aloha Stadium, Brent said:
"They were coming a lot harder, there was a lot more competition. They were getting excited trying to hit somebody. I was running a little bit faster, throwing a little bit harder. It felt good." (HSB)
HSB Note: "The Warriors practiced on their home field for the first time in fall camp, using the first of two opportunities to work out at Aloha Stadium. Game conditions were simulated, from the cooling misters on the sidelines to the coaches testing out the headsets in the booth."
About how they tried to get the turf to be hot like it will be in Florida, Mack said:
"This is the time we're actually going to play there, so we tried to get on the turf where it's as hot as it can be. They watered it right before we came in so it would steam up a little bit. It's not as hot as we're going to get, but we're going to work on it a couple of times. ... It's the first time for a lot of the guys, it's an impressive stadium, it's fun to be here and it sort of spiced up practice. It made every drill game-like." (HSB)
About how yesterday was his first time inside of Aloha Stadium, Brent said:
"I could not wait. I was definitely looking forward to this. ... It was pretty important getting used to the scenery and just getting a feel for the place." (HSB)
About their competitive practice, Brent said:
"The level of competition was way up on offense and defense. It definitely feels like the season's here. I have to learn a little bit more, pick up my progressions a little bit quicker, but I'm ready." (HSB)
About their success with the 40-second clock, Mack said:
"We've been working on that, but (yesterday) it was regulated, and it was a game situation and we didn't have a single 40-second clock penalty." (HSB)
About practicing in the middle of the day, Erik Robinson said:
"We're playing at 12:30, and they say it's going to be real hot, so we came out here to play in the middle of the day. We were out there just working for it, getting ready." (HSB)
About how 3 defenders collided when going for an INT in practice, preventing him from getting his 3rd pick yesterday, Robinson said:
"Des was going for the ball. I could have got it, but Des got his hands on it. Give credit to Des." (HSB)
About practicing in Aloha Stadium, Mana Silva said:
"The (turf) is fast. You can make plays a lot better. Coach (Greg McMackin) wants us to make plays and we're just out here doing what he tells us." (HSB)
About how being at Aloha Stadium reminded him of how close the season is, Silva said:
"You get that feeling to really get your mind right. It's good." (HSB)
Pleased after their practice finished yesterday, Ron Lee said:
"I think we're right on schedule. It's the execution that has to improve. It's a long season and we've got to get better, but I was happy with the work." (HSB)
About how the new 40-second rule is important on long incompletions, Malcolm Lane said:
"Then you have to come all the way back (while the clock is running)." (HA)
About how last year's rule was more flexible, Rolo said:
"When the refs took their time to put the ball down, there was more thinking time. Now, it's pretty fast, especially when guys take deep routes. You have to take (into consideration) substitutions, fatigue, and all of that stuff. You almost have to have two scenarios ready in your head for a completion and an incompletion." (HA)
About their 2.5-hour practice at Aloha Stadium, which included a full officiating crew and a 40-second clock, Mack said:
"We went the whole (practice) and didn't have a penalty on the 40-second clock, and we had officials. I was really pleased at how our tempo is right now." (HA)
About how they had to be careful to make the correct pre-snap reads despite the 40-second clock, Estes said:
"We might not get delay-of-game calls, but we don't want to snap the ball before we want to. We have to have our calls before we snap it." (HA)
About adjusting to the 40-second rule, Brent said:
"I was trying to get used to the pace of the game — running every play and turning around and getting back to the huddle real quick. It definitely takes some getting used to." (HA)
HA Note: "The coaches also tried to get the Warriors accustomed to the warm conditions they will face for the Aug. 30 opener against Florida. The Warriors, who usually practice in the morning, began yesterday's workout at 12:30 p.m. The Aloha Stadium crew also watered the FieldTurf in the morning. The combination of moisture and mid-day sun was to create a sauna effect."
About practicing in the heat and humidity at Aloha Stadium, Mack said:
"It was hot. I'm sweating." (HA)
About how they attempted to simulate the heat and humidity in Florida, Lane (who lived in Florida) said:
"There's nothing you can do to simulate the Florida weather. It's a lot more humid. ... It'll be all right. When there are tough times, tired times, you have to fight through it." (HA)
About how he expects to practice today after his JC transcripts are confirmed, Jovonte Taylor said:
"I'll be out there ... for sure." (HA)
About how he might redshirt this season since seniors Washington and Bain are ahead of him, Ryan Henry said:
"It might work in my favor to redshirt. I'll still have two years to play. I don't want to waste a year." (HA)
About how he's preparing as if he'll play this year, Henry said:
"I'm still trying to work up the depth chart. I'll talk to coach and see what he thinks is best." (HA)
About how UH fans can follow the games via Hawaii IPTV, John Fink (VP/GM of KFVE/KHNL) said:
"It is a great opportunity for parents (of UH players) and ex-pats to follow UH. It is like putting a cable box in your house anywhere in the world." (HA)
"KFVE has been a proud supporter and partner of UH sports for 25 years. It's a wonderful opportunity, through Hawaii IPTV, to be able to give our athletics and athletic programs this kind of exposure outside of the state." (HSB)
HSB Note: "The agreement excludes UH road games and any games blacked out due to ESPN or other nationwide television broadcasts."
HA Note: "Seven UH football games, 22 Rainbow Wahine volleyball matches and 24 men's basketball games are among the initial offerings planned in addition to baseball, men's volleyball and women's basketball, according to Hawaii IPTV's Web site (www.TVfromHawaii.com). Fink said Hawaii IPTV has the rights to select from KFVE's 100 sporting events offered. UH road contests and games carried by ESPN and the Western Athletic Conference TV partners are not available."
About how Hawaii IPTV has offered UH sports and other Hawaii shows including local news and entertainment since 2007, director of marketing Jon Bryan said:
"We have subscribers in Tahiti, Japan and Europe. The beauty of Internet protocol television is that you can connect your TV to the Internet and you don't need a computer." (HA)
About how his teammates helped him when he needed support when his mother was dying from cancer, Vaughn Meatoga said:
"They really had my back, especially the way they rallied around me during that time. If they can get my back during something like that, they can get my back on the field, too." (HA)
HA Note: "He called on teammates just days before her death and they answered, showing up at Hawaii Medical Center-East to pray over her."
About how his teammates supported Meatoga, Mack said:
"This is a close team and they all love Vaughn and think the world of him. Coaches and players rallied around him and he's a class act. We're a part of his family, too. He's got a great family and I know his mom is watching over him, too." (HA)
About how he's learned both DT positions to be able to help out where needed, Meatoga said:
"I learned both (left and right) sides, so if I get in the game, I can take out either person." (HA)
About how Metoga's game has been "coming along", DT coach Ikaika Malloe said:
"I would feel confident putting him in the game if I need to." (HA)
About how he's gotten a lot of practice reps due to their injuries at DT, Meatoga said:
"It's going pretty good so far, I've been getting a lot of reps, especially because Fale guys have been out. I've just been lucky. I'm learning how to push through when I'm tired. The coaches have a lot of confidence in me so that gives me confidence." (HA)
Mack said that Meatoga is:
"a big factor in our plans. We're going to have fun this season, and he's going to be a big part of it." (HA)
Meatoga said that he had a hard time staying motivated after his mother's death, but:
"my family and my girlfriend helped me to stay on track, and whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger, and it just made me stronger." (HA)
About being inspired to get playing time in games, Meatoga said:
"(My mom) can make it to every one of my games now." (HA)
About how they had a live practice at Aloha Stadium, Brent said:
"They were coming a lot harder, there was a lot more competition. They were getting excited trying to hit somebody. I was running a little bit faster, throwing a little bit harder. It felt good." (HSB)
HSB Note: "The Warriors practiced on their home field for the first time in fall camp, using the first of two opportunities to work out at Aloha Stadium. Game conditions were simulated, from the cooling misters on the sidelines to the coaches testing out the headsets in the booth."
About how they tried to get the turf to be hot like it will be in Florida, Mack said:
"This is the time we're actually going to play there, so we tried to get on the turf where it's as hot as it can be. They watered it right before we came in so it would steam up a little bit. It's not as hot as we're going to get, but we're going to work on it a couple of times. ... It's the first time for a lot of the guys, it's an impressive stadium, it's fun to be here and it sort of spiced up practice. It made every drill game-like." (HSB)
About how yesterday was his first time inside of Aloha Stadium, Brent said:
"I could not wait. I was definitely looking forward to this. ... It was pretty important getting used to the scenery and just getting a feel for the place." (HSB)
About their competitive practice, Brent said:
"The level of competition was way up on offense and defense. It definitely feels like the season's here. I have to learn a little bit more, pick up my progressions a little bit quicker, but I'm ready." (HSB)
About their success with the 40-second clock, Mack said:
"We've been working on that, but (yesterday) it was regulated, and it was a game situation and we didn't have a single 40-second clock penalty." (HSB)
About practicing in the middle of the day, Erik Robinson said:
"We're playing at 12:30, and they say it's going to be real hot, so we came out here to play in the middle of the day. We were out there just working for it, getting ready." (HSB)
About how 3 defenders collided when going for an INT in practice, preventing him from getting his 3rd pick yesterday, Robinson said:
"Des was going for the ball. I could have got it, but Des got his hands on it. Give credit to Des." (HSB)
About practicing in Aloha Stadium, Mana Silva said:
"The (turf) is fast. You can make plays a lot better. Coach (Greg McMackin) wants us to make plays and we're just out here doing what he tells us." (HSB)
About how being at Aloha Stadium reminded him of how close the season is, Silva said:
"You get that feeling to really get your mind right. It's good." (HSB)
Pleased after their practice finished yesterday, Ron Lee said:
"I think we're right on schedule. It's the execution that has to improve. It's a long season and we've got to get better, but I was happy with the work." (HSB)
Feature on Heather McMackin's Football Clinic for Women
About how a few of the estimated 500 attendees identified themselves as "football widows", Heather McMackin said:
"I hate that term. I prefer 'football wives' because we love football, too. It's not just a matter of the guys watch football and we go off shopping." (HA)
HA Note: "The presentation included instructive talks from Greg McMackin, offensive coordinator Ron Lee, defensive coordinator Cal Lee, and assistant coaches Tony Tuioti, George Lumpkin, and Ikaika Malloe."
About the purpose of the clinic, Heather McMackin said:
"There are a lot of women who enjoy football but would like to understand it better. We know that in Hawai'i, women are a little more knowledgeable about football, but there are also a whole bunch who feel clueless." (HA)
About how she offered her first clinic nearly 40 years ago when Mack was the head coach of Aloha High School in Oregon, Heather said:
"We did it because (Greg's) mother didn't know anything about football, and neither did my mother. We figured that the mothers and sisters of these players were going to be at the games anyway, so why not understand it better?" (HA)
HA Note: "Last night's affair attracted women Warrior fans of all ages and backgrounds, including UH athletics stalwart Ruth Tamanaha. Tamanaha, who is in her late 70s, is an original Koa Anuenue member and has faithfully attended UH football games and other sporting events since she attended the university. As an English teacher at what was then Washington Intermediate, Tamanaha used to assign UH football media guides for her students' reading exercises."
About how she hoped to learn from the clinic, Tamanaha said:
"I just like football. I know quite a bit about the game, but I can learn more." (HA)
About hoping to learn more about football and instill a greater appreciation for the sport in her 13-year-old daughter Kisa, Dana Matlin said:
"(Kisa) is a cheerleader, so I thought it was about time for her to know what she's doing. I think if she understands a little more, she'll enjoy the game even more. We're big football fans — we have season tickets — but there's still a lot I don't know." (HA)
About attending the clinic, Kisa said:
"I like cheerleading, so I may as well enjoy football, too." (HA)
HA Note: "Each attendee received a gamebook-style handout that provided basic information on the rules of the game, field, equipment, offensive and defensive positions, scoring and referee signals, as well as examples of the team's offensive and defensive plays. Evie Joi Chan and pal Kimberly Tom — who found themselves suddenly well versed in everything from the "81-X Choice" offensive set to the "Smash" defense — said they plan on taking the handout to every home game this season."
About the clinic, Evie Chan said:
"The clinic was really informative. It was nice to hear about (the program) from the wife's perspective." (HA)
HA Note: "Following Heather McMackin's dictate to keep the evening light and fun, the clinic also featured players Keao Monteilh and Keith Ah Soon modeling the team's new Under Armour gear and uniforms — to the hoots and hollers of the assembled class."
About the clinic, Carmen Anakawa said:
"I enjoyed it very much. It was so personal with the families and the coaches there. I learned a lot, and I'll feel more confident when I watch the games now." (HA)
"I hate that term. I prefer 'football wives' because we love football, too. It's not just a matter of the guys watch football and we go off shopping." (HA)
HA Note: "The presentation included instructive talks from Greg McMackin, offensive coordinator Ron Lee, defensive coordinator Cal Lee, and assistant coaches Tony Tuioti, George Lumpkin, and Ikaika Malloe."
About the purpose of the clinic, Heather McMackin said:
"There are a lot of women who enjoy football but would like to understand it better. We know that in Hawai'i, women are a little more knowledgeable about football, but there are also a whole bunch who feel clueless." (HA)
About how she offered her first clinic nearly 40 years ago when Mack was the head coach of Aloha High School in Oregon, Heather said:
"We did it because (Greg's) mother didn't know anything about football, and neither did my mother. We figured that the mothers and sisters of these players were going to be at the games anyway, so why not understand it better?" (HA)
HA Note: "Last night's affair attracted women Warrior fans of all ages and backgrounds, including UH athletics stalwart Ruth Tamanaha. Tamanaha, who is in her late 70s, is an original Koa Anuenue member and has faithfully attended UH football games and other sporting events since she attended the university. As an English teacher at what was then Washington Intermediate, Tamanaha used to assign UH football media guides for her students' reading exercises."
About how she hoped to learn from the clinic, Tamanaha said:
"I just like football. I know quite a bit about the game, but I can learn more." (HA)
About hoping to learn more about football and instill a greater appreciation for the sport in her 13-year-old daughter Kisa, Dana Matlin said:
"(Kisa) is a cheerleader, so I thought it was about time for her to know what she's doing. I think if she understands a little more, she'll enjoy the game even more. We're big football fans — we have season tickets — but there's still a lot I don't know." (HA)
About attending the clinic, Kisa said:
"I like cheerleading, so I may as well enjoy football, too." (HA)
HA Note: "Each attendee received a gamebook-style handout that provided basic information on the rules of the game, field, equipment, offensive and defensive positions, scoring and referee signals, as well as examples of the team's offensive and defensive plays. Evie Joi Chan and pal Kimberly Tom — who found themselves suddenly well versed in everything from the "81-X Choice" offensive set to the "Smash" defense — said they plan on taking the handout to every home game this season."
About the clinic, Evie Chan said:
"The clinic was really informative. It was nice to hear about (the program) from the wife's perspective." (HA)
HA Note: "Following Heather McMackin's dictate to keep the evening light and fun, the clinic also featured players Keao Monteilh and Keith Ah Soon modeling the team's new Under Armour gear and uniforms — to the hoots and hollers of the assembled class."
About the clinic, Carmen Anakawa said:
"I enjoyed it very much. It was so personal with the families and the coaches there. I learned a lot, and I'll feel more confident when I watch the games now." (HA)
UH concerned about the protest over the Cooke Field contract
About UH's concern over the delay in beginning the Cooke Field work, JD said that a protest over the contract award hasn't delayed things beyond this season's use but:
"certainly it is a monkey wrench in the gears that, unfortunately, could make that a reality." (HA)
HA Note: "More than a week ago, Gov. Linda Lingle released $1,225,000 for the installation of a new playing surface on the Clarence T. C. Ching Athletic Complex, formerly known as Cooke Field. Two days later, RMY Construction was announced as the low bidder at $862,381, UH said. But later that day a protest was filed by CO-HA Builders, according to documents released by UH."
