Warrior Beat

Expanded coverage of UH football, including practice notes, game analysis, recruiting info and observations on the Mountain West Conference.

About the blog host

Stephen Tsai covers University of Hawaii football for the Star-Advertiser. Follow him on Twitter @StephenTsai and sign up for the Hawaii football newsletter here: http://www.hawaiiwarriorworld.com/email-signup/

Latest news

An honorable opponent

By Stephen Tsai on February 16, 2018

UH baseball fans are expected to root-root-root for the home team in tonight’s 2018 opener. But it also would be difficult to root against Air Force when head coach Mike Kazlausky says things like this (in an interview with the Honolulu Star-Advertiser): > “These young men have all raised their right hands and said they’re willing to die for our country. Yes, we’re going to come out and play baseball. But it’s really about the journey. They’re going to learn […]

The Greatest Showman

By Stephen Tsai on February 15, 2018

When I was a young’un back in Bedrock, Johnny U — quarterback Johnny Unitas — was one of football’s top entertainers. The Warriors have their own Johnny U — slotback John Ursua — who should thrive in the run-and-shoot revival. He’s quick, talented and entertaining. Ursua’s 2017 season was abbreviated because of an ACL tear. But he’s been diligent in his rehab program. He is expected to be at full speed for the opening of training camp in July.

Stutzmann reunion in the works

By Stephen Tsai on February 14, 2018

Former UH receiver Billy Ray Stutzmann is the leading candidate to join the Warriors as an intern this spring. If the move is finalized, he would be reunited with his brother Craig Stutzmann, the Warriors’ quarterbacks coach and pass-game coordinator. Billy Ray Stutzmann spent the past three seasons on the Emory & Henry College coaching staff. He was the Wasps’ pass-game coordinator in 2017. He also was the running backs coach at Western New Mexico in 2014. Stutzmann, like his […]

ST coordinator Chaudhari set to join Falcons

By Stephen Tsai on February 13, 2018

Mayur Chaudhari, the Warriors’ special teams coordinator the past two years, is expected to join the Atlanta Falcons’ coaching staff. Chaudhari was instrumental in the development of kicker/punter Rigo Sanchez, now with the Indianapolis Colts. The Warriors blocked nine kicks the past two seasons. UH has three options: 1) Hire a new ST coordinator, 2) Use a current coach to work with special teams, or 3) Spread ST responsibilities among several coaches. At least, UH is losing coaches to good […]

Warriors discuss playing on week zero

By Stephen Tsai on February 13, 2018

UH is in discussions for the Warriors to open the 2018 football season in August, most likely on the road. The Warriors are currently scheduled to open against Navy on Sept. 1 at Aloha Stadium. But an NCAA rule allows UH to play a game on “week zero” — the Saturday prior to the Thursday preceding Labor Day. This year, Labor Day falls on Sept. 3. That means the Warriors are allowed to move a regular-season game to Saturday, Aug. […]

Grand Slam was a big hit

By Stephen Tsai on February 12, 2018

The 16th Grand Slam Celebration was one of the largest — about 600 attendees — and lucrative. A lot of the credit goes to the players, who served as greeters, and set-up and clean-up workers. It was a busy weekend for the ‘Bows. They played the alumni game on Saturday afternoon, then helped set up the Stan Sheriff Center following that night’s basketball game. They practiced yesterday morning, then met to work the Grand Slam event. The ‘Bows open the […]

Ewaliko preparing for pro day

By Stephen Tsai on February 11, 2018

Whatever happened to people saying, “maui no ka ‘oi” or “lucky you live Hawaii” or “bumbai”? Anyway, one of Maui’s own — Keelan Ewaliko — is training under Kealoha Pilares, a former Warrior and Carolina Panther. Ewaliko hopes to run a respectable 40 at UH’s pro day on March 20. Pilares said he is willing to demonstrate all his skills, including kicking. * * * * * The baseball ‘Bows will be hosting their annual Grand Slam Celebration this evening […]

Passing it forward

By Stephen Tsai on February 10, 2018

Twice a week, former UH quarterback Bryant Moniz helps young quarterbacks — for free — work on footwork and technique. Moniz came up with the program with a two-fold purpose. It gives Moniz, who is not attending school this semester, a way to keep fit. It also allows Moniz to help younger quarterbacks. This past week, Ikaika Woolsey, who plays for a team in Japan, helped with the tutoring. Woolsey will be in town for another month. Moniz was the […]