Warrior Beat

For another week, by state law, UH must post the job opening for Mike Wilton’s successor. Wilton believes the answer is apparent. “I could end that charade right now if they would let me,” said Wilton, who is not a member of the search/selection committee. “They should pick Tino (Reyes, the associate head coach). It’s a no-brainer. I’m adamant it should be Tino Reyes.” Wilton noted that Reyes has been in the program for 17 seasons. What’s more, Wilton said, […]

Maybe volleyball coach Mike Wilton should be a speaker at today’s UH clinic for football coaches. Wilton, who retires as a head coach after tonight’s match, has succeeded against the toughest competition. In the process, he never compromised his beliefs — personal or pofessional. As a high priest in the Mormon church, Wilton never held a practice on a Sunday, a day in which he serves as a spiritual leader to 160 college-aged students at his church’s University Avenue branch. […]

The word on the boulevard is the Warriors made solid offers to these Mainland prospects: • Wilson Edwards, defensive lineman, Long Beach (Calif.) Poly. • Alami Fua, tight end/defensive end, Oaks Christian School (Westlake Village, Calif.). • Joshua Quezad, running back, La Habra (Calif.) High. • Roman Sapolu, center, Edison High (Huntington Beach, Calif.) • John Timu, quarterback/safety, Long Beach (Calif.) Jordan. • Soma Vainuku, linebacker, Eureka (Calif.) High. * * * Belated birthday wishes to Wafan and Caroline Kim. […]

Jesse Sapolu made an appearance at today’s practice. He gave a speech on unity — one that UH center John Estes, in particular, found to be inspiring. Sapolu has two sons — one who will be a senior in high school, another at a JC — and he hopes at least one will play for the Warriors. Also at practice: • Rodney Bradley and Greg Alexander teamed on the best pass play of the day, a post pattern that went […]

Defensive tackle Rocky Savaiigaea today participated in team drills for the first time since undergoing surgery to repair a torn left triceps. Savaiigaea played left tackle in the base scheme (4-3) and nose tackle in the Okie defense (3-3-5). He said he felt fine, but likely will be restricted in the remaining six practices. Also: • Richard Torres has solified the job at nickelback. • Offensive coordinator said there still are open spots at the receiver positions, including the first […]

Sad to learn that “The General”—Les Keiter — has passed away. * * * Running back Inoke Funaki was today’s guest on the Warrior Beat Show, which started at  10 a.m. He also stuck around to answer questions on the blog. Here are Kahuku classmates Caryn Kunz and Inoke Funaki: * * * I know Mike Wilton’s outspokeness polarized folks. But here are two endearing qualities: • He used to make his players learn the words to Hawai‘i Pono‘i. It […]

• Right tackle Laupepa Letuli did not practice because of a “tweak.” He expects to resume practicing Wednesday. • Adrian Thomas worked as the No. 1 right tackle. • Receiver Greg Salas has a sprained left wrist. He wore an icepack before and during breakfast, but not afterward. • Inoke Funaki continues to impress as a running back, breaking off two more long runs. • Remember defensive tackle  Chris Leatigaga? He was a heralded recruit in 2007. But he did […]

The next Warrior volleyball coach will inherit a talented team. The Warriors lose only one starter, setter Sean Carney. Opposite attacker Steven Hunt is going to be a star, and Gus Tuaniga, who is having an up-and-down freshman season, is expected to be an impact player. The Warriors also have received a commitment from a 6-foot-9 opposite attacker from Germany. Pacific coach Joe Wortmann, who tried to recruit the player, compared him to Pepperdine’s Paul Carroll, the best hitter in […]