Warriors land Australian lineman

We tried to answer a few of your questions in today’s paper.

> Blu808: Who is the new recruit?
Answer: Eneasi “Ernie” Kavapalu, an offensive lineman from Melbourne, Australia, has pledged to join the Rainbow Warriors. Kavapalu is 6 feet 7 and 310 pounds. He is skilled in rugby, Australian rules football and basketball. Kavapalu, who trains at Conquest Fitness, will graduate in December and enroll at UH in January 2017.

> RB: Is Coach (Nick) Rolovich going to continue the Warrior Walk at home games?
A: No.

> Cheepono: What is the status of Max Hendrie and Kennedy Tulimasealii’s appeal? What was the problem with Dany Mulanga’s paperwork that prevented him from going to Australia?
A: Hendrie, a defensive end who was raised in Sydney, is not eligible to play this season because the NCAA did not fully credit some of the courses he took in high school. But he is allowed to attend classes at UH and receive financial aid. “He’s probably good enough to contribute this year,” Rolovich said, “but this isn’t the worst thing in the world for him to feel more comfortable within the defense and have four years to play after that.”
Tulimasealii, who received a deferral on his no-contest plea to six criminal charges, still is awaiting a decision on his appeal to be reinstated to the football team. He has said he is paying for his tuition for the fall semester.
Mulanga, who was born in the Republic of the Congo and raised in Texas, misplaced his passport a few years ago. Because this is an election year in Congo, passports are not easily issued. A few days before the Warriors were to depart for Australia, Mulanga received a package seeking more documentation. “We did everything we could,” Rolovich said. “Dany did everything he could. It ended up costing money to go through different stages. It wasn’t something we didn’t know about. It was something that took time and couldn’t make any progress on. I feel bad for him. He deserved to be there, and he would have given us more depth at linebacker.”

> Oneseason:Who at UH is responsible for mascot selection (or deciding not to have a mascot)? What is their plan?
A: There are no plans to use a mascot this season. “I’d love to have a mascot,” Rolovich said. “There are only so many hours in a day. I can’t be a mascot, too.”


> Islandman: Who is in the booth besides offensive coordinator Brian Smith and receivers coach Kefense Hynson?
A: Secondary coach Abraham Elimimian, linebackers coach Sean Duggan, intern Mikah Franz and two graduate assistants also are in the booth.


> Ipoman: So what unis will Hawaii wear (against Michigan)?
A: “Hawaii uniforms,” Rolovich said. “We’re not Oregon. We don’t have a lot of options.”

> Luki: With the game out of reach, why no quarterback Aaron Zwahlen?
A: “We’re always prepared to play more,” Rolovich said. “We had a discussion at a point where it was kind of out of hand. Ikaika (Woolsey) could use all the game reps he can within this offense. I don’t think Ikaika lost us that game. He did enough to keep us in that game. … I thought he executed. What goes unnoticed is some of the run-game checks he made.”

COMMENTS

  1. Boolakanaka August 31, 2016 5:17 am

    Ekahi, numba one, numero uno, tasi, ichi, um, un, eins, yi……


  2. letsgowarriors August 31, 2016 5:24 am

    glad Kennedy is still going to school.


  3. tom-warriornation August 31, 2016 6:23 am

    Hawaii Football Road Warrior Tailgate Rally and Football Game – October 8, Saturday. Come join the hundreds of loyal Hawaii football fans at the ever popular Road Warrior Tailgate Rally at San Jose State University and then attend the game between the University of Hawaii Warriors and SJSU Spartans.

    Rally will feature live music, Hukilau SJ plate lunches, popular Green Cups, and fabulous raffle prizes including two Alaska Airlines tickets to Hawaii and hotel stay. H-ZONE merchandise tent will at the rally.

    Event is FREE. Bring your coolers, food and blankets and mats. No large event tent this year so ok to bring small 10′ by 10′ tents. Event will be held at the newly renovated Spartan football practice field next to the Spartan Stadium.

    Also, HCCNC and SJSU has setup deeply discounted game tickets with prime seats behind the Hawaii team. Tickets are now on sale and will go fast so buy soon. Let’s show Coach Rolovich and the 2016 team our tremendous Northern California pride and support!
    https://oss.ticketmaster.com/aps/sjsuathletics/EN/link/promotion/home/7f4dc873b29dcd725c29cb3ab1da59153e5995d9
    CODE: HAW2016


  4. warrior650 August 31, 2016 6:42 am

    Lot of good info today. Mahalo ST!


