About how he's still trying to gain back the weight he lost after the Hawaii Bowl, Kia said:
"I got sick after the bowl game. I dropped weight like crazy. I've had a hard time gaining it back." (HA)
HA Note: "He said he hopes to gain five to 10 pounds this week. Spring practice starts March 30."
About being the #1 LT now, Kia said:
"I'm just happy I still have my starting spot, and (the coaches) have faith in me. I'm going to produce for them the best I can with what I have." (HA)
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Update on Inoke Funaki at the Bulldog position
About the hybrid RB/slotback position that he's expected to play during spring training, Inoke said:
"Bulldog? I thought they were talking about Kaimuki." (HA)
HA Note: "For Funaki, the key will be his ability to block. Funaki said he has picked up blocking tips from Kealoha Pilares, who is moving from running back to slotback this spring."
About how running from the RB or slotback position is different than running as a QB, Inoke said:
"it'll be different. It's not like when you're scrambling, and everyone is more scattered out." (HA)
About adjusting to the slotback position, Inoke said:
"I'm working on footwork, speed, cutting and catching the ball. It's not as easy as these guys tend to make it look. You gain a lot of appreciation when you go out and do it." (HA)
Wishing that they would rename his position "Raider", Inoke (who played for Kahuku) said:
"I wouldn't complain about that." (HA)
"Bulldog? I thought they were talking about Kaimuki." (HA)
HA Note: "For Funaki, the key will be his ability to block. Funaki said he has picked up blocking tips from Kealoha Pilares, who is moving from running back to slotback this spring."
About how running from the RB or slotback position is different than running as a QB, Inoke said:
"it'll be different. It's not like when you're scrambling, and everyone is more scattered out." (HA)
About adjusting to the slotback position, Inoke said:
"I'm working on footwork, speed, cutting and catching the ball. It's not as easy as these guys tend to make it look. You gain a lot of appreciation when you go out and do it." (HA)
Wishing that they would rename his position "Raider", Inoke (who played for Kahuku) said:
"I wouldn't complain about that." (HA)
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Updates on Alema Tachibana and PaiPai Falemalu
About how he's been trying to gain weight, but he's still at the 200 pounds that he played at as a Kahuku senior, Alema Tachibana said:
"I eat breakfast, lunch, dinner, proteins. It's not working." (HA)
About trying to get his weight up, Tachibana (who is competing at DE even though he's at 200 pounds now) said:
"I want to get up to 220." (HA)
HA Note: "But the coaches note that Melila Purcell III and Ikaika Alama-Francis both weighed about 205 when they first joined the UH football team. Both filled out, and both are now in the NFL."
About other Warriors who were able to gain weight and make it into the NFL, Tachibana said:
"There's hope." (HA)
About how his recovery from right shoulder surgery has gone well but he'll be restricted during spring practice (he can compete in agility drills and light weight lifting), Paipai said:
"I'll just run and learn my plays." (HA)
About how he suffered his shoulder injury (diagnosed with a torn labrum) initially in high school, Paipai said:
"I thought it was a little sore, but I kept playing. When I got here, they told me I tore something." (HA)
HA Note: "Falemalu, who weighed 215 at Kahuku, is now up to 242. He said he hopes to tone up, but not necessarily drop a lot of weight, this summer."
"I eat breakfast, lunch, dinner, proteins. It's not working." (HA)
About trying to get his weight up, Tachibana (who is competing at DE even though he's at 200 pounds now) said:
"I want to get up to 220." (HA)
HA Note: "But the coaches note that Melila Purcell III and Ikaika Alama-Francis both weighed about 205 when they first joined the UH football team. Both filled out, and both are now in the NFL."
About other Warriors who were able to gain weight and make it into the NFL, Tachibana said:
"There's hope." (HA)
About how his recovery from right shoulder surgery has gone well but he'll be restricted during spring practice (he can compete in agility drills and light weight lifting), Paipai said:
"I'll just run and learn my plays." (HA)
About how he suffered his shoulder injury (diagnosed with a torn labrum) initially in high school, Paipai said:
"I thought it was a little sore, but I kept playing. When I got here, they told me I tore something." (HA)
HA Note: "Falemalu, who weighed 215 at Kahuku, is now up to 242. He said he hopes to tone up, but not necessarily drop a lot of weight, this summer."
Warriors prepare for Pro Day on April 2
About trying to improve his 40-yard dash and agility drill times before their Pro Day, Adam Leonard said:
"I wish it was sooner. I'm just taking every day to prepare my self and go out there and give my best effort." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Leonard trained at Sports and Field in Tampa, Fla., before moving back to the West Coast to finish out his training in the Bay Area as he looks forward to his opportunity to perform for the pro scouts. Elimimian finished his career in December as UH's all-time tackles leader and has been training with Doug Hix of Play Fast Athletics in San Diego. Among those joining Elimimian in the training sessions have been former Boise State running back Ian Johnson, Michigan State running back Javon Ringer and Nebraska running back Marlon Lucky."
About the other players that he's been training with, Sol said:
"It's a lot of competition, it's been fun, it's been good training." (HSB)
About trying to maintain his weight at 230 pounds while putting on more lean muscle and cutting down his time in the 40, Sol said:
"That's something I'm working on and I have confidence it's going to be where it should be by the time I'm ready to run." (HSB)
"I wish it was sooner. I'm just taking every day to prepare my self and go out there and give my best effort." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Leonard trained at Sports and Field in Tampa, Fla., before moving back to the West Coast to finish out his training in the Bay Area as he looks forward to his opportunity to perform for the pro scouts. Elimimian finished his career in December as UH's all-time tackles leader and has been training with Doug Hix of Play Fast Athletics in San Diego. Among those joining Elimimian in the training sessions have been former Boise State running back Ian Johnson, Michigan State running back Javon Ringer and Nebraska running back Marlon Lucky."
About the other players that he's been training with, Sol said:
"It's a lot of competition, it's been fun, it's been good training." (HSB)
About trying to maintain his weight at 230 pounds while putting on more lean muscle and cutting down his time in the 40, Sol said:
"That's something I'm working on and I have confidence it's going to be where it should be by the time I'm ready to run." (HSB)
Friday, March 20, 2009
Shawn Withy-Allen is back at QB for the Fayetteville Guard!
FO = Fayettville Observer
About convincing Shawn Withy-Allen to come out of retirement to play QB for the Fayetteville Guard, head coach Charles Gunnings said:
“One of my first priorities this year was to get my quarterback. We missed him last year.’’ (FO)
FO Note: "Gunnings believes bringing Withy-Allen back for a full season in 2009 will be a key element in the Guard rebounding from a 5-9 finish last year that kept them out of the playoffs for the first time in franchise history."
