The Warriors coaching staff will be shuffled (Aranda to DC, Cal Lee to LBs, Tuioti to DL coach, Lumpkin to recruiting coordinator)

HA Note: "The assumption is that Tuioti and a current assistant coach would switch positions. By law and the Board of Regents' hiring policy, any move between an assistant coaching position and a non-coaching position must be advertised for 10 work days."

About the assistant coaching position that they advertised, Mack said:
"I'm going to give a fair look at all of the applicants." (HA)

HA Note: "If Tuioti were an applicant for the assistant coaching vacancy, and a better candidate were found, he could remain at his current position. Tuioti is a former UH defensive tackle. He has drawn praise for helping to assemble the Warriors' past two recruiting classes."

HA Note: "There were published reports that another move would involve defensive coordinator Cal Lee and defensive line coach Dave Aranda. There are no public postings for the defensive coordinator's position. It is possible for McMackin to change a coach's title without a public posting as long as the combined compensation for all of the assistants does not exceed the current total of an estimated $1 million annually. Regardless of title, such as coordinator or associate, each is considered to be an assistant coach. The NCAA limits each Division I-A football team to nine assistant coaches. All of the defensive coaches have collaborated on the game plans in McMackin's first two seasons as head coach. But McMackin called the defensive plays during games in 2008. McMackin and Aranda split the play-calling duties in 2009."

HSB Note: "Cal Lee, the current defensive coordinator and linebackers coach, is expected to remain on staff in the latter position. The athletic department posted job listings for both assistant football coach and administrative assistant for football operations (director of football player personnel) on Tuesday with a closing date of March 3."

About the changes he will be making to their coaching staff, Mack said:
"There will be some changes on the staff and we're going through the hiring process right now. We won't announce anything until mid-March." (HSB)

HSB Note: "According to the sources, Tony Tuioti, currently the director of player personnel, will coach the defensive line. George Lumpkin, who coached the defensive ends last season, moves into the player personnel position."

HSB Note: "Lumpkin is the longest tenured member of the coaching staff. He currently holds the title of assistant head coach and focused on working with the defensive ends last season. Aside from a two-year absence in 1997-98 when he coached at Kamehameha Schools,Lumpkin has been on the UH staff since 1974."

Dave Reardon wrote: "If I had a dime for every time I've heard the Hawaii head coach refer to Dave Aranda as a genius … well, I could buy you and me each a soda. He said it after every game.

McMackin obviously has a world of confidence in Aranda. Why else would he promote the young defensive line coach to coordinator, a post previously held by McMackin's long-time friend Cal Lee?

McMackin seemed as impressed by Aranda's energy as much as his acumen, and gave him more responsibility as last season went along. Aranda got a lot of the credit for UH's great defensive effort against Navy's option.

Who would've thought that before the start of McMackin's third season he'd have taken the play-calling duties from Ron Lee, whom he described as his "offensive coordinator for life," and demoted Ron's brother Cal? It was a strange situation from the beginning, as McMackin retained defensive play-calling responsibilities; Cal Lee's role seemed more adviser than coordinator."

HSB Note: "Since Tuioti is technically coming from off the coaching staff, the job had to be posted. That brings into play those pesky state hiring rules, and that's why no one at UH wants to be quoted about the changes."

http://sports.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/20100218/SPORTS0201/2180353/sportsfront&template=UHSports/McMackin+plans+changes

http://www.starbulletin.com/sports/sportsnews/20100218_Positions_switch_on_UH_staff.html

ESPN will televise the UH season opener against USC

HA Note: "For the second time in six years, the University of Hawai'i football team will open its season on national television and, once again, the attraction will be Southern California. The Warriors' Sept. 2 opener against the Trojans has been picked up by ESPN and the Thursday kickoff will be at 5 p.m. at Aloha Stadium, UH athletic director Jim Donovan confirmed yesterday. UH's 2005 opener with USC was also shown on ESPN. The game, which was Colt Brennan's UH debut, featured Reggie Bush and Matt Leinart. UH is 0-5 in nationally televised home season openers."

About how ESPN showed interest in televising their 2010 season opener when they approached him before the 2009 season began and asked him to see whether UH and USC would be willing to play the game on a Thursday, JD said:
"It worked well for USC and for us. They (the Trojans) wanted to allow their team some time to enjoy the stay and it was good for us because the next two (UH games) were going to be on the road and it allowed us, in a sense, to make back that travel day." (HA)

HA Note: "UH follows the USC game with games at Army (Sept. 11) and Colorado (Sept. 18). Under the Western Athletic Conference's new five-year contract with ESPN, which begins with the 2010-11 school year, the conference is required to furnish a specified number of non-traditional dates (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday) for games. Under WAC policy, UH will receive a $75,000 "inconvenience" fee for playing on Thursday. Overall, UH is to receive approximately $400,000 annually as its share of the new contract."

http://sports.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100217/SPORTS0201/2170366&template=UHsports

Davone Bess set his expectations high

HNN = Hawaii News Now

HNN Note: "The former Warrior wide receiver led the Miami Dolphins in catches with 76, and in receiving yards with about 750, this past season. Those are remarkable numbers considering Bess wasn't drafted out of college and he's played just two years in the NFL."

About how he is not surprised with his success because he set the bar high for himself, Davone Bess said:
"My success now doesn't surprise me because I set the bar high for myself. I set my expectations high. It's just a matter of me going out and, you know, the coaches blessed me with an opportunity and then just making the most of it." (HNN)

http://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/Global/story.asp?S=12003083

Article about Colt Brennan meeting Pres. Obama

RS = redskins.com

RS Note: "One of Brennan's fans is Congresswoman Mazie Hirono, of Hawai'i's second district. Hirono had met with Brennan -- a University of Hawai'i standout -- before a game during the 2008 season, and she had followed his career ever since. And Congresswoman Hirono does understand the injured reserve rule. So when her husband was unavailable to join her at the White House 2009 Christmas party, she correctly guessed that Brennan wouldn't be doing much else, and invited him to come along as her guest."

