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Couple of minutes with ... Colt Brennan

Stephen Tsai — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 10:01:27 +0000

Colt Brennan is on the move.
In the past week, he has criss-crossed the Mainland twice, taking care of business in California, and completing a move in Virginia from a one-bedroom apartment to a townhouse.
But Brennan, who will arrive in Hawai‘i Tuesday for a series of functions, took a couple of minutes to discuss Warrior history.
The best UH football player?
"That's a good question. I would think it was the guy who played for San Francisco and won all of those Super Bowls — Jesse. He's the most notable, to me."
The best he's ever played alongside?
"It's kind of biased when you ask who's the best ever. You can measure it it on a scale of what a player did statistically and career-wise. I never felt more comfortable on a football field in my life than when Nate Ilaoa was standing right next to me. There's something about Nasti. When he was on the field next to me, I never felt more comfortable or more confident."
His favorite UH team?
"We got so much love for our last year (in 2007) because we went 12-0. But my junior year, that was the best football team I've ever been on in my life. Hands down. We sent like six or seven guys to the league on defense. We never realized my junior year how good we were really were. The following year, we realized we were a good football team. Not as good as we were the year before, but we could beat the teams we were playing. That's how we won the close games."
Because Alabama vacated its victory over UH in 2006, the Warriors technically went 12-2 and 12-1 in Brennan's final two seasons.
"Put that in the paper. I like that. I want to frame that."
On finding a rental bargain:
"I moved into a place that's a lot bigger but for a lot less price. I went from an apartment to a townhome. This place is, like, $300 less in rent."
Bargain hunting?
"I think people get confused. Football is not like basketball or baseball. There's not a lot of guaranteed money. As far as the minimum (salary) goes, we make a lot less than basketball and baseball players. Everyone thinks you're making a lot of money, living the big life. But, really, right now, you don't know when your next paycheck is coming when you're a guy like me. It's not a lot compared to a lot of the guys who are in the locker room with you. Basically, they say to treat your first contract like your last contract. You save it and save it. Hopefully, you get to a second contract. If you get a second contract, it's usually means you're getting paid."

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The things you find on the Internet. Guess the identity of this blog reader:

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Kapolei head coach Darren Hernandez said Chad Lopati, who signed with UH in February, will attend Arizona Western Junior College this year.
Lopati did not meet the requirements to attend UH this year.
That left him with these options: 1) Sit out the season while trying to earning a qualifying SAT score. 2) Attend a four-year college that does nof offer football, then transfer to UH in August 2010. 3) Go to a JC.
"He wanted to play football (this year)," Hernandez said of Lopati's choice.
Hernandez added: "It won't be easy. Going the JC route is a risky route. You have to perform academcially in a short amount of time."
As a non-qualifier, Lopati would need to earn an associate degree and accumulate at least 48 transferrable credits to be eligible to play at a Division I school. Because scholarship offers come with expiration dates, by enrolling at a JC, Lopati essentially becomes a free agent.
If Lopati plays well, as expected, "there will be a whole lot of schools coming after him (in two years)," Hernandez said.
Lopati will report to Arizona Western later this month. At 6 feet 2 and 248 pounds, Lopati is listed as a middle linebacker.
"The coach called me," Hernandez said. "(Lopati) is penciled in as the starter."

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Here's Blaze Soares chatting with Midori7:

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It appears graduate assistant Michael Smith will accept a summer internship with the New York Jets. Smith played for the Ravens, and their former defensive coordinator, Rex Ryan, is now the head coach of the J-E-T-S. Smith will be back in time to prep for the start of UH's training camp.

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I wonder if UH Intramurals has flag football. The Warriors could field a team with Smith, graduate assistant Craig Stutzmann and student assistant Nate Ilaoa.

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Laura (Chee) Pennington sends us the (belated) word that Mililani A won the state Pinto baseball championship. Congrats. Here they are:

A couple of minutes with ... Ryan Henry

Stephen Tsai — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 10:03:56 +0000

Today is the last day of UH's Summer Session I.
Many of the Mainland-raised players will be heading home for a three-week break before returning for the start of training camp.
Slotback Ryan Henry is going to SoCal. But if you're in the neighborhood, look him up and he'll show you:
The view:
"We like to go to a place near Kobe's old house. It's a secret hideout. We call it Top of the World. It's about a five-minute drive from Palisades High School, my old high school. It's a view we go to. We hang out there, talk story, and catch up, let everybody know what's been going on here. It's a great view. We can see downtown L.A., the ocean, everything. It's peaceful. It's very quiet."
The workout:
"I like to go to the Sand Dunes. That's in Manhattan Beach. It's like a 150-yard steep hill of sand. A lot of the pro and college athletes like to go there and train. Last year, I saw Troy Polamalu train there. It's a very popular training spot. If you walk up it one time, you're already sore. I know some people who walk up it 10 times. That's a crucial workout. I sprint, maybe, halfway. You get a good warmup that way. I walk up it about three times. I'm going to meet up with (teammate) Joe Avery. We're going to train over there."
The grinds:
"It's in West L.A. It's a place that makes waffles and chicken. If were to bring any local person back home with me, I'd take them there. I order a No. 9. It's a waffle and three chicken wings. The waffle is from a secret recipe. It's a special taste you can't get anywhere else. I usually get one waffle. It's filling. It's a fat waffle. You pour the syrup on it, but you don't need that much. I'll go there after the Sand Dunes."