FO Note: "Withy-Allen, a former University of Hawaii player, led the Guard to 27 wins, including one unbeaten season, as their quarterback between 2005 and 2007. But he decided to step away from the game after the 2007 season to concentrate on his profession as a Christian youth minister and spend time with his new wife, Sarah."
About retiring after coming back for 3 games (going 2-1 and throwing 15 TD in the 3 games), Withy-Allen said:
“I thought it was probably time to hang it up after last year. I had a couple of tryouts with some NFL teams, the (Carolina) Panthers and (Philadelphia) Eagles, but nothing seemed to be working out there. Plus, I had my job and my wife was pregnant with our first child. So, it kind of seemed like the time to retire for good this time.’’ (FO)
About how he had to convince Shawn's wife to let him play, Gunnings said:
“I talked to his wife. You can see the look in her eyes when she watches him play. And I think she knew he’d be miserable if he stepped away right now.’’ (FO)
About the WRs on their team, Withy-Allen said:
“We really have some great receivers and it’s exciting to work with them." (FO)
http://www.fayobserver.com/article?id=321733
About convincing Shawn Withy-Allen to come out of retirement to play QB for the Fayetteville Guard, head coach Charles Gunnings said:
“One of my first priorities this year was to get my quarterback. We missed him last year.’’ (FO)
FO Note: "Gunnings believes bringing Withy-Allen back for a full season in 2009 will be a key element in the Guard rebounding from a 5-9 finish last year that kept them out of the playoffs for the first time in franchise history."
FO Note: "Withy-Allen, a former University of Hawaii player, led the Guard to 27 wins, including one unbeaten season, as their quarterback between 2005 and 2007. But he decided to step away from the game after the 2007 season to concentrate on his profession as a Christian youth minister and spend time with his new wife, Sarah."
About retiring after coming back for 3 games (going 2-1 and throwing 15 TD in the 3 games), Withy-Allen said:
“I thought it was probably time to hang it up after last year. I had a couple of tryouts with some NFL teams, the (Carolina) Panthers and (Philadelphia) Eagles, but nothing seemed to be working out there. Plus, I had my job and my wife was pregnant with our first child. So, it kind of seemed like the time to retire for good this time.’’ (FO)
About how he had to convince Shawn's wife to let him play, Gunnings said:
“I talked to his wife. You can see the look in her eyes when she watches him play. And I think she knew he’d be miserable if he stepped away right now.’’ (FO)
About the WRs on their team, Withy-Allen said:
“We really have some great receivers and it’s exciting to work with them." (FO)
http://www.fayobserver.com/article?id=321733
Warrior Updates from the Star Bulletin
About how they plan to work hard during Spring Break, as Spring Practice starts after Spring Break is over, Rocky Savaiigaea said:
"We understand how it is, there is no spring break for us. It’s just straight ahead to spring ball, that’s what we train for." (HSB)
About how the Warriors have been working hard during the offseason, Mac said:
"They guys are working hard, but that’s what I expect of them. Mel DeLaura and Tommy (Heffernan) have done a great job of getting our guys in condition and now we have to maintain that." (HSB)
HSB Note: "McMackin is hosting a group of coaches from Japan today and a larger group is expected to attend UH’s coaches clinic next month."
HSB Note: "Several former Warriors are also busy training for UH’s pro day set for April 2 in Carson, Calif. Solomon Elimimian is training in San Diego. Adam Leonard was working out at a facility in Tampa, Fla., earlier and is now training in the Bay Area in preparation for a shot to perform for the scouts."
"We understand how it is, there is no spring break for us. It’s just straight ahead to spring ball, that’s what we train for." (HSB)
About how the Warriors have been working hard during the offseason, Mac said:
"They guys are working hard, but that’s what I expect of them. Mel DeLaura and Tommy (Heffernan) have done a great job of getting our guys in condition and now we have to maintain that." (HSB)
HSB Note: "McMackin is hosting a group of coaches from Japan today and a larger group is expected to attend UH’s coaches clinic next month."
HSB Note: "Several former Warriors are also busy training for UH’s pro day set for April 2 in Carson, Calif. Solomon Elimimian is training in San Diego. Adam Leonard was working out at a facility in Tampa, Fla., earlier and is now training in the Bay Area in preparation for a shot to perform for the scouts."
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Updates about UH's 2010 schedule
HA Note: "For the first time in its history, the University of Hawai'i football team could play two sets of back-to-back road games in a single season, according to some scenarios under Western Athletic Conference scheduling consideration for 2009."
About possibly having the Warriors have back-to-back conference road games in October, WAC associate commissioner Jeff Hurd said that it:
"has been discussed, but only in terms of possible options depending upon how (ESPN) television falls out." (HA)
HA Note: "UH athletic director Jim Donovan said the possibility of two sets of back-to-back road games arises, in part, from UH's preference to avoid having one span of three consecutive road games. UH hasn't played three consecutive road games since 1964. Donovan said UH has asked for either an open date or a home game for the Sept. 26 slot that follows road games with Washington State and UNLV. Otherwise, he said, UH could find itself playing a WAC road game at, for example, Louisiana Tech or Idaho that week."
About how they do not want 3 straight road games, a concern after they already have back-to-back nonconference road games scheduled this year, JD said:
"That's something we'd like to avoid. We've done 10 (consecutive) days on the road, but going past that it is pushing it." (HA)
HA Note: "Part of the problem is that since UH is scheduled to play 13 games and the NCAA-approved football season spans only 14 weeks this year, compared with 15 in 2008, an open date on Sept. 26 forces UH to play 10 consecutive weeks."
About having one less Saturday for games this year, JD said:
"At some point, you're looking at consecutive (WAC) road games. I don't envy the problems the WAC has trying to make a schedule this season. With fewer weekends, TV and everything else it is difficult to please everybody." (HA)
HA Note: "To remedy the situation, Donovan said he has requested that if UH is asked to play back-to-back conference road games that the Warriors be given opponents in close proximity such as San Jose State and Nevada."
About the WAC schedule, Hurd said:
"it is simply too early in the process to speculate on what might happen for Hawai'i or any other school for that matter." (HA)
About how the WAC schedule (the 2008 version was announced in February) might not be announced until April, Hurd said:
"I highly doubt it will be before the end of (this) month." (HA)
About how the WAC told them that the schedule should be done by the end of this month, JD said:
"They told us that we should have it by the end of the month. That would still work for us. Most ADs are chomping at the bit to get it so we can make sure we can get our travel arrangements all done and get the travel packages out there for our fans and all those kinds of things. Even though it is later than usual, it is workable for us." (HSB)
JD said that the Warriors could appear on national or regional TV 3 times, but:
"that's not set in stone." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Donovan has also expressed to the WAC the school's preference for a home game or a bye the weekend of Sept. 26 following the Warriors' back-to-back road games at Washington State and UNLV."