About how he had to rent a tuxedo because he doesn't own one yet, Colt said:
"I don't own a tux yet. I own a lot of nice suits, but I didn't feel like being underdressed at the White House. So I rented a tux, rolled in there and did my thing." (RS)

Asked to explain what doing his thing meant, Colt said:
"It's hard to tell where you really all a lot of the time inside the White House, but it seemed like the whole downstairs was opened up. There were tables of food and drink, and you basically just walked around and got a real in-depth tour of the White House and got to meet all kinds of well-known people in politics. It was just really fun, hob-nobbing it with some big-time people." (RS)

RS Note: "Brennan met both President Barack Obama -- who was born in Hawai'i -- and Vice President Joe Biden -- two meetings that he described as "really, really, really cool." "

About meeting the President, Colt said:
"You're in a huge line to meet the president and you have a designated time. They kind of shoo you in and shoo you out. I mean, I've met a lot of celebrities, a lot of big time people, but meeting the President ... it was an honor. Just sharing thirty seconds to a minute with him, and him saying [to wife Michelle], 'Honey, this is the best quarterback that ever came out of the University of Hawai'i.'" (RS)

About the nice words from Pres. Obama, Colt said:
"So right then and there. I was like, 'I like this guy a lot.'" (RS)

About having a limited time with the President, Colt said:
"Like I said, everybody's there and everybody gets a chance to meet him, so they're real adamant about getting you in and getting you out. So the whole time he was asking questions and was real talkative; they were almost shooing me out the door when he was still asking me questions." (RS)

About how meeting the President was different than all of his meetings with other prominent people, Colt said:
"I've met a lot of celebrities and stuff, but to sit there and share that minute, I was, like, 'Wow.' My hands were a little clammy, you know? They say this guy's the most powerful guy in the world, and I could definitely get that feeling when I was around him. Like I said, I was a little shy and I just kind of sat there while he said real nice things. It happened real fast. Just met him, took a picture, and was on my way." (RS)

Asked if he would run for public office someday, Colt said:
"No. No. I'm not really a politics type guy. I think I'd be a solid political advisor, but I wouldn't be a great politician. I shoot from the hip a little too much for that." (RS)

http://blog.redskins.com/2010/02/15/monday-february-15-colt-brennan-at-the-white-house/

Q&A with UH Athletics Director Jim Donovan

Asked what has been the focus of his first 2 years, JD said:
"We really focused on who we see as our customers, which are our student-athletes, our corporate sponsors and fans who either come to games or watch us on TV. We've tried to build value in all those areas. We are working hard to improve our facilities, which directly involves our student-athletes.

We've worked hard to increase value across the board. We've lowered some ticket prices and concession costs. In the meantime, we've done it through maybe the hardest economic times this program has seen. The fact that the economy has done so poorly has been a weight around our ankles." (HA)

Asked what was the financial picture of UH athletics when he took the job, JD said:
"From my perspective coming in, things financially were very much out of whack and had been from about 2002, when you look at the (numbers). Within about a month of really doing some financial forensics, we found out that the (accumulated net) deficit was more like $5.5 million." (HA)

Asked about their profit from the Sugar Bowl, JD said:
"That (2008) first year was the Sugar Bowl year and we made over $2 million from the Sugar Bowl. So my assumption when I was hired in March was that we had over $2 million to go spend. The reality was we only had about $200,000 left over of the $2 million because the department was running at a $1.8 million (fiscal year) deficit. If we hadn't had the Sugar Bowl funds, we would have turned in a $1.8 million deficit that year." (HA)

Asked about the Athletic Department's budget deficit, JD said:
"They were running about a million to a million and a half (dollars) annual deficit (each year) from about 2002. We're hitting about $2 million a clip right now and doing it in probably the worst economic times in 50 years. It is definitely a struggle and we have to get it turned around." (HA)

Asked when he sees them balancing their budget, JD said:
"I think we need some more time. I think it will probably take another year or two. In a sense we have to sort of grow out of this. We have to either increase our self-generated funds or we have to get more support." (HA)

Asked how they will get more financial support, JD said:
"I think argument could be made a Division I program operating in the middle of the Pacific has more costs than any other Division I program. We could argue that we need some more support. It is just that I don't know if it is available with the situation that government and the university are facing with this recession.

The question is are we getting an appropriate amount of funding for the educational mission we have? A lot of people think Division I athletics isn't part of the educational experience. I say: bull. It absolutely is (part of it). I mean, we teach young people how to make a plan; what to do when things don't go according to plan; how to react to adversity. We teach them teamwork, belief in themselves and belief in others, sacrifice." (HA)

Asked how much money he raises versus how much is provided by UH and the state of Hawaii, JD said:
"We are off the charts — compared to our peers in the WAC and Mountain West — as far as what we self-generate. We're at about 88 percent (self-generated) with about 12 percent provided by the state and the university. The average in the WAC and MWC is somewhere between 50 and 52 percent self-generated with the rest being provided by the state and university. We're way over-performing in that regard but we're coming in short a couple million dollars a year. And that's something we've been working hard to try and eliminate as we make the cuts and create new revenue streams." (HA)

Asked if the current UH financial model is sustainable, JD said:
"It has to be looked at. It is more than the athletic director that makes that decision. It really comes all the way from the state to the university system to UH-Mānoa to the athletic department.

At the same time we bring exposure to the whole University of Hawai'i system and state. We're the only game in town. We're a source of pride for the whole state when we are doing well and consternation for the whole state when we're not. (So), to sit there and say all of it has to fall on the backs of just what can be self-generated by the department itself really doesn't take into itself the scope of how broad we represent the whole state." (HA)

Asked when UH can be back in the black financially, JD said:
"I won't make a claim that we can pay off the accumulated deficit in two years. I'm hoping within a couple of years we can run not only a balanced annual budget, but that we can start to chip away at the accumulated deficit.

Again, a lot depends upon how fast the economy continues to improve because that gives disposable income to people to actually purchase tickets or pay-per-view. Potentially, if the economy improves, there may be a way for the university system or the state to provide us some more funding." (HA)

Asked how UH or the state could provide them more funding, JD said:
"One of the big things that hasn't been on the table is that we're the only school in the WAC right now that doesn't earn revenue from a student fee deal. That's where students get to go to the (events) for free and, in return, there's a student fee that helps fund athletics." (HA)

Asked where the student-fee proposal, JD said:
"We went forward on that with a proposal last year and met with the Associated Students of UH (leadership), the Graduate Student organization and a student committee. We were just not successful in getting that moved forward. We are currently working on campus to take a look at something that would be even more inclusive, some kind of activity fee instead of a straight athletic fee." (HA)

Asked if UH is interested in being a part of the Pac-10 expansion, JD said:
"I've reached out and had a preliminary conversation with the Pac-10 just to find out what the process might be." (HA)

Asked when he will make a decision on whether or not to bring Bob Nash back as men's basketball coach, JD said:
"I've learned that you need to wait and see how the season plays out and get all the data in. But I think it is really important that we see improvement in our programs." (HA)