In its filings, CO-HA states that:
"RMY did not submit a responsive bid as required by the Hawai'i Procurement Code" and is asking UH to "reject" RMY's bid and "award the project to the next lowest responsible bidder provided for in the procurement code." (HA)
About the protest, UH-Manoa spokesman Gregg Takayama said:
"The protest letter is under review by the UH legal counsel and UH procurement office (and) until that's done, all work has been suspended." (HA)
HA Note: "Prior to the protest, construction was to have begun this month and been completed by Oct. 31. But Takayama said yesterday he was unable to supply, "... new projections on the completion date." The football and track teams, among others, have waited several seasons for a new surface to replace the weed-strewn infield that has been declared a safety hazard. The football team, which opens its season Aug. 30, practices on a grass field but plays seven home games and three of its six road games on artificial turf this season. In addition to sports teams, the infield was to have been used by intramural sports, the marching band, ROTC and other activities."
About how they need the field done as soon as possible, JD said:
"My concern is for the (athletes) that would use the field. The faster that we can get it replaced, the more benefits for everyone that uses it. From my perspective, anything that delays the process is highly irritating. After all, it is all about the (students)." (HA)
"certainly it is a monkey wrench in the gears that, unfortunately, could make that a reality." (HA)
HA Note: "More than a week ago, Gov. Linda Lingle released $1,225,000 for the installation of a new playing surface on the Clarence T. C. Ching Athletic Complex, formerly known as Cooke Field. Two days later, RMY Construction was announced as the low bidder at $862,381, UH said. But later that day a protest was filed by CO-HA Builders, according to documents released by UH."
In its filings, CO-HA states that:
"RMY did not submit a responsive bid as required by the Hawai'i Procurement Code" and is asking UH to "reject" RMY's bid and "award the project to the next lowest responsible bidder provided for in the procurement code." (HA)
About the protest, UH-Manoa spokesman Gregg Takayama said:
"The protest letter is under review by the UH legal counsel and UH procurement office (and) until that's done, all work has been suspended." (HA)
HA Note: "Prior to the protest, construction was to have begun this month and been completed by Oct. 31. But Takayama said yesterday he was unable to supply, "... new projections on the completion date." The football and track teams, among others, have waited several seasons for a new surface to replace the weed-strewn infield that has been declared a safety hazard. The football team, which opens its season Aug. 30, practices on a grass field but plays seven home games and three of its six road games on artificial turf this season. In addition to sports teams, the infield was to have been used by intramural sports, the marching band, ROTC and other activities."
About how they need the field done as soon as possible, JD said:
"My concern is for the (athletes) that would use the field. The faster that we can get it replaced, the more benefits for everyone that uses it. From my perspective, anything that delays the process is highly irritating. After all, it is all about the (students)." (HA)
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
SportsBlogNet.com Launches into Beta
I just wanted to let my readers know that this blog is part of a new Sports Blog Network at SportsBlogNet.com. SportsBlogNet.com is a site that feeds in over 50 great sports blogs and links back out to all of them. They drive traffic to their sites and also sell ads for all the blogs in the network.
At SportsBlogNet.com you can:
* Read all the quality blogs in the network
* Write for a blog in the network
* Discover new blogs
* Build a new free sports blog
* Join the network as an additional revenue and traffic source for your sports blog
Currently SportsBlogNet.com has approximately 56 blogs in the network with a reach of approximately 200,000 unique visitors per month which is growing daily. Check it out. They are interested in hearing your feedback.
By the way, 100% of the money that this blog makes from SportsBlogNet will be donated to the UH Warrior program. I hope that whatever I earn via SportsBlogNet can help the Warriors in some way.
At SportsBlogNet.com you can:
* Read all the quality blogs in the network
* Write for a blog in the network
* Discover new blogs
* Build a new free sports blog
* Join the network as an additional revenue and traffic source for your sports blog
Currently SportsBlogNet.com has approximately 56 blogs in the network with a reach of approximately 200,000 unique visitors per month which is growing daily. Check it out. They are interested in hearing your feedback.
By the way, 100% of the money that this blog makes from SportsBlogNet will be donated to the UH Warrior program. I hope that whatever I earn via SportsBlogNet can help the Warriors in some way.
Quotes from the local papers
About how Hisatake has been on the first team at RG since Lafu was injured and Lafu is currently second team RG, Brian Smith said:
"Lafu has to earn it back. He had his own setback. If he really wants that No. 1 spot, he has to earn it back and take it from Ray. Ray is the one with the first group." (HA)
About what coach Smith plans for the RG spot, Hisatake said:
"Maybe he's just trying to save (Tuioti-Mariner). Or maybe I'm really the starting right guard." (HA)
HA Note: "Hisatake has made a somewhat smooth transition to the position despite having little preparation time. He was a defensive tackle at College of San Mateo before being shifted to offensive tackle when he joined the Warriors during the spring of 2007. He had never played on offense before."
About moving from tackle to guard, Hisatake said:
"The whole entire year, I was learning to play tackle. They kind of threw me into the fire at guard. At first, it was tough because guard is a whole other position." (HA)
HA Note: "The key, he said, is to be patient and trust his blocking technique. He also had to adjust his block reads, going from inside to outside."
About how Hisatake is doing at guard, Smith said:
"He needs a lot of reps, but he's getting better every day. He's coming along." (HA)
About how Kia's play at RT yesterday was just temporary and that Kia and Letuli are still battling for the LT spot, Smith said:
"Both of them aren't leaving the position anytime soon." (HA)
About the battle for the starting LT spot, Kia said:
"I don't want to worry about this battle. If I do, I'm going to mess up. I want to focus on myself and what I want to get done and what I need to work on every day." (HA)
Hoping to pick their starting OL soon, Smith said:
"In the next few days, we'll have a set offensive line. Hopefully, we'll also be healthy. We still have a couple of guys dinged up, and that's delaying it." (HA)
About how this will be his final season of football, senior Dylan Linkner said:
"I'm not an idiot. I realize I'm not going to make it at the other level, but I'm going to make the most out of what I have here. We're here to be student-athletes, not athlete-students. I'm here to get my degree, which is the goal of all college players. This day and age, you need a degree to go somewhere in life. I'm setting up to get ready for the real world after college life." (HA)
About taking most of the 2nd team snaps at LWR yesterday, Linkner said:
"I'm glad the coaches are giving me an opportunity. I feel I can contribute to the team." (HA)
About taking four summer school classes, Jameel Dowling said:
"I concentrated and stayed with it." (HA)
HA Note: "Dowling, who transferred from Oregon last year and received a UH scholarship in January, said he needs 10 credits this coming semester to earn a bachelor's degree."
Dowling said that summer school was:
"overwhelming, but coach (McMackin) gave me an opportunity to go to class (and miss some practices). It helped me out a lot. I didn't want to miss practice, but I knew I had to get the school work done. The good news is I'm going to get my degree." (HA)
HA Note: "Catherine Baldwin no longer spends two or three hours a day poring over the Internet trying to find any mention of her son, right wideout Malcolm Lane, choosing instead to use the time to watch him in person during fall camp practices. Baldwin and her husband, Michael Baldwin, were transferred to Schofield Barracks in Wahiawa from Germany earlier this year so the family, which includes Lane's brothers Corey and George, could be together."
About having his family in Hawaii, Lane said:
"Everybody is here. My first years here I was very homesick. I was just not loving things here, just not having fun. With my family here it takes a lot of pressure off of me; I get to see them whenever I want to see them, it makes me happier, and it makes me happier around the football field, too." (HA)
About trying to get stationed in Hawaii, Baldwin said:
"It was a big fight to get to Hawai'i,. We've been trying for two years to get here, trying to get stationed here so we could be here. A lot of people helped, our majors got involved and different people helped to get us stationed here." (HA)
About missing practice due to his sore groin, Lane said:
"My groin has been hurting me since the first day of camp and I've been practicing and practicing and it's been getting worse and worse, to the point where I couldn't run. It's still hurting me but I have to get out here and do what I can because it's getting down to crunch time. I just have to be out on the field with everybody else." (HA)
About how Lane's father lived in Florida and he expects about 30 family members at the Florida game, Lane said:
"But they are going to be rooting for Hawai'i, so that's going to be nice." (HA)
About how they get to watch Lane practice and get to see him at other times also, Baldwin said:
"He calls every day, and we see him when he needs to do the wash or he's hungry. But I think it's helped him a lot knowing we're closer." (HA)
Responding to what his Mom said, Lane said:
"She's lying, she's trying to make it seem like ... cause I barely have any free time. So I go there once every weekend. I don't go there as much as she wants me to, but every time I'm doing laundry or something like that. That's what she said, she's making little jokes. She knows I love her though." (HA)
HA Note: "Schofield-to-Manoa is a much easier commute for the family, who had to deal with a 12-hour time difference and more than 20 hours of travel to keep in touch with Lane. It will also be a welcome adjustment to see the games in person — instead of watching them online at 3 a.m."
About trying to help her son get recruited while they lived in Germany, Baldwin said:
"It was really hard to get him a scholarship because we sent out a lot of packets and a lot of film. It's difficult. I feel sorry for the athletes in Germany because it's hard for them to get over here." (HA)
HA Note: "She said it was also difficult to find out what courses Lane needed to take in high school to be academically eligible to play Division I football."
About how Reinbold got a tape of him even though they didn't send one to UH, Lane said:
"I didn't send the tape to Hawai'i. I'm pretty sure it was Tyrone Willingham of Washington (who) gave my tape to coach Reinebold. They didn't have any more scholarships to give out, and I feel grateful that somebody who didn't have a spot for me would look out for me in other ways, trying to find me a spot on another team. It says a lot about him." (HA)
HSB Note: "The Warriors are scheduled to practice at Aloha Stadium today and Thursday, in part to use the heat radiating off the FieldTurf to better simulate the steamy conditions expected to greet them at Florida a week from Saturday. The stadium practices, which are closed to the public, also give the team a chance to work with the 40-second play clock and the coaches' communication system."
About having their first team work against some of the looks they expect to see from Florida, Mack said:
"We're not really game-planning yet, we just wanted to run against some of their stuff offensively and defensively. We're going to pick it up and start game-planning and go from there. It's just sort of an introduction. We're a little ahead, normally for the first game we start on Wednesday." (HSB)
About still competing hard each day despite not being the starter, Alexander said:
"You try to compete your best every day, try to get yourself better. You never know what's going to happe. We all want to see each other do well. We're all competing, but we're all good friends too, so we want to see each other succeed." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Alexander returned to the field yesterday after sitting out the last two practices with a foot injury and was impressive in a 2-minute drill, going 4-for-4 in marching the offense downfield in his turn at the controls."
About how Inoke and Alexander have responded well after finding out they were not going to start, Rolo said:
"You're never sure how guys are going to react. It really wasn't how they were going to react that very second, but how they were going to react in the next few days. But you look at the next few days and they both came out and worked hard. Greg just came back (yesterday) and put in as much effort as he ever has." (HSB)
About continuing to try to get better instead of moping after being told he would be a backup, Inoke said:
"You've got to move on. If you just sit there and mope around about it, it's not going to help anyone. You're not going to help yourself, you're not going to help the team. It's the coaches' decision and (Rausch has) been doing a good job - they both have, they're coming along great. You can't be upset that someone's doing well, especially on your own team. The only thing you have control over is trying to progress with whatever reps you might have." (HSB)
HSB Note: "The quarterbacks bonded over the summer when Rausch and Alexander arrived early to participate in voluntary workouts and Rausch credited Funaki with teaching him the offense."
About how the QBs get along, Inoke said:
"We're a tight-knit group, we all have fun together. It's good that there's no contention between our group." (HSB)
Inoke said that he'll continue to help Brent adapt to the offense, but added that:
"he's been coming along just fine, he probably doesn't even need my thoughts or suggestions." (HSB)
About the contrast between their co-#2 QBs, Rolo said:
"The other two guys are dead even, but they have different characteristics. Where Greg slides around the pocket, stands in there and throws it, Inoke can take off and run on you and make the throws. I can see us using them both as No. 2 in different games. It's a nice problem to have." (HSB)
About their other QBs, Inoke said:
"(Santos and Austin) know a lot and they're familiar with the offense and Jake's a great student of the game." (HSB)
"Lafu has to earn it back. He had his own setback. If he really wants that No. 1 spot, he has to earn it back and take it from Ray. Ray is the one with the first group." (HA)
About what coach Smith plans for the RG spot, Hisatake said:
"Maybe he's just trying to save (Tuioti-Mariner). Or maybe I'm really the starting right guard." (HA)
HA Note: "Hisatake has made a somewhat smooth transition to the position despite having little preparation time. He was a defensive tackle at College of San Mateo before being shifted to offensive tackle when he joined the Warriors during the spring of 2007. He had never played on offense before."
About moving from tackle to guard, Hisatake said:
"The whole entire year, I was learning to play tackle. They kind of threw me into the fire at guard. At first, it was tough because guard is a whole other position." (HA)
HA Note: "The key, he said, is to be patient and trust his blocking technique. He also had to adjust his block reads, going from inside to outside."
About how Hisatake is doing at guard, Smith said:
"He needs a lot of reps, but he's getting better every day. He's coming along." (HA)
About how Kia's play at RT yesterday was just temporary and that Kia and Letuli are still battling for the LT spot, Smith said:
"Both of them aren't leaving the position anytime soon." (HA)
About the battle for the starting LT spot, Kia said:
"I don't want to worry about this battle. If I do, I'm going to mess up. I want to focus on myself and what I want to get done and what I need to work on every day." (HA)
Hoping to pick their starting OL soon, Smith said:
"In the next few days, we'll have a set offensive line. Hopefully, we'll also be healthy. We still have a couple of guys dinged up, and that's delaying it." (HA)
About how this will be his final season of football, senior Dylan Linkner said:
"I'm not an idiot. I realize I'm not going to make it at the other level, but I'm going to make the most out of what I have here. We're here to be student-athletes, not athlete-students. I'm here to get my degree, which is the goal of all college players. This day and age, you need a degree to go somewhere in life. I'm setting up to get ready for the real world after college life." (HA)
About taking most of the 2nd team snaps at LWR yesterday, Linkner said:
"I'm glad the coaches are giving me an opportunity. I feel I can contribute to the team." (HA)
About taking four summer school classes, Jameel Dowling said:
"I concentrated and stayed with it." (HA)
HA Note: "Dowling, who transferred from Oregon last year and received a UH scholarship in January, said he needs 10 credits this coming semester to earn a bachelor's degree."
Dowling said that summer school was:
"overwhelming, but coach (McMackin) gave me an opportunity to go to class (and miss some practices). It helped me out a lot. I didn't want to miss practice, but I knew I had to get the school work done. The good news is I'm going to get my degree." (HA)
HA Note: "Catherine Baldwin no longer spends two or three hours a day poring over the Internet trying to find any mention of her son, right wideout Malcolm Lane, choosing instead to use the time to watch him in person during fall camp practices. Baldwin and her husband, Michael Baldwin, were transferred to Schofield Barracks in Wahiawa from Germany earlier this year so the family, which includes Lane's brothers Corey and George, could be together."