About possibly having the Warriors have back-to-back conference road games in October, WAC associate commissioner Jeff Hurd said that it:
"has been discussed, but only in terms of possible options depending upon how (ESPN) television falls out." (HA)
HA Note: "UH athletic director Jim Donovan said the possibility of two sets of back-to-back road games arises, in part, from UH's preference to avoid having one span of three consecutive road games. UH hasn't played three consecutive road games since 1964. Donovan said UH has asked for either an open date or a home game for the Sept. 26 slot that follows road games with Washington State and UNLV. Otherwise, he said, UH could find itself playing a WAC road game at, for example, Louisiana Tech or Idaho that week."
About how they do not want 3 straight road games, a concern after they already have back-to-back nonconference road games scheduled this year, JD said:
"That's something we'd like to avoid. We've done 10 (consecutive) days on the road, but going past that it is pushing it." (HA)
HA Note: "Part of the problem is that since UH is scheduled to play 13 games and the NCAA-approved football season spans only 14 weeks this year, compared with 15 in 2008, an open date on Sept. 26 forces UH to play 10 consecutive weeks."
About having one less Saturday for games this year, JD said:
"At some point, you're looking at consecutive (WAC) road games. I don't envy the problems the WAC has trying to make a schedule this season. With fewer weekends, TV and everything else it is difficult to please everybody." (HA)
HA Note: "To remedy the situation, Donovan said he has requested that if UH is asked to play back-to-back conference road games that the Warriors be given opponents in close proximity such as San Jose State and Nevada."
About the WAC schedule, Hurd said:
"it is simply too early in the process to speculate on what might happen for Hawai'i or any other school for that matter." (HA)
About how the WAC schedule (the 2008 version was announced in February) might not be announced until April, Hurd said:
"I highly doubt it will be before the end of (this) month." (HA)
About how the WAC told them that the schedule should be done by the end of this month, JD said:
"They told us that we should have it by the end of the month. That would still work for us. Most ADs are chomping at the bit to get it so we can make sure we can get our travel arrangements all done and get the travel packages out there for our fans and all those kinds of things. Even though it is later than usual, it is workable for us." (HSB)
JD said that the Warriors could appear on national or regional TV 3 times, but:
"that's not set in stone." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Donovan has also expressed to the WAC the school's preference for a home game or a bye the weekend of Sept. 26 following the Warriors' back-to-back road games at Washington State and UNLV."
Article about how the Super Games bring the Warriors together
About how the Super Games brings the Warriors together, Rocky Savaiigaea said:
"It brings us together a lot. We work so hard during the week with individual drills, it's a good chance one day out of the week we can come together and mix it up and we just have fun with it." (HSB)
HSB Note: "The Warriors hit the weight room four days a week with Wednesday mornings reserved for events including basketball, water polo and yesterday's home run derby at Les Murakami Stadium. UH head coach Greg McMackin introduced the Super Games last year with teams earning points for their performances in the events and their progress in the classroom and the weight room. Players could earn bonus points by making significant gains in their lifting or attending extra study halls. Missing or being late for a class or a workout resulted in points being deducted from the team's total."
About how the Super Game team captains make sure that the players keep up with school and workouts, Rocky said:
"You don't want to mess up for the team. Instead of coaches telling you what to do, you have team captains and they're the ones who keep you on track." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Yesterday's finale was won by Tunda Katz, captained by defensive lineman Tuika Tufaga. A plate was set up in shallow center field at Murakami Stadium with each player getting two swings to try to pop a tennis ball over the fence. With his team down to its last out, Mana Silva kept the Tunda Katz alive with a home run. Steele Jantz then won it with a homer in a tiebreaker round."
About how his players have worked out extremely hard this offseason, Mac said:
"These guys have worked out harder than any group I've been around since I've been here as far as the offseason. This is a group that really is hungry." (HSB)
"It brings us together a lot. We work so hard during the week with individual drills, it's a good chance one day out of the week we can come together and mix it up and we just have fun with it." (HSB)
HSB Note: "The Warriors hit the weight room four days a week with Wednesday mornings reserved for events including basketball, water polo and yesterday's home run derby at Les Murakami Stadium. UH head coach Greg McMackin introduced the Super Games last year with teams earning points for their performances in the events and their progress in the classroom and the weight room. Players could earn bonus points by making significant gains in their lifting or attending extra study halls. Missing or being late for a class or a workout resulted in points being deducted from the team's total."
About how the Super Game team captains make sure that the players keep up with school and workouts, Rocky said:
"You don't want to mess up for the team. Instead of coaches telling you what to do, you have team captains and they're the ones who keep you on track." (HSB)
HSB Note: "Yesterday's finale was won by Tunda Katz, captained by defensive lineman Tuika Tufaga. A plate was set up in shallow center field at Murakami Stadium with each player getting two swings to try to pop a tennis ball over the fence. With his team down to its last out, Mana Silva kept the Tunda Katz alive with a home run. Steele Jantz then won it with a homer in a tiebreaker round."
About how his players have worked out extremely hard this offseason, Mac said:
"These guys have worked out harder than any group I've been around since I've been here as far as the offseason. This is a group that really is hungry." (HSB)
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Ryan Mouton discusses his NFL prospects
About concerns over his 5'9" height, Ryan Mouton pointed out his leaping ability and added:
"I'm good in man-to-man coverage, and I think that will really help out in the NFL. I have a really good ability to jump that allows me to do well against the bigger receivers." (scout.com)
About his reputation for speed and field intelligence, Mouton said:
"I've been playing the game since I've been about six years old. So understanding what's going on in the game is one of my key attributes. I love the game of football. To me it's not about the money, I'd just like to get out there and have fun. Even in practice, I really have high spirits." (scout.com)
About how his success as a blitzer out of the nickel formation will help him make it in the NFL, Mouton said:
"It takes a lot of timing. You watch guys like Troy Polamalu, he times his blitzes really well. You have to get in there and study their offense and the cadence of their quarterback. That helps you out a lot." (scout.com)
"I'm good in man-to-man coverage, and I think that will really help out in the NFL. I have a really good ability to jump that allows me to do well against the bigger receivers." (scout.com)
About his reputation for speed and field intelligence, Mouton said:
"I've been playing the game since I've been about six years old. So understanding what's going on in the game is one of my key attributes. I love the game of football. To me it's not about the money, I'd just like to get out there and have fun. Even in practice, I really have high spirits." (scout.com)
About how his success as a blitzer out of the nickel formation will help him make it in the NFL, Mouton said:
"It takes a lot of timing. You watch guys like Troy Polamalu, he times his blitzes really well. You have to get in there and study their offense and the cadence of their quarterback. That helps you out a lot." (scout.com)
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Discussion of Jake Grove signed to replace Samson Satele at center for the Dolphins
About how Grove is an upgrade over Samson, former Broncos GM Ted Sundquist said:
''Stronger and stouter than Satele." (Miami Herald)
Questioning if Grove's big contract was worth it, Raiders radio analyst and former coach Tom Flores said that Grove creates a good push on running player, but like Samson:
''he has trouble with the premier nose guards, like Baltimore has.''