Asked how he evaluates the handling of the basketball program overall, JD said:
"Bob Nash is an outstanding man; you can't find someone out there that has better character than he does. I would love for my son to play for him in that sense because I know that he'd mature into a very good person. Bob's improved the grade point average for the men's
basketball team. Their academic progress rate went from being in the danger zone — I think we even lost a scholarship one year — and that was what he inherited and he has gotten them out of the danger zone. They are not under any penalty situation so a lot of things outside of win/loss Bob has done a very good job on. But win/loss is also a very important component of the success of a coach." (HA)

Asked what in-roads UH has made in taking the UH brand into Asia and overseas, JD said:
"Coach (Greg) McMackin and I went to (Japan) last spring. We've also signed on with a company called Pacific Rim Sports Initiative that has contacts in Japan. Currently, the home football and men's basketball games that we have rights to are being aired in Japan on a cable network with approximately a half million homes on a delayed basis. We're also looking at the possibility of airing some of our events in Australia." (HA)

Asked if they will be recruiting more athletes in Asia, JD said:
"Hopefully the contacts we are building in Australia will help. Right now, Japan, China and Korea, because of the language barrier and (entrance) requirements, that may be more difficult." (HA)

http://sports.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100214/SPORTS02/2140386&template=UHsports

Articles about Leonard Peters playing for the USA rugby team

LVS = Las Vegas Sun

About how Leonard Peters picked up rugby quickly, USA rugby head coach Al Caravelli said:
"Leonard started playing in July, and he's really picked up the game quite rapidly. The passing is different, so sometimes he has a little difficulty with that. But he knows the rules probably better than most referees." (LVS)

LVS Note: "Peters, who played college football at Hawaii, joined the team last year after the Bears cut him from their practice squad. When the coaches explained to him that the sevens version of rugby was all about quick games, Peters thought the sport would be easy to adjust to. He was in for a rude awakening."

About how it was hard to adjust to rugby, Peters said:
"When I heard it was only 20-minute games, I was like, 'Man, I would kill that. I've played two-hour games in college and the NFL.' The first game I ever played in rugby, after two minutes, I was begging the coach to take me out." (LVS)

"The running in rugby is unbelievable. In football, you run for nine seconds and rest for 30 seconds. In rugby, you run for seven minutes straight." (LVS)

http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2010/feb/13/two-former-nfl-players-fill-usa-rugby-teams-roster/

http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2010/feb/13/usa-rugby-team-hopes-strong-showing-home-turf/

JD talked with the Pac-10 to express UH's interest

HA Note: "University of Hawai'i athletic director Jim Donovan said yesterday he talked to the Pac-10 to inquire about "potential opportunities" for the school."

HA Note: "Donovan said the call took place yesterday but declined to say who he talked to in inquiring about the expansion process or characterize the nature of the reception he received."

About his discussion with the Pac-10, JD said:
"I asked what process they would be looking at and they said it hadn't been determined at this point." (HA)

About how he brought up the positives for UH, JD said that he discussed:
"some attributes the Pac-10 may want to look at." (HA)

About how he discussed possible assistant with the Hawai'i Tourism Authority before his discussion with the Pac-10, JD said:
"Mike McCartney and David Uchiyama of the HTA were able to see the potential value of a relationship like that." (HA)

http://sports.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100212/SPORTS02/2120391&template=UHsports

UH Athletic Department revenue is on the rise this spring

HA Note: "Coaching changes in women's basketball and men's volleyball have not only led to more victories but also, apparently, have contributed to significant gains in revenue for the University of Hawai'i athletic department. Meanwhile, men's basketball is running similar to last year and baseball is poised for an uptick, according to figures supplied by UH."

JD said that the increased revenue of Spring sports:
"likely has to do with the coaching (changes) and the economy." (HA)

HA Note: "Women's basketball, which suffered through the most severe victory drought in its conference history last season with an 8-23 record, also hit financial bottom with just $20,250 in ticket revenues. Entering this week, the Rainbow Wahine were 9-13 and had taken in $38,966 with three home games remaining, according to UH. Dana Takahara-Dias took over in June 2009, replacing Jim Bolla. The men's volleyball team, which was 9-18 last year with ticket revenues of $184,453, is 6-5 with sales of $215,659 and 10 regular season home matches left to be played. Charlie Wade replaced Mike Wilton in May 2009. Moreover, baseball, which opens its regular season next week, has so far shown a climb in season ticket sales."

Unsure how much of the increase is due to the economy and how much is due to the coaching changes, JD said:
"We're seeing some indication that the worst of the economic downturn may be ending. It is sort of tough to say for sure right now how much it is one (coaching changes) and how much it is the other (the economy), but the two are the most obvious reasons." (HA)

HA Note: "UH is forecast to run at approximately a $2 million deficit for the current fiscal year that ends June 30. Women's basketball ran at an estimated $1 million deficit for the previous fiscal year and men's volleyball at a $220,000 shortfall. Men's basketball has so far taken in $983,220 in ticket revenue and, with three home dates remaining, is on track to meet or surpass the $1,023,808 of last season. Men's basketball turned a nearly $120,000 profit in the last fiscal year. With a week to go before its Feb. 19 regular season opener against Oregon State, UH baseball has sold 17 more season tickets than last year. The total, as of early yesterday, was said to be 635, the most in nearly a decade."

Asked if UH was interested in joining the Pac-10, JD said:
"I don't think it's a secret that a lot of people in Hawaii would like to see us in the Pac-10 someday. But we're in the WAC and my job is to get us competitive in all sports in this conference unless the landscape changes." (HSB)

http://sports.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100211/SPORTS02/2110359&template=UHsports

http://www.starbulletin.com/sports/sportsnews/20100211_UH_AD_cautious_in_Pac-10_comments.html

Kicker Tyler Hadden signed with the Warriors

HSB Note: "Hadden, a kicker from California (Whittier, Calif.) High School, committed to join the Warriors' recruiting class Thursday night, reversing an earlier commitment to New Mexico State."

Happy to have his recruiting process over, Tyler Hadden said:
"It's a huge relief; I've been so stressed out about it." (HSB)

HSB Note: "Hadden said he also had offers from New Mexico State and Weber State, but had Hawaii at the top of his wish list. He orally committed to New Mexico State on Thursday morning, but got a call from the UH coaches offering a scholarship later in the day. He accepted the UH offer, then called the NMSU coaches back to break the news."

