Warrior Beat

Last week, Liholiho Elementary School principal Christina Small received two large boxes filled with 25 balls. Footballs, basketballs, soccer balls, and “rubber balls for the little keiki,” Small said. The return address was from UH head coach Nick Rolovich. “We spent a week trying to figure out: how did we get this?” Small said. Teachers and officials eventually learned that student Cadie Watanabe was the recipient of “Aloha Bucks” on the Call the Coach radio show two weeks ago. The […]

Nick Rolovich is not disturbed about earning the fourth-lowest base salary among 130 FBS head coaches. USA Today published its annual list yesterday. Rolovich earns $400,008 in his second year of a five-year contract. “It’s just a list,” Rolovich said after this morning’s practice. “I’m the head coach at my alma mater, and I’m living in Hawaii, raising my family in a great community.” Rolovich and Washington State coach Mike Leach had a phone conversation last night. “I liked what […]

Baraka Beckett, a 6-foot-4, 275-pound lineman from Palisades (Calif.) High tweeted that he has accepted a football scholarship from the Warriors. He confirmed the commitment in phone call with the Warrior Beat this morning. Beckett is eligible to sign a letter of intent on Dec. 20, the first day of the NCAA’s new three-day, early-signing period. Beckett amassed 84 tackles in nine games at Windward High in Los Angeles in 2016. He transferred to Palisades in January. He also is […]

Coach Nick Rolovich said this morning’s practice needed a little “juice.” It was Rolovich who delivered the punch. Rolovich took over as the scout team quarterback, completing 4 of 6 passes in the 7-on-7 drill, including a beautiful scoring throw to fullback Dayton Furuta, against the defense’s top units. But the defense had its moments, leading Rolovich to praise the effort of the session. * * * * * Linebacker Malachi Mageo, who is recovering from an ACL injury suffered […]

An editor used to insist a poll was a snapshot of a particular time. Today’s team-picture day illustrates the Warriors’ immediate status compared to that of training camp. Among the differences between now and then: > Graduate assistant John Estes is coaching the offensive line. > Frank Abreu and Hunter Hughes are on scholarship. > Wesley Faagau is an offensive lineman. > Kyle Gallup and Karson Greeley have moved from quarterback to tight end. > J.R. Hensley and Chris Posa […]

The Warriors finished their bye-week practices with a lively workout this rainy morning at the Ching Athletic Complex. Cornerback Cameron Hayes, who has been limited to one game because of ailments this season, played well during scrimmage-like sessions. This week, the Warriors focused on fundamentals and techniques … and getting healthy. They will have a walk-through session tomorrow. * * * * * Safety Tumua Tuinei will be among the comedians performing stand-up tonight at O’Toole’s Irish Pub. Show starts […]

After a four-day break because of this weekend’s bye, the Warriors resumed practicing this morning. Dylan Collie, who has started six games this season as part of a double-slot attack, took the No. 1 reps at inside receiver. Kumoku Noa and Davine Tullis also practiced at slotback. Kalakaua Timoteo III and Isaiah Bernard practiced at wideout, although the plan is for them to take slotback reps. UH’s leading receiver, slotback John Ursua, is expected to undergo surgery next week to […]

The Oscar-winning movie, “Titanic,” was beautifully designed and filmed and … freakin’ long. But at 3 hours, 15 minutes, Titanic is still 13 minutes shorter than the average UH football game this year. It was not supposed to be this way after the NCAA decided to enforce time limits this season. Last year, an average FBS game took a record 3 hours, 24 minutes. This year, officials started the 20-minute halftime clock as soon as the players began to leave […]