Even with a degree in mathematics, former UH linebacker Francis Maka knew he was defying the odds four years ago. Two days after being released by Spokane of the Arena Football League, Maka gave San Jose lineman Ray Hisatake a ride to the SaberCats’ training facility. Both were raised in San Mateo and then played at UH. “He asked (the SaberCats) if there was any way I could come in and work out,” Maka recalled. “They brought me into camp.” […]

Ben Jay’s 921-day tenure as athletic director came to an end yesterday. The past month, he was working out of a third-floor office in the athletic complex. Even after Dave Matlin was hired as AD, Jay was conducting UH business, attending meetings, and visiting with engineers. During his tenure — he announced his “resignation” in December but remained on the payroll through the end of this month — his greatest impact was in facilities. His final project was the reconstruction […]

Liz Chun Uyehara was one of Hawaii’s first news camerawomen, toting equipment totaling about 50 pounds to each assignment. She also was the state’s first female TV sports director. Her combined skills — a journalist who reported on stories she shot and edited — is now commonplace in the sports-TV industry. “My hat’s off to everyone in sports,” she said of today’s sports anchors and reporters. “They have to do it all. I have respect for anyone doing sports because […]

Former UH linebacker Brenden Daley’s professed love for football is a vow you can take to the bank. Daley said his recent signing with the LA KISS is an “opportunity to put deposits into my dream account. When I was in the corporate world, it was taking withdrawals from my dream account.” This week, Daley reached agreement with the LA KISS — owned by Gene Simmons of the rock band Kiss — and will make his Arena Football League debut […]

She wore “Hawaii” on the front of her uniform as a UH cross-country runner, track athlete and featured baton twirler with the Rainbow Marching Band. She wore a sash as Miss Oahu (she was Miss Hawaii runner-up in 2011) and Miss Hawaii Intercontinental 2013. And for the past four years, she has worn an HPD badge. Shannon Dresser, now as always, is constantly busy. Dresser has not slowed down since “retiring” from twirling following the 2010 football season. She teaches […]

For the first time since his rookie NFL season in 2011, former UH receiver/returner Kealoha Pilares is healthy. He hopes that good health — knock-knock on wood — will serve well when he auditions for the Kansas City Chiefs next week. “I’m hoping to have a breakout comeback,” he said, with a soft laugh. Pilares, a free agent after being cut by Carolina last year, has remained upbeat through a series of injuries the past few years. In 2012, he […]

The Warrior Beat’s off-season series continues with an update on Ben Yee: At 84, Ben Yee appears to be the same. He still has the flat-top cut — thanks to Mike the Barber, a retired banker who cuts hair in Kaimuki. He still often has a toothpick in his mouth, a habit that started as a bonding activity among several UH defensive backs in the 1970s. A DB once played a game with a toothpick in his mouth. And he’s […]

For all the thing that happened during the 2009 season — Nick Rolovich and Dave Aranda promoted to play-callers, walk-on quarterback Bryant Moniz becoming a starter — overlooked was the talent of the opening-game offensive line. Here’s the update: > LT Aaron Kia: After a brief stint with the New York Jets, Kia is now an accomplished tattoo artist and shoe designer. > LG Ray Hisatake: He is a member of the San Antonio Talons of the Arena Football League. […]