About selecting UH over NMSU, Hadden (who cited UH's business school as a factor in his decision) said:
"I sat down and thought about it with my family, and with Hawaii being my first choice it seemed like a better fit for me." (HSB)

HSB Note: "Sailer, a former UCLA kicker and now a prominent instructor, runs camps for kickers and punters and has worked with Hadden since his freshman year of high school. Sailer said Hadden had a strong showing at a camp last month in Las Vegas and listed his strengths as "his technique and consistency, and he's a very polished kicker." "

Praising Hadden, Sailer said:
"His leg strength is well above average, his ability to kick off the ground is well above average and his kickoffs are well above average. I see him as a guy who can play right away. He's a guy who's still going to develop physically. Give him a year or two and he's going to add so much strength and flexibility." (HSB)

HSB Note: "Hadden said he made 13 of 15 field goals last season, with a long of 50 yards. He kicked off a 1-inch tee in high school and has worked on kicking off the turf, which he'll have to do in college. Senior Scott Enos handled all of UH's place-kicking duties last season and went 12-for-19 on field goals and made all 34 of his point-after attempts. The Warriors were looking for a kicker who could compete for the job this season and provide depth with Enos entering his final season."

http://www.starbulletin.com/sports/sportsnews/20100206_hawaii_convinces_highly_regarded_kicker_to_join_program.html

Blaze Soares will play in the Texas vs. The Nation All-Star Challenge today

HSB Note: "Former UH linebacker Blaze Soares will have a chance to perform for the scouts in the Texas vs. The Nation All-Star Challenge today at the Sun Bowl in El Paso, Texas. The game will be shown on CBS College Sports. Soares is listed as a linebacker and long snapper for The Nation against a team of college seniors hailing from Texas. He has been training at Triple Threat Performance in Arizona to prepare for the game and for UH's pro day, set for April 1 at the Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif. While Soares is looking forward to hitting in a game setting today, most of the evaluations took place in the practices leading up to the game."

Feeling that he did well in the practices and got the attention of the NFL scouts, Blaze Soares said:
"I felt I competed and made some plays and turned some heads. I showed what I can do. ... It was great exposure being in this game." (HSB)

http://www.starbulletin.com/sports/sportsnews/20100206_hawaii_convinces_highly_regarded_kicker_to_join_program.html

UH Football looking ahead to the 2011 recruiting class

About looking ahead at the 2011 recruiting class, Tony Tuioti said:
"It brings this season to a close, and come Monday we'll start turning our attention to 2011 recruiting and spring ball." (HSB)

HSB Note: "Tuioti said the coaches have already identified some of next year's top local prospects, and the next major push will come in mid-April with the program's annual junior day."

Tony Tuioti said that on the mainland the UH coaches:
"want to look at Washington, California, Las Vegas, Utah, and be able to keep that pipeline we have to Texas and Florida." (HSB)

HSB Note: "For now, with the 2010 class nearly complete, the next date circled on the calendar is March 31, the opening day of spring practice."

HSB Note: "In crafting the class, the UH coaches targeted depth on both sides of the line of scrimmage as a priority. They signed five offensive linemen to replenish the depth chart. With the defensive front fairly stocked with interior linemen, they signed seven pass-rushing defensive ends, an area where the Warriors ran thin last season."

About how they addressed areas of need with this recruiting class, Tuioti said:
"This class was critical for us to address some of the positional needs we have." (HSB)

HSB Note: "The Warriors signed Siaki Cravens, a converted receiver, for immediate help at end or outside linebacker and got a boost when Kamehameha's Beau Yap switched his commitment from Baylor to UH. Tuioti said Kailua's Calen Friel may have been among the state's top linemen if he hadn't been sidelined by a knee injury early in the season."

About how his recovery is going well, Calen Friel said:
"I'm ahead of schedule, my knee is strong now. My doctors are tripping out at how fast I'm healing. ... I'm ready already. I can't wait." (HSB)

About how they plan to use 6'5" wideout Darius Bright to help them convert in the red zone, Tuioti said:
"We believe he gives us size and speed, especially in the red zone. He gives us another threat for our quarterbacks to look at." (HSB)

HSB Note: "In the secondary, UH coaches are high on the lockdown potential of cornerback Dee Maggitt and the play-making ability of John Hardy-Tuliau, whose special teams acumen (he blocked a record 26 kicks in three years of high school) could get him on the field early in his career. As for outside opinions of the class, rivals.com rates the Warriors' group 65th in the nation, while scout.com placed Hawaii 81st. Both recruiting services ranked the Warriors second in the Western Athletic Conference behind Fresno State."

About how he doesn't care about the rating that a recruit has, Mack said:
"I don't care about four stars or five stars, I care that a guy can make plays. We recruit people for what we do, and I have never been influenced by how many stars a guy has." (HSB)

About finally getting to play with his cousin Kamalu Umu (who transferred from Charleston Southern last year), Marcus Umu said:
"I've wanted to play with him ever since I was little. So it's real special to stay home." (HSB)

HSB Note: "California signees Bubba Poueu-Luna and John Hardy-Tuliau are also cousins. Offensive linemen David Lefotu and Kody Afusia discovered they were distant relatives during their recruiting visit."

http://www.starbulletin.com/sports/sportsnews/20100205_uh_football_looking_ahead.html

Kyle Wilson said that Davone Bess was the toughest receiver he ever covered

Asked who was the toughest receiver he ever covered, Kyle Wilson said:
"Hmm, the toughest? Davone Bess from Hawaii. When he's bad, haha, he's bad. He's a tough guy to guard in the slot. Especially that year, my sophomore year when they had Colt Brennan. Definitely one of the best. What I noticed about him was that he had really had good footwork. And in that offense, where they were very accurate and on the same page, the combo was deadly." (Denver Times)

http://www.indenvertimes.com/interview-if-kyle-wilson-looks-confident-its-because-he-is/

New Warrior Siaki Cravens credits Prodigy Athletes for helping him

SWRNN Note: "Among the players to sign letters of intent was Christian "Bubba" Poueu-Luna of Great Oak High School. Luna, who will attend the University of Hawaii, boasts 32 touchdowns in 15 varsity games, threw for over 1700 passing yards and rushed for 754 yards during his senior year."

SWRNN Note: "John Hardy-Tuliau carried a 4.0 GPA since middle school; his high school stats boast 18 interceptions, 140 tackles, 26 blocked punts, 10 touchdowns and 38 career starts. Hardy-Tuliau will sign with University of Hawaii.

