Two Kapolei LBs commit to UH

Two Kapolei High School linebackers — Dustin Elisara and Tuu Lolohea — have made verbal commitments to accept University of Hawai‘i football scholarships.

Elisara, who is 6 feet 2 and 245 pounds, is Hawai‘i’s sixth-ranked prospect in the Scout.com ratings. He is projected to compete at middle linebacker for the Warriors.
Lolohea, who is 6 feet 2 and 240 pounds, will compete at outside linebacker.

By committing to UH, both players are canceling recruiting trips to Arkansas next week.

Elisara also is turning down offers from Oregon State, Arizona and Wyoming. Lolohea said he received offers from Idaho, Arizona and Colorado.

* * * * *

Last month, head coach Greg McMackin announced that quarterback Bryant Moniz and long-snapper Luke Ingram would be placed on scholarship this semester. They had be integral parts to last year’s team.

But those plans will be put on hold until the summer. It was assumed that they would be able to receive mid-year scholarships, using the scholarships vacated by players who graduated in December.

Makes sense, right?


Not quite.

Because they have been in the program less than two years — Moniz joined in January 2009, Ingram in August 2009 — and they played during the 2009 season, they would count toward the 2009 recruiting class if they receive scholarships during the 2009-2010 academic year. The Warriors already filled their limit of 25 initial scholarships for the 2009 recruiting class.

* * * * *

Fear not, UH fans. Co-Defensive Player  of the Year Beau Yap of Kamehameha visited Baylor instead of UH this past weekend. But he is scheduled to visit UH this coming weekend. Yap’s father, Boyd Yap, was associate head coach Rich Miano’s teammate on Kaiser’s 2009 Oahu Prep Bowl championship team, The head coach of that team? Ron Lee, now UH’s offensive coordinator.


* * * * *

Happy birthday to former Warriors Brandon Eaton and Jared Lene.

COMMENTS

  1. protector January 18, 2010 7:53 am

    First?

    Regrettable news for Moniz & Ingram.


  2. protector January 18, 2010 7:54 am

    Where is everybody?


  3. Stretch January 18, 2010 7:55 am

    Good Morning Tsaikos!!

    ST – will the football team do another Spring Scrimmage on Maui or another island this year??


  4. Committed Road Warrior January 18, 2010 7:55 am

    I was shocked to see that Safeway had a case of Pepsi throwback on the shelves. There is a profound difference between HFCS-sweetened soda and soda sweetened with cane sugar!

    Gonna have to stock up on those before the end of February, when Pepsi stops producing them.


  5. bstunna2002 January 18, 2010 7:56 am

    uhhh 2009 Kaiser won the championship and Beau dad and Coach Miano Played for Ron Lee?


  6. Stephen Tsai January 18, 2010 7:58 am

    I don’t think they’ll have another scrimmage on Maui. Instead, the volleyball team is going to play BYU on Maui.


  7. (Jesse) James January 18, 2010 7:58 am

    good morning Tsaikos….

    ST…why no J-E-T-S….JETS JETS JETS…cheer??? LOL

    Okay, off to work….talk later…


  8. (Jesse) James January 18, 2010 7:59 am

    Stretch…I thought there was mention of going to the Big Island after Maui…I could be wrong though…


  9. Stephen Tsai January 18, 2010 8:01 am

    CRW:
    Is that like how Disney says a DVD is available for a certain period, and then it will go back into the vaults?


  10. Stephen Tsai January 18, 2010 8:03 am

    JJ:
    The state works today?


  11. Stretch January 18, 2010 8:04 am

    They should have the football scrimmage in the morning, then everyone can go watch the vball game in the evening. Having the entire football team in the gym would be a lot of fun. The team always can catch the late night flight back to Honolulu.


  12. Bulla January 18, 2010 8:04 am

    good morning Tsaikos,

    have a productive day, and may we reflect in a quiet moment for all that Martin Luther King believed in………..

    did someone say Spring Ball?


  13. Committed Road Warrior January 18, 2010 8:06 am

    ST:

    Something like that. Of course they say that, then a few months later it magically comes back “for a limited time.”

    Supposedly, this is Pepsi’s second batch of the throwback product. They were selling them from April to June of last year, and now this batch is going from December to February. I missed it the first time, and I hope a third batch comes out.

    Better yet, just stock them side-by-side with the regular stuff too!


  14. Pride. January 18, 2010 8:11 am

    99% of state workers are off today. JJ is in the 1%.


  15. duffer (iPhone) January 18, 2010 8:14 am

    What, today’s a State holiday? Geez!!!!


  16. Bulla January 18, 2010 8:14 am

    Pride,

    he is such the overachiever, that JJ, what a model empolyee 🙂


  17. Stephen Tsai January 18, 2010 8:17 am

    If Coca-Cola had a throwback campaign, would it include coca leaves and kola nuts?


  18. Pride. January 18, 2010 8:22 am

    I’m not a recruitng expert nor am I an expert on local high school football. But I’ve been hearing a lot of talk lately about a defensive end from Kahuku and a defensive end from Kamehameha. Well, all I can say is that it would be great if we could get either or both of those talented players to play for the Warriors. But from the talk on the street(side street), it is being said by some in the know, that the real talent is the defensive end from Kailua. I wouldn’t know, because I’ve never seen him play. From what I’ve been hearing, he got hurt early in the year, so Hawaii has the upper hand, because no one else knows about him. Shhhhhhh, we don’t want any Pac-10 or SEC coaches to find out. I don’t even know his name.


  19. Stephen Tsai January 18, 2010 8:26 am

    It’s a numbers game: UH only has a certain amount of scholarships. Not sure how many, though.


  20. Kazz (blkberry_storm) January 18, 2010 8:28 am

    ***PROPOSED MAXIMUM ADMISSIONS (TICKET PRICES) AND PREMIUM PRICES TO UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII ATHLETIC EVENTS.***

    PUBLIC MEETING TO BE HELD:
    TUESDAY, JANUARY 26
    STAN SHERIFF CENTER – ED WONG HOSPITALITY ROOM
    5:00PM – 7:00PM

    By all accounts when I opened the PDF file (available on hawaiiathletics.com on the side bar to the right) there will be NO ticket price changes to individual games and or season tickets for the 2010 – 2011 sports seasons.

    Basically it looks like a proposal by the athletic department to the Board of Regents to increase the maximum allowed dollar amount in which the athletic department can raise ticket prices for UH athletic events.

    The PDF file shows in detail the proposed increases to the maximum admission prices.

    PDF file: http://www.hawaiiathletics.com/documents/2010/1/15/Presentation-maxiums.pdf?id=859


  21. Pride. January 18, 2010 8:30 am

    I do like that Kahuku guy though. I have seen him play, and would love to see him as a Warrior.

    I’ve never seen that Kamehameha guy play, but I know that his dad was good. So we should take him because his dad was good.


  22. djmitcho January 18, 2010 8:30 am

    Good Morning All! Hope everyone has a good holiday.


  23. Pride. January 18, 2010 8:33 am

    Bulla:

    January 18th, 2010 at 8:14 am
    Pride,

    he is such the overachiever, that JJ, what a model empolyee.

    Is that a good thing or a bad thing? I never know. Overachiever. I mean does that mean that he’s not talented enough to do his job? But he does it anyway. He’s not talented but he’s a hard worker?


  24. Pride. January 18, 2010 8:36 am

    If JJ actually was able to finish Medical school, I wonder what kind of doctor he would have been?


  25. Pride. January 18, 2010 8:37 am

    Sorry JJ, too much info.


  26. Pride. January 18, 2010 8:39 am

    Can’t believe the streets were so empty today. Furlough Monday?


  27. Stephen Tsai January 18, 2010 8:40 am

    Quick J-E-T-S break:
    • Rex Ryan showed Mike Tyson highlights before the game.
    • DC Mike Pettine attended PowderPuff’s grand-opening of a restaurant last spring.


  28. Pride. January 18, 2010 8:40 am

    Hi djmitcho. Evenings been cold here in Hawaii nei. brrrrr. Is it cold in your part of the country?


  29. protector January 18, 2010 8:41 am

    Happy Birthday to Brandon & Jared! Regrets to (J)J for having to work.

