Warrior Beat

C’mon, there was no doubt retired Air Force Lt. Col. Tracey Saiki was going to attend yesterday’s volleyball match. It was “Military Appreciation Night,” after all. And as director of military affairs for the Chamber of Commerce, she was largely responsible for the Rainbow Warriors training at Joint Base Pearl Harbor/Hickam this past offseason. Plus, she’s a huge volleyball fan. Of course, there was an obstacle. This past New Year’s Eve, she suffered a stroke. The proverbial road to recovery […]

Falaniko “Niko” Noga and Alapati “Al” Noga were inducted into UH’s Circle of Honor yesterday. Here’s a picture of three of the Noga brothers — Niko, Pete and Al:   And here’s a picture of Niko Noga, Dick Tomey, Al Noga, Bob Wagner and Pete Noga:   > Here’s Wagner/Tomey introducing the Noga brothers: Introduction video > Here’s Niko Noga’s acceptance speech:    > Here’s Al Noga’s acceptance speech:    > 2014 Circle of Honor class:

Answer: Tight end. Question: What’s Tui Unga’s position? Unga, whose background is at defensive end/outside linebacker, will compete at tight end this spring training. He is a legit 6-5 (ask Jeezy), and probably around 230 or so. Unga, who initially signed with Fresno State, is the younger brother of offensive lineman J.J. Unga of the Baltimore Ravens. Their cousin is Reno Mahe, a former running back for BYU and the Philadelphia Eagles.   UH’s other tight ends are Harold Moleni, […]

Quarterback Hunter Hughes, wide receiver Terrence Sayles and defensive back Gaetano DeMattei have joined the Rainbow Warriors as walk-ons. Each participated in the Feb. 21 tryouts. They have joined the offseason conditioning program and will participate in spring training (April 1-26). Here are Hughes and Sayles:   Here are DeMattei’s highlights: DeMattei video

Rainbow Warrior volleyball coach Charlie Wade has signed an offer sheet for a two-year contract extension. The Board of Regents still must approve the offer. If accepted, Wade will be the Warriors’ head coach through the 2016 season. Wade is in the final months of a five-year contract he signed in 2009. * * * * * Fr0m yesterday’s unsupervised workouts: Center Ben Clarke:   * * * * * Slotback Quinton Pedroza:   * * * * * Wideout […]

Kory Rasmussen is indeed making the move from defensive line to offensive line. While redshirting in 2013, Rasmussen practiced as a defensive tackle after transferring from Colorado. Rasmussen is a 2012 Kamehameha Schools graduate. He has three seasons of eligibility remaining. There were considerations about moving Nick Childs to offense, too. But Childs will remain on the defensive line for spring ball. * * * * * Offensive linemen David Griffin and R.J. Hollis read to students at Maemae Elementary […]

Opposite attacker Brook Sedore was named the national volleyball player of the week. He had 46 kills in a two-match sweep of UCLA this past weekend. * * * * * Running back Will Gregory is not expected to rejoin the Rainbow Warriors. Gregory, who led the Warriors in rushing as a second-year freshman in 2012, was placed on probation by the school last year because of a dormitory incident. After failing to comply with terms of the probation, he […]

Offensive tackle Sean Shigematsu was back walking three days after undergoing what was termed a “minor” knee procedure on Friday. Shigematsu, who can play both tackle positions and right guard, will be ready for the April 1 start of spring training. Mike Milovale, UH’s starting left tackle in 2013, has completed his NCAA eligibility. But the Warriors appear to be deep at offensive tackle. Shigematsu, Leo Koloamatangi, David Griffin and Frank Loyd have started at tackle. Freshmen John Wa‘a and […]