Finally, Siaki Cravens, a four-year honor roll student, will join the University of Hawaii as an outside linebacker. Cravens, who signed with the University of Utah out of high school and played for the 2009 BCS Sugar Bowl championship team, credits his father Kevin Cravens, along with Prodigy as a being a big part of his success."

Praising Prodigy Athletes for helping him, Siaki Cravens said:
"I've been with Prodigy since its beginning. They've been real helpful. They came along and gave me the help I needed." (SWRNN)

About how he son's hard work and discipline have paid off, his mother Crystal Cravens said:
"He's very dedicated. He's been training since he was 6 years old. He (worked out) on prom night and graduation." (SWRNN)

About how his program is geared to help kids advance athletically and academically, Prodigy Athletes founder Lau said:
"Prodigy Athletes began as a movement to get kids into the classroom. It is a mentorship program designed to help kids see what opportunities lay ahead of them. When I send a coach a name, I don't have to worry. I know that my athletes have a strong work ethic, strong academics, they know how to get their business done." (SWRNN)

http://www.swrnn.com/southwest-riverside/2010-02-04/sports/temeculas-athletes-declare-colleges-sign-on-for-education

Article about Sean Shigematsu signing with UH

KGI = (Kauai) Garden Isle

KGI Note: "Three Kaua'i Interscholastic Federation football All-Stars participated in National Signing Day on Wednesday, as Kapa'a High School standout lineman Sean Michael Shigematsu, Kaua'i High School captain and quarterback Trey Shimabukuro and Waimea High School all-everything athlete Kaulana Waalani-Arroyo each penned their names to play football at the next level, starting next season.

Shigematsu will be trading in one Warriors uniform for another, as the 6-foot-6, 255 pound tackle is jumping the puddle to O'ahu to join coach Greg McMackin and the University of Hawai'i."

KGI Note: "Shigematsu made himself a hot commodity at the All Poly Camp at Kapi'olani Park on O'ahu in July, attending with a number of his Kapa'a teammates. It was there that he quickly put himself on UH's radar. His full scholarship offer came shortly after that and he headed into the KIF season already knowing he had a spot at UH waiting for him."

About getting the scholarship offer from UH over the summer, Shigematsu said:
"It kind of took some of the weight off my shoulders. Like I didn't have to worry. But it gave me some incentive to play better." (KGI)

About signing with UH, Shigematsu said:
"Today was pretty overwhelming. But it was exciting to be able to represent my family, my school, the island and UH." (KGI)

Prepared for the challenge of moving up from the KIF to D-IA, Shigematsu said:
"Guys are going to be a lot bigger, but I'll be able to handle my own once I get up to their stature." (KGI)

Asked what he was looking forward to most about going to UH, Shigematsu said:
"Just going to college to get my education and becoming a Warrior." (KGI)

http://thegardenisland.com/sports/high-school/article_c162843c-116a-11df-80d9-001cc4c03286.html

UH signed 26 players for its 2010 recruiting class

Relieved after he signed with UH, Beau Yap said:
"I feel relieved right now, getting this recruiting process off my back. I can be a kid again." (HA)

About his son Beau playing for UH like he did, Boyd Yap said:
"It's terrific. He's going to have a great time." (HA)

Proud that he'll be playing for UH, Beau said:
"I grew up as a UH fan. I'm proud to be going there." (HA)

About choosing to go to UH while flying back to Hawaii after his Oregon State recruiting trip this past weekend, Beau said:
"I woke up (during the flight), and it kind of hit me: I couldn't leave home. Nothing can beat Hawai'i. The comfort level is so high. It was hard for me to say 'no' to (Baylor), but Hawai'i is the only place for me." (HA)

"I was on the plane coming home and it kind of hit me that going away would be hard for me. My family will get to watch me all the time, they don't have to watch on TV or use money and go up. Just staying home felt real comfortable." (HSB)

Happy with his recruiting class, Mack said:
"I'm excited about this class." (HA)

Happy about signing with UH, Tu'ulauena Lolohea said:
"It's chicken-skin time. It feels good to finally get it written down. I'm ready to play for Hawai'i." (HA)

About QB Kevin Spain, QB coach Nick Rolovich said:
"He's unselfish. He wants to win. Physically, he's a good athlete. The best thing about him is the catch-ability of his passes. And his accuracy. He has a lot of natural tools that will make him special down the road." (UH)

About OL recruits Kody Afusia, David Lefotu, Frank Loyd, London Sapolu, and Sean Shigematsu, OL coach Gordy Shaw said:
"Kody never came off the field. I believe he was an All-CIF defensive lineman. Based on his stature and talent, we could project that he was going to be just what we're looking for at that position (center). ...

David is a big, physical guard-type guy who has tremendous strength. ....

Frank is an interesting guy. Last spring, he was a little over 6-3 and 230, but very athletic. He has long arms; that wing span that they talk about. He has a lot of upside. Today, he's touching 6-5 and he's 275. That's over a nine-month period, and he hasn't lost a step. He's going to be a very good tackle-type guy for us. ....

Initially we were looking for a tackle. As we got into camp, and saw we had enough tackle guys we thought would be OK for this upcoming season, we were looking for an inside guy. (Sapolu will) either battle for the starting center position or be a backup. Physically, he's a good player. ....

At the All-Poly camp, Sean was the guy everybody's eyes were going to him. At the time, he was 6-5 and about 235. A great athlete. He really stood out in that camp. He's 6-6, 250 now, and starts on the basketball team, starts on the volleyball. He has tremendous upside. He's going to be one of those tackles who's played here and gone on to play in the NFL." (HA)

About WR recruits Samson Anguay, Corey Lau, and Allen Sampson, Rolovich said:
"Samson is that quick, make-a-guy-miss-type slot we've had success with in the past. I know his size is not the biggest, but he's built really well. He'll make some plays for us in the future. ...

Corey Lau is the same type of player as Samson. He has enough straight-ahead speed to be successful. But he has the ability to make that one guy miss and get the extra yards. ...

People will first notice (Sampson) has world-class speed. But his personality and the person he is will make him a great teammate. He's going to make an immediate impact on our kick return. We have to try to get the ball in his hands to make something happen." (HA)

About DE recruits Desmond Dean, Ipulasi Eselu, David Katina, and Beau Yap, DL coach Dave Aranda said:
"Desmond is a guy we've had on our radar for a long time. He has all of the potential in the world. He has all of the bloodlines. He has all of the ability: the length, the speed. I feel Desmond has the most potential of all of the guys we brought in. His pop is 300 pounds. His grandfather played in the (National Football) League for how many years. What people look at is the weight. He's 6-7 and 215 pounds. But if you look at his family and his genes, weight is not a problem. ...

We like (Eselu's) aggressiveness and his knowledge of the game, with his pop being a coach, and his mentality. He's going to grow into being a defensive end, at 240 (pounds). When we saw him in the summer, he was 190. He's 215 now. He's on his way." ...

(Yap) reminds me of a raw John Fonoti. He has a natural get-off. His explosiveness and his hips are a natural gift." (HA)

About Desmond Dean's weight and David Katina, George Lumpkin said:
"Desmond is thin now, but he runs a 4.52 in the 40 and a 10.87 in the 100. If you remember, (Ikaika) Alama-Francis was about 212 when we got him. This kid is about the same. It's a matter of putting a lot of weight on him. ... The most positive things about (Katina) are his work ethic, his character, and his ability to understand what is required of him. He should be an outstanding defensive end." (HA)

About DT recruits Calen Friel and Moses Samia, Aranda said:
"Moses has unbelievably long arms and unbelievably big hands. He's 250 pounds right now, and doesn't look it. We recruited Moses as a defensive tackle. ... Same thing with Friel. At the (UH coaches camp), he was 220 pounds. He's 260 right now. Both of those guys, in a year, will be 280. We feel they're active, tall, longer than some of the tackles." (HA)

About their LB recruits Dustin Elisara, Tu'ulauena Lolohea, Zachary Quines, Dominick Sierra, and T.J. Taimatua, Defensive Coordinator Cal Lee said:
"(Elisara) is very athletic. He has a great sense for the ball, and he has a motor. He's a big and strong athletic guy who can go out there and control the middle, and make sure nobody runs up the middle. ...

What Tu'u brings on the field are what you look for in a linebacker. What he showed on his visit was the leadership qualities that he had, the take-charge qualities that you need on the defensive side of the ball. He's like a quarterback guy who's going to make people play hard. His actions speak louder than his words. He's not only an action guy, but he's a motivator. ...

Zach is another one who can run to the ball. He's 6-3, a long, rangy kind of guy. The thing about Zach is he can make tackles in the open field. He's like a DB playing linebacker. He has great speed, great range. If we blitz, he's the kind of guy who can come off the edge. ...

Dominick has great potential. He can make plays. He started off at defensive back, but because of his size, he'll become a good linebacker. He's got great closing speed. ...

T.J. is another tall, rangy kind of player, like Zach is. He's not afraid to make contact. Defensively, you want guys who like to make contact. He wants to get there, and put a helmet where you want to put it. He has all of the skills and athleticism." (HA)

About safety recruit Marcus Umu, safeties coach Chris Tormey said:
"We had Marcus in (the coaches) camp last June, and we were really impressed with his ball skills. He must have had eight or 10 interceptions in the three days we worked with him. He has good instincts, and he showed good toughness. He has excellent size. He has great growth potential." (HA)

About CB recruit John Hardy-Tuliau, Aranda said:
"I think John can help us right away, in terms of blocking kicks. Everywhere John has been, he's won. Everything that John has wanted to do, he's done. He's one of those guys. He has a magic touch to him. He has the height we want at corner. Our conference is a running conference, no doubt about it. We have to load the (tackle) box to play the run. Every team has that one receiver who has jump-ball possibilities. I think height at corner was a need, and he fits that need." (HA)

About CB recruit Dee Maggitt, Tormey said:
"Dee was the top cornerback prospect in the state of Washington this past year. He was highly regarded. He comes from one of the very best high school programs in the state of Washington. They're going to be top-5 in the state every year, and they have Division I players every year. Great background there. He played at a high level. Fundamentally, he's very sound. Good feet. Good hands. Breaks on the ball well." (HA)

About recruits Siaki Cravens and Christian "Bubba" Poueu-Luna, Aranda said:
"Cravens is a great athlete. He played tight end/receiver out of high school. A great basketball player, very athletic. We feel outside back on the line of scrimmage is a great position for him. He's 6-3, 240 pounds, but at this point, he's one of our faster players. He's a 4.5 guy. The issue with him is he's going to be raw. In terms of the tools and the mentality. That's there. ...

Bubba is a great athlete. He can play receiver or DB. He played quarterback this past season. He's really in a similar mode to Siaki. He's a super, super athlete. He's a force with the ball in his hand. As a junior, he played safety. We're going back and forth on him in the office. He's a guy who can go either way." (HA)

About choosing between his final 2 of UH and Utah, V.J. Feheko said:
"It was stressful, pretty crazy. My decision came straight from the heart. UH was always a strong pull for me and it was really hard to turn them down — it was like turning down a family member. I grew up cheering only for the green and white, and hating every other team. It was a grueling process, sitting down with my mom and dad, going back and forth. " (HA)

About how he has a better chance for early playing time at Utah instead of UH, Feheko said:
"They lose all three of their starting linebackers (to graduation), and UH only loses Blaze (Soares). I fit their package, it was the situation I was put in to compete sooner (for playing time)." (HA)

About how he looked forward to facing teammate Shaydon Akuna (who signed with Oregon State yesterday) at the end of the 2011 season, Lolohea said:
"Right after I signed I looked up and saw him sign and put on the Oregon State hat. I was like, I've already got the date down." (HSB)

Happy with all of the Hawaii recruits that signed with UH yesterday at the PIAA signing ceremony, Moses Samia said:
"Seeing all the UH hats, people from different backgrounds, different schools to play as one now, I'm excited for that. That's Hawaii." (HSB)

About how they will finish their recruiting class by giving a scholarship to a kicker, Mack said:
"We are going to scholarship a kicker, we need competition at that position and we need to get better at that position." (HSB)

Happy with their recruiting class, Mack said:
"We think we've recruited to help us for the future, and some of these guys are going to complement us right away." (HSB)

HSB Note: "Just three of the Warriors' signees are from junior colleges, compared to 10 in both of McMackin's first two recruiting classes as head coach."

About getting JC recruits at OL (Sapolu) and WR (Darius Bright), plus Cravens from a JC, Mack said:
"We needed immediate help at receiver and we felt we needed a veteran offensive lineman and then we have (Cravens) and he's got three years. He's a player." (HSB)

Looking forward to competing for his place on the depth chart, David Lefotu said:
"I can't wait to compete for a spot." (HSB)

HSB Note: "McMackin pointed to Lefotu as a cornerstone of the class following his commitment last summer and said linebacker T.J. Taimatuia of Artesia (Calif.) High has the potential to contribute right away. Texas defensive end Desmond Dean was an intriguing late addition to the class. The 6-foot-7, 215-pounder said he had been in contact with the Hawaii coaches for about a month and was offered a scholarship on Tuesday, which he formally accepted yesterday. Dean, the grandson of former Washington Redskins lineman Fred Dean, had received interest from Utah and Illinois and runs on the 4x200 and 4x400 relay teams at Tyler."

Happy that UH offered him a scholarship on Tuesday, Desmond Dean said:
"I think it'll be a good fit for me. I was wanting to go to Hawaii so it was real excitin

After signing with UH, Kevin Spain said:
"It's just a big relief and I'm pretty excited about my future at UH." (HSB)

http://sports.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100204/SPORTS0201/2040374&template=UHsports

http://hawaiipreps.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/20100204/SPORTS03/2040372/sportsfront&template=PrepSports/Isle+standouts+make+11th-hour+decisions

http://www.starbulletin.com/sports/sportsnews/20100204_warriors_sign_26_on_letter_of_intent_day.html

Moses Samia commits to the Warriors and other recruiting news before the LOIs come in

About committing to the Warriors, DE Moses Samia said:
"I wanted to play in front of my family. Some players miss that opportunity. To me, family means everything. Now I get to play for a great program and I get to play in front of my family. I'm excited about the opportunity." (HA)

"It means a lot. I always wanted to play in front of my family. I'm grateful to have my parents be able to see me play in college at the Division I level." (HSB)

HA Note: "Samia, who is 6 feet 2 and 240 pounds, played defensive end for the Crusaders. He has been told he projects to play defensive tackle or end at UH. He turned down an offer from Baylor."

About choosing UH over Baylor, Moses said:
"I'm thankful for the (Baylor) offer, but I told the coaches, 'I'm going to Hawai'i.' " (HA)

Asked if he would also play for UH's baseball team, Moses (a highly regarded catcher) said:
"If the (football) coaches allow me. Right now I'm going to focus on football." (HA)

"If the coaches allow me to, that's something I'd look into, but football is my first priority." (HSB)

About how he began playing Pop Warner football in the 6th grade, Moses said:
"I fell in love with the game." (HA)

HA Note: "UH defensive coordinator Cal Lee contacted Samia during the 2009 season. Samia competed in the Samoa Bowl and, after returning, kept in touch with Lee. Samia took a UH recruiting trip the past weekend. Defensive tackle Geordon Hanohano, a Saint Louis School graduate, served as host."

About his recruiting trip to UH this past weekend, Moses said:
"It was a good experience. That guy (Hanohano) is a clown. He cracks me up all of the time." (HA)

About being offered a scholarship by Cal Lee yesterday morning, Moses said:
"I talked to my mom, and she told me, 'I'll support you in anything you do.' I told her: 'I want to go to UH.' " (HA)

HA Note: "According to people familiar with the situation, a scholarship offer was made last night. The kicker and his family met last night to discuss the offer. The kicker wants to delay an
announcement until this morning, although he has indicated he will sign with the Warriors. The Warriors were seeking competition for Scott Enos, who converted 12 of 19 field-goal attempts and all 34 of his point-after tries last year. Enos will be a senior this year.

The Warriors reportedly are ahead in the recruiting skirmish for Farrington High linebacker V.J. Fehoko, a member of The Advertiser's All-State first team. Fehoko, the son of de facto UH mascot Vili the Warriors, will announce his decision at a news conference this morning. In a self-created drama, his choice will come from one of five hats, each representing a school, that will be placed in front of him. Spoiler alert: Fehoko has told reporters he narrowed his choices
to Utah and UH."

HA Note: "The Warriors' 2010 class already has received a jump start. Eight players who will count against "initial" signings already are enrolled at UH-Mānoa, including two of last year's starters — quarterback Bryant Moniz and long-snapper Luke Ingram. Because Moniz and Ingram have been in the program less than two years, they count as initial signings. Four players who gray-shirted in 2009 — running back Jon Lister, utility player Joey Iosefa, and offensive linemen Jordan Loeffler and Marcus Malepeai — also count as members of the 2010
recruiting class. A gray shirt is a recruit who delays joining a team for a semester. What's more, two junior-college transfers — wideout Darius Bright and center/defensive tackle London Sapolu — are enrolled this semester."

HA Note: "Two players who made verbal commitments to UH — defensive tackle Viliami Fonokalafi of Kaimukī High and defensive end Charles Tuaau of Leilehua High — have decided to attend junior colleges. They are expected to go to Arizona Western."

About waiting for the signed Letters of Intent to come in this morning, Mack said:
"We think we know who's coming and now we just have to wait for those letters to come in. It's a year to a two-year process." (HSB)

About accepting a scholarship from UH today, LB T.J. Taimatuia said:
"People would say I'm so lucky. I tell them I'm truly blessed. It wasn't easy getting this far. ... One phone call changed my life, that's all I can say." (HSB)

HSB Note: "Taimatuia struggled in the classroom early in his high school career, but with the guidance of his aunt and uncle, Lori and Roger Saleapaga, he has since raised his grade-point average from a 1.5 as a freshman to above a 3.0 and is academically qualified to compete in college."

About how he'll feel when he signs with UH, Taimatuia said:
"When I sign, it'll be a big relief. I grew up never knowing I would go to college. Although at times I felt like giving up, they never gave up on me and they believed in me and what I could accomplish. (Today) is a big thing for me." (HSB)

http://sports.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/20100203/SPORTS0201/2030352/sportsfront&template=UHSports/UH+gets+defensive+end

http://www.starbulletin.com/sports/sportsnews/20100203_Signings_mark_end_beginning.html

UH commit Allen Sampson was praised by his high school coach in the Tampa Tribune

TT = Tampa Tribune

TT Note: "Sampson, who had Division I-AA offers from Delaware, Georgia Southern, Murray State and Southern Illinois, spent the weekend on Hawaii's campus."

Praising Sampson, Plant coach Robert Weiner said:
"Allen is one of the most electric players that I've ever seen. He is the kind of player that makes you stop coaching and start watching like an excited spectator," Weiner said. "And to top it off, he is an even better human being." (TT)

http://www2.tbo.com/content/2010/feb/03/sp-plants-sampson-commits-to-hawaii/

Cooper Pulluer talks about his last-minute offer from Washington and his decommitment to UH

DM = Dawgman.com

About being pulled out of class to speak with Washington LB coach Mike Cox on the phone on Monday, Cooper Pulluer said:
"He said that we've got a great opportunity with a possible commitment dropping out. If that were to happen, we'd like you to offer you a scholarship to come play for us." (DM)

About his happiness at receiving the offer from U-Dub, Pelluer said:
"I've always thought about the possibility of U-Dub offering me at the last minute." (DM)

DM Note: "But now? A possible spot on the team he grew up watching? The team where his Dad Scott coached for six years during two different stints? It was beyond his imagination. But there was a kicker; he couldn't tell anyone about it except for his parents. The UW staff wouldn't know for sure the details until late Monday night, so Pelluer had to go through the rest of his day at school and basketball practice with a secret burning a Huskies-sized hole through his stomach. The wait was unbearable."

About the phone call he received from Washington head coach Steve Sarkisian, Pelluer said:
"He laid down the words, 'We'd like to offer you a scholarship'. It happened." (DM)

About how he talked with his parents and then called Sarkisian back with his commit to Washington, Pelluer said:
"Once he said it I knew I would be a Dawg by the end of the night. I grew up a Dawg. It's a dream come true." (DM)

DM Note: "It's a little ironic, simply because if he had ended up at Washington State, he would not only have been a fourth-generation Cougar, but a fourth generation Cougar football player. But WSU never came calling, so it was the Huskies that picked up the slack."

About how the Washington coaches saw the potential in his 6'4", 224-pound son, Pulluer's father said:
"They saw the potential, they realized that he's got a lot of upside. And the Huskies did a phenomenal job of staying with him and keeping in touch and letting him know that something might happen in the last minute." (DM)

About how his father has supported him throughout the recruiting process, Pulluer said:
"He's been so supportive throughout. He's been right there. It was so nice to be able to come home and have my own coach. He's one of my best friends. It's a big thing for the both of us." (DM)

About the tough phone call he had to make to UH Assistant Coach Chris Tormey, Pelluer said:
"It was tough. I appreciate everything he's done for me. But he understands where I'm coming from. Living in the Pacific Northwest, I just love it here, and U-Dub…it's just one of the coolest places to be. I had no idea this would happen. I was set to go to Hawaii. The coaching staff is great, and I really enjoyed my visit over there. I definitely saw myself going there, but once this opportunity came about, it was just tough to say no." (DM)

About telling Sarkisian about his commit 3 hours after he talked with Tormey, Pelluer said:
"He was excited. I'm just excited to be part of that first class. They have good things going and I truly believe we're headed in the right direction, getting back to U-Dub football and what it's all about." (DM)

http://washington.scout.com/2/943141.html

Florida WR Allen Sampson commits to the Warriors

About deciding to commit to the Warriors, Allen Sampson said:
"I know a lot of the people go to Hawai'i for the scenery and the weather, but I fell in love with the program." (HA)

HA Note: "Accompanied by his mother, Sampson completed his UH visit Sunday. Yesterday in Tampa, he was making plans for a return trip to paradise."

About how he was recruited by QB coach Nick Rolovich, Sampson said:
"I love the coaches and the program and the offense they run. I really like Coach Rolo. He's laid back. He's funny. He's so cool." (HA)

HA Note: "By signing his letter of intent with UH tomorrow, Sampson is spurning offers from Toledo, Syracuse, Florida Atlantic and Florida International."

About why some teams stopped recruiting Sampson over concerns of his size, Plant coach Robert Weiner said:
"I think some teams backed off because of his size, but he's a special one. He can do a lot of things with the football." (HA)

HA Note: "Sampson, who is 5 feet 8 and 155 pounds, said he can run 40 yards in 4.38 seconds. A scout timed him at 4.39 seconds."

About Sampson's speed, Weiner said:
"He's as quick as they come. When he gets the ball in his hands, as a coach you stop coaching and you become a spectator." (HA)

HA Note: "As a senior, Sampson averaged 31.6 yards on kick returns and 14.8 yards on punt returns."

About the huge plays that Sampson made for his team, 2-time Florida state champions, Weiner said:
"The greatest plays he's had for us have been at crucial moments. We've had some games that have swung in the other team's favor. All of a sudden, Allen puts us right back on track. He's been on the team two years, and he's been 27-2 and a two-time state champion. It's probably no mistake that happened with him on our team." (HA)

About how his best memory of Sampson came on a punt return, Weiner said:
"He took the punt and broke to his left. And about six yards away from the sideline, he planted his foot and turned his head back inside. Three guys went inside (because) of his head movement, then he went back outside. A guy tried to push him out of bounds. He landed on his left foot, and jumped inside the line. He jumped to maintain his balance. He landed on his left foot again, and then scampered 45 yards for the touchdown. That's pretty impressive." (HA)

HA Note: "As a junior, Sampson was second in the state with 65 receptions. In 2009, the Panthers switched to more of a running attack. Still, Sampson caught 56 passes for 867 yards and 11 touchdowns."

About how Sampson did not complain even though they threw him less passes during his senior season, Weiner said:
"He didn't catch as many passes as he did as a junior, but not once did he give a hint that he was dissatisfied. He's a great leader. In the end, he played a great state championship game." (HA)

About how Sampson transferred to Plant after his Sophomore year, Weiner said:
"Usually when that happens, you have friends in one place and enemies in another. I do not know one person in the world — at our school or the school he came from or any of the schools we play — who does not like Allen Sampson. He's a tremendous person, and a tremendous teammate." (HA)

About how his grandfather gave him his nickname of "Turbo", Sampson said:
"He called me 'Turbo' since I was 2. He said I used to run around the house a lot. He thought I was fast." (HA)

http://sports.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100202/SPORTS0201/2020340&template=UHsports

VJ Feheko always dreamed of playing for the Warriors

HA Note: "Farrington All-State defensive end V.J. Fehoko said he has narrowed his choices to Hawai'i and Utah. Fehoko has been exposed to the UH program since he was 5. His father, Vili, is the Warriors' mascot and V.J. has played the drums at UH games through this past season. But his father also is a friend of Utah coach Kyle Whittingham."

About how he always dreamed about playing for UH, VJ Feheko said:
"I visited UH, Utah, Washington and Texas Tech, and Stanford on an unofficial visit. Oklahoma, Notre Dame and Baylor all wanted me to take trips, and they were trying to convince me not to go to UH. But I think my visit to UH shows my loyalty to the program and how interested I am in a school like UH. It's always been one of my dreams to play there, no matter what other schools came into the picture." (HA)

http://hawaiipreps.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/20100202/SPORTS03/2020339/1042/sportsfront&template=PrepSports/4+of+state+s+best+undecided