About having his family in Hawaii, Lane said:
"Everybody is here. My first years here I was very homesick. I was just not loving things here, just not having fun. With my family here it takes a lot of pressure off of me; I get to see them whenever I want to see them, it makes me happier, and it makes me happier around the football field, too." (HA)
About trying to get stationed in Hawaii, Baldwin said:
"It was a big fight to get to Hawai'i,. We've been trying for two years to get here, trying to get stationed here so we could be here. A lot of people helped, our majors got involved and different people helped to get us stationed here." (HA)
About missing practice due to his sore groin, Lane said:
"My groin has been hurting me since the first day of camp and I've been practicing and practicing and it's been getting worse and worse, to the point where I couldn't run. It's still hurting me but I have to get out here and do what I can because it's getting down to crunch time. I just have to be out on the field with everybody else." (HA)
About how Lane's father lived in Florida and he expects about 30 family members at the Florida game, Lane said:
"But they are going to be rooting for Hawai'i, so that's going to be nice." (HA)
About how they get to watch Lane practice and get to see him at other times also, Baldwin said:
"He calls every day, and we see him when he needs to do the wash or he's hungry. But I think it's helped him a lot knowing we're closer." (HA)
Responding to what his Mom said, Lane said:
"She's lying, she's trying to make it seem like ... cause I barely have any free time. So I go there once every weekend. I don't go there as much as she wants me to, but every time I'm doing laundry or something like that. That's what she said, she's making little jokes. She knows I love her though." (HA)
HA Note: "Schofield-to-Manoa is a much easier commute for the family, who had to deal with a 12-hour time difference and more than 20 hours of travel to keep in touch with Lane. It will also be a welcome adjustment to see the games in person — instead of watching them online at 3 a.m."
About trying to help her son get recruited while they lived in Germany, Baldwin said:
"It was really hard to get him a scholarship because we sent out a lot of packets and a lot of film. It's difficult. I feel sorry for the athletes in Germany because it's hard for them to get over here." (HA)
HA Note: "She said it was also difficult to find out what courses Lane needed to take in high school to be academically eligible to play Division I football."
About how Reinbold got a tape of him even though they didn't send one to UH, Lane said:
"I didn't send the tape to Hawai'i. I'm pretty sure it was Tyrone Willingham of Washington (who) gave my tape to coach Reinebold. They didn't have any more scholarships to give out, and I feel grateful that somebody who didn't have a spot for me would look out for me in other ways, trying to find me a spot on another team. It says a lot about him." (HA)
HSB Note: "The Warriors are scheduled to practice at Aloha Stadium today and Thursday, in part to use the heat radiating off the FieldTurf to better simulate the steamy conditions expected to greet them at Florida a week from Saturday. The stadium practices, which are closed to the public, also give the team a chance to work with the 40-second play clock and the coaches' communication system."
About having their first team work against some of the looks they expect to see from Florida, Mack said:
"We're not really game-planning yet, we just wanted to run against some of their stuff offensively and defensively. We're going to pick it up and start game-planning and go from there. It's just sort of an introduction. We're a little ahead, normally for the first game we start on Wednesday." (HSB)
About still competing hard each day despite not being the starter, Alexander said:
"You try to compete your best every day, try to get yourself better. You never know what's going to happe. We all want to see each other do well. We're all competing, but we're all good friends too, so we want to see each other succeed." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Alexander returned to the field yesterday after sitting out the last two practices with a foot injury and was impressive in a 2-minute drill, going 4-for-4 in marching the offense downfield in his turn at the controls."
About how Inoke and Alexander have responded well after finding out they were not going to start, Rolo said:
"You're never sure how guys are going to react. It really wasn't how they were going to react that very second, but how they were going to react in the next few days. But you look at the next few days and they both came out and worked hard. Greg just came back (yesterday) and put in as much effort as he ever has." (HSB)
About continuing to try to get better instead of moping after being told he would be a backup, Inoke said:
"You've got to move on. If you just sit there and mope around about it, it's not going to help anyone. You're not going to help yourself, you're not going to help the team. It's the coaches' decision and (Rausch has) been doing a good job - they both have, they're coming along great. You can't be upset that someone's doing well, especially on your own team. The only thing you have control over is trying to progress with whatever reps you might have." (HSB)
HSB Note: "The quarterbacks bonded over the summer when Rausch and Alexander arrived early to participate in voluntary workouts and Rausch credited Funaki with teaching him the offense."
About how the QBs get along, Inoke said:
"We're a tight-knit group, we all have fun together. It's good that there's no contention between our group." (HSB)
Inoke said that he'll continue to help Brent adapt to the offense, but added that:
"he's been coming along just fine, he probably doesn't even need my thoughts or suggestions." (HSB)
About the contrast between their co-#2 QBs, Rolo said:
"The other two guys are dead even, but they have different characteristics. Where Greg slides around the pocket, stands in there and throws it, Inoke can take off and run on you and make the throws. I can see us using them both as No. 2 in different games. It's a nice problem to have." (HSB)
About their other QBs, Inoke said:
"(Santos and Austin) know a lot and they're familiar with the offense and Jake's a great student of the game." (HSB)
Monday, August 18, 2008
Quotes from the Star-Bulletin
About their injuries, Mack said they are fighting through some:
"little nicks. But I'm pleased with how things are going. I think our offensive line is blocking blitzes better. I think our defense is really running to the ball and playing faster. I think we've come a long way in the last three days." (HSB)
Not concerned with their injuries on D right now, Mack said:
"We have two weeks to the ballgame and most everybody's going to be back (this) week. The only two guys out are Rocky (Savaiigaea) and Blaze (Soares), everybody else we're just making sure they're OK. We're fine, we're just treating anything and it gives the backups reps, so it just makes us stronger." (HSB)
About camp, Keala Watson said:
"It's been a good time every summer camp. It's special when you can bond with your teammates and get cohesiveness within the team." (HSB)
About Mack, Hiram de Fries said:
"He's a real solid football coach, and teams take on the persona of their coaches. You look at the Hawaii tape and the thing you notice is they play hard. We don't expect that to change. Nobody's taking this as a warm-up. Everyone's anxious to see what kind of team Hawaii brings." (HSB)
About how Florida is taking UH seriously, de Fries said:
"Hawaii's coming off a BCS game and that's the way we look at it." (HSB)
About how Florida is interesting in Manti Te'o and many other local recruits, de Fries said:
"Manti's a great football player. I saw him in the Saint Louis game last year. Absolutely. Having said that, I don't think he's the only one. Our recruiting guys are in communication with players from Hawaii all the time." (HSB)
About how higher fuel costs should keep Hawaii recruits at home instead of going to the mainland, de Fries said:
"I see the world energy situation always being precarious, as long as it's oil-based. Because of Hawaii's location, it really impacts more. Parents will have a hard time getting here to watch their sons' games because of the higher fuel prices." (HSB)
"little nicks. But I'm pleased with how things are going. I think our offensive line is blocking blitzes better. I think our defense is really running to the ball and playing faster. I think we've come a long way in the last three days." (HSB)
Not concerned with their injuries on D right now, Mack said:
"We have two weeks to the ballgame and most everybody's going to be back (this) week. The only two guys out are Rocky (Savaiigaea) and Blaze (Soares), everybody else we're just making sure they're OK. We're fine, we're just treating anything and it gives the backups reps, so it just makes us stronger." (HSB)
About camp, Keala Watson said:
"It's been a good time every summer camp. It's special when you can bond with your teammates and get cohesiveness within the team." (HSB)
About Mack, Hiram de Fries said:
"He's a real solid football coach, and teams take on the persona of their coaches. You look at the Hawaii tape and the thing you notice is they play hard. We don't expect that to change. Nobody's taking this as a warm-up. Everyone's anxious to see what kind of team Hawaii brings." (HSB)
About how Florida is taking UH seriously, de Fries said:
"Hawaii's coming off a BCS game and that's the way we look at it." (HSB)
About how Florida is interesting in Manti Te'o and many other local recruits, de Fries said:
"Manti's a great football player. I saw him in the Saint Louis game last year. Absolutely. Having said that, I don't think he's the only one. Our recruiting guys are in communication with players from Hawaii all the time." (HSB)
About how higher fuel costs should keep Hawaii recruits at home instead of going to the mainland, de Fries said:
"I see the world energy situation always being precarious, as long as it's oil-based. Because of Hawaii's location, it really impacts more. Parents will have a hard time getting here to watch their sons' games because of the higher fuel prices." (HSB)
Feature on Rolo
About selecting Rolo to be his QB coach, Mack said:
"I just knew Rolo would be a great coach. I don't care about whatever. He's a leader. He's got heart. He knows our system, and he knows how to teach it. He's run it. He's played it. He knows it as well as any quarterback coach in the country." (HA)
"I wanted a run-and-shoot quarterback who had played it and could relate to people. I went after Rolo." (HA)
About how he never coached Rolo, but felt during the recruiting process that Rolo had the qualities found in natural coaches, Mack said:
"Coaching is about being a teacher — relating and caring about other people. That's something he has." (HA)
About being 28 years old, 3 years older than Inoke, Rolo said:
"I look at (the age difference) as a positive, where I can relate to them. "I can understand what they're going through." (HA)
About how he shared his UH history with Brent, about how he won the starting QB job in training camp but lost it after 2 games, Rolo said:
"I came in, and I didn't give it everything I had, but I won the starting job, and it was taken right away." (HA)
About how he told Alexander the part of his UH history where he was the backup QB and took over for Chang and led the team to an 8-1 record that season, Rolo said:
"I told Greg (Alexander, the backup quarterback) the second part of my story. I was able to relate to both of them." (HA)
About being a QB coach, Rolo said:
"I always hear good players can't be good coaches, and things like that. I feel it's just another way to prove yourself. People told me I couldn't play quarterback since high school. So I feel I have to take it the same way and focus my energy to being as good a coach I can. That's kind of where I am with that. I look at it as another challenge. There are some doubters. This is probably one of the most coveted places for a quarterback. I have a big responsibility, and I'm taking it seriously." (HA)
"I just knew Rolo would be a great coach. I don't care about whatever. He's a leader. He's got heart. He knows our system, and he knows how to teach it. He's run it. He's played it. He knows it as well as any quarterback coach in the country." (HA)
"I wanted a run-and-shoot quarterback who had played it and could relate to people. I went after Rolo." (HA)
About how he never coached Rolo, but felt during the recruiting process that Rolo had the qualities found in natural coaches, Mack said:
"Coaching is about being a teacher — relating and caring about other people. That's something he has." (HA)
About being 28 years old, 3 years older than Inoke, Rolo said:
"I look at (the age difference) as a positive, where I can relate to them. "I can understand what they're going through." (HA)
About how he shared his UH history with Brent, about how he won the starting QB job in training camp but lost it after 2 games, Rolo said:
"I came in, and I didn't give it everything I had, but I won the starting job, and it was taken right away." (HA)
About how he told Alexander the part of his UH history where he was the backup QB and took over for Chang and led the team to an 8-1 record that season, Rolo said:
"I told Greg (Alexander, the backup quarterback) the second part of my story. I was able to relate to both of them." (HA)
About being a QB coach, Rolo said:
"I always hear good players can't be good coaches, and things like that. I feel it's just another way to prove yourself. People told me I couldn't play quarterback since high school. So I feel I have to take it the same way and focus my energy to being as good a coach I can. That's kind of where I am with that. I look at it as another challenge. There are some doubters. This is probably one of the most coveted places for a quarterback. I have a big responsibility, and I'm taking it seriously." (HA)
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Feature on Brent Rausch
HA Note: "The University of Hawai'i football team's No. 1 quarterback never started a Pop Warner game, played in an eight-man-to-a-side high school football league and, two years ago, quit his junior-college football team to work in construction. Nine days ago, he was third on the Warriors' three-quarterback depth chart."
