Warrior Beat

UH’s football defense is getting more athletic. Jahlani Tavai of California’s Mira Costa High has pledged to accept a UH football scholarship and compete at rush end. Tavai said he is 6-3, 235 pounds and can run 40 yards in 4.65 seconds. Tavai also is a skilled volleyball and rugby player. Tavai played tight end and nose tackle at Mira Costa. But with his first-step quickness, agility and strength, Tavai projects as a stand-up end/linebacker for the Rainbow Warriors. One […]

Tomorrow is the first day applications may be reviewed for the two soon-to-be-vacated, full-time positions on the UH football coaching staff. Defensive coordinator Thom Kaumeyer and linebacker coach Tony Tuioti were told they would not be retained after their contracts expire in March. Both coaches, like all UH-Manoa assistant coaches, are on one-year contracts. They will continue to receive semi-monthly paychecks through March unless they are hired elsewhere before their contracts expire. There does not appear to be an immediate […]

Wishing each of you — the naughty and the nice — a joyful and peaceful holiday season. Blog will be closed until Thursday. But not to worry. There won’t be any recruiting or coaching updates during that time. So, enjoy time with loved ones. Or, if not, spend time with those who need good cheer. At the least, don’t stand under hotel balconies. Cheers!

Dany Mulanga, a safety from Trinity High (Euless, Texas), told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser he has accepted a football scholarship from the Rainbow Warriors. Mulanga said he is 6 feet 4 and 206 pounds. He said he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.6 seconds a year ago, but “I think I’m faster now.” Mulanga received offers from Utah State, New Mexico, Louisiana Tech and Montana State. He participated in the All-Poly camp at Euless this past summer. It was there, he […]

The financial future of the UH athletic department will be impacted in the coming weeks following last week’s official departures of ‘Ahahui Koa Anuenue leaders Vince Baldemor and Carol Gouveia. Baldemor, who served as president of the athletic department’s fund-raising organization, completed his UH stint last week. He was hired as HPU’s executive director of athletics in November, but was allowed to remain at UH through the end of the fall semester. Gouveia, who served as a director of the […]

* * * * * George Daily-Lyles: * * * * * Tavita Woodard: * * * * * Craig Cofer and parents: * * * * * Billy Ray Stutzmann and parents: * * * * * Ikaika Cavaco-Amoy and Tavita Woodard: * * * * * Futbol grads:

There will be a graduate-assistant opening with Jared Vanderbeek’s expected departure. Vanderbeek completed his second year as a GA for defense. He helped prepare the scout offense that faced the UH defense in practices. Vanderbeek has pursued full-time coaching positions on the mainland.

Football players with college or pro aspirations won’t have to travel very far to train. Former NFL players Chris Kemoeatu and Ma‘ake Kemoeatu will be opening a 6,000-square-foot training facility next week in a complex near Windward Mall. Anthony Piroli, who has trained several Pittsburgh Steelers, will be the facility’s conditioning coordinator. There will be programs designed for youths through pro players. One of the specialities will be helping former college players prepare for combines and pro days. * * […]