  5. cheepono August 31, 2016 6:43 am

    mahalo for the q&a article! very informative.

    and holy smokes kavapulu is a game changer. please please please hold onto him until he’s enrolled.


  6. S.peezy55 August 31, 2016 7:00 am

    wasn’t kavapalu one of the 2 Aussie’s mentioned in an article who is being heavily recruited?


  7. DaveLetterMan August 31, 2016 7:22 am

    Morning Tsaikos!
    Here’s the link to the two Aussie recruits. The other one is Baby Shaq, 6′ 10″
    http://www.foxsports.com.au/us-sports/meet-the-two-aussie-college-football-prospects-behind-the-university-of-michigan-holding-a-satellite-camp-in-melbourne/news-story/12417ecd7a3e830c62f80f1cac3ca6c5


  8. H-Man August 31, 2016 7:27 am

    I am disappointed another quarterback was not given a look in the Cal game. Missed opportunity.


  9. H-Man August 31, 2016 7:37 am

    DLM, thanks for the link. So this is the Hanapa’a Rolo was tooting about. Getting Kavapalu is a great start on recruiting O-linemen for 2017


  10. Maddog50 August 31, 2016 7:39 am

    Welcome to “Ernie” a big welcome that is. Regarding seeing anther QB in the Cal game-after watching the game 3X or so IW probably had his best overall game to date. There are still some things to clean up but several catchable balls were either dropped or not we’re not “stretched” for. You could tell on some plays where he checked out to productive plays. In time we will see some other prospects but this game was lost on offensive and defensive mistakes. Expect the speed of this game at MI to increase. The turf in Australia looked soft and cushy due to the rain, field turf will improve speed on both sides


  11. H-Man August 31, 2016 8:23 am

    The turf visibly affected the Hawaii players, but not so obvious to the eye for the Cal players. Did the type/kind of shoe make a difference? Coach Rolo?


  12. Ipu Man August 31, 2016 8:33 am

    Ipo? What’s an Ipo? A typo?
    And what is a Hawaii uniform? A lava lava ?
    That would be cool.
    🙂


  13. Inyoface August 31, 2016 8:50 am

    Yeah I noticed Sanchez slipped on the second kickoff which landed around the 20 I believe.


  14. iwonderwhytheyhateme August 31, 2016 9:06 am

    Very disappointed they will no longer do the Warrior Walk. That may be grounds to withhold food and water for a week from Rolo.

    I went to every single one of them and enjoyed it even as the number of fans started to dwindle. It was probably one of Chow’s best additions to the program.


  15. iwonderwhytheyhateme August 31, 2016 9:11 am

    I know Kennedy would be a welcome skill set to our d-line but still, I’d pass on him like the buffet at the Strat.

    Both sides can still find future success by moving on and away from each other.


  16. RB August 31, 2016 9:22 am

    That’s sad that Rolo won’t continue the Warrior Walk. That was a good way for the fans to see the players and coaches up close and give high fives/shake hands. My son looked forward to the walk at every home game last year. Oh well my son will be disappointed.


  17. Stephen Tsai August 31, 2016 10:05 am

    I think the team still has to get dropped off there. So even if they don’t have a “Warrior Walk,” they’re still Warriors who have to walk into the stadium.


  18. Stephen Tsai August 31, 2016 10:06 am

    They had a mini version of the Scout Bowl today.
    Defense made a goal-line stand.
    But the offense scored on quarterback Cole McDonald’s 35-yard keeper around right end.


  19. iwonderwhytheyhateme August 31, 2016 10:51 am

    Ferd tweeted that Harbaugh is open to bringing UM to Hawaii for a game. A home-home series would be fantastic. Get on it Mr. “Marlin”.


  20. 3-Prong August 31, 2016 11:20 am

    Is that for real. Da Bows Going Fly on Air Force 1!!!!!!!! (Rolo tweet)


  21. 3-Prong August 31, 2016 11:23 am

    ……awwwwe! Not even April And Den. Got me going.


