Warrior Beat

If the Wizard of Oz is correct — “a heart is not judged by how much you love, but by much you are loved by others” — then Makani Kema-Kaleiwahea has a plus-sized ticker. Kema-Kaleiwahea, a former Warrior defensive end, attended this morning’s practice to a rousing reception. At one point, the defensive players lined up to exchange hand shakes and hugs. Kema-Kaleiwahea is a rush end for the Asahi Challengers of Japan’s X League. The Challengers bought out Kema-Kaleiwahea’s […]

As a UH quarterback, Nick Rolovich delivered some of the sweetest passes. But to his blockers, he was remembered for his Monday deliveries. If the Warriors amassed more than 300 passing yards in a victory, the following Monday there would be boxes of pizza in the o-line’s meeting room. And, yes, even line coach Mike Cavanaugh was allowed several slices. Rolovich said it was his way of saying thanks on a college student’s budget. Rolovich mentioned the tradition to Colt […]

Quarterback Dru Brown (391 passing yards, 3 TDs and a rushing score), slotback John Ursua (12 catches for 272 yards) and middle linebacker Jahlani Tavai (13 tackles, 2 sacks) had fabulous performances in the 38-35 victory over UMass. What they won’t have is player-of-the-week honors from the Mountain West Conference. Apparently, the POW awards won’t be distributed until after next week’s games. Alas, there was a reward for the Warriors. By winning, they were served omelets at this morning’s training […]

It’s time to open the inbox again. Send us your questions about UH football, and we’ll try to find the answers this week. Or, at least, we’ll give the impression we’re trying. No injury updates, though, and we’re certain UH won’t be unveiling its strategies for the Western Carolina game. We’ll see how this works out. In the meantime, one of these guys should be MW player of the week:

HADLEY, Mass. — Today’s most interesting sporting event that doesn’t involved a UFC fighter or “Money” is set to kick off the Warriors’ 2017 season. There are key returnees for UH on both sides of the ball — notably QB Dru Brown, RB Diocemy Saint Juste, LT Dejon Allen, TE Metuisela ‘Unga, MLB Jahlani Tavai, and FS Trayvon Henderson. But after a purposeful offseason and preseason, there is a different feel to these Warriors. Not only is there maturity to […]

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — I know I use “final” often, but today’s workout at American International College was the final preseason session ahead of tomorrow’s opener at UMass. Arriving in New England with three days of lead time has helped the Warriors acclimate to the time change. The extra time also has allowed Al Ginoza, who was promoted to head equipment manager this year after years of being top assistant to … nobody, and volunteer Shay Yanagi to prepare the Warriors’ […]

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — The Warriors held their final preseason practice today on a neighboring Division II campus. It was a solid 90-minute practice, which concluded with Dru Brown’s 28-yard scoring pass to wideout Ammon Barker in the 2-minute drill. Ryan Meskell also launched two field goals from 40 yards as the Warriors worked on quick substitutions. Rolovich said red-zone scoring, third-down conversions and fewer penalties were the trifecta of focus this preseason. The Warriors will have a walk-through session to […]

The Warriors arrived in New York this morning, where they visited the National September 11 Memorial. Coach Nick Rolovich brought a lei in memory of a friend, according to a UH official. The Warriors then stopped for pizza — yes, this is the city that never sleeps nor stops eating — on the walk back to the buses. They are expected to arrive in Springfield, Mass., this afternoon, check into the hotel, and then have a walk-through session.