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John Estes was finalizing his travel plans. He leaves today to spend about a week with his family.

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Happy belated birthday to Rico Nakashima.

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Good day: Midori7 got to speak with Blaze Soares.

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Not-so-good-day: I ran into the scariest Warrior ever — B.J. Fruean. He's apparently taking classes at UH again.

Dreaming ahead to 2015 ...

Stephen Tsai — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 15:41:40 +0000

Not that UH should be looking too far into the future, but there's a quite an impressive prospect in Mililani.
Maa Tanuvasa Jr. is the son of the Circle of Honor member.
He also is 11.
"He's a defensive end," Maa Sr. said. "He's pretty big for his age."
Don't worry, the Tanuvasas are not even planning that far ahead. Heck, they haven't even pondered which high school Maa Jr. will attend in a couple of years.
"Right now, we're making sure he grows up all right and is a good person," Maa Sr. said.
As for what will happen in 2015, Maa Sr. said, "He can go anywhere he wants. But we'd definitely want him to go to here. My wife doesn't want him to go anywhere else."
Maa means "rock" in Samoan.
"He's the Pebble," Maa mused.

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Joey Iosefa of Fagaitua High in American Samoa has decided to grayshirt with the Warriors.
By enrolling as a full-time student in January, Iosefa can participate in spring training, then still have five years to play four seasons.
Iosefa, who is 6 feet 1 and 190 pounds, is a candidate at quarterback, receiver and defensive back.

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Michael Bolton called. He asked for his haircut back. And this is the mullet-free Ralph:

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Yesterday was Mike Wilton's last as a UH employee.

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And happy birthday to Rep. Mark Takai.

Mouton, Titans agree on 4-year deal

Stephen Tsai — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 16:40:52 +0000

Here's the announcement from Kenny Zuckerman, Ryan Mouton's agent:

Tennessee Titans 3rd round pick, Ryan Mouton agrees to terms on a four-year contract that is worth just over $2.4 million and can escalate to just over $3 million by hitting certain milestones.

"This just caps off a successful post-season by Ryan," Zuckerman said. "He went from a projected free agent and a blip on the NFL radar to a top draft pick and it wasn't easy. He missed a couple of games during his senior season, pulled his hamstring at the East-West Shrine All-Star game, aggravated the same hamstring at the combine and did the same at Hawaii's pro day. In fact, he never completed a 40 yard dash healthy. However, with his tremendous upside and great character he was able to overcome all of these obstacles and still maintain to elevate his draft stock. I'm really proud of him and he deserves it!"
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Big thanks to John Estes, also known as "J Easy," for serving as our chat guest today.

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Estes and the other offensive and defensive linemen are enrolled in a thrice-weekly yoga class. Here's Estes demonstrating his flexibility:

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Linebacker Josh Rice works on his breathing technique before going through his routine:

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Offensive lineman Austin Hansen does pre-workout stretching:

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Today is the last day on the UH job for Mike Wilton and Tino Reyes. We'll miss them.

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Cmon. Who are we kidding?
We all think the new cell phone ban is just another money-grabbing, fix-the-tax-revenue-shortfall scheme. Now, texting or reading a newspaper or doing the makapiapia-cleansing while driving isn't such a good thing. But using the cell phone? Shucks, it probably saves lives. I know there are times I felt like falling asleep during the 3:30 p.m. gridlock on the H-1. And I guess this means the end of KSSK's Posse.
So, in tribute to the final day of hands-on calling, today's debate is: Which rules have irked you the most?
Here are mine:
1. Van cams.
2. Not allowing bottle caps at Aloha Stadium ... including the media room. So much for the argument that the pen is mightier than the sword.
3. Ban on ThunderStix. Or, more precisely, the rule that limits offering fans more than one stick apiece. Yes, that is the answer to the riddle: What sound does a one-handed clap make?
4. Not allowing gum to be sold at the Honolulu International Airport. Yet, A-Joe was allowed to bring aboard a small scissor.
5. Van cams. Yes, it was such a stoo-pid idea it needs to be mentioned twice.