Flores said that Grove's pass blocking is:
''adequate. I don't think it's great. The question is, can he stay healthy? Every time he got into a groove, he would get some injury. I don't think Oakland would have paid what Miami did [$14 million guaranteed]." (Miami Herald)
''Stronger and stouter than Satele." (Miami Herald)
Questioning if Grove's big contract was worth it, Raiders radio analyst and former coach Tom Flores said that Grove creates a good push on running player, but like Samson:
''he has trouble with the premier nose guards, like Baltimore has.''
Flores said that Grove's pass blocking is:
''adequate. I don't think it's great. The question is, can he stay healthy? Every time he got into a groove, he would get some injury. I don't think Oakland would have paid what Miami did [$14 million guaranteed]." (Miami Herald)
Friday, March 13, 2009
Quote from Mac about Warriors special teams coach Chris Tormey
About hiring former WAC head coach Chris Tormey to be their special teams coach, Mac said:
“I’ve known Chris for many years and he’s always been a first class person and excellent football coach. Even when he was the head coach at Nevada and Idaho, he worked with the special teams. He’s also one of the best recruiters in the country and his area included the state of Hawai‘i. His work ethic is second to none and I know he will be a great addition to our staff and I’m really excited about him." (Reno Gazette-Journal)
“I’ve known Chris for many years and he’s always been a first class person and excellent football coach. Even when he was the head coach at Nevada and Idaho, he worked with the special teams. He’s also one of the best recruiters in the country and his area included the state of Hawai‘i. His work ethic is second to none and I know he will be a great addition to our staff and I’m really excited about him." (Reno Gazette-Journal)
Monday, March 9, 2009
Fresno State asked to have the WAC dues reduced
Bee = Fresno Bee
About how Fresno State will "formally" ask the WAC to reduce its dues, Fresno State athletic director Thomas Boeh said:
"It seems entirely reasonable for the league to find ways to be more efficient." (Bee)
Bee Note: "He didn't identify the amount Fresno State pays, or how big a cut the university will seek. The 2008-09 budget lists "conference assessments" at $403,000, but it's not clear whether this expenditure is tied to WAC dues.
The athletic department projected revenues of $25.4 million and expenditures of $25.3 million this school year. The deep recession is hurting revenues; university officials are cutting costs. Still, a university official told the board, athletics is looking at a budget deficit of about $250,000. And that's assuming the successful implementation of a recently mandated 7% cut in operating expenses for each sport this year, even the fall and winter sports. Operating expenses include travel, equipment and recruiting. They don't include scholarships and salaries."
Bee provided information on Fresno State's recruiting budget:
"Take football, for example. According to the 2008-09 budget, football was to have $1.31 million in operating expenses such as team travel ($757,608), equipment ($190,000) and recruiting ($130,000)."
About how Fresno State will "formally" ask the WAC to reduce its dues, Fresno State athletic director Thomas Boeh said:
"It seems entirely reasonable for the league to find ways to be more efficient." (Bee)
Bee Note: "He didn't identify the amount Fresno State pays, or how big a cut the university will seek. The 2008-09 budget lists "conference assessments" at $403,000, but it's not clear whether this expenditure is tied to WAC dues.
The athletic department projected revenues of $25.4 million and expenditures of $25.3 million this school year. The deep recession is hurting revenues; university officials are cutting costs. Still, a university official told the board, athletics is looking at a budget deficit of about $250,000. And that's assuming the successful implementation of a recently mandated 7% cut in operating expenses for each sport this year, even the fall and winter sports. Operating expenses include travel, equipment and recruiting. They don't include scholarships and salaries."
Bee provided information on Fresno State's recruiting budget:
"Take football, for example. According to the 2008-09 budget, football was to have $1.31 million in operating expenses such as team travel ($757,608), equipment ($190,000) and recruiting ($130,000)."
Friday, March 6, 2009
Lahaina News feature on the Warriors going to Maui
http://www.lahainanews.com/story.aspx?id=10066
About how the Warriors have a big fan base in Maui, Maui Mayor Charmaine Tavares said:
"There is a very loyal U.H. football fan base on Maui – there were a lot of home-based ’tailgate’ parties going on in my neighborhood on game day! This will be an exciting opportunity for our youth, as well as our entire community, to experience Warrior football action here on Maui, and I’m gratified that the county is able to help make this happen." (Lahaina News)
Happy to be able to bring the Warriors to Maui, JD said:
"We’re ’Hawaii’s Team,’ so we are thrilled that we’ve been able to partner with McDonald’s, Oceanic, Hawaiian Airlines, Panda Travel and the County of Maui in making this outreach initiative a reality. Without their support, we would never have been able to take our football team to Maui and have the opportunity to interact with U.H. fans on a Neighbor Island." (Lahaina News)
About how the Warriors have a big fan base in Maui, Maui Mayor Charmaine Tavares said:
"There is a very loyal U.H. football fan base on Maui – there were a lot of home-based ’tailgate’ parties going on in my neighborhood on game day! This will be an exciting opportunity for our youth, as well as our entire community, to experience Warrior football action here on Maui, and I’m gratified that the county is able to help make this happen." (Lahaina News)
Happy to be able to bring the Warriors to Maui, JD said:
"We’re ’Hawaii’s Team,’ so we are thrilled that we’ve been able to partner with McDonald’s, Oceanic, Hawaiian Airlines, Panda Travel and the County of Maui in making this outreach initiative a reality. Without their support, we would never have been able to take our football team to Maui and have the opportunity to interact with U.H. fans on a Neighbor Island." (Lahaina News)
WAC Commissioner Karl Benson seems to accept the BCS system
OS = Orlando Sentinel
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/orl-sportsbcs06030609mar06,0,7183653.story
Accepting the BCS system, WAC Commissioner Karl Benson said:
"In the past year or two, when you really look at it in terms of value, five non-automatic teams were in position to earn a spot. The rules are the rules, and we understood the structure. You always want to have more, but sometimes you can't get everything you want." (OS)
Accepting the rules of the BCS even though Boise State lost out last season, Benson said:
"Is there disparity? Of course. Is it disappointing when Boise State finishes No. 8 and plays in a bowl that generates $200,000, when you see champions in the Big East ranked what they were and they get an $18 million paycheck? Of course. But that's why the existing rules are in place." (OS)
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/orl-sportsbcs06030609mar06,0,7183653.story
Accepting the BCS system, WAC Commissioner Karl Benson said:
"In the past year or two, when you really look at it in terms of value, five non-automatic teams were in position to earn a spot. The rules are the rules, and we understood the structure. You always want to have more, but sometimes you can't get everything you want." (OS)
Accepting the rules of the BCS even though Boise State lost out last season, Benson said:
"Is there disparity? Of course. Is it disappointing when Boise State finishes No. 8 and plays in a bowl that generates $200,000, when you see champions in the Big East ranked what they were and they get an $18 million paycheck? Of course. But that's why the existing rules are in place." (OS)
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
UH Booster contribution projected to fall $350k short this year
About the $350k shortfall in the funds that the Athletic Department uses to underwrite room, board and books for scholarship athletes at UH, Vince Baldemore (president of Koa Anuenue) said:
"We're like anybody else (in a falling market)." (HA)
HA Note: "Because of the plummeting stock market, where much of the funds had initially been invested, UH says it expects to receive $3 million from Koa Anuenue, its umbrella booster organization, instead of the $3.35 million it had originally budgeted. The $350,000 hit, plus an anticipated $125,000 drop in what athletics expects to receive from its share of the Honolulu Stadium endowment, administered by the UH Foundation, contribute to what officials say could be an overall $3 million department deficit for the fiscal year that closes June 30."
HA Note: "Koa Anuenue, which has about 6,000 members, generates support for athletics through the sales of premium seating at events, ticket packages and parking. The money is invested and then turned over to the athletic department."
UH associate AD Carl Clapp said that Koa Anuenue (which has provided more than $30 million to athletics since it started):
"does an awesome job and has been doing it for many years." (HA)
HA Note: "When the stock market began to tumble last year, Koa Anuenue's investments were, "basically put into cash" to minimize the hit, Clapp said. Even with a 10 percent drop, Koa Anuenue has done better than many. The UH Foundation has reported a dip of more than 20 percent in its endowments through the end of 2008 and, on average, university endowment funds lost 23 percent between July 2008 and November 2008, according to reports citing the National Association of College and University Business Officers."
"We're like anybody else (in a falling market)." (HA)
HA Note: "Because of the plummeting stock market, where much of the funds had initially been invested, UH says it expects to receive $3 million from Koa Anuenue, its umbrella booster organization, instead of the $3.35 million it had originally budgeted. The $350,000 hit, plus an anticipated $125,000 drop in what athletics expects to receive from its share of the Honolulu Stadium endowment, administered by the UH Foundation, contribute to what officials say could be an overall $3 million department deficit for the fiscal year that closes June 30."
HA Note: "Koa Anuenue, which has about 6,000 members, generates support for athletics through the sales of premium seating at events, ticket packages and parking. The money is invested and then turned over to the athletic department."
UH associate AD Carl Clapp said that Koa Anuenue (which has provided more than $30 million to athletics since it started):
"does an awesome job and has been doing it for many years." (HA)
HA Note: "When the stock market began to tumble last year, Koa Anuenue's investments were, "basically put into cash" to minimize the hit, Clapp said. Even with a 10 percent drop, Koa Anuenue has done better than many. The UH Foundation has reported a dip of more than 20 percent in its endowments through the end of 2008 and, on average, university endowment funds lost 23 percent between July 2008 and November 2008, according to reports citing the National Association of College and University Business Officers."
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Under Armour sales of Warrior gear are doing well
Happy with the sales figures of their Warrior products, Walker Jones (director of sports marketing for Under Armour) said:
"We're extremely excited about the initial numbers, especially given what is going on with the state of the economy." (HA)
About UA, Mac said that:
"they sold a year's worth (of products) in the first five, six months." (HA)
HA Note: "Jones said the first year of an eight-year deal with UH, which began July 1, 2008, has been worth "the upper six figures, almost a million (dollars)" on logo wear alone. Jones said the company expected to do well but the "initial numbers have been a pleasant surprise. In addition, Jones said, sales of non-UH related Under Armour products have also done well. McNamara said, "they have been incredibly pleased and so have we." "
Comparing their Hawaii sales with their other partner schools like Auburn, South Carolina and Texas Tech, Jones said:
"Hawai'i has done very well for us. If you look, per capita, at the alumni base and population density, I'd have to say Hawai'i is right there among the top." (HA)
HA Note: "By contract, UH is guaranteed $125,000 in rights fees this year plus product allowances, marketing support and other extras collectively valued at $440,000. McNamara said Under Armour, which was contracted to provide $50,000 in marketing support to UH, has already committed $70,000. Jones said Under Armour felt there was an "untapped demand" here and UH football could be the "focal point" for the company."
About how there had been a worry about how well their UH products would sell, Sherry Nava (local retail sales representative for UA) said:
"The first item we put on the Web site, a polo shirt, sold out within two hours." (HA)
Mac said that the UA apparel has:
"been a hit with the team. The players love it. It (the relationship) has been even more than I could have expected." (HA)
"We're extremely excited about the initial numbers, especially given what is going on with the state of the economy." (HA)
About UA, Mac said that:
"they sold a year's worth (of products) in the first five, six months." (HA)
HA Note: "Jones said the first year of an eight-year deal with UH, which began July 1, 2008, has been worth "the upper six figures, almost a million (dollars)" on logo wear alone. Jones said the company expected to do well but the "initial numbers have been a pleasant surprise. In addition, Jones said, sales of non-UH related Under Armour products have also done well. McNamara said, "they have been incredibly pleased and so have we." "
Comparing their Hawaii sales with their other partner schools like Auburn, South Carolina and Texas Tech, Jones said:
"Hawai'i has done very well for us. If you look, per capita, at the alumni base and population density, I'd have to say Hawai'i is right there among the top." (HA)
HA Note: "By contract, UH is guaranteed $125,000 in rights fees this year plus product allowances, marketing support and other extras collectively valued at $440,000. McNamara said Under Armour, which was contracted to provide $50,000 in marketing support to UH, has already committed $70,000. Jones said Under Armour felt there was an "untapped demand" here and UH football could be the "focal point" for the company."
About how there had been a worry about how well their UH products would sell, Sherry Nava (local retail sales representative for UA) said:
"The first item we put on the Web site, a polo shirt, sold out within two hours." (HA)
Mac said that the UA apparel has:
"been a hit with the team. The players love it. It (the relationship) has been even more than I could have expected." (HA)
Monday, March 2, 2009
Feature on the decline of attendance at UH sporting events
http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/20090302/NEWS01/903020346/1001
About having season tickets for UH women's basketball games, Jennifer Shishido said (during a game where the turnstile count was 272 in the 10,300 seat Stan Sheriff Center):
"We go because the players work hard and they're good students." (HA)
About how her husband Norman likes to go to the games (which has had an attendance just above 200 for much of the season) with her, Jennifer said:
"He doesn't like crowds." (HA)
HA Note: "To be sure, the scene at the Sheriff last week was a far cry from the heyday of the program, when thousands of fans flocked to the arena to watch former coach Vince Goo's squads compete in the Women's National Invitational Tournament. On-court mediocrity and off-court controversy have taken a toll on the program's fan base, but the Wahine's declining attendance is hardly an isolated situation in the athletic department. According to university officials, attendance is down across the board in both men's and women's sports."
HA Note: "After a historic undefeated regular season and subsequent Sugar Bowl bid in 2007 — a community-galvanizing run that drew thousands of new fans to Aloha Stadium — the UH football program suffered a $1.2 million dropoff in ticket sales last season, generating a three-year low of $4.65 million in 2008. The Rainbow Wahine volleyball program, the department's only other revenue-generating sport, saw its attendance drop from 41,325 in 2007 to 33,691 last year, resulting in a decline of $55,000."
HA Note: "The athletic department generates about 85 percent of its $29.5 million operating budget. The balance comes from university general funds and is used for operation of lower campus facilities and scholarship support, according to UH."
About the mistakes made with the Athletic Department that have contributed to the poor financial state they are in now, UH sociology professor David Johnson said:
"It seems quite clear that the Herman Frazier hire was a disaster. But there are also a number of coaches who have not done very well and are not held accountable for poor performance."
About how JJ has some players with academic problems, David Johnson said:
"When (June Jones) was around, his teams would often do well on the field but there were a lot of problems in the classrooms. I found that to be a silent sacrifice that people were willing to accept, but I was frustrated being in the classroom with players who clearly were not into it." (HA)
About the botched handling of Sugar Bowl tickets, Johnson said:
"They covered it up until the media cornered them on it, and then they responded only grudgingly." (HA)
About the need for accountability throughout UH, Johnson said:
"Where's the accountability? My impression is that there are some pretty glaring areas where there is little or no accountability, but it's not limited to the department. It's that way throughout the university. People in positions of responsibility, whether it's the AD or the chancellor, the president of the university, have to pay attention and hold people accountable." (HA)
About UH's emphasis on athletics is a cause of concern, Johnson said:
"I am happy that UH tries to foster excellence in athletics. But the vast majority of UH students do not participate in intercollegiate athletics, and some of them have excellent academic potential. If this university's core mission is the pursuit of academic excellence, then why is it willing to bleed big money year after year after year for a small handful of student-athletes while at the same time making no serious commitment to cultivating the potential of its best and brightest undergraduates?" (HA)
HA Note: "The designated Manoa Maniacs section at athletic events is intended to promote student involvement and build a sense of campus community. At the UH-New Mexico state game, the section was occupied by a single Maniac — 22-year old biology major Tyler Law. Law was there to support his best friend, a cheerleader, but he was also happy to cheer on the Wahine."
About the poor turnout by the students, Tyler Law said:
"I'm usually the only student-student in the section." (HA)
HA Note: "Law said the drop in attendance for UH games could be due, in part, to a lack of "highlighted players." He said there was interest in last year's men's basketball team because it was Bob Nash's first year as head coach and Nash's son, Bobby, was part of the team."
About how the students don't know the players on the men's basketball team, Law said:
"This year, there's Bill Amis and ... who? You see the rest of them and it's like, 'I wonder who that is?' " (HA)
HA Note: "Law said the football program will always draw fans because, in the absence of pro teams, the Warriors are the team Hawai'i fans follow with the most enduring interest."
About how the fans will always come back to the Warriors, Law said:
"People might lose faith in them for a week or a day, but they'll be back in the stands the next year." (HA)
About how student interest and involvement in UH athletics is low because UH is a commuter school, Law said:
"The local students live in Pearl City or 'Aiea or the North Shore. Locals who go to UH aren't going to want to go to the games if they're home already, and the Mainlanders who live here aren't really into this school's sports because they're into the big name schools." (HA)
About how he continues to go to women's basketball games, Michael Little said:
"I come to support them because they play hard, although, it's obvious that they need a different coach." (HA)
About HF giving Bollla an extension, Little said:
"When there were problems with this team and Frazier gave Bolla a new contract, it was like he was saying he didn't care about women's basketball. I think they needed to change athletic directors, and they did, but it takes time to solve the old problems — just like in Washington." (HA)
About how UH teams get more attention because their are no pro teams in Hawaii, Little said:
"I have a lot of hope. I think UH sports should be a big success because there are no professional teams competing here. They get more attention than college teams in L.A. who have to compete with all those pro teams." (HA)
About how UH needs to do more to attract the young fans (who will bring their parents) to UH baseball games, UH fan David Nip said:
"If you give free tickets to Little League teams, they'll bring their parents and that means more sales at the concessions. It's not the attendance, it's the concessions. UH needs to start thinking more like a business. That's the main thing." (HA)
About how UH needs to hire the right coaches despite the limited salaries it can offer, Nip said:
"I'm old enough to understand that people come and go and there are always good and bad times. This is a small school and we don't have the money to hire the big-time coaches so try to hire the best coaches possible, hopefully local people who have a passion for Hawai'i. There are a lot of guys who come here who aren't local, but they become local. Stan Sheriff wasn't from here, but he became local. It's too early to judge (Donovan) but he's a Hawai'i guy, he has Hawai'i in his heart and he wants to be here. He's trying his best, and, remember, the deficit wasn't from him." (HA)
About how the fans in Hawaii will support the UH athletic department, Orry Collazo said:
"Even if we don't go to school here, the sports keep us connected. That's why we support whoever is trying to help this school and this program. As long as their trying to help this school and Hawai'i become greater, I'm all for it." (HA)
About having season tickets for UH women's basketball games, Jennifer Shishido said (during a game where the turnstile count was 272 in the 10,300 seat Stan Sheriff Center):
"We go because the players work hard and they're good students." (HA)
About how her husband Norman likes to go to the games (which has had an attendance just above 200 for much of the season) with her, Jennifer said:
"He doesn't like crowds." (HA)
HA Note: "To be sure, the scene at the Sheriff last week was a far cry from the heyday of the program, when thousands of fans flocked to the arena to watch former coach Vince Goo's squads compete in the Women's National Invitational Tournament. On-court mediocrity and off-court controversy have taken a toll on the program's fan base, but the Wahine's declining attendance is hardly an isolated situation in the athletic department. According to university officials, attendance is down across the board in both men's and women's sports."
HA Note: "After a historic undefeated regular season and subsequent Sugar Bowl bid in 2007 — a community-galvanizing run that drew thousands of new fans to Aloha Stadium — the UH football program suffered a $1.2 million dropoff in ticket sales last season, generating a three-year low of $4.65 million in 2008. The Rainbow Wahine volleyball program, the department's only other revenue-generating sport, saw its attendance drop from 41,325 in 2007 to 33,691 last year, resulting in a decline of $55,000."
HA Note: "The athletic department generates about 85 percent of its $29.5 million operating budget. The balance comes from university general funds and is used for operation of lower campus facilities and scholarship support, according to UH."
About the mistakes made with the Athletic Department that have contributed to the poor financial state they are in now, UH sociology professor David Johnson said:
"It seems quite clear that the Herman Frazier hire was a disaster. But there are also a number of coaches who have not done very well and are not held accountable for poor performance."
About how JJ has some players with academic problems, David Johnson said:
"When (June Jones) was around, his teams would often do well on the field but there were a lot of problems in the classrooms. I found that to be a silent sacrifice that people were willing to accept, but I was frustrated being in the classroom with players who clearly were not into it." (HA)
About the botched handling of Sugar Bowl tickets, Johnson said:
"They covered it up until the media cornered them on it, and then they responded only grudgingly." (HA)
About the need for accountability throughout UH, Johnson said:
"Where's the accountability? My impression is that there are some pretty glaring areas where there is little or no accountability, but it's not limited to the department. It's that way throughout the university. People in positions of responsibility, whether it's the AD or the chancellor, the president of the university, have to pay attention and hold people accountable." (HA)
About UH's emphasis on athletics is a cause of concern, Johnson said:
"I am happy that UH tries to foster excellence in athletics. But the vast majority of UH students do not participate in intercollegiate athletics, and some of them have excellent academic potential. If this university's core mission is the pursuit of academic excellence, then why is it willing to bleed big money year after year after year for a small handful of student-athletes while at the same time making no serious commitment to cultivating the potential of its best and brightest undergraduates?" (HA)
HA Note: "The designated Manoa Maniacs section at athletic events is intended to promote student involvement and build a sense of campus community. At the UH-New Mexico state game, the section was occupied by a single Maniac — 22-year old biology major Tyler Law. Law was there to support his best friend, a cheerleader, but he was also happy to cheer on the Wahine."
About the poor turnout by the students, Tyler Law said:
"I'm usually the only student-student in the section." (HA)
HA Note: "Law said the drop in attendance for UH games could be due, in part, to a lack of "highlighted players." He said there was interest in last year's men's basketball team because it was Bob Nash's first year as head coach and Nash's son, Bobby, was part of the team."
About how the students don't know the players on the men's basketball team, Law said:
"This year, there's Bill Amis and ... who? You see the rest of them and it's like, 'I wonder who that is?' " (HA)
HA Note: "Law said the football program will always draw fans because, in the absence of pro teams, the Warriors are the team Hawai'i fans follow with the most enduring interest."
About how the fans will always come back to the Warriors, Law said:
"People might lose faith in them for a week or a day, but they'll be back in the stands the next year." (HA)
About how student interest and involvement in UH athletics is low because UH is a commuter school, Law said:
"The local students live in Pearl City or 'Aiea or the North Shore. Locals who go to UH aren't going to want to go to the games if they're home already, and the Mainlanders who live here aren't really into this school's sports because they're into the big name schools." (HA)
About how he continues to go to women's basketball games, Michael Little said:
"I come to support them because they play hard, although, it's obvious that they need a different coach." (HA)
About HF giving Bollla an extension, Little said:
"When there were problems with this team and Frazier gave Bolla a new contract, it was like he was saying he didn't care about women's basketball. I think they needed to change athletic directors, and they did, but it takes time to solve the old problems — just like in Washington." (HA)
About how UH teams get more attention because their are no pro teams in Hawaii, Little said:
"I have a lot of hope. I think UH sports should be a big success because there are no professional teams competing here. They get more attention than college teams in L.A. who have to compete with all those pro teams." (HA)
About how UH needs to do more to attract the young fans (who will bring their parents) to UH baseball games, UH fan David Nip said:
"If you give free tickets to Little League teams, they'll bring their parents and that means more sales at the concessions. It's not the attendance, it's the concessions. UH needs to start thinking more like a business. That's the main thing." (HA)
About how UH needs to hire the right coaches despite the limited salaries it can offer, Nip said:
"I'm old enough to understand that people come and go and there are always good and bad times. This is a small school and we don't have the money to hire the big-time coaches so try to hire the best coaches possible, hopefully local people who have a passion for Hawai'i. There are a lot of guys who come here who aren't local, but they become local. Stan Sheriff wasn't from here, but he became local. It's too early to judge (Donovan) but he's a Hawai'i guy, he has Hawai'i in his heart and he wants to be here. He's trying his best, and, remember, the deficit wasn't from him." (HA)
About how the fans in Hawaii will support the UH athletic department, Orry Collazo said:
"Even if we don't go to school here, the sports keep us connected. That's why we support whoever is trying to help this school and this program. As long as their trying to help this school and Hawai'i become greater, I'm all for it." (HA)
Sunday, March 1, 2009
JD and Mac talked about UH's trip to Japan
About how he was with the 49ers and saw how Masafumi Kawaguchi drew a huge Japanese media contingent in his brief summer camp appearances, Mac said:
"You see what's happened in Seattle and Boston, and it makes you think of the possibilities." (HSB)
About trying to market UH during their trip to Japan, JD said:
"Even in hard times, you have to think long term. If we're going to be more than we are now, we have to expand beyond Hawaii. Look at what Notre Dame's done -- they're a national brand." (HSB)
"You see what's happened in Seattle and Boston, and it makes you think of the possibilities." (HSB)
About trying to market UH during their trip to Japan, JD said:
"Even in hard times, you have to think long term. If we're going to be more than we are now, we have to expand beyond Hawaii. Look at what Notre Dame's done -- they're a national brand." (HSB)
Punter Alex Dunnachie called the top punter in the US
Calling Dunnachie the best punter in the US, Rick Sang said:
"He's the top punter I've seen nationally. He's going to be a great one. He has natural power. He looks like a college tight end." (HA)
HA Note: "Sang is co-founder of the Ray Guy Academy for punters, kickers and long-snappers. Dunnachie, who is from Australia, has participated in two of Sang's camps."
About how Dunnachie has had several punts with hang times over 5 seconds, Sang said:
"That's amazing for an 18-year-old. He's got raw power." (HA)
About playing Australian rules football since he was 5, Dunnachie said:
"We kick it end over end, back spin, spirals." (HA)
Sang said that Australian punters can:
"do a lot more than American kids. It's like Tiger Woods and golf. They learn punting at 5 years old. If you're gifted with talent, you're blessed with the opportunity to train early." (HA)
HA Note: "Dunnachie played for a club and Marcellin College, which is a secondary school in Victoria. The father of Dunnachie's girlfriend received a brochure for a punting academy run by Nathan Chapman in Australia. Dunnachie enrolled in Chapman's program. Chapman then recommended Dunnachie to Sang. Dunnachie competed in the Ray Guy camp in Las Vegas. He currently is attending the camp in Walnut Creek, Calif."
