Makani Kema-Kaleiwahea had a football scholarship and was on track to start at outside linebacker for Arizona. And then because of personal circumstances, he gave it up, with the intent to return to Hawaii. If he did not play another down, he would have returned to Hawaii, where he had been known as Keoni Bush-Loo as a Kamehameha Schools student. He legally changed his named in 2013. Fortunately for Kema-Kaleiwahea, he received — and accepted — a football scholarship from […]

Quinton Pedroza could have been a “whatever happened to …” subject. Three years ago, an underaged drinking violation led to a suspension and then departure from the Utah football team. It was a disappointing parting for a player who played in 14 games in two years and was projected to be the Utes’ starting wideout and kickoff returner. Pedroza then reconnected with UH coach Norm Chow, who was the Utes’ offensive coordinator in 2011. Pedroza transferred to UH in August […]

In the tradition of the Kafentzis family — and there were eight who played for the Warriors — Kent has battled valiantly and without complaint. Kent is back in town. Friends have organized a potluck at Kaimana Beach this Saturday. It begins at 10 a.m. and lasts until the stories are told. Everyone is invited. But if you need details, call Rich Miano at (808) 224-0911. * * * * * We can agree on one thing: Cancer sucks. This […]

Every now and then, good things happen to good guys. One of the good guys — former UH quarterback Taylor Graham — has been invited to participate in the New Orleans Saints’ mini camp this week. It’s a tryout, with no guarantees, but it’s a significant audition for a quarterback who was limited to eight games (five starts) the past two years because of injuries and circumstances. The past weekend, he participated in the New York Giants’ mini camp. Graham […]

Every aspiring worker faces the chicken/egg dilemma: You can’t get a job without experience and you can’t get experience without a job. This past weekend, former Warriors Kody Afusia, Taylor Graham and Luke Ingram participated in NFL tryouts. All reportedly did well at the rookie minicamps — Afusia with the Arizona Cardinals; Graham and Ingram with the New York Giants. Graham had the longest scoring pass during Saturday’s practice. Although they did not come away with contracts, they gained experience […]

When you’re 6,550 miles away and competing for a job on an NFL team, it’s not easy to shop for a Mother’s Day present. Former UH running back Joey Iosefa sent money to his brothers to take their mother to lunch and dinner. But it is his presence at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ training facility — more than his presents — that Iosefa’s mother has appreciated the most. “I noticed from the day I got drafted, talking to my mom […]

The search for the next Warriors is in full operation. This is an NCAA evaluation period, meaning coaches can visit a prospect’s school and meet with coaches and counselors. Several UH coaches are on the road. The evaluation period runs through the end of May.