Tres bien: 'Mighty Mouse' gets a chance in CFL

Stephen Tsai — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 16:07:29 +0000

It appears Chad Owens' football career will continue.
In a text message to the Warrior Beat, Owens said he will travel to Montreal Wednesday for a shot with the Canadian Football Lague team.
"I'm just looking forward to playing football again," Owens wrote. "Just trying to continue to live my dream and continue to do what I love to do."
Owens has recovered from a torn ACL that abbreviated his indoor-league season last year.

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Word on the street is the Warriors have made a 2010 offer to David Katina, a top football player from American Samoa. Thing is, Tennessee also has made an offer. Stay tuned.

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How's this for a one-two combo?
Linebacker Cory Daniel, a former MMA fighter, is taking a summer school class in the hope of joining the Warriors this season. Daniel played at Castle High several years ago, and is a cloese friend of Blaze Soares.
His brother, Clint Daniel, a lilneman, also is in school and is seeking to join.
Both have been training every day.
What's more, they have twin 6-foot-5 brothers.

Cory Daniel

Clint Daniel

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Jake Heun, who is making the move from power back to middle linebacker, has incorporated boxing and MMA fighting as part of his summer training. Heun has fully recovered from a herniated disc that forced him to redshirt last season.

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Some people like carrots.
Some people don't like carrots.
If you don't, you just don't eat them.
But you don't go around making disparaging comments to anyone who will listen. You don't call the Food Network and gripe that of all of the veggies in the beef stew, the carrot is the one Americans don't like and will never like, and well it just isn't as interesting as the onion. And you don't get your mawashi in a bunch. It's just a carrot.
And, yet, soccer has that same polarizing effect.
If you don't like soccer, that's fine. But I'm not sure why it induces so much passion from those who dislike the sport.
It's just a sport.

Colt gives back

Stephen Tsai — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 17:42:28 +0000

The NFL has approved Colt Brennan's request to donate uniforms to the Koolauloa Red Raiders, a Pop Warner team in Hau‘ula.
"I wanted to give back," said Brennan, who stays on the North Shore when he visits Hawai‘i.

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The OxiClean guy apparently has died:

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,529328,00.html?mep

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Michael Jackson. Farrah. The U.S. soccer team. It's hard to believe that only six days ago, the biggest story was Jon and Kate's breakup. The news cycle is very rapid.

DeMello leaving radio show

Stephen Tsai — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 14:15:19 +0000

Rob DeMello, who has emerged as one of the most creative and entertaining radio hosts, is leaving the "Rob and Russ Show." He said the schedule — the show runs 6 a.m.-9 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays — is tough to maintain since the birth of his daughter. But he has not ruled out a return to radio in another capacity. We'll miss his radio show, but he'll still be around as a KITV reporter and weekend anchor.

* * * * *

Greg McMackin and June Jones arrived safely in American Samoa, and are leading a mission that is providing medical supplies and footbal instruction. Burt Trembly offers these photos:

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But, of course, the real fun was with the blog readers — at the Tropics party last night, and then the birthday celebration for Midori7.

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And while I'm name-dropping, Kimo Kahoano was there. His son, Haku, a former UH player, is now Dr. Haku Kahoano. He's a military doctor overseas.

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Also at Tropics were Michael Smith, UH's new grad assistant, and Mike Pettine, the New York Jets' defensive coordinator. And, of course, Wayne Harada was there. OK, I'm done name-dropping for now.

Leilehua DE to join UH in 2010

Stephen Tsai — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 14:34:19 +0000

Defensive end Charles Tuaau, who will be a senior at Leilehua High this year, said he has accepted a UH football scholarship.
Tuaau said he is 6 feet 3 and 275 pounds.
He said he is capable of bench pressing 365 pounds, and running 40 yards in 4.93 seconds.

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Princess Leila's video of UH players working out is now posted. Go to the home page.

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The more I think about it, doesn't the new "Road Warrior" ticket plan seem a little ... um, uh, what's the word ... greedy?
First, I've been to every road game but one the past 16 years, and UH fans aren't being placed in what would be described as premium locations.
It would seem the goal would be to place as many of a team's fans in one area as possible. This doesn't help. And, inevitably, UH won't sell out the Road Warrior plans. What do they do with the unbought seats? Keep them empty? Doubt it.
Face it. Many of the fans attending road games live on the Mainland. And many are related to or are friends of the players.
The goal should be to get as many fans to road games as possible. A tax — and that's what it feels like when premium areas are based on a priority system — might not be the best attraction.
Am I misinformed? What do you guys think?