About being named the #1 QB, Brent said:
"I was surprised. Very surprised." (HA)
About the reaction from his friends and family in Palm Springs, Brent said:
"Everybody is happy for me. I've gotten a lot of phone calls. People are saying, 'Good job' and 'We'll be watching you on TV.' A couple of old girlfriends, (and) all of my aunts and uncles called me. A couple of my old friends called. One old friend I haven't talked to in three years called: 'Hey, man, I just saw an article on you. You're starting.' Yeah, dude. I played Pop Warner with him. I saw him one time in high school, and that was it." (HA)
About growing up in Palm Springs, Brent said:
"It was cool. It's not a bad little place. It's a good city; good neighborhoods I grew up in. It's not bad at all. It's just hot. That's the only downside to it. I tried to have fun. I was a little kid doing whatever. I rode my dirt bike, played football. I played all of the sports. I was pretty much an active kid. School wasn't my priority back then. I kind of had to pick it up in high school. But I was a good little kid." (HA)
About his first dirt bike, Brent said:
"I got it when I was, like, 8, on Christmas morning. My dad said, 'Hey, Brent, go out and get the paper.' I opened the front door and (the bike is) leaning against the wall right there. It was a YZ 125. It was a red one. I didn't even know how to ride yet. I had to learn. I was happy about it, but it was sitting in the garage for a couple of weeks. My dad taught me. He put it on me. He said: 'Here's the clutch. Here are the gears. Here's the gas. Go.' I got used to it, and I got better and better at it." (HA)
About his off-road truck, Brent said:
"I got it three years ago, and I started putting money into it. Every paycheck I got, I pretty much put it straight into it. I got tons of suspension on it. The tires would drop down and pick up, so I could hit jumps, do whatever. I've got, like, 10 grand in suspension. It's made to hit the dirt. There's a place called Glamis (Sand Dunes). It's like 100 square miles of sand dunes. I take it out there. The highest I've gotten is 6 feet (of air). It was cool. You're all strapped in. You're not going anywhere." (HA)
About playing eight-man football, Brent said:
"It's full pads. It's like regular football except with three fewer guys. It was fun. It's a lot different. There's more scoring. I liked it. I liked running around. There wasn't a playbook. ... it was pretty simple. The offense wasn't like this, where it's pretty complex. It's pretty much double out, double slant, stuff like that. It wasn't real complicated." (HA)
About Desert Chapel High School, Brent said:
"It was real small. I think there were 250 people there. There were 40 something in my graduating class. Everybody knew each other. It was a Christian school. It's a pretty good school. ... (But) I didn't go to my senior prom. I'm not into that." (HA)
About the crowds at his games, Brent said:
"The biggest we had was two grand for one of our home games, the CIF championship game. It seemed like a lot back then. For our (junior college) bowl game, I think we got 9,800 people. That's the most I've ever played in front of. That was an experience." (HA)
About his accuracy as a passer, Brent said:
"I pitched. I think that's where I got my arm strength. I was a backup quarterback all through Pop Warner. I think I threw two passes ... until I got to high school. Nobody taught me or anything like that. I got in at quarterback and started throwing. ... I don't like baseball anymore. My junior year, I played baseball. My senior year, I played golf." (HA)
About his hair style, where he had spiked dark hair (he dyed his light-colored hair) until he recently shaved off his hair, Brent said:
"My family hates (the bald look). They want me to go back. But nobody else has the spikes around here, and (the bald look is) comfortable. ... I've been rocking the spikes for a couple of years. I don't know when I started doing it, but I liked it. I just grow it out, gel it up. I mess around. You can't keep your hair the same all of the time." (HA)
About his two tattoos, Brent said:
"I got this one (near his spine) a couple of days after I turned 18. And I got this one (on the right shoulder) six months later. I've been planning on it since I was 15 years old. I can't really draw. I told the tattoo artist, who drew it up for me. I said, 'Go ahead and do it.' I wanted it to look like someone took a razor blade, cut the skin, peeled it off, and you'd see the spine, you'd see the ribs, you'd see everything. It'll look pretty good when it's done. Right now it looks pretty crappy. It'll get there." (HA)
About choosing UH, Brent said:
"I'd never been here before. I really did not know a lot (about the Warriors). I loved their offense. The offense is one thing that brought me here. I saw them play at midnight (on television) a couple of times last year. Never ever did I imagine (being recruited by UH). One guy on my team called it last year. I was like, 'No way. But that would be awesome.' " (HA)
About adjusting to life in Hawaii, especially the food, Brent said:
"I eat everything. There's not a food on this Earth that I don't like. I eat whatever comes. I've been eating in the caf for a while now. If I go out, I'll eat anything. I had never had sushi before. I got introduced to that last Saturday night. It was pretty good." (HA)
About his social life, Brent said:
"Not too good. No girlfriend or anything. I'm just kicking it, trying to keep my mind on football. Why not? Football is pretty important to me." (HA)
About being named the #1 QB, Brent said:
"I was surprised. Very surprised." (HA)
About the reaction from his friends and family in Palm Springs, Brent said:
"Everybody is happy for me. I've gotten a lot of phone calls. People are saying, 'Good job' and 'We'll be watching you on TV.' A couple of old girlfriends, (and) all of my aunts and uncles called me. A couple of my old friends called. One old friend I haven't talked to in three years called: 'Hey, man, I just saw an article on you. You're starting.' Yeah, dude. I played Pop Warner with him. I saw him one time in high school, and that was it." (HA)
About growing up in Palm Springs, Brent said:
"It was cool. It's not a bad little place. It's a good city; good neighborhoods I grew up in. It's not bad at all. It's just hot. That's the only downside to it. I tried to have fun. I was a little kid doing whatever. I rode my dirt bike, played football. I played all of the sports. I was pretty much an active kid. School wasn't my priority back then. I kind of had to pick it up in high school. But I was a good little kid." (HA)
About his first dirt bike, Brent said:
"I got it when I was, like, 8, on Christmas morning. My dad said, 'Hey, Brent, go out and get the paper.' I opened the front door and (the bike is) leaning against the wall right there. It was a YZ 125. It was a red one. I didn't even know how to ride yet. I had to learn. I was happy about it, but it was sitting in the garage for a couple of weeks. My dad taught me. He put it on me. He said: 'Here's the clutch. Here are the gears. Here's the gas. Go.' I got used to it, and I got better and better at it." (HA)
About his off-road truck, Brent said:
"I got it three years ago, and I started putting money into it. Every paycheck I got, I pretty much put it straight into it. I got tons of suspension on it. The tires would drop down and pick up, so I could hit jumps, do whatever. I've got, like, 10 grand in suspension. It's made to hit the dirt. There's a place called Glamis (Sand Dunes). It's like 100 square miles of sand dunes. I take it out there. The highest I've gotten is 6 feet (of air). It was cool. You're all strapped in. You're not going anywhere." (HA)
About playing eight-man football, Brent said:
"It's full pads. It's like regular football except with three fewer guys. It was fun. It's a lot different. There's more scoring. I liked it. I liked running around. There wasn't a playbook. ... it was pretty simple. The offense wasn't like this, where it's pretty complex. It's pretty much double out, double slant, stuff like that. It wasn't real complicated." (HA)
About Desert Chapel High School, Brent said:
"It was real small. I think there were 250 people there. There were 40 something in my graduating class. Everybody knew each other. It was a Christian school. It's a pretty good school. ... (But) I didn't go to my senior prom. I'm not into that." (HA)
About the crowds at his games, Brent said:
"The biggest we had was two grand for one of our home games, the CIF championship game. It seemed like a lot back then. For our (junior college) bowl game, I think we got 9,800 people. That's the most I've ever played in front of. That was an experience." (HA)
About his accuracy as a passer, Brent said:
"I pitched. I think that's where I got my arm strength. I was a backup quarterback all through Pop Warner. I think I threw two passes ... until I got to high school. Nobody taught me or anything like that. I got in at quarterback and started throwing. ... I don't like baseball anymore. My junior year, I played baseball. My senior year, I played golf." (HA)
About his hair style, where he had spiked dark hair (he dyed his light-colored hair) until he recently shaved off his hair, Brent said:
"My family hates (the bald look). They want me to go back. But nobody else has the spikes around here, and (the bald look is) comfortable. ... I've been rocking the spikes for a couple of years. I don't know when I started doing it, but I liked it. I just grow it out, gel it up. I mess around. You can't keep your hair the same all of the time." (HA)
About his two tattoos, Brent said:
"I got this one (near his spine) a couple of days after I turned 18. And I got this one (on the right shoulder) six months later. I've been planning on it since I was 15 years old. I can't really draw. I told the tattoo artist, who drew it up for me. I said, 'Go ahead and do it.' I wanted it to look like someone took a razor blade, cut the skin, peeled it off, and you'd see the spine, you'd see the ribs, you'd see everything. It'll look pretty good when it's done. Right now it looks pretty crappy. It'll get there." (HA)
About choosing UH, Brent said:
"I'd never been here before. I really did not know a lot (about the Warriors). I loved their offense. The offense is one thing that brought me here. I saw them play at midnight (on television) a couple of times last year. Never ever did I imagine (being recruited by UH). One guy on my team called it last year. I was like, 'No way. But that would be awesome.' " (HA)
About adjusting to life in Hawaii, especially the food, Brent said:
"I eat everything. There's not a food on this Earth that I don't like. I eat whatever comes. I've been eating in the caf for a while now. If I go out, I'll eat anything. I had never had sushi before. I got introduced to that last Saturday night. It was pretty good." (HA)
About his social life, Brent said:
"Not too good. No girlfriend or anything. I'm just kicking it, trying to keep my mind on football. Why not? Football is pretty important to me." (HA)
Feature on Keoni Steinhoff
Praising Steinhoff, OL coach Brian Smith said:
"Keoni's been real steady for us. He's one of the most experienced of the bunch as far as playing in games and being in the system for five years." (HSB)
About their struggles on offense in practice yesterday, Ron Lee said:
"Today was a good reminder that we lost everybody -- quarterback, receivers, and we're still searching. We didn't make the plays we needed to, that was a little bit about inexperience. We need to work on that." (HSB)
About Ron Lee talking about their struggles on offense, Royce Pollard said:
"Coach Lee knows what he's talking about. We're going to watch a lot of film. He's going to look at this probably a million times, and help us try to correct every mistake, help us have a better offensive day." (HSB)
Feeling like his Warrior career is passing by very quickly, Steinhoff said:
"As I look at it, the days go by so fast. The next thing you know it's going to be the end of the season, already. I try to enjoy every day as much as I can, get as many reps as I can and try to help our younger guys. I can't miss any practices; this is my last chance to play. ... If you think about it, we play Florida two Saturdays from now. It's going to go by extremely fast." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Over time, Steinhoff developed from a promising walk-on, following his graduation from Damien, into a 6-foot-3, 280-pound starter who enters 2008 among the most seasoned of the linemen. He stepped into the position vacated by Dane Uperesa after the 2006 campaign and started all 13 games at right tackle last season."
About how Steinhoff walked on to the team, Brian Smith (who was a graduate assistant during Steinhoff's redshirt freshman year) said:
"He was a walk-on and undersized, but we saw a lot of potentia. He's just a kid who's always bought into the fundamentals of the program. He paid attention to the linemen who played before him and took coaching from them as well as the coaches." (HSB)
About how Smith's emphasis on fundamentals has helped him refine his game, Steinhoff said:
"He's shown me a lot of mistakes I've made in the past and I try to do my best to improve on it. I think I just have to work on my hands, my punch, getting guys off of me." (HSB)
About how the Sugar Bowl has motivated him all offseason, Steinhoff said:
"It's still in my mind, every day somebody mentions it. It puts a chip on my shoulder and keeps me driving every day, makes me work harder and prepare for our bigger opponents. It does help me, but it's in the past." (HSB)
About how their D is trying to prepare them for Florida, Smith said:
"Our defense is giving us a good fast look every day and we're playing at a fast tempo, trying to make it as stressful for them as possible." (HSB)
Looking forward to watching his brother play basketball (he was HSB All-State Player of the Year and will be a freshman at HPU this fall), Steinhoff said:
"Once football's over I'm going to be at every one of this games. I'm one of his biggest fans." (HSB)
"Keoni's been real steady for us. He's one of the most experienced of the bunch as far as playing in games and being in the system for five years." (HSB)
About their struggles on offense in practice yesterday, Ron Lee said:
"Today was a good reminder that we lost everybody -- quarterback, receivers, and we're still searching. We didn't make the plays we needed to, that was a little bit about inexperience. We need to work on that." (HSB)
About Ron Lee talking about their struggles on offense, Royce Pollard said:
"Coach Lee knows what he's talking about. We're going to watch a lot of film. He's going to look at this probably a million times, and help us try to correct every mistake, help us have a better offensive day." (HSB)
Feeling like his Warrior career is passing by very quickly, Steinhoff said:
"As I look at it, the days go by so fast. The next thing you know it's going to be the end of the season, already. I try to enjoy every day as much as I can, get as many reps as I can and try to help our younger guys. I can't miss any practices; this is my last chance to play. ... If you think about it, we play Florida two Saturdays from now. It's going to go by extremely fast." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Over time, Steinhoff developed from a promising walk-on, following his graduation from Damien, into a 6-foot-3, 280-pound starter who enters 2008 among the most seasoned of the linemen. He stepped into the position vacated by Dane Uperesa after the 2006 campaign and started all 13 games at right tackle last season."
About how Steinhoff walked on to the team, Brian Smith (who was a graduate assistant during Steinhoff's redshirt freshman year) said:
"He was a walk-on and undersized, but we saw a lot of potentia. He's just a kid who's always bought into the fundamentals of the program. He paid attention to the linemen who played before him and took coaching from them as well as the coaches." (HSB)
About how Smith's emphasis on fundamentals has helped him refine his game, Steinhoff said:
"He's shown me a lot of mistakes I've made in the past and I try to do my best to improve on it. I think I just have to work on my hands, my punch, getting guys off of me." (HSB)
About how the Sugar Bowl has motivated him all offseason, Steinhoff said:
"It's still in my mind, every day somebody mentions it. It puts a chip on my shoulder and keeps me driving every day, makes me work harder and prepare for our bigger opponents. It does help me, but it's in the past." (HSB)
About how their D is trying to prepare them for Florida, Smith said:
"Our defense is giving us a good fast look every day and we're playing at a fast tempo, trying to make it as stressful for them as possible." (HSB)
Looking forward to watching his brother play basketball (he was HSB All-State Player of the Year and will be a freshman at HPU this fall), Steinhoff said:
"Once football's over I'm going to be at every one of this games. I'm one of his biggest fans." (HSB)
Article on Nasca and Spencer Smith
About how he was at Azusas Pacific (where Bryan Clay went to college and continues to train) before UH, Nasca said about Clay:
"He's The Man out there as far as track goes. He's out there every day; he's training all the time. I worked out with him the last time I was there. I ran against him a couple times. The guy's an amazing athlete." (HSB)
About moving Nasca from slot receiver to right WR for yesterday's practice (Lane was injured so Pollard and Nasca rotated at RWR), Ron Lee said:
"I think he's got speed and we need some help on the outside. He might be one of the fastest guys on the team. (It's) different when he's running an out (from the outside) than from inside. We have two more weeks. So, he'll get it. He'll be a threat. I think he can be great on the outside." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Nasca said the reads on the outside are less complicated than in the slot and coaches envision him stretching the defense with his speed."
About how Lane (RWR) and Lofton (LWR) have missed many practices due to injury, Ron Lee said:
"I think they've already fallen way behind. And these other guys, Royce and Joe (Avery), they're already picking it up. So they've got their work cut out for them if they ever get back. We can't play with them at half-speed. We gotta move on and go with the guys we can count on."
HSB Note: "Nasca is listed as a senior, but could petition for another year of eligibility for a year he sat out due to a torn hamstring while at Azusa Pacific."
About his good day at practice (2 INTs), Spencer Smith said:
"I've just been trying to make more plays out there, so I can make the trip to Florida and if they need me, they can trust me to be able to go in and make plays." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Growing up a Florida State fan, Spencer Smith dreamed of playing against Florida in The Swamp. Days like the one he enjoyed yesterday certainly can't hurt his chances."
HSB Note: "Special teams might end up being Smith's ticket to Florida. He's playing on the kickoff, kick return and punt return teams."
About how he'll have a lot of friends and family wanting to attend the game if he makes it, Smith said:
"I just want to make the trip. If I make it then I'll worry about tickets. But right now tickets are the last thing on my mind." (HSB)
"He's The Man out there as far as track goes. He's out there every day; he's training all the time. I worked out with him the last time I was there. I ran against him a couple times. The guy's an amazing athlete." (HSB)
About moving Nasca from slot receiver to right WR for yesterday's practice (Lane was injured so Pollard and Nasca rotated at RWR), Ron Lee said:
"I think he's got speed and we need some help on the outside. He might be one of the fastest guys on the team. (It's) different when he's running an out (from the outside) than from inside. We have two more weeks. So, he'll get it. He'll be a threat. I think he can be great on the outside." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Nasca said the reads on the outside are less complicated than in the slot and coaches envision him stretching the defense with his speed."
About how Lane (RWR) and Lofton (LWR) have missed many practices due to injury, Ron Lee said:
"I think they've already fallen way behind. And these other guys, Royce and Joe (Avery), they're already picking it up. So they've got their work cut out for them if they ever get back. We can't play with them at half-speed. We gotta move on and go with the guys we can count on."
HSB Note: "Nasca is listed as a senior, but could petition for another year of eligibility for a year he sat out due to a torn hamstring while at Azusa Pacific."
About his good day at practice (2 INTs), Spencer Smith said:
"I've just been trying to make more plays out there, so I can make the trip to Florida and if they need me, they can trust me to be able to go in and make plays." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Growing up a Florida State fan, Spencer Smith dreamed of playing against Florida in The Swamp. Days like the one he enjoyed yesterday certainly can't hurt his chances."
HSB Note: "Special teams might end up being Smith's ticket to Florida. He's playing on the kickoff, kick return and punt return teams."
About how he'll have a lot of friends and family wanting to attend the game if he makes it, Smith said:
"I just want to make the trip. If I make it then I'll worry about tickets. But right now tickets are the last thing on my mind." (HSB)
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Ching turf replacement is on hold!
HA Note: "On Wednesday, RMY Construction was ruled the low bidder at $862,381, UH officials said. But later that day, UH-Manoa spokesman Gregg Takayama said a protest was filed by the second-lowest bidder."
About how the turf installation is on hold until the protest is resolved, Takayama said:
"Under state rules, this puts a 'freeze' on any further action or construction work pending resolution of the protest. UH procurement and UH-Manoa officials are in discussions with (school) legal counsel of this matter." (HA)
Gov. Lingle's office said in a statement that:
"the previous turf was removed due to extensive deterioration. As a result, the current surface is unfit for UH football practices, track and field, UH marching band, intramural sports, ROTC practices and other activities." (HA)
About how the turf installation is on hold until the protest is resolved, Takayama said:
"Under state rules, this puts a 'freeze' on any further action or construction work pending resolution of the protest. UH procurement and UH-Manoa officials are in discussions with (school) legal counsel of this matter." (HA)
Gov. Lingle's office said in a statement that:
"the previous turf was removed due to extensive deterioration. As a result, the current surface is unfit for UH football practices, track and field, UH marching band, intramural sports, ROTC practices and other activities." (HA)
Brent Rausch adjusting to the starting QB job
About making his 10-meter dive during pool day, Brent said:
"No big deal." (HA)
"I'm not special. It was just a little jump. It was cool with me." (HA)
About the starting QB role, with Chang and Colt being the record-setting QBs before him, Brent said:
"I don't want to compare myself to either one of those great quarterbacks. I want to play my game, and see what I can do. I have to keep my head up." (HA)
About how Brent has to keep working hard, Rolo said:
"He still has a long way to go. He can't get complacent." (HA)
About how he beat out Chang for the starting spot in 2000 but lost the job to Chang after 2 games, Rolo said:
"I didn't do it right. I wasn't close to where I should have been. (Rausch) needs to enjoy it, but he still has to work." (HA)
HA Note: "Head coach Greg McMackin said Alexander and Funaki are the co-No. 2 quarterbacks. Alexander did not practice yesterday morning because of an in-grown toenail on his right foot and a tender left ankle. McMackin said Alexander's ailments are not considered to be serious."
Mack said that Brent needs:
"to keep improving because our (No. 2) guys are going to keep forcing him. It's like any other position. As you're competing, if you fall off, there's somebody else there to take your place. Our other quarterbacks are going to push him into greatness." (HA)
About how Brent took a 1-9 JC team and they went 9-1 and made the playoffs with him, Mack said:
"He's a winner." (HA)
About Brent's throwing motion, Rolo said:
"He's not really a double-clutcher. He comes over the top with it. He controls the nose (of the football). He knows where the ball is going. It's on that plane." (HA)
About Brent's competitive nature, Rolo said:
"He's a competitor. He's got some fire. He's responded when we put him in (difficult) situations." (HA)
About how he's used to hot weather after growing up in Palm Springs, Brent said:
"What? Does it sound like it's all palm trees? It's not like that. It's straight desert. It's hot. Sometimes it gets to 120. But I was cool with that. I had dirt bikes. I had an off-road truck. I could live with it. It was good." (HA)
About Hawaii's tradewinds, Brnet said:
"this is awesome. This is winter back in Palm Springs." (HA)
HA Note: "Rausch was told of his selection during a closed-door meeting Thursday with McMackin, Alexander and Funaki."
About how he called his parents right away but they had already learned from Internet reports, Brent said:
"My family found out before I did. My pops was crying. My mom was crying." (HA)
HA Note: "Rausch justified the coaches' decision with another dazzling performance yesterday morning. He was particularly sharp on red-zone drills. When the defense went to the Okie scheme — three linebackers, five defensive backs — to create a 5-on-8 matchup, Rausch still managed to find the open receiver."
About choosing Brent to be their starter, Mack said:
"We've evaluated him a lot, and it was a tough decision, but he knows we believe in him. We're going with him. The more positive reps he can get with the guys against the No. 1 defense, that helps him." (HA)
About practicing as the starting QB, Brent said:
"It was a lot different today. It was a lot of stress off my shoulders." (HSB)
Happy for how Brent and the offense are working, Ron Lee said:
"I'm just real happy with the way the guys are working, not just the QBs. Brent's really stepping it up and has a great feel for what we're doing." (HSB)
Remembering a comment by his JC teammate Queston Clement, Brent said:
"There was a running back on my team in JC who said, 'You're going there, watch.' I was like, 'Dude you're crazy. I wish I'd go there.' He gave me a call about a month ago and said, 'I told you.' He totally called it." (HSB)
About adjusting to being the starting QB, Brent said:
"It's pretty hard to believe." (HSB)
About selecting Brent, Mack said:
"We've evaluated them very closely and ... he's just been getting better and better. We started noticing that when other guys would go up then have a bad day, he never went backwards. To me a quarterback is just like any other position. We have guys competing at receiver, we have guys competing at all positions. The thing is, here we throw the ball so much that the quarterback position is a focus point. It is on most teams, but here it's really a focus point." (HSB)
About the selection of Brent as their starting QB, Aaron Bain said:
"I give it to Coach Mack and Coach Ron (Lee), that was probably a tough decision. The past couple of days (Rausch has) really been turning it up, it seems like he's really been catching up with the reads and the plays. I think we can start moving and make greater improvements now that we've got everything set." (HSB)
Crediting Inoke for teaching him learn the offense over the summer, Brent said:
"I can read (the playbook), but Inoke told me, 'The read's going to be there, or the read's going to here.' He taught me this offense." (HSB)
About how he's more confident and relaxed now that the QB competition is settled, Brent said:
"I had a little more confidence, more relaxed. I was making good throws, a lot better than I did yesterday." (HSB)
About how confidence is key to get the offense behind Brent, Bain said:
"I remember the first thing I told him. ... 'Once you get the confidence, everybody's going to follow you. You're the guy with the rock.' He's in control of the game so once he gets confidence in himself, it's going to spread to everybody else." (HSB)
HSB Note: "As for playing at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium (capacity 88,548), Rausch said the biggest crowd he's played in front of was "10 grand in junior college." "
Praising Brent's poise, Mack said:
"The thing I like about Brent Rausch is he's not afraid of anything. I don't think he's going to be scared at all. I think he's going to go in there, be excited, playing the Heisman Trophy guy (Tim Tebow) across from him, playing in the Swamp against a top five team. He's that kind of a guy. He's got it." (HSB)
"No big deal." (HA)
"I'm not special. It was just a little jump. It was cool with me." (HA)
About the starting QB role, with Chang and Colt being the record-setting QBs before him, Brent said:
"I don't want to compare myself to either one of those great quarterbacks. I want to play my game, and see what I can do. I have to keep my head up." (HA)
About how Brent has to keep working hard, Rolo said:
"He still has a long way to go. He can't get complacent." (HA)
About how he beat out Chang for the starting spot in 2000 but lost the job to Chang after 2 games, Rolo said:
"I didn't do it right. I wasn't close to where I should have been. (Rausch) needs to enjoy it, but he still has to work." (HA)
HA Note: "Head coach Greg McMackin said Alexander and Funaki are the co-No. 2 quarterbacks. Alexander did not practice yesterday morning because of an in-grown toenail on his right foot and a tender left ankle. McMackin said Alexander's ailments are not considered to be serious."
Mack said that Brent needs:
"to keep improving because our (No. 2) guys are going to keep forcing him. It's like any other position. As you're competing, if you fall off, there's somebody else there to take your place. Our other quarterbacks are going to push him into greatness." (HA)
About how Brent took a 1-9 JC team and they went 9-1 and made the playoffs with him, Mack said:
"He's a winner." (HA)
About Brent's throwing motion, Rolo said:
"He's not really a double-clutcher. He comes over the top with it. He controls the nose (of the football). He knows where the ball is going. It's on that plane." (HA)
About Brent's competitive nature, Rolo said:
"He's a competitor. He's got some fire. He's responded when we put him in (difficult) situations." (HA)
About how he's used to hot weather after growing up in Palm Springs, Brent said:
"What? Does it sound like it's all palm trees? It's not like that. It's straight desert. It's hot. Sometimes it gets to 120. But I was cool with that. I had dirt bikes. I had an off-road truck. I could live with it. It was good." (HA)
About Hawaii's tradewinds, Brnet said:
"this is awesome. This is winter back in Palm Springs." (HA)
HA Note: "Rausch was told of his selection during a closed-door meeting Thursday with McMackin, Alexander and Funaki."
About how he called his parents right away but they had already learned from Internet reports, Brent said:
"My family found out before I did. My pops was crying. My mom was crying." (HA)
HA Note: "Rausch justified the coaches' decision with another dazzling performance yesterday morning. He was particularly sharp on red-zone drills. When the defense went to the Okie scheme — three linebackers, five defensive backs — to create a 5-on-8 matchup, Rausch still managed to find the open receiver."
About choosing Brent to be their starter, Mack said:
"We've evaluated him a lot, and it was a tough decision, but he knows we believe in him. We're going with him. The more positive reps he can get with the guys against the No. 1 defense, that helps him." (HA)
About practicing as the starting QB, Brent said:
"It was a lot different today. It was a lot of stress off my shoulders." (HSB)
Happy for how Brent and the offense are working, Ron Lee said:
"I'm just real happy with the way the guys are working, not just the QBs. Brent's really stepping it up and has a great feel for what we're doing." (HSB)
Remembering a comment by his JC teammate Queston Clement, Brent said:
"There was a running back on my team in JC who said, 'You're going there, watch.' I was like, 'Dude you're crazy. I wish I'd go there.' He gave me a call about a month ago and said, 'I told you.' He totally called it." (HSB)
About adjusting to being the starting QB, Brent said:
"It's pretty hard to believe." (HSB)
About selecting Brent, Mack said:
"We've evaluated them very closely and ... he's just been getting better and better. We started noticing that when other guys would go up then have a bad day, he never went backwards. To me a quarterback is just like any other position. We have guys competing at receiver, we have guys competing at all positions. The thing is, here we throw the ball so much that the quarterback position is a focus point. It is on most teams, but here it's really a focus point." (HSB)
About the selection of Brent as their starting QB, Aaron Bain said:
"I give it to Coach Mack and Coach Ron (Lee), that was probably a tough decision. The past couple of days (Rausch has) really been turning it up, it seems like he's really been catching up with the reads and the plays. I think we can start moving and make greater improvements now that we've got everything set." (HSB)
Crediting Inoke for teaching him learn the offense over the summer, Brent said:
"I can read (the playbook), but Inoke told me, 'The read's going to be there, or the read's going to here.' He taught me this offense." (HSB)
About how he's more confident and relaxed now that the QB competition is settled, Brent said:
"I had a little more confidence, more relaxed. I was making good throws, a lot better than I did yesterday." (HSB)
About how confidence is key to get the offense behind Brent, Bain said:
"I remember the first thing I told him. ... 'Once you get the confidence, everybody's going to follow you. You're the guy with the rock.' He's in control of the game so once he gets confidence in himself, it's going to spread to everybody else." (HSB)
HSB Note: "As for playing at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium (capacity 88,548), Rausch said the biggest crowd he's played in front of was "10 grand in junior college." "
Praising Brent's poise, Mack said:
"The thing I like about Brent Rausch is he's not afraid of anything. I don't think he's going to be scared at all. I think he's going to go in there, be excited, playing the Heisman Trophy guy (Tim Tebow) across from him, playing in the Swamp against a top five team. He's that kind of a guy. He's got it." (HSB)
Quotes from pool day
About his jump off the 10-meter board (all first-year Warriors made the jump, as expected), Jameel Dowling (who doesn't know how to swim so he wore orange flotation bracelets) said:
"It was crazy. I was scared when I looked down, but I got it done." (HA)
Dustin Blount took 3 running starts before coming to screeching halts, but he said that on his third attempt:
"I was trying to stop, but I built up too much momentum." (HA)
About how he somersaulted once during his fall, Blount said:
"I didn't even try to flip. It just happened." (HA)
About being the last to jump, Mana Silva said:
"I surf and stuff, but when it comes to jumping into a pool, I get scared. They thought I could jump off like nothing. I never rode a rollercoaster before. Every time we go to an adventure park, I'd have to wait for my family until after they rode the roller-coaster." (HA)
"People don't know but I'm scared of heights, I've never rode a roller coaster." (HSB)
About how he jumped twice, Silva said:
"I had to do it again. I had to break the fear." (HA)
Happy that pool day dive is behind him, Silva said:
"It feels good to have it over with." (HSB)
About making the jump, Haku Correa said:
"I was kinda scared at first, but the adrenaline gets you pumped, so I just did it. I just went up there, I looked, went back and ran off and jumped. ... All the rookies have to do it." (HSB)
About how he added a backflip to his dive, Corey Paredes said:
"I wasn't scared to jump off, but I wanted to do a gainer, that's what made me nervous." (HSB)
About shortening yesterday morning's practice, Mack said:
"We've had 13 practices, I think it's a good day to cut back, go have some fun." (HSB)
After their morning practice, Mack said:
"I think we've become a team these last two practices." (HSB)
"It was crazy. I was scared when I looked down, but I got it done." (HA)
Dustin Blount took 3 running starts before coming to screeching halts, but he said that on his third attempt:
"I was trying to stop, but I built up too much momentum." (HA)
About how he somersaulted once during his fall, Blount said:
"I didn't even try to flip. It just happened." (HA)
About being the last to jump, Mana Silva said:
"I surf and stuff, but when it comes to jumping into a pool, I get scared. They thought I could jump off like nothing. I never rode a rollercoaster before. Every time we go to an adventure park, I'd have to wait for my family until after they rode the roller-coaster." (HA)
"People don't know but I'm scared of heights, I've never rode a roller coaster." (HSB)
About how he jumped twice, Silva said:
"I had to do it again. I had to break the fear." (HA)
Happy that pool day dive is behind him, Silva said:
"It feels good to have it over with." (HSB)
About making the jump, Haku Correa said:
"I was kinda scared at first, but the adrenaline gets you pumped, so I just did it. I just went up there, I looked, went back and ran off and jumped. ... All the rookies have to do it." (HSB)
About how he added a backflip to his dive, Corey Paredes said:
"I wasn't scared to jump off, but I wanted to do a gainer, that's what made me nervous." (HSB)
About shortening yesterday morning's practice, Mack said:
"We've had 13 practices, I think it's a good day to cut back, go have some fun." (HSB)
After their morning practice, Mack said:
"I think we've become a team these last two practices." (HSB)
Feature on Kealoha Pilares
About not allowing himself to think that he's prepared for his slotback role, to push himself to work harder, Pilares said:
"No, not yet, just every day I'm trying to come out here and focus, get better, trying to learn from all the coaches. Just watching videos, there's stuff that we can improve on. Coach Ron (Lee, the offensive coordinator) is stressing the little points now, just come out here and strive for perfection." (HSB)
About how Pilares has adjusted well to slotback, WR coach Craig Stutzmann said:
"He has handled it really well. I tell you what, he's going to get just as much playing time as the ones, as long as he gets his plays down right and he gets the fine-tuning." (HSB)
HSB Note: "At 5-11, 190 pounds, Pilares feels comfortable enough where he is to call slot his "natural position." On the other hand, he joked (or was perhaps serious) that he could play both running back and slot if called upon. He'll be busy enough. Stutzmann explained that Pilares would be the first man off the sidelines when Bain or left slotback Mike Washington need a breather or time to confer with the coaches. Since the Damien Memorial School graduate is still in the process of absorbing the entire playbook on the right side at "Y," the coaches don't want to overload him by placing him at Washington's "H" slot in those situations. Instead, the experienced Bain will slide over to the left and Pilares will fill in on the right."
About how they will rotate their WRs this year, Stutzmann said:
"It's going to be a constant rotation. Kealoha, we can't waste a guy like that. He's probably one of our best athletes on offense - he needs to be on the field and be on the field a lot." (HSB)
About their starting slot WRs, Pilares said:
"I know Yoda (Bain) and Mike, they've been here a long time and are just waiting for their shot. But like everyone, I want to start, but team comes first and I think this year's team is way different from last year's team because we have depth. Everyone's going to be running hard every play. Guys can just come and fill in from where Mike and Yoda started. That's what we're trying to work on, depth, and just having Coach (Lee) leave us with confidence." (HSB)
About Pilares, Bain said:
"Me and him, we're in the same position so we've been learning a lot. If he was to step up to the line next to me I would feel confident, just like if he was another returnee, someone who was there just as long as me. I want to see him in the open field with the rock." (HSB)
"No, not yet, just every day I'm trying to come out here and focus, get better, trying to learn from all the coaches. Just watching videos, there's stuff that we can improve on. Coach Ron (Lee, the offensive coordinator) is stressing the little points now, just come out here and strive for perfection." (HSB)
About how Pilares has adjusted well to slotback, WR coach Craig Stutzmann said:
"He has handled it really well. I tell you what, he's going to get just as much playing time as the ones, as long as he gets his plays down right and he gets the fine-tuning." (HSB)
HSB Note: "At 5-11, 190 pounds, Pilares feels comfortable enough where he is to call slot his "natural position." On the other hand, he joked (or was perhaps serious) that he could play both running back and slot if called upon. He'll be busy enough. Stutzmann explained that Pilares would be the first man off the sidelines when Bain or left slotback Mike Washington need a breather or time to confer with the coaches. Since the Damien Memorial School graduate is still in the process of absorbing the entire playbook on the right side at "Y," the coaches don't want to overload him by placing him at Washington's "H" slot in those situations. Instead, the experienced Bain will slide over to the left and Pilares will fill in on the right."
About how they will rotate their WRs this year, Stutzmann said:
"It's going to be a constant rotation. Kealoha, we can't waste a guy like that. He's probably one of our best athletes on offense - he needs to be on the field and be on the field a lot." (HSB)
About their starting slot WRs, Pilares said:
"I know Yoda (Bain) and Mike, they've been here a long time and are just waiting for their shot. But like everyone, I want to start, but team comes first and I think this year's team is way different from last year's team because we have depth. Everyone's going to be running hard every play. Guys can just come and fill in from where Mike and Yoda started. That's what we're trying to work on, depth, and just having Coach (Lee) leave us with confidence." (HSB)
About Pilares, Bain said:
"Me and him, we're in the same position so we've been learning a lot. If he was to step up to the line next to me I would feel confident, just like if he was another returnee, someone who was there just as long as me. I want to see him in the open field with the rock." (HSB)
Hercules adjusting to the NFL
About adjusting to the NFL, Hercules said:
"They have me centering with the second and third team, and I'm hanging in here. The transition for me is tough. So much to learn and it's like moving to college from high school." (HSB)
About adjusting to run blocking, Hercules said:
"The challenge right now is getting down the run blocking. (At Hawaii), I only blocked on pulling plays. We threw most of the time, so pass blocking is not as challenging for me right now as learning the run schemes." (HSB)
HSB Note: "In practices earlier this week, Satele was positioned at left guard as well as center, and is penciled in with third and fourth teams. For now, that's not a concern because the 6-2, 308-pound native of Long Beach, Calif., is clearly occupied with technique, education and adjustment."
About why he and his agent selected Arizona, Hercules said:
"We know of coach (Ken Whisenhunt's) work with the Steelers and the reputation of (offensive line coach) Russ Grimm. With that combination, we knew Arizona would be a good fit, and I'm excited to be here." (HSB)
About how he'll adjust to all of the new formations and other things, Hercules said:
"I'll do it, I'll get it done. At the beginning now, everything is hard and everything is a challenge." (HSB)
About how he needs to learn quickly to make the team, Hercules said:
"To make this team, I can't make any mental errors. Coaches will point something out to you and better not (need to) repeat that. You cannot make the same mistake twice." (HSB)
"They have me centering with the second and third team, and I'm hanging in here. The transition for me is tough. So much to learn and it's like moving to college from high school." (HSB)
About adjusting to run blocking, Hercules said:
"The challenge right now is getting down the run blocking. (At Hawaii), I only blocked on pulling plays. We threw most of the time, so pass blocking is not as challenging for me right now as learning the run schemes." (HSB)
HSB Note: "In practices earlier this week, Satele was positioned at left guard as well as center, and is penciled in with third and fourth teams. For now, that's not a concern because the 6-2, 308-pound native of Long Beach, Calif., is clearly occupied with technique, education and adjustment."
About why he and his agent selected Arizona, Hercules said:
"We know of coach (Ken Whisenhunt's) work with the Steelers and the reputation of (offensive line coach) Russ Grimm. With that combination, we knew Arizona would be a good fit, and I'm excited to be here." (HSB)
About how he'll adjust to all of the new formations and other things, Hercules said:
"I'll do it, I'll get it done. At the beginning now, everything is hard and everything is a challenge." (HSB)
About how he needs to learn quickly to make the team, Hercules said:
"To make this team, I can't make any mental errors. Coaches will point something out to you and better not (need to) repeat that. You cannot make the same mistake twice." (HSB)
Friday, August 15, 2008
Non-QB Quotes from the local papers
About practicing at 2nd team MLB, Mana Lolotai said:
"It feels good to finally get some rotations in. Last year I was No. 5 out of five middle linebackers and didn't get much work at my position." (HSB)
About how he had committed to play for Oregon State until academic issues prevented him from going there, Lolotai said:
"The whole thing with my qualifications to get myself in with my grades, I'm just trying to get back on track. It's been an experience for me just to try to get back into the game." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Those issues may turn out to be a blessing for Hawaii. With Lolotai forced to stay home and attend Hawaii Pacific for a year, his path back to the football field runs through Manoa, where he's intent on proving to himself -- and others -- he can live up to the potential he showed in high school."
About how he wants to prove his doubters wrong, Lolotai said:
"Nobody has seen me play my position since my senior year (of high school), so for me, I kind of have to prove to myself I can still play my position. I know there's a lot of doubters out there saying that I got married and I'm done. I'm kind of trying to show them up." (HSB)
HSB Note: "It's been three years since Lolotai has seen significant playing time at linebacker in a game, his first break since stepping on a football field the first time as a kid. His success in high school filled his mind with thoughts of being a star in college, but the last couple of years have grounded him, and made him realize the importance of working hard every day to hopefully fulfill those high school dreams."
About how he learned the difference between college and starring in high school, Lolotai said:
"College is like you're playing with a bunch of all-stars and you've got to rise above that. Last year was kind of a learning experience for me. I can't just come in and expect to play the position. I have to work for it." (HSB)
About what he needs to work on, Lolotai said:
"I'm comfortable now, but I still have a lot to learn. I'm working real hard on my footwork and my reads and just doing well when I'm in there getting reps." (HSB)
About returning to practice after being out with injury, Adam Leonard said:
"I was easing into that. I think I got more comfortable as practice went along and I got in there a little more. It was a good first day. It's a marathon, not a sprint. I'm going to take it one day at a time. We're not playing tomorrow, we play in a couple of weeks. That's the plan, to be 100 percent by the time we go to Florida." (HSB)
About how they shuffled their depth chart after Blaze's injury, Adam said:
"Of course we want him to get well as fast as possible. We've been praying for him, we're keeping him in the loop. But the reality is we've got to step up and have somebody play and R.J. (Kiesel-Kauhane) and Brashton (Satele) are doing a great job running with the ones so far. I feel confident that we have the players here to step up." (HSB)
About how the new 40-second clock will force them to run plays faster, Rolo said:
"Yesterday we brought out the stopwatch and almost half of our plays in one period were over 40 seconds. So we made a big point of telling them last night to get in and out of the huddle, because it's a tough rule and it's going to change college football a little bit. We were under 30 seconds for most of the plays today. It was great tempo." (HSB)
About how the QBs have to keep track of a lot of things, Rolo said:
"I tell the quarterbacks they have tons of responsibility -- it's just the nature of the position. And if they don't want it they can get a green jersey, they can get a white jersey if they want. But there's all kinds of things they're responsible for and that's one of them." (HSB)
Note: QBs wear orange jerseys in practice.
About how Hisatake has been at starting RG since Lafu's injury, Brian Smith said:
"We see a lot potential in him, so we really want to push his reps. But he's still got a long way to go just as far as learning it and getting really comfortable. But there's flashes of some great things." (HSB)
"It feels good to finally get some rotations in. Last year I was No. 5 out of five middle linebackers and didn't get much work at my position." (HSB)
About how he had committed to play for Oregon State until academic issues prevented him from going there, Lolotai said:
"The whole thing with my qualifications to get myself in with my grades, I'm just trying to get back on track. It's been an experience for me just to try to get back into the game." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Those issues may turn out to be a blessing for Hawaii. With Lolotai forced to stay home and attend Hawaii Pacific for a year, his path back to the football field runs through Manoa, where he's intent on proving to himself -- and others -- he can live up to the potential he showed in high school."
About how he wants to prove his doubters wrong, Lolotai said:
"Nobody has seen me play my position since my senior year (of high school), so for me, I kind of have to prove to myself I can still play my position. I know there's a lot of doubters out there saying that I got married and I'm done. I'm kind of trying to show them up." (HSB)
HSB Note: "It's been three years since Lolotai has seen significant playing time at linebacker in a game, his first break since stepping on a football field the first time as a kid. His success in high school filled his mind with thoughts of being a star in college, but the last couple of years have grounded him, and made him realize the importance of working hard every day to hopefully fulfill those high school dreams."
About how he learned the difference between college and starring in high school, Lolotai said:
"College is like you're playing with a bunch of all-stars and you've got to rise above that. Last year was kind of a learning experience for me. I can't just come in and expect to play the position. I have to work for it." (HSB)
About what he needs to work on, Lolotai said:
"I'm comfortable now, but I still have a lot to learn. I'm working real hard on my footwork and my reads and just doing well when I'm in there getting reps." (HSB)
About returning to practice after being out with injury, Adam Leonard said:
"I was easing into that. I think I got more comfortable as practice went along and I got in there a little more. It was a good first day. It's a marathon, not a sprint. I'm going to take it one day at a time. We're not playing tomorrow, we play in a couple of weeks. That's the plan, to be 100 percent by the time we go to Florida." (HSB)
About how they shuffled their depth chart after Blaze's injury, Adam said:
"Of course we want him to get well as fast as possible. We've been praying for him, we're keeping him in the loop. But the reality is we've got to step up and have somebody play and R.J. (Kiesel-Kauhane) and Brashton (Satele) are doing a great job running with the ones so far. I feel confident that we have the players here to step up." (HSB)
About how the new 40-second clock will force them to run plays faster, Rolo said:
"Yesterday we brought out the stopwatch and almost half of our plays in one period were over 40 seconds. So we made a big point of telling them last night to get in and out of the huddle, because it's a tough rule and it's going to change college football a little bit. We were under 30 seconds for most of the plays today. It was great tempo." (HSB)
About how the QBs have to keep track of a lot of things, Rolo said:
"I tell the quarterbacks they have tons of responsibility -- it's just the nature of the position. And if they don't want it they can get a green jersey, they can get a white jersey if they want. But there's all kinds of things they're responsible for and that's one of them." (HSB)
Note: QBs wear orange jerseys in practice.
About how Hisatake has been at starting RG since Lafu's injury, Brian Smith said:
"We see a lot potential in him, so we really want to push his reps. But he's still got a long way to go just as far as learning it and getting really comfortable. But there's flashes of some great things." (HSB)
Brent Rausch is the starting QB!
Ferd wrote in the HA: "Until this week the sophomore had been running No. 3 in drills at UH and, truth be told, if Rausch had come out of witness protection he couldn't have been more of a mystery to a great many people. It wasn't until last year as a redshirt freshman at COD in Palm Desert, Calif., where he threw for more than 2,600 yards and 28 touchdowns, that Rausch played 11-man football. His previous experience had been as a three-year starter at Desert Chapel Christian School, then a 90-student private school where he played both ways on the eight-man football team."
Ferd wrote in the HA: "Consider that Rausch played his JC home games in a stadium seating 1,000. Actual crowds were probably a hundred times smaller than what will scream back at him in two weeks in The Swamp, where capacity is listed at 88,548."
About how Brent did in practice yesterday, where he threw 48% of the passes and 2 of the 4 2-minute-drill series (before this the reps were evenly divided), Rolo said:
"(Rausch) did great. He made some great throws. He knows where to go with the ball. The guys buy into his personality. He's vocal. He's confident. He wanted it." (HA)
About how Brent has received the highest scores among the QBs since Saturday, Rolo said:
"Brent keeps going like this [Rolo raised his left hand in an upward-step motion]. When you look at it day by day, the graph goes (up)." (HA)
Rolo told Mack yesterday morning:
"Let's see what he's got. Let's give him a chance." (HA)
HA Note: "It was agreed that Rausch, for the first time in training camp, would be the leadoff quarterback in the passing drills."
About how he did not participate in the afternoon drills on Wednesday due to tightness in his right (throwing) elbow, Brent said:
"Nothing to worry about." (HA)
HA Note: "Indeed, he came out firing yesterday, lasering completion after completion in the red-zone drill. He also excelled in the two-minute drill. To add to the drama, the defense was allowed to blitz and the offense was told it had to use silent counts. Against an aggressive defense and the clock — graduate assistant Craig Stutzmann would yell out the dwindling time — Rausch remained poised, completing passes to the flats and downfield."
Praising Brent, Rolo said:
"I love the way he throws. He's very accurate. He has a strong arm. He throws a pretty ball. He controls it. He knows where he wants it, and he puts it there." (HA)
HA Note: "Rolovich also is impressed with Rausch's U-turn in attitude. Entering training camp last week, it was decided the rotation would go like this: Funaki, a fourth-year junior who exited spring training as the co-No. 1 quarterback; Alexander, a junior-college transfer who has only two years to play two seasons; and then Rausch, who has three years to play three seasons."
About how he had fallen behind Inoke and Alexander when working with inexperienced WRs early in camp, Rolo said:
"He was upset about it. I told him: 'What are you getting upset about? You're getting reps. You're in Hawai'i.' I want to see how tough people are. In the first few days, he struggled. I think it was his mindset, 'Oh, they've got me out of the competition. I'm just taking reps to take reps.' (After) the first two days, he was low on the grading. He was low on body language. He wasn't a good teammate as far as getting people going. He was quiet. He was kind of going in the tank. I said, 'Look, if you want to go in the tank, go in the tank. This isn't over for you.' " (HA)
Remembering his conversation with Rolo about how the competition wasn't over, Brent said:
"I had to suck it up, quit being a little baby. I'm glad he put it on me like that." (HA)
About how he had to relax and not put too much pressure on himself, Brent said:
"I was stressing too hard about making my throws. I couldn't relax. ... I was down on myself. I definitely was. I thought I was going to be third string. Then stuff started coming together. I came out of my shell. Now, I can relax, look around and make my throws." (HA)
HA Note: "His neighborhood high school football team was led by a 5-foot-7, 220-pound quarterback who was the head coach's son. Figuring he would not play much at that school, he instead enrolled at Desert Chapel High in Palm Springs, Calif. That school competed in an eight-man-on-a-side football league. The offense did not have tackles or a fullback. When four receivers were used, Rausch was alone in the backfield, with little protection."
About playing in an 8-man football league, Brent said:
"It was pretty fun. I was a running back and quarterback in high school." (HA)
HA Note: "He then attended College of the Desert for two years, playing football — 11-on-11 for the first time in years — for one season. Dan Morrison, who was UH's quarterbacks coach last year, spoke highly of Rausch to Rolovich, who was an assistant coach at City College of San Francisco. After Morrison left UH to join June Jones' new coaching staff at Southern Methodist, Rolovich was hired as the Warriors' quarterbacks coach in January. Rolovich remembered Rausch, and made the recommendation to Lee and McMackin. Rausch had visited UH on a family vacation the week before receiving the scholarship offer."
About UH, Brent said:
"It's a good school. I watched them a lot (on television) last year. I love their offense. It's a good place for me, being a passing quarterback. I'm not much of a runner." (HA)
About how UH offered a scholarship to Alexander soon after he committed to UH, Brent said:
"It's always good to have a challenge. It makes everyone better." (HA)
HA Note: "In the final twist, SMU made a scholarship offer — the day Rausch signed a national letter of intent with UH."
About how SMU made a scholarship offer to him through his JC coach, Brent said:
"He didn't even tell me about it until the day I signed. It didn't get to me. But I didn't even consider going to Texas." (HA)
Dismissing comparisons with Colt, the 6'4", 190-pound Brent said:
"I don't want to be compared to him. He's a great quarterback. He definitely has a different style. He's definitely better than me." (HA)
Understanding the difficulty in being the QB after Colt, Rolo said:
"Texas Tech wants to call itself Quarterback U or whatever, but coming after Colt Brennan is not the easiest job in the world. (The successor) needs to understand the importance in this state. That is a lot of pressure. Somebody has to handle it." (HA)
About how he saw the difficulty that Denver had after John Elway retired, Rolo (who was in the Broncos' training camp then) said:
"(Brian) Griese struggled with it in Denver. Those are the experiences that I can vocalize. The people of this state have a passion for this football team, especially for this position." (HA)
Referring to the QB they selected to be the starter, Mack said:
"There is one guy who has gotten better every day. I think we have a guy I think is going to continue to get better. We made that decision. It's not an easy decision, but we're confident in it and I just want to talk to the players first." (HSB)
"We feel one of the guys has moved in front and we're going to make a move. It's important for our football team to have a guy they can rally around and it's also important he gets the reps with the first team. We'll start practicing that way (today). We don't start game-planning against Florida until next week, so we had the weekend, but we're ready to make a decision and it's time to move on." (HSB)
"Yeah, I think there's one guy that's gotten better every day. Some guys have gone up and taken a step back. We have a guy who, I think, is gonna continue to get better. And we made that decision. It's not an easy decision. But we're confident in it. I just want to talk to the players first." (HSB)
Praising Brent's play in practice yesterday, Mack said:
"I thought he played very well. Today was our best practice. Our tempo ... we have a chance to be a good football team." (HSB)
HSB Note: "If Rausch starts at The Swamp in his first Division I game, it'll mark a remarkable swing for someone who was playing 8-man high school football in California just two seasons ago and didn't play quarterback until his junior year."