    Garret on # 150 of yesterday’s blog,

    Yes it does seem that the majority of Top Ten Hawaii recruits seem to want to go away. It’s the same perennial challenge UH faces. I’m hoping it’ll improve but I’m a realist / pragmatist. I’ve always felt that we (over the last couple decades) had very little chance for recruits from Iolani & Punahou, especially. I understand that players may opt perhaps for the higher academic opportunities (like Stanford, USC, etc.) or the chance to go to a more nationally visible playing stage, but unfairly or not I’ve felt that it’s the coaches and perhaps the parents that not only encourage , but PUSH the kids to go away. Otherwise, at least a few of the kids (rated Top Ten) over the years might have opted to stay. There seem to be many bloggers that blame UH for incompetence in being unable to have the elite Hawaii high-schoolers come to UH – that’s utterly irrational.
    Or the ranters that falsely claimed Andrew Manley got “no love” from UH -what stupidity & ignorance. I got ragged for pointing out that Manley got offered a scholie in his junior year and that idiot & his cohorts claimed I got 3rd & 4th hand incorrect info & that he had an accurate 1sthand “source”. That guy even said b.s. & got away with it (longhand version-where was the blog police on that one?).

    I hope you’re right about Jamora. I am devastated that Ioane won’t consider UH. He would’ve been a difference-maker. Do you have an opinion of why Ioane would consider U-Dub & Arkansas as being superior choices (to UH)? I understand Notre Dame, plus Manti Te’o may also be an influence.


  30. J January 18, 2010 8:58 am

    There’s already readily available Coca-Cola sweetened with sugar instead of HFCS: it’s called Mexican Coke.


  31. djmitcho January 18, 2010 9:01 am

    Hey Pride.
    While it’s not 80 and sunny, it’s definitely warmer than usual for this time of year. We are sunny and 50 right now which is about 20 degrees warmer than it should be. In fact im wearing shorts today its so nice.


  32. Pride. January 18, 2010 9:02 am

    Protector.
    Jamora.

    U-Dub – Washington, USC, UCLA, Arizona, ASU, Oregon, OSU, Cal, Stanford, Washington State.

    Arkansas – Alabama, Mississippi, Mississippi St., Kentucky, Auburn, Tennessee, Georgia Tech, Florida, Vanderbilt, LSU, South Carolina.

    Hawaii – Boise State, Nevada, Utah St. New Mexico State, Fresno St., Idaho, San Jose St., Louisiana Tech.


  33. Pride. January 18, 2010 9:03 am

    djmitcho. That’s long pants and a jacket weather.


  34. LizKauai m/ January 18, 2010 9:09 am

    Aloha Kakahiaka!

    JETS!!


  35. Stephen Tsai January 18, 2010 9:19 am

    Liz:
    Sorry to hear about your friend.


  36. A-House January 18, 2010 9:22 am

    whitey:

    used your fabulous recipe and we ate misoyaki butter fish for dinner last night – hmmm good, hmmm good!!

    got only 3 more pieces from my Alaska trip last year and plan to consume them real quick before freezer burn.


  37. A-House January 18, 2010 9:28 am

    It is also my impression that certain coaches/schools/parents “push” their student/athlete children to go to the mainland rather than attend UH.

    Their reasons are many and vaild. Hope their child does not warm the bench. Some, get many chances to play.

    Bottom line is if they make it to a higher level, the TV sports person will identify him/her with the college of their choice and not Hawaii.

    Bottom line is if 2 individuals who are equally qulified, but one went away and the other stayed home, as an employer, I will select the one that played for Hawaii. Fact of life.


  38. ai-eee-soos January 18, 2010 9:28 am

    since there are posts on the subject – – –

    Rob De said, last night on TV news, that

    coach sark said jamora verballed.

    anyone else see/hear about that?


  39. madeinhawaii January 18, 2010 9:33 am

    Furlough, huh? Might be a good day to venture into China Town and do some shopping… then Ala Moana… and home again.. home again.. jiggedy.. jig..

    Morning everyone! Hope your day is starting off with a roar.. a good roar!


  40. Pride. January 18, 2010 9:34 am

    U-dub brought in 15 prospective athletes this past weekend. Several of them were in that Micah Hatchie and Taz Stevenson category, having already committed to UW earlier. The rest were like Jamora and Ioane, who were undecided enetering the weekend, but who undoubtedly were being recruited not only by the UW players and coaches, but also by the other committed recruits. Especially the polynesian ones. Sure enough with all of the bonding experiences going on during the weekend, I’m sure all of the athletes left Seattle feeling pretty good about playing with each other. Sarkisian is no dummy. I’m glad that Lagafuaina wasn’t with them.


  41. Old School Dave January 18, 2010 9:34 am

    Man, U Dub is really pushing hard with their Hawaii recruiting. A lot of pluses for local players, Pac-10 competition, good facilities, beautiful campus, academic programs (they seem to receive a lot of $$ from private individuals, corporations, and the like). I’m sure the UW coaches have some of their former players play a role in meeting some of their potential recruits. Fmr Pac-5 and UW grad Leroy Lutu has done well for himself in the real estate biz. Lives on Mercer Island which is a really nice community.

    On the other hand, can you live in a place where it’s grey and gloomy 8 months out of the year? That, in itself, drives a lot of newcomers batty and is the reason why Seattle folks drink so much coffee. You have to go down to Uwajimaya, near Seahawk Stadium, to get your weekly fix of poi and laulau (Hawaiian plates every Friday). Biggest minus is that get no more good beaches up there.


  42. rog January 18, 2010 9:37 am

    Reports are that Kaelin Clay visited UH this weekend, ST did he commit? Really hoping we land this guy.


  43. Stephen Tsai January 18, 2010 9:50 am

    Old School Dave:
    We had a wonderful time in Seattle for the Washington State game.
    The stadium is new and state-of-the-art. The weather was great. And tasty seafood and cool stores were all within walking distance.
    Upon reflection: The Huskies don’t play at Qwest, it was unusually sunny, and a U-Dub student wouldn’t live at the Seattle Sheraton.
    The beauty of (recruiting) trips doesn’t always match the reality.


  44. Derek January 18, 2010 9:50 am

    UH basketball game won a game last night. I was wrong, gladly. Warrior volleyball came down to earth after that shellecking. I don’t know the answers, but UH teams just can’t win on the road…except the Wahine volleyball team. I guess you just gotta have the talent to win on the road….period! There you go…talent and athletic ability. What a novel idea.

    It’s real sad when you hear about a young person dying early. Gaines Adams had his whole life ahead of him. It’s a tragedy.

    With Moniz and Ingram now counting towards the 2010-2011 recruiting class as far as scholarships, its’s just great! Now we have only 23 scholarships left. Last check I saw we had already 20 commitments so far. That means we only have 3 scholarships to offer, unless some of the commits cannot qualify to enter UH. I still say we need a bruising running back, a kicker, defensive end, and offensive line.

    Is David Hafoka in school and on scholarship? What about Veni Manu?
    Alema Tachibana? Are they on scholarships now?


  45. al January 18, 2010 9:51 am

    #11 by stretch.

    brilliant! you are a “marketing” genius.
    and of course a darkside tour could be a complement to the itinenary.


  46. al January 18, 2010 9:54 am

    yup pride. those two de’s would make for a nice pair of bookends. both high motor guys.

    i hear that the kailua kid is all healed up now. caught him on the first game of the preseason. i believe it was against kamehameha. he looked great.


  47. Stephen Tsai January 18, 2010 9:55 am

    Actually, I don’t think Moniz or Ingram would count as initials in the summer. Both would have been in the UH system for two years — Moniz at LCC/UH, Ingram at West Oahu/UH — so they would just count against the 85. And UH has room on the 85.


  48. al January 18, 2010 9:56 am

    heard that a few mainlanders snuck in this weekend. didn’t st mention that we should hear about it this wednesday?


  49. al January 18, 2010 9:56 am

    why is it that we continue to have compliance issues?


  50. Stephen Tsai January 18, 2010 9:57 am

    Re: Maui.
    I think it would be great to have football players in the stands. But the intent of the Maui trips is to get the Maui fans to root-root-root for the home team (and also to pay back he legislator who funnels moolah to UH athletics).


  51. sportsbow January 18, 2010 10:00 am

    ST.

    Can you verify this about Hauole Jamora?

    Scout.com, Rivals.com, and even Jeremy Ioane said that he committed to Washington.

    LINK: http://www.sportshawaii.com/sh/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=34740&p=415483#p415483


  52. Stephen Tsai January 18, 2010 10:02 am

    UH compliance:
    When the Compliance Guy departed last year, UH promoted Amanda Paterson on an interim basis. But because of a lack of moolah, as I understand it, two things happened: 1) Nobody filled Paterson’s old position as assistant; 2) She’s still not permanent. (Paterson, by the way, is a former UH soccer player.)
    Daniel Arakaki, who preceded Compliance Guy, is now in charge of monitoring scholarship counts.
    Any issues on the number of available scholarships, I would think, start with Arakaki.