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Hey, don't act. We've all tried to moonwalk (wearing socks on a waxed floor doesn't help), and we all think we can do that e-hee-hee falsetto imitation. So today's bar-room debate: What are your favorite Michael Jackson songs?
Here are mine:
1. I'll Be There
2. Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'
3. Got To Be There. The best man at my wedding, Johnny Iwashita — that's Coach John to the Saint Francis basketball players — used to be able to sing that really testicle-crunching high note.
4. She's Out of My Life. This is supposed to be a serious song, but I crack up when I think of Eddie Murphy's rendition. ("Tito, get me a tissue.")
5. One More Chance. The one from the ABC album, not the one written by R.Kelly.
By the way, I finally did sorta moonwalk. At the San Francisco airport, I faced backward while standing on the people-mover conveyor.

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Birthday shout-out to Jett Jasper.

Kailua defensive end commits to UH

Stephen Tsai — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 10:15:27 +0000

Kailua High defensive end Calen Friel has accepted a football scholarship from the Warriors.
Friel is 6 feet 2 and 240 pounds.
"I was a Warrior fan since I was a little kid," said Friel, who participated in the recently completed UH Big Man's Camp for offensive and defensive linemen.

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Greg McMackin, June Jones, Jesse Sapolu, Samson Satele, Ma‘a Tanuvasa, Ta‘ase Faumui and Jack "The Throwin' Samoan" are part of the group taking part in the American Samoa Football Academy & Medical Mission.
They departed this afternoon for American Samoa, bringing 83 boxes of medical supplies valued at about $400,000. They also brought five wheelchairs.

Here are two thirds of the 1992 Holiday Bowl championship defensive line — Tanuvasa and Faumui:

Here's JJ and Mayor Mufi Hannemann:

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Now focusing on the big picture, the Warriors secured commitments from offensive lineman David Lefotu of Pearl City High and defensive lineman Viliami "Pep" Fonokalafi of Kaimuki High.
Lefoti said he is 6 feet 4 and 295 pounds.
Fonokalafi said he is 6 feet and 290 pounds, and can play defensive tackle or defensive end.
Both attended the Big Man's Camp, which ended yesterday.

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Agent Kenny Zuckerman announces Dominic Raiola's new contract:
"4-year extension with $20 million in new money, including $9 million guranteed. Under his old deal, he will earn $4 million this year, plus the $9 million — totals $13 million in 2009."

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Farrah Fawcett, who passed away today, was part of one of television's most memorable trios. (We used to go to Robert Kagawa's house just to look at her poster.) Today's sports-bar debate: List your favorite trios.
Mine are:
1. Moe, Larry, Curley.
2. Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, Ray Allen.
3. Sevey, Tindall, Moore.
4. Carson, McMahon, Doc
5. (Tie) The Police, Run-DMC

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Happy birthday to KHNL's Jason Tang.

Couple of minutes with ... Blaze Soares

Stephen Tsai — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 16:33:11 +0000

Outside linebacker Blaze Soares' comeback is nearly complete. More than 10 months after suffering a career-threatening torn ligament at the base of his left calf, Soares runs 100-yard sprints every other day at Cooke/Ching Field.
Under the guidance of strength coach Mel deLaura, Soares undergoes an intense strength and conditioning program.
He has lost 23 pounds, and now weighs 236.
Taking a couple of minutes from his training schedule, Soares talked story with the Warrior Beat.
How's the calf?
"You see me running. I'm doing good. I'm doing coach Mel's workouts every day. He's been getting me right. That's all I can ask for: a good strength coach. I'm working on getting my leg 100 percent."
Soares suffered the injury on the second day of training camp.
"It was a typical hitting drill. It was a freak accident. The Lord has a plan for us. Whatever happens, happens for a reason. Only the man upstairs knows."
On missing the entire 2008 season:
"It was very frustrating. It was hard to go to every game, and having to sit out. That's life. I'm sad to say I'm injury prone. I talked to (former UH running back) Nate Ilaoa. He said, 'Bro, you've just go to deal with it.' He was in the same situation as me. He knows what I'm going through."
Katoosh.
"I love to hit. But, to me, I'm just another player trying to make my family and the state proud."
If the NFL dream doesn't pan out ...
"I'm glad I'm getting a college education. Coach Mack is giving me an opportunity to finish school. If I can't play (pro) football, I want to be an entrepreneur."
And away he goes ...
"I go to the Neighbor Islands (frequently) to get away from all of this craziness on O‘ahu. When you go to Maui or the Big Island or to Lanai, it's very peaceful. You can enjoy the country lifestyle. That's why I go all of the time. I visit a lot of family, go to the beach. I try to enjoy life. You only live it once. You never know when it's your last day. You have to live every day to the fullest."
He also can be found at the Tiki Entertainment studios.
"They have a new CD coming out. It's hybrid music. It's rap and reggae. I go into the studio and just cruise. I love music. I love making music. My friend Spooks is a rapper. Spooks Kahuna. Just call him Spooks. My friend Doug Farrar introduced me to his music. That's what I've been up to when I'm not training. Just cruising."

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Kicker Scott Enos, who is enrolled in Summer Session I, practiced his placekicks yesterday: