Warrior Beat

Expanded coverage of UH football, including practice notes, game analysis, recruiting info and observations on the Mountain West Conference.

About the blog host

Stephen Tsai covers University of Hawaii football for the Star-Advertiser. Follow him on Twitter @StephenTsai and sign up for the Hawaii football newsletter here: http://www.hawaiiwarriorworld.com/email-signup/

Latest news

Kaumeyer, Tuioti dismissed

By Stephen Tsai on December 10, 2013

UH coach Norm Chow confirmed defensive coordinator Thom Kaumeyer and linebacker coach Tony Tuioti will not be retained for the 2014 season. Both were on one-year contracts that run through March 31. “I just want the players, coaches and fans to know that I appreciate the opportunity to coach at the University of Hawaii,” Kaumeyer told the Warrior Beat. “I’ve really enjoyed living here in the community and being a part of the Warrior family.”

Yap named to All-MWC 2nd team

By Stephen Tsai on December 10, 2013

Defensive end Beau Yap was named to the Mountain West Conference’s second team. Yap was the only Rainbow Warrior named to the league’s first or second team. Honorable mention went to center Ben Clarke, middle linebacker Brenden Daley, tight end Clark Evans, safety John Hardy-Tuliau, weak-side linebacker Art Laurel, defensive tackle Siasau Matagiese, cornerback Ne’Quan Phillips and punter/punt returner/slotback Scott Harding. * * * * * In their version of a spread attack, the Rainbow Warriors are recruiting on Oahu, […]

Wilson service today

By Stephen Tsai on December 9, 2013

The public is invited to today’s “Celebration of Life” ceremony for running back Willis Wilson. It begins at 6:30 p.m. in the Stan Sheriff Center. Teammates, coaches and Pastor Joe Onosai are scheduled to speak. Wilson died Nov. 30 of an apparent drowning off Sandy Beach. He was 21. * * * * * In this morning’s wee hours, coach Norm Chow began one-on-one interviews with each of the more than 100 players. Each session is scheduled for 15 minutes, […]

Cornerback commits to UH

By Stephen Tsai on December 8, 2013

The Rainbow Warriors filled a key need this morning, securing a commitment from shut-down cornerback Cesar Fermin of Moorpark College. Fermin is 5-11 and 170 pounds. He had four interceptions this past season. Fermin has met the requirements to transfer without a pause. He will enroll at UH in January, and participate in the Warriors’ offseason conditioning program (beginning Jan. 29) and spring training in April. Click for his highlights: Fermin video Fermin made his pledge after completing his recruiting […]

Op season

By Stephen Tsai on December 7, 2013

Quarterback Taylor Graham and offensive lineman Kody Afusia are candidates for offseason operations. Both endured arm injuries the second half of the season. Graham started the first three games before suffering a dislocation to his left (non-throwing) shoulder. Afusia, who was considered to be the Rainbow Warriors’ top o-lineman this past season, played through a variety of injuries. If they opt for operations, it is not known if it will have any impact on their participation in spring training. In […]

Petersen principle

By Stephen Tsai on December 6, 2013

Boise State’s Chris Petersen is going to Washington. Here’s what the move means: • Hawaii — No immediate  impact. Unless both win their divisions next year, the Broncos and Rainbow Warriors aren’t scheduled to meet until 2015. • Mountain West Conference — The league loses its marquee coach. At the MWC media preview in July, the line was long for television one-on-one interviews. Petersen was on a platform, literally and figuratively, with the scene reminiscent of favors being sought at […]

Seeking a good mid-year grade

By Stephen Tsai on December 5, 2013

While the Warriors are in full recruiting mode, a special emphasis is on junior-college transfers. Mid-year transfers — junior college players — may signing letters of intent beginning on Dec. 18. The Warriors hope to sign up to five who could enroll for the 2014 spring semester. There is enough cap room. About 14 scholarships come off the books at the end of this semester. The Warriors already are off to a strong start. They have commitments from the state’s […]

Getting active

By Stephen Tsai on December 4, 2013

With the season over, the red shirts have been removed. That means these 2013 redshirts are now on the active roster: Running back — Aofaga Wily (medical redshirt), Max Broman Fullback —  Penitito Faalologo Slotback — Quinton Pedroza (Utah transfer) Wide receiver — Ammon Barker Tight ends — Josh Long, Meffy Koloamatangi, Tyler Liana, Austin Slade-Matautia (Oregon State transfer) Offensive linemen — Elijah Tupai, Dejon Allen, John Wa‘a, R.J. Hollis Defensive tackles — Kory Rasmussen (transfer from Colorado), Nick Childs […]