  53. Stretch January 18, 2010 10:03 am

    ST – what would bring the Maui fans out to watch the Men’s VBall game?? I bet having the little kids sitting “among” the players would be an experience. Having the place rocking with the players cheering on their vball guys would excite the Maui crowd and make them want more. It might bring them to Oahu to watch other UH sporting events.


  54. Bowwar January 18, 2010 10:03 am

    Did anyone see the 60 Minutes segment on “Football in Samoa”? There were a number of kids that are worthy of scholarships…Has UH offered any of them??? The QB of the championship team looks like a good find…

    It was also interesting to note that 60 Minutes mentioned a few of the colleges that have recruited Samoa, but failed to mention UH…They showed Isaack Sapoanga as one of the Samoans in the NFL. The brother of a DL on the Bengals is considered one of the top recruits in Samoa, but UH was not listed as one of the contenders. Imagine, I think he is 6’5″ and 270 lbs…Wouldn’t we want a specimen like that on our Warrior team….


  55. Stephen Tsai January 18, 2010 10:05 am

    I would wait a few days on the Jamora commitment.
    He’s already verbaled and de-committed once. I’m sure he will take a little more time on his decision.


  56. Stephen Tsai January 18, 2010 10:07 am

    Domato Peko is a sensitive subject around UH.
    UH thought it had landed him several years ago.


  57. rog January 18, 2010 10:08 am

    I’m hoping kaelin clay enjoyed his visit this past weekend and becomes a Warrior


  58. Stephen Tsai January 18, 2010 10:09 am

    I know a lot of UH followers are getting nervous with the counts and stuff.
    I wouldn’t worry about the number, because I think a few probably will gray shirt.
    The next two weeks will determine the shape — and grade — of this recruiting class.


  59. (Jesse) James January 18, 2010 10:11 am

    Ha ha ha…yeah, some “State” workers don’t get the day off today….ha ha ha…

    Pride, I was actually going to be a Pediatrician…scary thought huh??? LOL


  60. sportsbow January 18, 2010 10:12 am

    Re: #55 ST.

    Thanks ST.

    I guess we have no choice but to wait, but it certainly doesn’t look good.


  61. BigWave96744 January 18, 2010 10:13 am

    JJ,
    You know why Stephen is not chanting “JETS, JETS, JETS”????

    Check out the link below
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJqd_5fC7ZI


  62. BigWave96744 January 18, 2010 10:15 am

    For those who missed the 60 Minute special “Football Island” check out

    http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=6108545n

    Mahalo to Linda Fehoko for reminding me 🙂


  63. al January 18, 2010 10:17 am

    #55 i agree with you there.
    quite often a good salesman (aka head coach) can get a kid to not say “no” without saying “yes”, therefore, he bought in or committed in this case.

    the kid gets somewhat coerced into a commitment.

    hopefully, sound advice by parents and other advisors will prevail along with the “gut feeling” by the prospect.


  64. al January 18, 2010 10:19 am

    sportsbow….i actually think that with the likes of non-confirmation by family, friends, and his head coach is good news along with not returning any calls. that in itself sounds like a denial.


  65. Stephen Tsai January 18, 2010 10:28 am

    BigWave:
    Good one.
    Actually, I’m being more cautious because Doug Vaioleti is a huge Chargers’ fan.
    And urban legend or not, before he became a real nice guy, he was nicknamed Doug Violent for his ferocious pass-blocking. Oh, that and the mystery of the flying moped. But that’s another story …


  66. Stephen Tsai January 18, 2010 10:32 am

    I know a lot of critics downplay verbals, but schools — and players — take them seriously.
    Verbals are head counts, and schools need them to know how close to 25 they’ll get on signing day. You don’t want to go too far under, or you’ll have to scramble to fill, and you don’t want to to go too far over. Then you’d have to grayshirt a bunch or, worse, de-offer, and that can get you sued.


  67. Stephen Tsai January 18, 2010 10:32 am

    It’s not like airlines, where you can offer vouchers if you over-recruit.


  68. jm2375 January 18, 2010 10:33 am

    Good morning Tsai-kos!

    Hope everyone having a good day off. JJ’s working cuz the cr$p starts flying this week.

    uhhhh, ST – typo…

    Yap’s father, Boyd Yap, was associate head coach Rich Miano’s teammate on Kaiser’s 2009 Oahu Prep Bowl championship team,

    Shouldn’t it be 1979?


  69. SteveM January 18, 2010 10:34 am

    Good morning everyone!

    Congrats to the J E T S yesterday.
    Peaches said she hasn’t noticed them since Joe Namath. 🙂

    (J)J a pediatrician? Based on life style, I would have thought a


  70. BigWave96744 January 18, 2010 10:35 am

    Stephen,
    With Portland State changing coaches and all, any word if Kalua Noa would come home?


  71. uhwarriors January 18, 2010 10:59 am

    Na Koa is now on Facebook:

    http://www.facebook.com/pages/Na-Koa-Football-Club/260475868553?ref=ts


  72. A-House January 18, 2010 11:23 am

    Recruits:

    If they stay, they stay. If they go, they go. No sense in getting all hamajag.

    That being said, it would be nice to secure commitments from some of the top “local” talent so the fans will come and yell a lot!!! But, “what will be will be” ( remember Doris Day and Que serahserah(sp) ).


  73. madeinhawaii January 18, 2010 11:29 am

    A-house…

    ( remember Doris Day and Que Sera Sera ).

    Demanding a lot eh? Trying to remember one is digging real deep… but both?

    And really.. how many of us can remember singing along with… “When I were just a little ‘girl’?”

    😉 j/k


  74. madeinhawaii January 18, 2010 11:30 am

    oops… “when I WAS…”


  75. A-House January 18, 2010 11:31 am

    Many say that Hawaii has “no seasons”, but if live or visit the windward side, pay close attention to the base of the Koolaus and see the sea of light red orange mango blossoms – from Waimanalo to Punaluu.

    St Stephens Seminary is surrounded by a grove of mango trees – Maunawili Valley also is “carpeted” in the light red orange blossoms.

    Next, will come the dull,dark ruby red color of the new mango leaves. Seems like the “seasons” are kapahkahi with the blossoms first and then the new leaves.

    Ah, the beauty of nature!
    Never knew how many mango trees are in the forest – wonder who planted the seeds?


  76. BigWave96744 January 18, 2010 11:33 am

    I rememeber singing along to David Lee Roth’s “I’m Just a Gigalo” but never to “When I was just a little girl” 🙂


  77. A-House January 18, 2010 11:35 am

    MIH:

    Not really, only from 1953 Hit Parade.

    Now, the really hard question, what was the number 1 song in 1953? Female singer. A movie title had part of the lyrics. Gregory Peck won an academy award for his role as an attorney.


  78. BigWave96744 January 18, 2010 11:37 am

    A-House,
    So we gotta hit up the blog host to make pickle mango, mango bread, etc… Bugggah’s been holding out on the harvest from his grove.

    BTW, I never knew that the ponds in Maunawili has Bass…


  79. A-House January 18, 2010 11:42 am

    BigWave96744:

    “When I was just a little girl, I asked my mother what will I be”

    “Will I be pretty, will I be rich, here’s what she said to me”

    “Que sera sera, whatever will be will be”

    “The future’s not ours to see, Que sera sera”

    “Now that I have children of my own, they ask their mother what will I be”

    “Will I be handsome will I be rich, I tell them tenderly”

    “Que sera sera, whatever will be will be, the future’s not ours to see”

    “Que sera sera” Que sera sera!”


  80. A-House January 18, 2010 11:46 am

    BigWave96744:

    You should see the size of the prawns!!!!!!!!! Must be 12″ or more!

    But, I would not eat them because of the pesticide run-off from the golf course.

    You think ST is talented enough to harvest and make us some common mango pickeled mango? Hmmmmm, have not tasted that for years!!!!!!


  81. BigWave96744 January 18, 2010 11:51 am

    Ahouse,
    I never knew the lyrics to that song…
    The local versions goes something like:

    “Small kid time, I wen ass my moddah”
    “Wot I going be good looking, make beeg buck, an she wen say”
    “Eh no sweat, no sweat… If can, can… No can, No can”
    “You no can tell so no sweat, no sweat”
    “No I get keeds of my own and da beeg one wen ask me da same darn ting”
    “I wen say, no get silly, look at your faddah…”
    “YOU CAN, YOU CAN!!”