About how Nathan Chapman referred Dunnachie to him, Sang said;
"Nathan is one of our former campers. He formed a program in Australia to identify talented punters. It's a joint venture. Nathan told me about him." (HA)
About how he didn't care about the interest he got from other schools because he wanted UH, Dunnachie said:
"I've always been one-tracked on Hawai'i. I can't pass up this opportunity. It's unbelievable." (HA)
Describing Hawaii, Dunnachie said it is:
"paradise. I'm not much of a surfer, but I love the water. I'm pretty laid back. Hawai'i is perfect for me." (HA)
HA Note: "Dunnachie earned his diploma from Marcellin in November. He said he met with UH officials, and believes he has met the requirements to play for the Warriors this year. Dunnachie and St. John Lessary, a Kahuku High senior who will join UH as a walk-on, will be the only two punters on the Warriors' 2009 roster."
HA Note: "UH has one available scholarship for a newcomer."
"He's the top punter I've seen nationally. He's going to be a great one. He has natural power. He looks like a college tight end." (HA)
HA Note: "Sang is co-founder of the Ray Guy Academy for punters, kickers and long-snappers. Dunnachie, who is from Australia, has participated in two of Sang's camps."
About how Dunnachie has had several punts with hang times over 5 seconds, Sang said:
"That's amazing for an 18-year-old. He's got raw power." (HA)
About playing Australian rules football since he was 5, Dunnachie said:
"We kick it end over end, back spin, spirals." (HA)
Sang said that Australian punters can:
"do a lot more than American kids. It's like Tiger Woods and golf. They learn punting at 5 years old. If you're gifted with talent, you're blessed with the opportunity to train early." (HA)
HA Note: "Dunnachie played for a club and Marcellin College, which is a secondary school in Victoria. The father of Dunnachie's girlfriend received a brochure for a punting academy run by Nathan Chapman in Australia. Dunnachie enrolled in Chapman's program. Chapman then recommended Dunnachie to Sang. Dunnachie competed in the Ray Guy camp in Las Vegas. He currently is attending the camp in Walnut Creek, Calif."
About how Nathan Chapman referred Dunnachie to him, Sang said;
"Nathan is one of our former campers. He formed a program in Australia to identify talented punters. It's a joint venture. Nathan told me about him." (HA)
About how he didn't care about the interest he got from other schools because he wanted UH, Dunnachie said:
"I've always been one-tracked on Hawai'i. I can't pass up this opportunity. It's unbelievable." (HA)
Describing Hawaii, Dunnachie said it is:
"paradise. I'm not much of a surfer, but I love the water. I'm pretty laid back. Hawai'i is perfect for me." (HA)
HA Note: "Dunnachie earned his diploma from Marcellin in November. He said he met with UH officials, and believes he has met the requirements to play for the Warriors this year. Dunnachie and St. John Lessary, a Kahuku High senior who will join UH as a walk-on, will be the only two punters on the Warriors' 2009 roster."
HA Note: "UH has one available scholarship for a newcomer."
Ferd gave a summary of some UH's problems under Herman Frazier
About the way HF left UH, Ferd wrote: "Not quite in the ways imagined or promised when Frazier was hired in 2002. Back then, UH President Evan Dobelle touted Frazier as, "a true American hero" and someone "who will do great things for this university, this state. Someone who can lead without limits." "
About the deficit under HF, Ferd wrote: "The school's Board of Regents were told of a $5.4 million accumulated deficit in the athletic department by an independent auditor, almost all of it acquired on Frazier's watch. Prior to his arrival in 2002, the athletic department had run at a surplus for at least six of the previous seven years.
Frazier's inability to run a solvent program, much less put away anything for a rainy day, has come back to haunt UH in these austere times. For the first time in decades UH has acknowledged that cutting a sport is a down-the-road possibility, though current athletic director Jim Donovan said it would only be as a desperation measure.
The loot from the Sugar Bowl, where Frazier made his last appearance as AD, allowed UH to avoid a deficit in his final fiscal year and pare down the accumulated red ink from $5.7 million."
About the Bolla situation, Ferd wrote: "Frazier raised eyebrows in 2004 when he hired Bolla, bringing the one-time Nevada-Las Vegas coach out of an eight-year separation from the college game to succeed Vince Goo. Then, three years into the deal, Frazier granted Bolla a four-year rollover scheduled to run through the 2010-11 season.
Now, for the second time in less than a year, UH is investigating allegations that Bolla mistreated a player. Because the Las Vegas Review Journal reported allegations concerning Bolla at UNLV in 1992 and 1996, you have to wonder what UH knew before Bolla was hired."
About how the 1.5 year delay in hiring Nash hurt recruiting, Ferd wrote: "Meanwhile, the struggling men's basketball program has suffered for the late date Bob Nash was selected to replace Riley Wallace. Despite Wallace's departure being mandated a year and a half before the 2006-07 season, Nash wasn't hired until April 13, 2007, well into the recruiting period and it cost UH on several prospects, players it was in the running for and could have used both last year and this season."
Ferd nicely summarized the problem HF got UH into: "Despite handing Frazier $312,510 in buy-out money, the controversies he left behind show UH is still paying handsomely for his term."
About the deficit under HF, Ferd wrote: "The school's Board of Regents were told of a $5.4 million accumulated deficit in the athletic department by an independent auditor, almost all of it acquired on Frazier's watch. Prior to his arrival in 2002, the athletic department had run at a surplus for at least six of the previous seven years.
Frazier's inability to run a solvent program, much less put away anything for a rainy day, has come back to haunt UH in these austere times. For the first time in decades UH has acknowledged that cutting a sport is a down-the-road possibility, though current athletic director Jim Donovan said it would only be as a desperation measure.
The loot from the Sugar Bowl, where Frazier made his last appearance as AD, allowed UH to avoid a deficit in his final fiscal year and pare down the accumulated red ink from $5.7 million."
About the Bolla situation, Ferd wrote: "Frazier raised eyebrows in 2004 when he hired Bolla, bringing the one-time Nevada-Las Vegas coach out of an eight-year separation from the college game to succeed Vince Goo. Then, three years into the deal, Frazier granted Bolla a four-year rollover scheduled to run through the 2010-11 season.
Now, for the second time in less than a year, UH is investigating allegations that Bolla mistreated a player. Because the Las Vegas Review Journal reported allegations concerning Bolla at UNLV in 1992 and 1996, you have to wonder what UH knew before Bolla was hired."
About how the 1.5 year delay in hiring Nash hurt recruiting, Ferd wrote: "Meanwhile, the struggling men's basketball program has suffered for the late date Bob Nash was selected to replace Riley Wallace. Despite Wallace's departure being mandated a year and a half before the 2006-07 season, Nash wasn't hired until April 13, 2007, well into the recruiting period and it cost UH on several prospects, players it was in the running for and could have used both last year and this season."
Ferd nicely summarized the problem HF got UH into: "Despite handing Frazier $312,510 in buy-out money, the controversies he left behind show UH is still paying handsomely for his term."
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