  22. kahuna August 31, 2016 11:30 am

    Yeah…the buggah did pull your leg there…LOL

    NO WAY anybody but big shots and politicians are allowed on AF 1. With all the special equipment and super secret stuff on board….the whole team would have to go thru extensive background check, we got to get thru secret service screening and then some. Too much humbug.


  23. Maddog50 August 31, 2016 11:50 am

    Not to debate but Cal did some slipping and sliding in the loose turf. Having had some experience in the football arena I don’t like long spikes-they stick and sometimes contribute to injury. Pros take that chance though.


  24. A-House August 31, 2016 11:54 am

    Maddog50:

    will you attend the UH tailgate? hope so – be nice to see you again!

    got couple more Tsaikos for you to meet – D1Shima and Kapahulu.


  25. Maddog50 August 31, 2016 12:19 pm

    A-House my friend I will in fact be there-bring your loud voice I’m gonna work it out!!!


  26. SailorBlue August 31, 2016 1:50 pm

    Speaking of tailgating….all the Tsai-Ko home tailgates will be back at Cabana A again this year. Come on out and enjoy the food and fun before watching this exciting team play under Rolo and Co. Let me know if you need more details.


  27. cappie the dog August 31, 2016 2:38 pm

    If Ikaika Woosley is the guy, bringing in Zwahlen for a possession couldn’t hurt. You don’t want to expose Woosley to the Michigan “D” for the entire game, do you?

    Wasn’t Max Wittek dinged up after the Ohio State game last season?


  28. cappie the dog August 31, 2016 2:40 pm

    Please don’t leave, Mary Wooley.


  29. z August 31, 2016 3:21 pm

    28. As much as I agree with you she said it was for family. Can’t argue with that.


  30. Jason Valentin August 31, 2016 3:23 pm

    Big time pick up!! This Braddah will be a beast! 6-7 310! Put on another 15-20 lbs of muscle! Help anchor the left side after Allen graduates! Give Rolo a couple years to recruit his kind of players to fit his system. Gonna have this program turned around! Just watch!


  31. Warrior Nation August 31, 2016 3:23 pm

    I really hope he reconsiders and continues to do the Warrior Walk.

    Coach, are you going to drop the Rainbow & have us be just the Warriors?


  32. Da Punchbowl Kid August 31, 2016 3:36 pm

    Fan engagement – Rolo is a young master of that art. Keep up the great work, Coach. Mahalo Stephen, for your part in making it so.

    Welcome to the Warriors Ernie! Looking forward to seeing you play!

    Ipu Man@#12 –
    “In Hawaiian, the name Kuuipo means – my sweetheart. The name Kuuipo is a unisex name and can be used for a boy or girl name (male or female).
    Seeing as how “Ipo” is the short version for that word, you should be honored, IM. Tsai never called any of us “Sweetheart Man.” I’m kinda jealous.


  33. Ipu Man August 31, 2016 3:41 pm

    Spread the wealth.
    Let Eneasi “Ernie” Kavapalu
    play basketball, too, for UH.
    Heck, he may even hit homeruns.
    Be a pinch hitter for the Bows, too.
    🙂


  34. Ipu Man August 31, 2016 3:43 pm

    DBK…awwww shucks. Tanks, Tsai, ne 🙂


  35. Ipu Man August 31, 2016 3:45 pm

    DBK = DPK
    Not Da Bunchbowl Kid.
    🙁


  36. Da Punchbowl Kid August 31, 2016 3:45 pm

    😆 😆


  37. Da Punchbowl Kid August 31, 2016 3:46 pm

    Dat’s okay sweetheart.


  38. Da Punchbowl Kid August 31, 2016 3:48 pm

    Look – we laughing on da blog again! I blame da coach and da reporter for keeping things light!


  39. al August 31, 2016 3:48 pm

    Ipu man…could be. He sometimes gets his underwear in a bunch.


  40. al August 31, 2016 3:48 pm

    Ipu man…could be. He sometimes gets his undies in a bunch


  41. al August 31, 2016 3:49 pm

    Moderation?


  42. al August 31, 2016 4:03 pm

    Ipu man…could be. He sometimes gets his underwear in a bunch


  43. iwonderwhytheyhateme August 31, 2016 4:15 pm

    Always thought DPK=Da Podagee King. Oh bother.