About how he started to get comfortable in the offense last Thursday, Brent said:
"Now I can see the defense moving and setting up and I can read it a lot better now. It did, all of a sudden, click for me." (HSB)
"I dropped back and I saw everything. Everything started moving. I was picking out my safeties I needed to see, my outside linebackers. It was clicking. I was seeing what I needed to see." (HSB)
About how Brent has "continually gotten better", Rolo said:
"That's what we wanted, we wanted a slow incline. It didn't have to be you know everything right away. But you had to get better every day and he's one guy who did." (HSB)
Praising Brent, Greg Salas said:
"He's always thrown a good ball. It looks like he's making his reads and has more confidence." (HSB)
About how he didn't know that he would get a lot of first team reps when he got to practice yesterday, Brent said:
"Not at all. I threw a few good passes and they just kept me going. The next drill came up and I went first. ... I was too happy to be surprised." (HSB)
About the pressure in the starting QB position, Brent said:
"I love the pressure, it's awesome." (HSB)
Ferd wrote in the HA: "Consider that Rausch played his JC home games in a stadium seating 1,000. Actual crowds were probably a hundred times smaller than what will scream back at him in two weeks in The Swamp, where capacity is listed at 88,548."
About how Brent did in practice yesterday, where he threw 48% of the passes and 2 of the 4 2-minute-drill series (before this the reps were evenly divided), Rolo said:
"(Rausch) did great. He made some great throws. He knows where to go with the ball. The guys buy into his personality. He's vocal. He's confident. He wanted it." (HA)
About how Brent has received the highest scores among the QBs since Saturday, Rolo said:
"Brent keeps going like this [Rolo raised his left hand in an upward-step motion]. When you look at it day by day, the graph goes (up)." (HA)
Rolo told Mack yesterday morning:
"Let's see what he's got. Let's give him a chance." (HA)
HA Note: "It was agreed that Rausch, for the first time in training camp, would be the leadoff quarterback in the passing drills."
About how he did not participate in the afternoon drills on Wednesday due to tightness in his right (throwing) elbow, Brent said:
"Nothing to worry about." (HA)
HA Note: "Indeed, he came out firing yesterday, lasering completion after completion in the red-zone drill. He also excelled in the two-minute drill. To add to the drama, the defense was allowed to blitz and the offense was told it had to use silent counts. Against an aggressive defense and the clock — graduate assistant Craig Stutzmann would yell out the dwindling time — Rausch remained poised, completing passes to the flats and downfield."
Praising Brent, Rolo said:
"I love the way he throws. He's very accurate. He has a strong arm. He throws a pretty ball. He controls it. He knows where he wants it, and he puts it there." (HA)
HA Note: "Rolovich also is impressed with Rausch's U-turn in attitude. Entering training camp last week, it was decided the rotation would go like this: Funaki, a fourth-year junior who exited spring training as the co-No. 1 quarterback; Alexander, a junior-college transfer who has only two years to play two seasons; and then Rausch, who has three years to play three seasons."
About how he had fallen behind Inoke and Alexander when working with inexperienced WRs early in camp, Rolo said:
"He was upset about it. I told him: 'What are you getting upset about? You're getting reps. You're in Hawai'i.' I want to see how tough people are. In the first few days, he struggled. I think it was his mindset, 'Oh, they've got me out of the competition. I'm just taking reps to take reps.' (After) the first two days, he was low on the grading. He was low on body language. He wasn't a good teammate as far as getting people going. He was quiet. He was kind of going in the tank. I said, 'Look, if you want to go in the tank, go in the tank. This isn't over for you.' " (HA)
Remembering his conversation with Rolo about how the competition wasn't over, Brent said:
"I had to suck it up, quit being a little baby. I'm glad he put it on me like that." (HA)
About how he had to relax and not put too much pressure on himself, Brent said:
"I was stressing too hard about making my throws. I couldn't relax. ... I was down on myself. I definitely was. I thought I was going to be third string. Then stuff started coming together. I came out of my shell. Now, I can relax, look around and make my throws." (HA)
HA Note: "His neighborhood high school football team was led by a 5-foot-7, 220-pound quarterback who was the head coach's son. Figuring he would not play much at that school, he instead enrolled at Desert Chapel High in Palm Springs, Calif. That school competed in an eight-man-on-a-side football league. The offense did not have tackles or a fullback. When four receivers were used, Rausch was alone in the backfield, with little protection."
About playing in an 8-man football league, Brent said:
"It was pretty fun. I was a running back and quarterback in high school." (HA)
HA Note: "He then attended College of the Desert for two years, playing football — 11-on-11 for the first time in years — for one season. Dan Morrison, who was UH's quarterbacks coach last year, spoke highly of Rausch to Rolovich, who was an assistant coach at City College of San Francisco. After Morrison left UH to join June Jones' new coaching staff at Southern Methodist, Rolovich was hired as the Warriors' quarterbacks coach in January. Rolovich remembered Rausch, and made the recommendation to Lee and McMackin. Rausch had visited UH on a family vacation the week before receiving the scholarship offer."
About UH, Brent said:
"It's a good school. I watched them a lot (on television) last year. I love their offense. It's a good place for me, being a passing quarterback. I'm not much of a runner." (HA)
About how UH offered a scholarship to Alexander soon after he committed to UH, Brent said:
"It's always good to have a challenge. It makes everyone better." (HA)
HA Note: "In the final twist, SMU made a scholarship offer — the day Rausch signed a national letter of intent with UH."
About how SMU made a scholarship offer to him through his JC coach, Brent said:
"He didn't even tell me about it until the day I signed. It didn't get to me. But I didn't even consider going to Texas." (HA)
Dismissing comparisons with Colt, the 6'4", 190-pound Brent said:
"I don't want to be compared to him. He's a great quarterback. He definitely has a different style. He's definitely better than me." (HA)
Understanding the difficulty in being the QB after Colt, Rolo said:
"Texas Tech wants to call itself Quarterback U or whatever, but coming after Colt Brennan is not the easiest job in the world. (The successor) needs to understand the importance in this state. That is a lot of pressure. Somebody has to handle it." (HA)
About how he saw the difficulty that Denver had after John Elway retired, Rolo (who was in the Broncos' training camp then) said:
"(Brian) Griese struggled with it in Denver. Those are the experiences that I can vocalize. The people of this state have a passion for this football team, especially for this position." (HA)
Referring to the QB they selected to be the starter, Mack said:
"There is one guy who has gotten better every day. I think we have a guy I think is going to continue to get better. We made that decision. It's not an easy decision, but we're confident in it and I just want to talk to the players first." (HSB)
"We feel one of the guys has moved in front and we're going to make a move. It's important for our football team to have a guy they can rally around and it's also important he gets the reps with the first team. We'll start practicing that way (today). We don't start game-planning against Florida until next week, so we had the weekend, but we're ready to make a decision and it's time to move on." (HSB)
"Yeah, I think there's one guy that's gotten better every day. Some guys have gone up and taken a step back. We have a guy who, I think, is gonna continue to get better. And we made that decision. It's not an easy decision. But we're confident in it. I just want to talk to the players first." (HSB)
Praising Brent's play in practice yesterday, Mack said:
"I thought he played very well. Today was our best practice. Our tempo ... we have a chance to be a good football team." (HSB)
HSB Note: "If Rausch starts at The Swamp in his first Division I game, it'll mark a remarkable swing for someone who was playing 8-man high school football in California just two seasons ago and didn't play quarterback until his junior year."
About how he started to get comfortable in the offense last Thursday, Brent said:
"Now I can see the defense moving and setting up and I can read it a lot better now. It did, all of a sudden, click for me." (HSB)
"I dropped back and I saw everything. Everything started moving. I was picking out my safeties I needed to see, my outside linebackers. It was clicking. I was seeing what I needed to see." (HSB)
About how Brent has "continually gotten better", Rolo said:
"That's what we wanted, we wanted a slow incline. It didn't have to be you know everything right away. But you had to get better every day and he's one guy who did." (HSB)
Praising Brent, Greg Salas said:
"He's always thrown a good ball. It looks like he's making his reads and has more confidence." (HSB)
About how he didn't know that he would get a lot of first team reps when he got to practice yesterday, Brent said:
"Not at all. I threw a few good passes and they just kept me going. The next drill came up and I went first. ... I was too happy to be surprised." (HSB)
About the pressure in the starting QB position, Brent said:
"I love the pressure, it's awesome." (HSB)
Thursday, August 14, 2008
The Cooke Field turf contract was awarded!
Happy that his company (Sports Turf Hawaii) won the bid to replace the turf at Cooke Field, Hamocon said:
"I'm obviously happy that we were able to pull off this bid. More importantly, I think the challenge was just being able to bid the job. Having that opportunity, that really was my battle from the start." (HSB)
HSB Note: "University officials awarded the contract to Hamocon even though he did not have the synthetic turf license recommended by the state Contractors License Board, which oversees contractor licenses. Before the bidding opened last month, David Hafner, UH assistant vice chancellor for campus services, said he was concerned about skirting the board's recommendations because it could lead to a protest, a formal objection that could delay work. But that concern was erased because Hamocon was the low bidder."
About how Hamocon had good recommendations for the job he did putting in the turf at Murakami Stadium, Hafner said:
"This is a fully capable low bidder." (HSB)
Hafner said that awarding the contract to the lowest bidder was:
"in the best interest of the taxpayer." (HSB)
HSB Note: "RMY Construction, a general contractor, and Hamocon's company, as subcontractor, bid about $21,500 less than the next bidder, Applied Surfacing Technology. A dispute on the Cooke Field project erupted last month when Hamocon said Denny Sadowski, a member of the Contractors License Board and the listed agent for Applied Surfacing Technology, tried to limit his competition by asking the board to require a special license for synthetic turf jobs. In October the board voted in favor of Sadowski's recommendation that contractors have a special license to install synthetic turf at sports stadiums in Hawaii. The decision reduced the number of contractors that can install synthetic turf at sports stadiums from hundreds to four, one of which was Applied Surfacing Technology."
About how what Sadowski tried to do to limit competition was wrong, Hamocon said:
"What it comes down to is, what he's done in his position is wrong. The fact is there's definitely a conflict of interest." (HSB)
HSB Note: "The board started tackling the issue in July 2007 when a contractor asked the board whether landscape contractors needed a special license to lay synthetic turf, said board executive officer Verna Oda. Sadowski, the synthetic turf expert on the board, brought up his special licensing recommendation in August, Oda said."
HSB Note: "Hamocon, who is a landscape contractor, said he did not know of the board's revised opinion until he began preparing a bid for Cooke Field recently. He worried he was disqualified from the project, despite having laid synthetic turf at Les Murakami Stadium. Mark Carr, who represents the synthetic turf manufacturer Domo Sports Grass, questioned why the board never requested input about synthetic turf work from him or Hamocon, who was working on the largest synthetic turf job in Hawaii at the time -- Murakami Stadium."
About how Sadowski should have called in him and Hamocon to discuss the turf qualifications issue, Mark Carr said:
"If Denny's the expert on this board, then he knew who should have been called in to talk about this. They never called Logan or me." (HSB)
About why they did not ask Hamocon and Carr to comment when they were studying this issue, Oda said:
"They (Hamocon and Carr) weren't even on the radar at the time." (HSB)
"I'm obviously happy that we were able to pull off this bid. More importantly, I think the challenge was just being able to bid the job. Having that opportunity, that really was my battle from the start." (HSB)
HSB Note: "University officials awarded the contract to Hamocon even though he did not have the synthetic turf license recommended by the state Contractors License Board, which oversees contractor licenses. Before the bidding opened last month, David Hafner, UH assistant vice chancellor for campus services, said he was concerned about skirting the board's recommendations because it could lead to a protest, a formal objection that could delay work. But that concern was erased because Hamocon was the low bidder."
About how Hamocon had good recommendations for the job he did putting in the turf at Murakami Stadium, Hafner said:
"This is a fully capable low bidder." (HSB)
Hafner said that awarding the contract to the lowest bidder was:
"in the best interest of the taxpayer." (HSB)
HSB Note: "RMY Construction, a general contractor, and Hamocon's company, as subcontractor, bid about $21,500 less than the next bidder, Applied Surfacing Technology. A dispute on the Cooke Field project erupted last month when Hamocon said Denny Sadowski, a member of the Contractors License Board and the listed agent for Applied Surfacing Technology, tried to limit his competition by asking the board to require a special license for synthetic turf jobs. In October the board voted in favor of Sadowski's recommendation that contractors have a special license to install synthetic turf at sports stadiums in Hawaii. The decision reduced the number of contractors that can install synthetic turf at sports stadiums from hundreds to four, one of which was Applied Surfacing Technology."
About how what Sadowski tried to do to limit competition was wrong, Hamocon said:
"What it comes down to is, what he's done in his position is wrong. The fact is there's definitely a conflict of interest." (HSB)
HSB Note: "The board started tackling the issue in July 2007 when a contractor asked the board whether landscape contractors needed a special license to lay synthetic turf, said board executive officer Verna Oda. Sadowski, the synthetic turf expert on the board, brought up his special licensing recommendation in August, Oda said."
HSB Note: "Hamocon, who is a landscape contractor, said he did not know of the board's revised opinion until he began preparing a bid for Cooke Field recently. He worried he was disqualified from the project, despite having laid synthetic turf at Les Murakami Stadium. Mark Carr, who represents the synthetic turf manufacturer Domo Sports Grass, questioned why the board never requested input about synthetic turf work from him or Hamocon, who was working on the largest synthetic turf job in Hawaii at the time -- Murakami Stadium."
About how Sadowski should have called in him and Hamocon to discuss the turf qualifications issue, Mark Carr said:
"If Denny's the expert on this board, then he knew who should have been called in to talk about this. They never called Logan or me." (HSB)
About why they did not ask Hamocon and Carr to comment when they were studying this issue, Oda said:
"They (Hamocon and Carr) weren't even on the radar at the time." (HSB)
Quotes from the local papers
HA Note: "There should be a decision tonight on the summer-long competition among fourth-year junior Inoke Funaki, and junior-college transfers Greg Alexander and Brent Rausch. Nothing, the coaches insist, should be read into Alexander taking snaps with the first-team offense during yesterday's afternoon practice, or Rausch observing from the side. Funaki had been the leadoff quarterback in the first nine practices."
About why Alexander went first in practice yesterday, Rolo said:
"Inoke was still in the weight room when Greg was out here (warming up), so I had Greg go first." (HA)
About how he sat out of practice to rest his right arm, Rausch said:
"It's no big deal. I'm giving it a rest. I threw a lot of balls." (HA)
About how Alexander has just 2 years to play 2 seasons, Rolo said:
"If he's going to help us, he's going to (have to) help us now." (HA)
About Rausch's early inconsistency, Rolo said:
"Maybe that first round of reps, Rausch had to go with the new receivers. That might have had something to do with it. He's coming on." (HA)
HA Note: "Rolovich said Rausch has forced a three-way competition. Rolovich has rated every pass of every practice. Through Tuesday, only a few points separated the leader and No. 3 quarterback."
