Warrior Beat

Special teams coordinator Chris “Demo” Demarest knows how to evaluate — and  not just in football recruiting. Demarest, who is doing work on the East Coast this week, has managed to swing by the New York metropolitan area, where he was raised. “On the East Coast, there’s a deli, bagel joint and pizza shop on every corner,” Demarest said. “It would be unjust to name just one (as the best) because there are so many great places to eat.” When […]

Spring break means sun and … fun? For nearly 2 hours yesterday afternoon, slotback Quinton Pedroza and six teammates worked on drills at Ching field. “Some people are on spring break,” cornerback Damien Packer said, “and some people are on spring work.” Pedroza, who redshirted in 2013 after transferring from Utah, opted to spend UH’s spring break in Hawaii instead of visiting family in California. “While people are having spring break on the beaches, we’re putting in overtime on this […]

Whenever wideout Keith Kirkwood goes back to New Jersey, the first stop is to see his grandmother, Mildred Kirkwood. She celebrated her 90th birthday last month, grateful for good health, family and friends. “She’s still living the life,” Kirkwood said. Last season, Kirkwood wore No. 89, in tribute to her age. This season, he requested No. 9, for her ninth decade. Kirkwood also makes sure to stop by an oceanfront area in Hazlet, N.J.. He said he goes there during […]

Defensive lineman Siasau “Saui” Matagiese was ready for the real world. After completing his UH eligibility this past November, he earned his bachelor’s degree a month later. He then notified UH coaches he would not be participating in last week’s pro day. As it turned out, Matagiese was not ready to give up the Xs and Os — well, at least the X part. He signed to play for the Asahi Soft Drinks Challengers of the X-League, Japan’s professional football […]

When it comes to the NFL draft (and Hawaii players), you never know. After playing only one season at offensive tackle for UH, Wayne Hunter departs early, gets picked in the third round, and enjoys a 10-year NFL career. Then UH’s 2007 receivers — who were so good the WAC created a “Unit of the Year’ category for them — all go undrafted. Entering the 2013 season, offensive tackle Mike Milovale and defensive end Tavita Woodard were considered UH’s top […]

If laughter is the best medicine, we’re offering a healthy prize of two back-stage tickets to Augie T.’s comedy show tomorrow night in the Blaisdell Center. Augie T. is a long-time friend of UH football and this blog. To enter the drawing, please post: Howzit, Augie.  No limit on the number of entries. Avis will select a winner tonight.

SAN DIEGO — Charles Clay safety from Hilo, had a breakout performance at UH’s pro day this morning on the San Diego State campus. Clay ran the 40-yard dash in 4.44 seconds, the fastest time among the 11 former Rainbow Warriors. He also had a broad jump of 9 feet, 11 inches, and vertical jump of 37 1/2 inches. Tavita Woodard, who was competing as a defensive end/linebacker, completed the 40 in 4.65 seconds. He had a vertical jump of […]

The Rainbow Warriors landed their first 2015 recruit, securing a commitment from outside linebacker Jonah Moi of Riverside City College. Moi told the Warrior Beat he made the oral commitment yesterday. Moi said he is 6 feet 4 and 240 pounds. He said he will play his sophomore season at RCC  in 2014, earn an associate degree in December, and join the Warriors for the 2015 spring semester. After that, he will have three years to play two seasons. “I […]