  82. Derek January 18, 2010 12:10 pm

    Kids and sometimes parents decide they want to stay home and play for the home team or go away to experience another place or may play in a “big time” atmosphere. As a UH fan, I will always appreciate the player who decided to play for the home team and will remember them for as long as my memory serves and the significant plays that they made. If local products go away, good for them, but it doesn’t mean anything to me and it is just like “out of sight, out of mind.”

    Let me illustrate. Jonothan Mapu, he went to Tennessee. Did we see him play? Do we care? Do we know what he did? Conversely, Blaze Soares…who know what he did and we know how he played and we know he caused the fumble at Nevada to help us win in an undefeated season. Get my point. If you stay home, there is a lot more aloha, long after you finish playing at Hawaii. I can still vividly seeing Jesse Sapolu play, but for the life of me I don’t think I ever saw Jason Ching play at Notre Dame. I can still see Marlowe Lewis catching the winning pass against BYU. I can still see Darrack Branch catching the winning TD pass against Oregon, and running a kickoff for a TD. I give kudos to guys like John Veneri, and Craig Stutzman, and Jim Donovan who love Hawaii. I don’t really care about Manti Teo, or Sam Feheko, or Micah Matsuzaki, or John Kamana, or Lakei Heimuli. Good for them. But, you don’t get the same kind of appreciation than if they played for Hawaii. I’m sorry. That’s the way it is. We are Hawaii’s team. One last thing, you like Jason Gesser, yes we liked Gesser and how he played. We liked Colt Brennan right. Which one do you like better? Colt Brennan of course. I rest my case, because he played for Hawaii.


  83. BigWave96744 January 18, 2010 12:11 pm

    Stephen,
    After the walkon tryouts on the 20th, approximately how many of those guys will be invited to spring training?

    Do walkons from prior years have to go through this tryout? I’m asking because what if someone trying out on the 20th doesn’t make the cut but is more fit or talented than a carryover walkon from the previous season?

    Isn’t the goal to get the best athletes on the team.


  84. whitey January 18, 2010 12:13 pm

    BigWave, just out of curiosity, do you know Teddy C on Maui, big time paddle boarder.


  85. whitey January 18, 2010 12:16 pm

    hoooo, going be interesting on Wed to see how many walkons tryout for the warriors.


  86. PowderPuff January 18, 2010 12:23 pm

    Happy, MLK Day, Tsaikos. Streets were empty because they were either at home or in Waikiki for the parade. Forgot about the parade, and actually sat in traffic for what’s usually a 5-minute commute.

    J(J)’s a hard-working dude. Wasn’t that the 1979 Prep Bowl? I should know, I’m a Cougar. Oh, and Beau Yap was a good player this past year. In fact, the entire KSK team was too. 🙂

    #77 – don’t know the song, but was it from “To Kill a Mockingbird?” One of my favorite Gregory Peck roles.


  87. BigWave96744 January 18, 2010 12:29 pm

    Whitey,
    Sorry don’t know Teddy C., but I know a lot of surfers from Maui…

    *****************
    Wasn’t there over hundred guys trying out last year?
    Wonder if Quentin Beaver, Les Soloai, Tai Papali’i, Keahi Watson, Marvin Judd, Matt Kiel, Kawika Fuga will make a run for it again.


  88. J-FORCE January 18, 2010 12:34 pm

    #82, just can’t wait ’till spring/fall and then beat the trojans.
    Defense!!Offense!!
    Go Warriors! ’10


  89. SteveM January 18, 2010 12:42 pm

    When I told Peaches about about ST’s note on Beau Yap, she said “Beau?…I kept thinking of Boyd Yap…my mother used to talk about him a lot. She was a fan.” 🙂


  90. whitey January 18, 2010 12:45 pm

    BigWave, thanks. He is one of Laird’s friends and surf and paddleboard at Jaws.


  91. LizKauai m/ January 18, 2010 1:28 pm

    Looking forward to tomorrow’s show with TJ Kua… GO Golfers!


  92. BG January 18, 2010 1:38 pm

    A-House #75

    “Johnny Mango Seed”???


  93. wafan January 18, 2010 1:49 pm

    Hi!


  94. wafan January 18, 2010 1:52 pm

    Wow. Finally went to “Avatar”. The Imax 3-D was sold out so had to settle for the regular 3-D. Geez. Now I want to see it in Imax.


  95. wafan January 18, 2010 1:54 pm

    I wonder how long the 3-D craze will last this time — not that I remember the first time. HA!


  96. wafan January 18, 2010 1:56 pm

    Recruits.

    If they stay I cheer and squeeze for them. If they leave . . . good luck.

    Some one said it earlier — out of sight, out of mind.


  97. wafan January 18, 2010 1:56 pm

    Last day of the three day weekend. So sad.


  98. wafan January 18, 2010 1:57 pm

    Anyone see or hear from bhf2 lately?


  99. jm2375 January 18, 2010 1:57 pm

    wafan – if you see it in IMAX, let me know what the difference is between the 2. I’m just wondering. I wouldn’t mind seeing it again, but there are other movies I wanna see first.


  100. wafan January 18, 2010 1:57 pm

    Nearly there.


  101. wafan January 18, 2010 1:59 pm

    jm . . .

    I think it would be awesome if it were really on a full size IMAX screen rather than a smaller one but in the same proportion. Can you imagine what it would be like during the final scene with that semi-wrap around screen?

    WOW!


  102. wafan January 18, 2010 2:00 pm

    2nd century!

    Whoo-hoo!!!


  103. jojo ® January 18, 2010 2:06 pm

    J-E-T-S


  104. wafan January 18, 2010 2:07 pm

    Big wind storm last night. The forecast was for 95 mph winds on the coast. Most figured it would not reach this far inland.

    Whoops. Trees and branches down all of the place. Power out for most of the night — around midnight to around 8 this morning. The cable went out with it and did not come back until this afternoon.

    Thankfully, calmer forecasts abound.


  105. wafan January 18, 2010 2:09 pm

    Time for a nice hot shower and dinner.

    Yum! Twice!!


  106. jm2375 January 18, 2010 2:11 pm

    wafan – #98 – wuz tinkin da same ting. bhf2 been awol.

    #99 – that would be awesome. methinks this 3-D craze may be here to stay, but they gotta lower the prices, or no ones gonna go see the movies. 3-D tvs and channels are coming soon… NFL in 3-D – can feel the hit Blaze will put on opposing backfields. 😀


  107. Jack Flash January 18, 2010 2:41 pm

    #82- Derek:
    Your logic makes alot of sense. I hope some recruits and their parents are reading the blog today. Go Warriors!


  108. Slugger January 18, 2010 3:07 pm

    wafan,

    I went to see Avatar last night in 3-D, too. After a while, it doesn’t look ‘different’; guess the brain adjusts.

    Just stopping in to say, Hiya! Rainy day here in the 50’s.


  109. Slugger January 18, 2010 3:10 pm

    Glad to see that the BasketBows won the game against SJSU. In looking through the Sunday paper, SF Chronicle, I think, there was NO info on the men’s VB game on Saturday. Hope they go for broke at Pacific.

    GO BOWS!!!

    Esme & out…


  110. Garret January 18, 2010 3:27 pm

    VJ Feheko update. He still has UH in his final 5 schools, but it seems that the fan sentiment towards Mack is hurting UH’s recruiting of him.

    It’s a huge plus that Utah State has almost guaranteed time to offer. It’s a plus that the program appears to be headed in the direction that it’s in. Also, Fehoko is friendly with recruits Wave Ryder and Jeremy Higgins, both Hawaii kids. He’s very friendly with Brian Suite, who Fehoko tells Aggieville is choosing between Hawaii and USU.

    The Aggies have clearly separated themselves from Hawaii and Washington.

    “Utah State has nowhere to go but up, and that’s a good thing,” Fehoko said. “Hawaii has nowhere to go but up, and that’s not a good thing. Everywhere I go, people love Gary Andersen, the players, the fans, the administration. There are people in Hawaii that want Greg McMackin fired. I’m not sure I want to be a part of that.”


  111. wafan January 18, 2010 3:32 pm

    Garret . . .

    Wow. So I wonder if all the “know-it-all’s” who so vehemently stated on this blog their disdain for Mack while calling for more local players recruits to sign feel any different now?

    Their mouths and comments have hurt recruiting — the evidence is now published.

    Wow.


  112. Wow January 18, 2010 3:47 pm

    If anyone hurt recruiting, it’s the easily confused HC who on nationally broadcasts refers to third down plays as “three point plays” and sounds as if he’s had a few too many.


  113. lava January 18, 2010 3:48 pm

    More so because last year’s prized recruit just lost his coach, Teo and Weis.

    Sad state of affairs.


  114. Wow January 18, 2010 3:49 pm

    Although it looks as if the Kapolei boys weren’t swayed by the bumbling and stumbling HC.


  115. Stephen Tsai January 18, 2010 3:49 pm

    Two Kapolei players just committed to UH.
    I’m thinking Fehoko might want to reconsider some of those comments.


  116. lava January 18, 2010 3:50 pm

    It’s official, UH replaces Penn State as linebacker U, at least in terms of numbers of players at the position.

    Congrats to the latest Warriors.


  117. wafan January 18, 2010 3:54 pm

    Welcome to brand-new Warriors Elisara and Lolohea!


  118. iwonderwhytheyhateme January 18, 2010 3:57 pm

    Wafan # 111,

    I am sure a bunch of factors (Fire Mack being one of them) can be something that fans have a impact on when it comes to recruiting.

    However I think its something schools have to deal with and coaches have to deal with regardless.

    Look at for instance the “Fire Urban Meyer” websites and fan blogs that believed he should have been ousted. Does it make any sense? No obviously not, but he continued to get really good recruits over other schools in the same league, schools like Alabama, ND, Texas etc….good example is Tim Tebow.

    Another way I read that statement is “Do I want to play for a team that may fire its coach (for whatever reason) and be stuck with a new coaching staff and all of that headache…” Not necessarily criticizing the movement to fire Mack but the uncertainty of whether or not he will be there for all 4 years that he plays.

    There is one almost no-fail way to quiet the “know-it-alls” and “haters”……pure and simple Win Games….win and win some more, and some more after that….

    Make the program successful and regardless if people want Mack fired he will be able to bring in good recruits.


  119. Ralph January 18, 2010 4:10 pm

    two more quality HS LBs


  120. wafan January 18, 2010 4:20 pm

    I agree winning is important but so is building young men and women of good character.


  121. wafan January 18, 2010 4:21 pm

    Time to get ready for tomorrow — 8 more wake ups for this semster. Yahoooooooo!

    See you all on the morrow.


  122. Kazz (blkberry_storm) January 18, 2010 4:23 pm

    I don’t get these people. I arrive super early to the SSC for todays Wahune game and amongst thousands of empty seats 45 minutes prior to tip off, three people come and sit NEXT to me….

    Are u serious?!?!?!??


  123. Kazz (blkberry_storm) January 18, 2010 4:26 pm

    I meant “WAHINE” game.


  124. Kaimuki Kid January 18, 2010 4:31 pm

    Kazz, You just got that magnetic personality lol


  125. jm2375 January 18, 2010 4:44 pm

    iwwthm – #118 – I agree, but IIRC, there were still JJ haters even after the 12-0 season (before the Sugar Bowl).


  126. d1島 January 18, 2010 5:02 pm

    Kazz,

    Maybe they’re lurkers who are fans of yours! 😉


  127. d1島 January 18, 2010 5:04 pm

    Haven’t watched the 60 Minutes piece yet but here’s an interesting take.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X25U_7mx9jU


  128. duffer (iPhone) January 18, 2010 5:07 pm

    Wahines looking good early.


  129. d1島 January 18, 2010 5:10 pm

    Welcome to the Warriors, Dustin Elisara and Tuu Lolohea!


  130. Garret January 18, 2010 5:12 pm

    Welcome to the Warriors Dustin Elisara and Tuu Lolohea!


  131. Garret January 18, 2010 5:15 pm

    I would like 2 offensive tackles and a RB if there are at least 3 more scholarships available. LB doesn’t seem as critical of a need position right now, but with recruits of this quality I think you always make room!


  132. Garret January 18, 2010 5:17 pm

    The offers that these 2 recruits had are very impressive, which would seem to indicate that they are a huge boost to the recruiting class. And it is nice that the coaching staff showed that they will be keeping top local recruits home–they won’t even be going on that recruiting trip to an SEC school.


  133. rog January 18, 2010 5:21 pm

    Wow VJ is a real classy kid. Talk about biting the hand that feeds you, literally. No need for these types of guys at UH.


  134. duffer (iPhone) January 18, 2010 5:22 pm

    Linton showing some game, so is Arbuckle.


  135. Stephen Tsai January 18, 2010 5:30 pm

    Why do people key new cars?
    Why do people send out computer viruses?
    Envy? Meanness? Pathology?
    One measurement of character — humanity, as it were — is who offers condolences when somebody passes.
    In life, we’re all in this together.


  136. Derek January 18, 2010 5:32 pm

    I’m on a roll. Eh, Fehoko! Ask me this. Where do you want to live, Logan, Utah or Honolulu. Which is the better football program? Utah St. or Hawaii? Coaches leave every year. They get fired, resign, retire, move on to another job, etc. It happens. So what if Mac get fired? Maybe Andersen gets fired too, before Mac does!!!! Who knows. Who thought Charlie Weis would be fired? Who thought Pete Carroll would move on now? All I can say is, loose lips, sinks ships.

    I don’t get it. The father is the school’s mascot. And yet, all of his son’s go away to play football instead for the home team. How you figga? I wonder why? Anyway, whatever you do. good luck! We will continue to win and back the home team, always.

    Welcome to the 2 Kapolei LBs. Looks like we are now known as linebacker U. So what? How many commitments do we still have to give before signing day?


  137. duffer (iPhone) January 18, 2010 5:38 pm

    Did I just bachi the Wahines


  138. Kazz (blkberry_storm) January 18, 2010 5:47 pm

    What did VJ do or say?


  139. Piper's Son January 18, 2010 6:01 pm

    Rumor? Gossip? The Mother encouraged Feheko to go to TT or Mainland school.


  140. jm2375 January 18, 2010 6:01 pm

    Kazz – see #110


  141. whitey January 18, 2010 6:01 pm

    kazz, look at #110


  142. whitey January 18, 2010 6:02 pm

    jm, you fast!!!!


  143. jm2375 January 18, 2010 6:12 pm

    Hi whitey!

    Howzit piper’s son! Long time no blog.

    Vili is *not* the school’s mascot. He’s *paid* to be at the games. He hasn’t been at the men’s vb games in years. Was that a budget thing or did he have a falling-out with Wilton?

    UH needs to get its own mascot again. Isn’t usually a student? Just so long as it’s not Bowzo again! How many other schools don’t have a mascot?


  144. kama krab January 18, 2010 6:42 pm

    Howzit Everybody,

    All I can say is WOW. I thought for sure Lolohea was going away and I thought all along we had a chance at Elisara but not hearing anything from him kind of made me think he was gone to. This is a pleasant surprise and just made our recruiting class that much more credible.

    From what I understand, we have about 3 more schollies before we have to start thinking about greyshirting guys, which I think should happen anyways. Guys like Lau, Anguay, Ipulasi, and maybe even Fonokalafi or Freil might be good candidates for this. Hopefully we don’t have to greyshirt to much guys but if we have to to get guys like Jamora, Yap, Schwenke, Acker or others, then the coaches gotta do what they gotta do.

    But right now all I gotta say WOW with a big smile on my face.

    Like I said before, next year is coach Mack’s money year. Let’s see what he can do with all this young talent along with some the returnees and transfers. If Coach Mack can make this work, I have no doubt that we can challenge Boise for the Wac but the biggest question is IF. Just gotta wait and see.


  145. AZWARRIOR22 January 18, 2010 6:46 pm

    Excellent news…keep it flowing 🙂

    I’m with Derek, I don’t get it on #136.


  146. kama krab January 18, 2010 6:46 pm

    If your still out there ST,

    Do you have a count by position of the players we are still going strong at. Are we still looking at anybody for the offensive side or are all the players on defense?

    Just wondering


  147. kama krab January 18, 2010 7:00 pm

    I gotta say though,

    I gotta agree with Derek. Kind scratch your head kind of comment from V.J. Coaches change every year. This is not only due to firing but there are some coaches like Brain Kelly who are looking for bigger and better jobs. Who’s to say that the coach from Utah State won’t pull a Brain Kelly or get fired the coach Weis. Nothing is ever set in stone especially at the D-1 level. It’s a business like so many other have said. If you have a bad season of course your job will be scrutinized and if it’s really bad you will get fired. If you have a great season you might be thought of as one of the bright coaches around and may be looked at for another job.

    Well long story short, I just don’t see where anything V.J. said makes sense but of course this is the way he feels and when it comes down to it, how he feels is the only thing that matters.

    A quote from a very smart man, “If he decides to come then great but I wouldn’t be upset if he didn’t”. This is just the way I see it.


  148. whitey January 18, 2010 7:12 pm

    For VJ, whatever you decide, wish you the best and hope to see you pursue your dream.


  149. whitey January 18, 2010 7:14 pm

    To Elisara and Lolohea, thanks for choosing the warriors to pursue your dream. Welcome aboard!!!!


  150. whitey January 18, 2010 7:15 pm

    Sometimes when you burn your bridges, there ain’t going to be one when you want to cross back.


  151. RedZone January 18, 2010 7:18 pm

    Man I was hoping for an ilb and we got 2 from Kapolei. WooHooo!!!!!!

    As I have always been saying if you dis UH coaches how does that help the program?


  152. Ralph January 18, 2010 7:23 pm

    of course in public Vili will say he wants his sons at UH, he doesn’t want his personal performance contract terminated, but at home, what is he and his wife saying to their sons. Whitley went away, then Sam, now V.J. can’t pull the trigger and commit to the Warriors. JD find UH a student mascot, his or her tuition waiver will be cheaper than what you are paying Vili and you would be helping a student get an education.


  153. RedZone January 18, 2010 7:24 pm

    Congrats Rainbow Wahine on their win tonight. I like how the players were communicating among each other at the end. I also like how UH coaches have gotten Galdones to play so well. The other coach put her on a shelf. Alie is really coming on and playing hard.


  154. RedZone January 18, 2010 7:26 pm

    People who want coaches fired need to remember one thing. You don’t get to pick the next one.


  155. kama krab January 18, 2010 7:28 pm

    With the verbal of Dustin Elesara it makes me think we really have a great chance at Lagafuaina and Jamora. I say this because one of the biggest reasons that Hawaii is still in the hunt is because these boys want to play in front of there friends and family. This was one thing that kept Hawaii a player for Dustin Elesara and this might be a big reason we get the other two. Of course this is just my opinion but it might just happen. You never know what the power of family can actually have on a young mans choices in life. You just never know. We’ll see.


  156. Ralph January 18, 2010 7:30 pm

    congratulations to coach Dana and the Na Wahine on a fine win. 900 plus in the house, big improvement over last season. Now if Garret can clone Kazz and Chawan we can quadruple the attendance.


  157. kama krab January 18, 2010 7:30 pm

    oh and of course the wild card of this class could be,

    The big man himself, Kona Schwenke.

    Eh once your on a roll might as well go for the top. You just never know.


  158. bighilofan2 January 18, 2010 7:32 pm

    I’ll be the first one to say this. Vili Teach your sons some personal
    commitment and responsibility towards the islands. btw, I can do more push ups than you, and I’m way older than you. I do not care if your sons play for UH, except, I’ll change my attitude if you show me that you are for Hawaii.

    Are you for Hawaii? just askin…. don’t tell me… show me!

    and about playing football…. first, you gotta put your face in the picture.

    and if you’re not playing for Hawaii, then you’re not in the picture.

    and do not worry about getting on the coaches. I’ve got that covered….

    Oh, Happy New Year Tsaikos. 😀

    back to lurkin…..


  159. jm2375 January 18, 2010 7:52 pm

    boy, just when we were about to send out a search party to Keaau, look who pops up – none other than bhf2!!

    Howzit, bigguy! Long time no blog.


  160. A-House January 18, 2010 7:53 pm

    Patience is truly a vitue!

    I was sure that Elisara and Lolohea were mainland bound. What great news of 2 quality student athletes who chose to stay home and play before family and friends.

    OK, our good neighbor is working the phones brutally to get the “first” word of commitments from recruits to the Warrior Beat since the coaches must remain silent. Thank you, ST for all your dedication to duty!

    BTW, does the Advertiser pay his cell phone bill?


  161. al January 18, 2010 7:54 pm

    awesome pickups!

    both are good sized with good speed. elisara is as some say the cream of the kapolei class this year. i watched lolohea in the goodwill games and came away very impressed.


  162. jm2375 January 18, 2010 7:55 pm

    off-topic – Jack’s back!! 24 is back in stride…


  163. protector January 18, 2010 7:57 pm

    Happy to welcome newest Warriors Elisara & Lolohea into the fold!

    Derek on # 82,

    Totally agree with you about recruits that stay as opposed to going away.
    Actually I go a little further. Those that play against Hawaii & help our opponents win will forever hold a place in my hated ‘local boy’ Hall of Shame. That extends beyond football as McLachlin, the Shoji boys, etc. now have a place there in the VB alcove.

    re: VJ Fehoko,

    Like a couple of others, I won’t mourn if he doesn’t sign. Sounds like a confused kid that cannot discriminate between haters / bashers that rush to judgement as opposed to loyal & supportive fans( who are allowed to be constructively critical). I’ll limit my enthusiasm to the guys who are excited about being / becoming Warriors. Hopefully, there willl be a few more to come!


  164. Piper's Son January 18, 2010 8:02 pm

    well, at least Bowzo was presumably a student who probably was paid a heck of a lot cheaper than Vili.

    If his kids are not loyal to Hawaii, that’s their problem.

    If Vili cannot teach loyalty to his kids, then it is Hawaii’s problem.


  165. iwonderwhytheyhateme January 18, 2010 8:02 pm

    OK so this whole time with the VJ thing I was *reading* Utah and somehow didn’t see the St. after it.

    Personally I don’t get it. Why he would want to go to Utah St. over Hawaii is beyond me…Is the support for that program that much better than at UH? Academics that much better? Football program that much better?…I don’t really follow Utah St. or know much about it so maybe its a yes to all of the above but I doubt it.

    Had it been Utah vs. Hawaii it would make more sense to me.

    I also don’t understand how Utah St. having no where to go but up is a good thing but for Hawaii its a bad thing.

    Oh wellz its his and his family’s decision so whatever he does good luck…..


  166. OldDiver January 18, 2010 8:10 pm

    Concerning fans bashing Coach Mack affecting recruiting. Every team has it’s low information fans who’s quick fix is to fire the coach. I believe the recruits pay more attention to the personal relations built between themselves and the coaches. I was struck by the comments that the coaching staff at Utah State is more stable in the long run than at UH. Correct me if I’m wrong but isn’t Utah State, San Jose State universities etc on the brink of failing to meet minimum D1A requirements? Believing the Utah State coaching situation is more stable than here at UH is about as bizarre as going to San Diego State for it’s winning tradition.


  167. Διογένης ὁ Σινωπεύς January 18, 2010 8:12 pm

    In Protector’s #163, I admire the Hawaii guys who want to play in Hawaii for Hawaii!

    As far as the VBallers who go to schools like the Ivy League or its West Coast equivalent, Stanford, I would submit that these are good schools educational-wise, and I cannot fault them for leaving Hawaii for such schools.


  168. protector January 18, 2010 8:15 pm

    Just heard Norv Turner got a 3-year extension to his Chargers contract. Are you kidding me? He got hired to take the Chargers to the next level (success in the playoffs) because ownership had no faith in Schottenheimer. He inherited Schottenheimer’s personnel. He’s shown that he’s prone to slow starts before he can get the team playing decently. He STILL hasn’t shown he can win in the playoffs. He gets an extension & Schottenheimer got canned for doing the same thing. Go figure.


  169. Momona January 18, 2010 8:17 pm

    ST – are both Kapolei players academically qualified?


  170. Momona January 18, 2010 8:18 pm

    Heard that Craig Stutzman will be coaching at Pacific University in Oregon along with Jacob Yoro.


  171. LizKauai (iPhone) January 18, 2010 8:19 pm

    Coach Mack and his staff are wonderful. I’m glad the recruits responded to them. Welcome, Warriors!!!


  172. protector January 18, 2010 8:32 pm

    OldDiver & iwonderwhytheyhateme,

    Am scratching my head at the kid’s logic about Utah State’s stability & superiority to UH’s state of the state. It may be the case that he’s already made up his mind so is grasping at straws to justify that position; a self-fulfilling prophecy as it were. Perception IS reality to some (regardless of the real situation). As good an athlete as he is, I don’t see it as a loss if he commits elsewhere. We don’t need flakes here who really don’t understand what it is to be a Warrior and part of the Ohana. This kid grew up at the UH games pounding on the drums at Aloha Stadium jazzing up the home crowd but really never grasped / comprehended what was going on. He was out to lunch. I know this may seem a harsh judgement about a high school kid, but he seems to have made some harsh judgements about UH.


  173. Stephen Tsai January 18, 2010 8:33 pm

    According to Darren Hernandez, both Kapolei players are qualifiers.


  174. Kazz January 18, 2010 8:33 pm

    Ok so, I read VJ’s comments and I will say this:

    1) Yes, coaches do leave programs all the time.

    BUT

    2) I can see what VJ is talking about. I think we all can see it. Whether or not it’s a “valid” reason behind using it against choosing UH is not really something I can chime in on, but let’s not BS ourselves. VJ, as with any other local HS kid can see, is the manic-depressive type of mainstream support the UH football program, or any UH athletic program, has.

    Anyone remember one of the main reasons Jake Heun chose UH? He cited his visit to Kauai during the fever of 2007 as a big reason. Heun said that he heard “Go Warriors” everytime he heard a commercial on the radio and saw “Go Warriors” on local TV ads. He said he had never seen a state so much in love with their college program. I thought to myself, “wow, that’s great”. However the cynical side of me thought, “brah, try wait to see what that kind of support will look like if we lose some games this year (2008)”.

    In less than a year from then we all saw the decline in support and while it is adjacent to what we saw on the field, people lost sight of the bigger picture. No longer did anyone (majority) believe we could be successful in the future, whether that is near or distant, many wanted it now, many expected it, many fans that sat on their okoles with their arms crossed were waiting… waiting…

    A lot of Hawaii kids see this, they’ve seen it since they were playing pop-warner before 2007 and each kid will interpret this differently, but if VJ truly believes in his mind that the support system for the UH football program is on shakey ground, then that is his opinion.

    I said it before. We’ve seen the best of Hawaii fans and we’ve seen the WORST.. (WHO THE HELL STEALS THE HELMETS OF STUDENT ATHLETES WHILE CELEBRATING A CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP??? WHO THE HELL YELLS “YOU OWE THIS TO US” TO COLT BRENNAN DURING AN AUTOGRAPH SIGNING WHEN HE HAS TO LEAVE FOR CLASS AND THEY COULDN’T GET THEIR 20 FOOTBALLS SIGNED FOR EBAY???) We’ve seen and heard the diluted and vulgar comments of local people justifying booing student athletes, especially our own… How the hell can we really defend that. VJ sees it and I am sure others do too.

    For those that still choose to come to UH for a variety of reasons, then more power to them, especially the local ones (bless their hearts!!!). Personally I think VJ is saying something that a lot of other kids that choose to go elsewhere are thinking but just not saying anything publically.

    On the other hand, we can expect kids to ignore all that crap and choose UH if they really want to come here, especially the local ones.

    Overall, it’s actually simple, most of us have said, “if they don’t want to be here, then we don’t want them here”… In this case, it’s not that much different. However, again I believe VJ expressed something that a lot of Hawaii kids are thinking in the back of their minds with regards to the public sentiment towards the UH football program, except they are not saying it on a public forum.


  175. kaleo wong January 18, 2010 8:36 pm

    2009 prep bowl? A little early than that. . . hahaha, wasn’t Cal the linebackers coach too? I also believe Cliff Kaneakala was on that team as well, incredible team


  176. rog January 18, 2010 8:36 pm

    hoping to hear some good news about Kaelin Clay next 😉


  177. Stephen Tsai January 18, 2010 8:36 pm

    Even better than looking at Youtube clips, go to Sports On Demand, and watch some Kapolei games.


  178. Kazz January 18, 2010 8:39 pm

    Good fun, as always, at the Wahine basketball game tonight. Got Mr. and Mrs. Ahouse in … well, da house, Midori, Chawan, Lefty, Myki and SJ as well.

    The program is on an upswing. With relation to what it once was under whatshisface… 🙄

    Coach Dana is doing something right. Attendance has tripled (averaging 200+ in seasons past to averaging 700 per home contest with nearly 1,000 people in attendance at three games this season).

    The team has a never-ending energy, regardless of the score, rebounds on both ends of the court are slowly improving, turnovers are much better, the Wahine’s half-court offense has been effective against the zone, etc…

    It is a more exciting brand of Wahine basketball.


  179. al January 18, 2010 8:53 pm

    good idea tsai.

    lolohea was generally under the radar after transferring from radford hs in his senior year. the guy is a future semeri ulufale although not as heavy. his passion and all out style of play will make him a fan favorite.


  180. Ralph January 18, 2010 8:55 pm

    I enjoyed bobby knight doing the color analyst with Brent as the K State team took on #1 Texas in mbb. He explains what he sees happening on the floor, adjustments being made or could have been made, what each team is trying to do. Lots of speed on the floor, great pace, makes watching mbb enjoyable.


  181. al January 18, 2010 8:57 pm

    #173 that is the most important thing about any recruit.


  182. Ralph January 18, 2010 9:09 pm

    coach Hernandez is developing a lot of D1 fb players and a lot of talent is gravitating to Kapolei from the Leeward side. Gerrymandering of the Campbell vs Kapolei school districts, or simply move a few blocks to grandmas. lol


  183. Ralph January 18, 2010 9:12 pm

    Bo Levi Mitchell transferring out of SMU. He saw the writing on the wall, the freshman, Padron, came in after his injury in the seventh game of the season and has locked up the starting position going into spring ball. At least UH qbs stick around and compete.


  184. Momo January 18, 2010 9:12 pm

    Good to be back from the city of lost wages. The whole famlily was there so it was really great…We got there real cheap and the rooms were on special and made a few bucks so it was great. Ssure missed the blog…Going to sleep now after reading the past blog and catch up on some sleep…Also have to teach my once a week class tomarrow.. momo


  185. RedZone January 18, 2010 9:23 pm

    When I saw Padron in his first game after Bo went down I knew Levi was history.


  186. Ralph January 18, 2010 9:25 pm

    Kazz UH announced 1700+ in the house tonight, what you say, close?


  187. cavewarrior January 18, 2010 9:35 pm

    Interesting comments from SMU Pres. Anyone know who the 6 colleges are or where to find the data?

    ATLANTA – SMU president Gerald Turner was among leaders in college athletics calling for change in the spending habits of major college sports programs to keep them in business. The administrators speaking at the NCAA Scholarly Colloquium on College Sports had no quick answers on how to control spending. Turner said only six Division I athletic programs have made a profit each of the last five years.

    Turner said increased transparency on spending is “the foundation” for change. He called on the NCAA to save presidents and athletic directors from themselves.

    “Change will require a national effort,” Turner said. “It can’t be done just at the conference level and certainly not at the institutional level.


  188. jm2375 January 18, 2010 9:48 pm

    cavewarrior – dunno but betcha at least half are SEC schools.


  189. al January 18, 2010 9:49 pm

    do you think vj fehoko may have said something like that or close to that because the hawaii offer has been rescinded with the verbal committments by elisara and lolohea?


  190. madeinhawaii January 18, 2010 10:14 pm

    Whootah!! Welcome to the Warriors Dustin Elisara and Tuu Lolohea!!!


  191. Ralph January 18, 2010 10:17 pm

    UH needs to get some of those jelly bean electrolyte texas uses for players with cramps, along with gatorade. quicker recovery for dehydrated players.


  192. Fan of both January 18, 2010 10:19 pm

    I wouldn’t be so quick to rip into VJ. It’s possible his UH offer was given to one of these guys and he is now down to USU and maybe Utah. As others have said with the new coaches at TT he may not have the offer anymore and it could be just a show of bravado by a young man who is seeing his stock fall drastically since last summer. He might just be humbled by the reality of the situation. If he was the real deal wouldn’t he be barraged by new offers after showcasing his abilities at the Army all star game shown on ESPN? I think other coaches and scouts saw up close a 5’10” 215 DE with a 4.89 forty and went in another direction.


  193. RedZone January 18, 2010 10:21 pm

    al i think Hawaii got the better end of the deal. I am a Governor but I want UH to go after a linebacker from Farrington in 2011.


  194. whitey January 18, 2010 10:23 pm

    another case of you snooze, you lose??????


  195. whitey January 18, 2010 10:26 pm

    amazing how big the fish looks in the water, but the buggah is way smaller when landed.


  196. iwonderwhytheyhateme January 18, 2010 10:27 pm

    When kids pick a school like Bama, Texas, Florida, ND, Ohio St. etc for football over Hawaii it makes sense to me…bigger program, more appeal, something that our program cannot compete with in any way. Those are things that I think no one would scratch their heads wondering why the kid picked that school.

    When they pick a UCLA, Stanford, Cal, etc over Hawaii its obvious that those schools are great Universities with strong academic standards and the degrees they come out with will surely be worth something.

    Those types of choices a person makes over Hawaii to me aren’t difficult to swallow nor understand. To a certain degree I would almost say its the smartest and most rational “gamble” you can make.

    When they do end up choosing like a Utah St. or a San Diego St. etc it makes me wonder what the draw is? Is it the “best out of state” option that they have? A dislike for our program? Don’t like our academics?

    Who knows what lurks in the minds of man…I guess only the shadow knows eh? haha 🙂


  197. whitey January 18, 2010 10:28 pm

    nothing against Vii, but if JD doesn’t extend his contract, it is just business, nothing personal.


  198. Hoohiki January 18, 2010 10:29 pm

    Fehoko is just a kid. Take what he says with a grain of salt. I’m sure he didn’t research all the tangibles of a potential school including its “stability” status. He’s reiterating the sentiments of the adults around him.
    Although, there’s something to the saying..”from the mouths of babes”.


  199. iwonderwhytheyhateme January 18, 2010 10:29 pm

    #191,

    Out of curiosity what do the football players drink on the field?…

    Please don’t say water is the only thing.


  200. al January 18, 2010 10:31 pm

    redzone….i hear you.
    elisara and lolohea are studs and will be great additions.

    and yeah, if you talking about justin vele, i whole heartedly agree with you.


  201. koakane™ January 18, 2010 10:31 pm

    dare to say 2 puka puka


  202. koakane™ January 18, 2010 10:31 pm

    ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh al the spoiler


  203. madeinhawaii January 18, 2010 10:32 pm

    Every football program.. every highly visible sports program has its haters. If you can’t see through them … can you really call yourself a fan?


  204. madeinhawaii January 18, 2010 10:33 pm

    You’d hope that the ones that come to play for our Warriors are fans, themselves.


  205. koakane™ January 18, 2010 10:34 pm

    evening you late nite sages


  206. madeinhawaii January 18, 2010 10:36 pm

    g’nite all… Congrats to the Wahine BB team on a good win, too.


  207. al January 18, 2010 10:39 pm

    koakane….i use a lot of sage in my italian sauces.


  208. koakane™ January 18, 2010 10:42 pm

    kden gotta try it with some sausages at next tgate


  209. Ralph January 18, 2010 10:56 pm

    there is a third LB at Kapolei, Shaydon, where is he headed for?


  210. Ralph January 18, 2010 10:58 pm

    okay computer time out: what is best, RegCure, Registry Mechanic or System Mechanic to optimize and clean up the computer?


  211. al January 18, 2010 11:07 pm

    ralph…akuna is still undecided. some say he is the top prospect in the state. he could be a big safety. 6’3″ 210lb 4.6/40


  212. papajoe2 January 18, 2010 11:22 pm

    #199 athlete drink electrolite drinks like gatorade, besides water, to replenish the fluids that they loose while competing.
    by the way, does anyone know how many fast break points the mbb team had? i don’t recall seeing any. not very exciting way to attract fans. they did win though.


  213. Stephen Tsai January 18, 2010 11:41 pm

    I notice that full NBA box scores have an interesting stat: point differential when a player is in the game. For instance, say, the Lakers by 20, but a reserve like Walton has a -7. That means the Lakers were outscored by 7 when he was in the game.
    I wonder if UH has such stats.


  214. Ralph January 18, 2010 11:50 pm

    IDKWTHE gatorade, but at Texas, they are eating large size capsules, like huge jelly beans, with electrolytes for quick infusion of electrolytes to recover quicker from cramps and tired legs.


  215. Ralph January 18, 2010 11:52 pm

    Utah State has a young team, two post players who are 6’6″. Large pilings to build on.


  216. Ralph January 18, 2010 11:56 pm

    With one senion, Dita, I hope coach Dana goes for a tall post who can shoot. Dew has a ways to go to develop her basketball skills and she is the tallest Na Wahine at 6’3


  217. Pride. January 19, 2010 12:15 am

    Missing LongTime UH Fan tonight. Lifting my glass of Apple Cider in honor of our Tsai-ko brother. Rest in peace my friend. You were and always will be one of us.


  218. al January 19, 2010 12:33 am

    howzit pride.

    did you catch my email?


  219. Ralph January 19, 2010 12:58 am

    Protector Turner is 3-3 in the playoffs as charger coach, not bad by NFL standards. Look at Phillips at Dallas, lousy playoff record but has a good winning percentage in regular season play. I think the Chargers have won the last 3 AFC West division titles.


  220. Capitol -ist/WassupDoc January 19, 2010 1:50 am

    Great Wahine basketball game tonight. They hustled and bustled – Na Wahine clearly took to heart Saturday’s loss but didn’t let it get to them.

    In our section, there were at least 500 people including about 50 or so who were there to cheer a Utah State player from Hawai`i – Pualani Furtado. Across the way, there were maybe about 400 fans with about 200 or so at both ends combined. Biggest crowd I’ve seen in years for women’s basketball.

    Is anyone here going to attend the Grand Slam fundraiser on February 15 – another three-day weekend? Is there any interest in putting together a table?

    Off to bed – another very long day tomorrow. Hope I don’t fall asleep during the afternoon PowerPoint presentation – and, if I do, I hope I neither snore nor drool.


  221. wafan January 19, 2010 3:55 am

    Good morning to everyone!


  222. wafan January 19, 2010 3:56 am

    Seven more wake ups to go.


  223. wafan January 19, 2010 3:58 am

    There was a television show titled “Room 222”. Starred Karen Valentine (or something like that). That is about all I remember about the show.


  224. NYUH January 19, 2010 4:04 am

    Hawaii should have an “Appreciate UH Day” because without it, Hawaii is really just a tourist trap in economic terms. UH has its problems but it is a serious international university with great students. Next year’s APEC meeting will put UH in the world’s spotlight.

    So add that to Derek’s 82 post and UH is a viable program for any Hawaii student. I do understand the reason a Punahou student would not want to move up the street to UH but a Manti Te’o who does well at UH and goes on to the pros could home and run for governor.

    Colt might want to consider political office after all his DC experience.


  225. Pomai January 19, 2010 4:49 am

    As far as VJ is concerned could it be that he looked at who was already on the team in his position an who was on Utah in that position and figured that he had more of a chance to start right away by going to Utah??

    As far as the mascot, who makes the decision on who that would be, JD? If JD then I would recommend that he form an all Tsaikett selection committee, for sure we would end up with a good one. LOL Can we say Hawaiian Chippendale!!!!!!


  226. Garret January 19, 2010 5:16 am

    Orange County Register released their recruit ratings. Two mentions of Hawaii:

    20. Dominic Sierra, La Habra (6-1, 206, S): The safety and dangerous punt returned has committed to Hawaii but is going to take some other visits.

    12. Roman Sapolu, Edison (6-1, 240, C): The lineman (No. 58 in the photo), son of ex-49ers All-Pro center Jesse Sapolu, has committed to Oregon State. His dad played his college ball at Hawaii.


  227. Garret January 19, 2010 5:18 am

    Al,

    I think that you are correct. Given the available scholarships UH has, I’m guessing VJ’s offer has to have been pulled.


  228. jm2375 January 19, 2010 5:56 am

    Good morning Tsai-kos!

    Forgot last night to welcome the new Warriors from Kapolei to the Ohana.

    What’s with the HA coverage (or lack thereof) of Wahine basketball? Brand X is beating HA left and right. As I peruse the main page of today’s online edition, there is *no* headline for the Wahine win last night. Plus, they didn’t have news *before* the game last week about Ayabe’s injury. Brand X did. I also notice that the bylines are different from last week to this week. Is it being covered by committee? We need Brother Mike back on the beat.


  229. EH NO MAKE ! January 19, 2010 6:01 am

    YES !

    Great to read about UH getting “verbals” from the 2 Kapolei linebackers Elisara and Lolohea. Saw the Hurricanes play 3 times this season and was very impressed by both kids, however, there’s another one who I though might be the best kid on that team…..
    Shaydon Akuna played safety and runningback and I can picture him roaming the Warriors secondary, that would be AWESOME if UH hit the Kapolei trifecta.


  230. Slugger January 19, 2010 6:05 am

    Good Morning from the rainy coast! Hunkering down today…

    Great news about Dustin & Tuu!

    bhf2,

    Howzit! Looks like Hilo rain here.


  231. d1島 January 19, 2010 6:14 am

    Great Morning All!

    Looking forward to more recruiting news….

    Have a terrific day erryboddy!

    HiHo….


  232. […] The Warrior Beat| UH football, University of Hawaii athletics … […]


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  234. Josh January 21, 2010 9:56 am

    Good Job with UH’s recruiting…..now when will they have try-outs for offensive coaches?


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