  44. Ipu Man August 31, 2016 4:38 pm

    Maybe this is the start for
    UH to win a BUNCH of Bowl Games.
    So DBK is ok
    🙂


  45. Inyoface August 31, 2016 4:43 pm

    Hope the refs don’t give horrible pass interference calls like they did last year in Wisconsin. I think this years team won’t get shutout like the last 2 games we played in the Midwest. We need to score fast, early and in bunches. The defense will do a better job this game than with Cal.


  46. Stephen Tsai August 31, 2016 4:59 pm

    Trust me on this: Michigan will never, ever, ever play in Hawaii for a regular-season game as long as Harbaugh’s the coach. Sure, he’ll be polite, if asked, but no, he’ll never come here.


  47. FearGod August 31, 2016 5:44 pm

    It is better to take refuge in the LORD
    than to trust in people.
    Maybe for a vacation bowl, after four losses on their season record


  48. al August 31, 2016 6:00 pm

    43…he sked dats why.


  49. Stephen Tsai August 31, 2016 6:17 pm

    No benefit to playing in Hawaii for Michigan. It’s too long a trip, and you can’t make as much money.


  50. H-Man August 31, 2016 6:58 pm

    I thought Michigan might want to have a game in Hawaii for recruiting purposes. The money aspect, or lack of a decent fee that UH can pony up, is reason enough not to come here. But Arizona and Oregon St are coming in 2019 and Wisconsin and Oregon are coming in 2024. Cheez, 2024, that’s eight years from now!!!


  51. MattyBoy August 31, 2016 8:16 pm

    How much do people wanna bet this new commit we got will NOT be committed to Hawaii by LOI day?


  52. Akamai Okole September 1, 2016 5:21 am

    Great Morning All.

    Winging it from LAS to DTW this morning. So excited!

    So the team is already in MI?


  53. A-House September 1, 2016 7:37 am

    arrived at the Marriott — dead ass tired!

    waiting for luggage delivery

    across the “river” and we can see Caesar’s Palace, but no more passport — it’s in Canada!!!


  54. A-House September 1, 2016 7:38 am

    Maddog50:

    great! will look for you at the tailgate!


  55. truegreen September 1, 2016 8:08 am

    #43 ST: Never say never, lol. Situations ALWAYS change. I could list pages and pages of things that were never going to happen that eventually did…


  56. Ipu Man September 1, 2016 8:18 am

    truegreen, true.
    If I had a dollar for every bicycle that ran
    thru a stop sign and red light, I could build
    the rail to run around the entire island 🙂


  57. Maddog50 September 1, 2016 9:48 am

    A-House-I will not be hard to find, wearing coaches collection shirt(green) and my favorite “H” bucket hat!!!!


  58. Kapahulu September 1, 2016 10:45 am

    A-House:
    I traveled to Michigan on the team Charter Flight. UH Team very well behaved and friendly. Was a nice flight.

    I’ll be At The UH Football Rally Saturday morning before the game.

    I met Maddog50 at last years UH Tailgate Party at Ohio State.

    Do you know of any other Tsaiko’s going to the Michigan game.

    I’ll be sitting in Section 9 at the game.


  59. A-House September 1, 2016 11:29 am

    Kapahulu:

    Great – other tsaikos attending the tailgate will be D1Shima and chawan_cut

    there may be others, but mind getting “heavy” after the long flight from Hawaii to Atlanta and to Detroit – slept very little on both flights.


  60. iwonderwhytheyhateme September 1, 2016 11:37 am

    So whatever happened to Stubblefield?

    Is he still on the team? Thought he was ready, willing, and able from various interviews on the news.


  61. SteveM September 1, 2016 11:56 am

    Kapahulu — see http://stevem.altervista.org/away16.html

    BTW, tom-warriornation reports that the “Stadium policy is no backpacks, fanny packs, purses, or water and water bottles”.


  62. clyde September 1, 2016 12:35 pm

    Stubblefield reportedly suffered an injury (knee?) in the days leading to the opener against Cal.


  63. What??? September 1, 2016 1:07 pm

    #48 – if that happens you will probably blame Chow.


  64. MattyBoy September 1, 2016 1:34 pm

    #60

    And I would blame Chow because…….?


  65. Stephen Tsai September 1, 2016 2:05 pm

    New post: http://hawaiiwarriorworld.com/?p=38974


  66. What??? September 2, 2016 5:00 pm

    No act innocent Negative Nellie


Comments are closed.