About the battle for the starting QB sopt, Mack said:
"It's very close. That's why we don't want to rush." (HA)
Comparing the 3 QBs, Rolo said that Rausch throws:
"the prettiest ball. I know Colt's (passes were) pretty, but the sidearm (motion) was always the thing. Rausch can put it on you with the tight spiral. And he's 6-4, so the thing is coming. He almost has some anger to him on the field. When people doubt him, he's angry. He's really playing well lately." (HA)
About how Inoke understands their offense, Rolo said:
"Inoke has some personal qualities that make him very attractive as a leader to his teammates.He has very good decision-making (abilities). He understands (the offense). His arm is not as strong as the other two, but he's been working on it a lot." (HA)
About Alexander's poise, Rolo said:
"Greg stands tall. He's calm. He understands the position — throwing the ball, the wind. He's fairly accurate, especially on the short stuff. We haven't thrown enough down-the-field balls to see who's going to be the most accurate on deep passes. Greg has some intangibles. He doesn't get rattled. He's here to compete and play." (HA)
About how he wants to earn the starting QB job, Alexander said:
"I want the job. I've got to compete, and I have to earn it. That's what I'm trying to do. We'll see what happens. All I can do is control what I do out here. (The coaches) will make the decision." (HA)
HA Note: "A decision was expected yesterday. But the final installment of the offense was added during yesterday's three-hour morning practice. The coaches decided to wait until at least after today's practice, giving the top-tier quarterbacks an extra day to adjust to the offense."
About how they put in the final part of the offense yesterday, Rolo said:
"We put in the last major piece. Hopefully, they'll see it better (today)." (HA)
About how they will not rush their decision on a starting QB, Mack said:
"There's no real hurry because we don't start getting into game planning until next week. We're just not going to rush into it. We have 350 throws (taped) on each guy, in team (drills) or 7-on-7. So that's over 1,000 passes that we've analyzed. And they've probably thrown 1,000 more in ball drills. All three of them are good quarterbacks, and we just are adding up all the intangibles and pick the guy who gives us the best chance to win." (HSB)
About how they are trying to give each QB equal reps, Rolo said:
"We've switched up the reps so they all go against the No. 1 DBs, they all go with the No. 1 receivers. I just told them, 'I told you guys to make it a tough decision and you guys have.' But pretty soon we've got to make that tough decision, that's where we're going, support your teammate and you push that quarterback in front of you." (HSB)
About having Estes at LG, AhSoon at C, and Hisatake at RG in practice yesterday, Brian Smith said:
"It is what it is. You'd rather have everyone healthy. When guys go down, you have to be a little more creative." (HA)
HA Note: "The shuffle was triggered because of injuries to Estes (sore right shoulder), right guard Clarence Tuioti-Mariner (sore leg) and reserve guard Raphael Ieru (sore knee). To ease the strain on Estes, he was moved to left guard. By the afternoon practice, he was back at center."
About how AhSoon did at center, a position he didn't play since being at Tafuna High School in American Samoa, Smith said:
"I thought he did great. No balls on the ground, which is way ahead of some of the other guys." (HA)
About getting some reps at center, AhSoon said:
"It's been a while, but it felt good today. We always have to adjust. I figured it would be good for the team just to help out and practice at center and guard." (HSB)
About starting guard AhSoon working at center and backup guard Ginlack working at tackle, Smith said:
"It could be good for us. It's making some other guys a lot more versatile." (HSB)
Smith said that Estes practiced briefly at guard during drills, but:
"he's still our center." (HSB)
About how AhSoon would be used at center in "emergency" situations, Smith said:
"John is still our center." (HA)
About moving Hisatake to guard after the first practice at camp, Smith said:
"Even after spring, I thought Ray might be better at guard." (HA)
HA Note: "The recent plan called for Hisatake to back up AhSoon, who moved from left tackle to left guard. But with injuries to Tuioti-Mariner and Ieru, Hisatake switched to right guard. He has been No. 1 at that position this week."
About moving from tackle to guard, Hisatake said:
"I actually feel a lot more comfortable at guard." (HA)
About how his "light" went on this past Saturday, Letuli (who will unfortunately have to miss a few practices due to injury) said:
"The light did go on. I hope it burns even brighter." (HA)
About being on the "sevice" (scout) team, Kenny Estes said:
"It's OK. It'll make me work even harder." (HA)
About how they service team members are important, Mack said:
"It's important that each guy finds a role. We talked about that. The guys on (service) teams might have a chance to start on special teams. It's all about finding a role." (HA)
HA Note: "McMackin said the service players will earn meaningful work. For instance, Steele Jantz will receive almost all of the snaps against the Warriors' starting defense. If he remained with the regulars, he would not have any snaps in passing drills."
About how the service team members get more reps and can impress the coaches, Mack said:
"You get more reps (on service teams), and we're still watching them. If you jump off the screen, you can move (up the depth chart). It's another way of getting reps." (HA)
HA Note: "Junior-college transfers Dustin Blount and Jovonte Taylor have been withheld from practicing while UH awaits certification of their associate degrees. Both slotbacks already have been accepted into UH. They completed summer-school sessions at their junior colleges last week. There is no concern about their UH eligibility, but the missed time has them behind in the competition."
About how he can tell the difference between this year and last year (when he was an unknown trying to make the team), Libre said:
"I can feel the difference in practice. When I come in I feel the defense keying on me, like they know I might be getting the ball." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Libre's status as a leading returnee in the backfield is a long way from where he was last year as a receiver buried on the depth chart after making stops at Menlo College and Kapiolani Community College following his graduation from Konawaena. He spent the first half of the season on the scout team, but gradually started to see more time in practice with the first offense. With Kealoha Pilares out with an injury, Libre made his Division I debut against Fresno State, picking up 61 yards on six carries. He had his best game of the season against Washington in the regular-season finale, when he picked up 143 total yards."
About the Fresno State game, Libre said:
"When I came into Fresno it was a big change, changed my life really. But I don't want it to go to my head. I have to keep myself grounded because there's always somebody better." (HSB)
About how he, LWJ, and Famer have been splitting reps, Libre said:
"I know we're all going to play because we all complement each other." (HSB)
About how he's been working hard in strength training to become a better blocker, Libre said:
"I've never really faced anything like this before. I thought coming in against Fresno was tough; it's going to be a lot tougher at Florida. But I've been training this entire time, since (the Sugar Bowl against) Georgia. I haven't taken a day off yet." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Redshirt freshman Vaughn Meatoga, who entered fall camp looking to push for playing time, has seen more time with the first two units, rotating repetitions with seniors Keala Watson and Joshua Leonard, in recent practices. Sophomore Keahi Watson, Keala's younger brother, and Geordon Hanohano, a true freshman from Saint Louis, also played with the second team yesterday."
About getting reps with the first 2 units, Meatoga said:
"It helps me because I know I have to play at Keala and Josh's level. Everyone needs to keep in stride with everything and it makes everyone work harder." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Meatoga won the respect of his teammates in fall camp last year and redshirted the season. Keahi Watson also redshirted last season and Hanohano joined the Warriors this fall after earning All-State honors at Saint Louis last season."
About their new players on the DL, DL coach Dave Aranda said:
"They're intelligent and studious guys, they're asking questions and they're excited to have a shot. (Yesterday) was a good showing. Geordon's really making progress. He's going to be a great player for us in the future, and Haku brings a lot to the table." (HSB)
About returning early from his hamstring injury due to the competition at his spot, Daniel Lofton said:
"That can kind of accelerate your healing process when you have that (competition) because every practice counts. You have to come out and make the most of it, so I was kind of anxious to get back out, got tired of sitting on the side." (HSB)
about completing his Samoan class (the final was yesterday morning), Mouton said:
"I can hold a conversation." (HSB)
About why Alexander went first in practice yesterday, Rolo said:
"Inoke was still in the weight room when Greg was out here (warming up), so I had Greg go first." (HA)
About how he sat out of practice to rest his right arm, Rausch said:
"It's no big deal. I'm giving it a rest. I threw a lot of balls." (HA)
About how Alexander has just 2 years to play 2 seasons, Rolo said:
"If he's going to help us, he's going to (have to) help us now." (HA)
About Rausch's early inconsistency, Rolo said:
"Maybe that first round of reps, Rausch had to go with the new receivers. That might have had something to do with it. He's coming on." (HA)
HA Note: "Rolovich said Rausch has forced a three-way competition. Rolovich has rated every pass of every practice. Through Tuesday, only a few points separated the leader and No. 3 quarterback."
About the battle for the starting QB sopt, Mack said:
"It's very close. That's why we don't want to rush." (HA)
Comparing the 3 QBs, Rolo said that Rausch throws:
"the prettiest ball. I know Colt's (passes were) pretty, but the sidearm (motion) was always the thing. Rausch can put it on you with the tight spiral. And he's 6-4, so the thing is coming. He almost has some anger to him on the field. When people doubt him, he's angry. He's really playing well lately." (HA)
About how Inoke understands their offense, Rolo said:
"Inoke has some personal qualities that make him very attractive as a leader to his teammates.He has very good decision-making (abilities). He understands (the offense). His arm is not as strong as the other two, but he's been working on it a lot." (HA)
About Alexander's poise, Rolo said:
"Greg stands tall. He's calm. He understands the position — throwing the ball, the wind. He's fairly accurate, especially on the short stuff. We haven't thrown enough down-the-field balls to see who's going to be the most accurate on deep passes. Greg has some intangibles. He doesn't get rattled. He's here to compete and play." (HA)
About how he wants to earn the starting QB job, Alexander said:
"I want the job. I've got to compete, and I have to earn it. That's what I'm trying to do. We'll see what happens. All I can do is control what I do out here. (The coaches) will make the decision." (HA)
HA Note: "A decision was expected yesterday. But the final installment of the offense was added during yesterday's three-hour morning practice. The coaches decided to wait until at least after today's practice, giving the top-tier quarterbacks an extra day to adjust to the offense."
About how they put in the final part of the offense yesterday, Rolo said:
"We put in the last major piece. Hopefully, they'll see it better (today)." (HA)
About how they will not rush their decision on a starting QB, Mack said:
"There's no real hurry because we don't start getting into game planning until next week. We're just not going to rush into it. We have 350 throws (taped) on each guy, in team (drills) or 7-on-7. So that's over 1,000 passes that we've analyzed. And they've probably thrown 1,000 more in ball drills. All three of them are good quarterbacks, and we just are adding up all the intangibles and pick the guy who gives us the best chance to win." (HSB)
About how they are trying to give each QB equal reps, Rolo said:
"We've switched up the reps so they all go against the No. 1 DBs, they all go with the No. 1 receivers. I just told them, 'I told you guys to make it a tough decision and you guys have.' But pretty soon we've got to make that tough decision, that's where we're going, support your teammate and you push that quarterback in front of you." (HSB)
About having Estes at LG, AhSoon at C, and Hisatake at RG in practice yesterday, Brian Smith said:
"It is what it is. You'd rather have everyone healthy. When guys go down, you have to be a little more creative." (HA)
HA Note: "The shuffle was triggered because of injuries to Estes (sore right shoulder), right guard Clarence Tuioti-Mariner (sore leg) and reserve guard Raphael Ieru (sore knee). To ease the strain on Estes, he was moved to left guard. By the afternoon practice, he was back at center."
About how AhSoon did at center, a position he didn't play since being at Tafuna High School in American Samoa, Smith said:
"I thought he did great. No balls on the ground, which is way ahead of some of the other guys." (HA)
About getting some reps at center, AhSoon said:
"It's been a while, but it felt good today. We always have to adjust. I figured it would be good for the team just to help out and practice at center and guard." (HSB)
About starting guard AhSoon working at center and backup guard Ginlack working at tackle, Smith said:
"It could be good for us. It's making some other guys a lot more versatile." (HSB)
Smith said that Estes practiced briefly at guard during drills, but:
"he's still our center." (HSB)
About how AhSoon would be used at center in "emergency" situations, Smith said:
"John is still our center." (HA)
About moving Hisatake to guard after the first practice at camp, Smith said:
"Even after spring, I thought Ray might be better at guard." (HA)
HA Note: "The recent plan called for Hisatake to back up AhSoon, who moved from left tackle to left guard. But with injuries to Tuioti-Mariner and Ieru, Hisatake switched to right guard. He has been No. 1 at that position this week."
About moving from tackle to guard, Hisatake said:
"I actually feel a lot more comfortable at guard." (HA)
About how his "light" went on this past Saturday, Letuli (who will unfortunately have to miss a few practices due to injury) said:
"The light did go on. I hope it burns even brighter." (HA)
About being on the "sevice" (scout) team, Kenny Estes said:
"It's OK. It'll make me work even harder." (HA)
About how they service team members are important, Mack said:
"It's important that each guy finds a role. We talked about that. The guys on (service) teams might have a chance to start on special teams. It's all about finding a role." (HA)
HA Note: "McMackin said the service players will earn meaningful work. For instance, Steele Jantz will receive almost all of the snaps against the Warriors' starting defense. If he remained with the regulars, he would not have any snaps in passing drills."
About how the service team members get more reps and can impress the coaches, Mack said:
"You get more reps (on service teams), and we're still watching them. If you jump off the screen, you can move (up the depth chart). It's another way of getting reps." (HA)
HA Note: "Junior-college transfers Dustin Blount and Jovonte Taylor have been withheld from practicing while UH awaits certification of their associate degrees. Both slotbacks already have been accepted into UH. They completed summer-school sessions at their junior colleges last week. There is no concern about their UH eligibility, but the missed time has them behind in the competition."
About how he can tell the difference between this year and last year (when he was an unknown trying to make the team), Libre said:
"I can feel the difference in practice. When I come in I feel the defense keying on me, like they know I might be getting the ball." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Libre's status as a leading returnee in the backfield is a long way from where he was last year as a receiver buried on the depth chart after making stops at Menlo College and Kapiolani Community College following his graduation from Konawaena. He spent the first half of the season on the scout team, but gradually started to see more time in practice with the first offense. With Kealoha Pilares out with an injury, Libre made his Division I debut against Fresno State, picking up 61 yards on six carries. He had his best game of the season against Washington in the regular-season finale, when he picked up 143 total yards."
About the Fresno State game, Libre said:
"When I came into Fresno it was a big change, changed my life really. But I don't want it to go to my head. I have to keep myself grounded because there's always somebody better." (HSB)
About how he, LWJ, and Famer have been splitting reps, Libre said:
"I know we're all going to play because we all complement each other." (HSB)
About how he's been working hard in strength training to become a better blocker, Libre said:
"I've never really faced anything like this before. I thought coming in against Fresno was tough; it's going to be a lot tougher at Florida. But I've been training this entire time, since (the Sugar Bowl against) Georgia. I haven't taken a day off yet." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Redshirt freshman Vaughn Meatoga, who entered fall camp looking to push for playing time, has seen more time with the first two units, rotating repetitions with seniors Keala Watson and Joshua Leonard, in recent practices. Sophomore Keahi Watson, Keala's younger brother, and Geordon Hanohano, a true freshman from Saint Louis, also played with the second team yesterday."
About getting reps with the first 2 units, Meatoga said:
"It helps me because I know I have to play at Keala and Josh's level. Everyone needs to keep in stride with everything and it makes everyone work harder." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Meatoga won the respect of his teammates in fall camp last year and redshirted the season. Keahi Watson also redshirted last season and Hanohano joined the Warriors this fall after earning All-State honors at Saint Louis last season."
About their new players on the DL, DL coach Dave Aranda said:
"They're intelligent and studious guys, they're asking questions and they're excited to have a shot. (Yesterday) was a good showing. Geordon's really making progress. He's going to be a great player for us in the future, and Haku brings a lot to the table." (HSB)
About returning early from his hamstring injury due to the competition at his spot, Daniel Lofton said:
"That can kind of accelerate your healing process when you have that (competition) because every practice counts. You have to come out and make the most of it, so I was kind of anxious to get back out, got tired of sitting on the side." (HSB)
about completing his Samoan class (the final was yesterday morning), Mouton said:
"I can hold a conversation." (HSB)
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