Warrior Beat

Whether you agree or not with the sanctions against coach Greg McMackin, it was surprising to see UH officials act so swiftly. The worst thing would have been to let this drag out. * * * * * One of the after-effects of Greg McMackin’s controversial speech is that a once useful event — the WAC Football Preview — might be nearing the end. The event was designed for the member schools to promote their teams and for the media […]

University of Hawai‘i head football coach Greg McMackin apologized for making a disparaging comment during today’s speech to reporters at the Western Athletic Conference Football Preview. In describing a battle of chants between Notre Dame and UH during last year’s Hawai‘i Bowl Banquet, McMackin said the Fighting Irish performed a “little faggot dance.” He repeated the phrase twice more in trying to apologize. “I would sincerely like to apologize for the inappropriate verbage of words that I used,” McMackin said. […]

The Warriors were picked to finish fifth in the Western Athletic Conference in  both the coaches and media preseason polls. Boise State was picked first in both polls. * * * * * Fresno State coach Pat Hill today lobbied for earlier starting times for games played in Hawai‘i. He said the lack of late Saturday flights forces visiting teams to stay an extra day in Hawai‘i, a financial inconvenience in these austere economic times. * * * * * […]

SALT LAKE CITY — Just checked into the hotel for the WAC Media Preview. It should be interesting since, as we reported before, half of the schools won’t be distributing media guides this year. Mack, Brashton Satele and John Estes don’t arrive until tomorrow. I guess it’s time to hit the mall. * * * * * Saddleback CC linebacker Akoni Lasconia is expected to join the Warriors in January. * * * * * It has been said athletic […]

Safeties Aulola Tonga of Kahuku High and Michael Wadsworth of Silverado High (Las Vegas) plan to play for the Warriors ths season, then go on two-year church missions. * * * * * Left tackle Aaron Kia continues to reshape. He is up to 293 pounds, but has maintained his agility with daily sprints and footwork drills. * * * * * The Warriors still are trying to sort out their active roster. There still is a possibility that linebacker […]

David Veikune and the Cleveland Browns have reached agreement on a four-year contract worth about $3.5 million, an NFL source said. Of that amount, $1.8 million is guarnteed. The guaranteed portion also is protected against skill and injury. Agent Kenny Zuckerrman of Priority Sports declined to comment on the specifics. But he said “David has worked very hard to make this happen, and I feel fortunate ot be able to help him. He’s a model client.” Veikune was the Browns’ […]

Ariel Chun, to be sure, mastered the long goodbye. As president and chief executive officer of the UH Federal Credit Union, she passed out the plaques during UH’s Senior Night ceremonies. Too often, her presentations were preceded by lengthy whisper-whisper conversations with each recipient — a time-consuming process that drew comments from wise-acre blog hosts and television directors tapping their watches. But teasing aside, Chun stepped up and provided a much-needed service. Chun compensated for UH’s difficult economic situation by […]

The second Heather McMackin Football Clinic for Women is scheduled for Aug. 26 at 7 p.m. It will start off in the Stan Sheriff Center. The second part of the program will be on Cooke/Ching field. UH head coach Greg McMackin said his wife’s program will feature some changes from last year’s clinic. “Everybody had a great time last year,” Greg McMackin said. “It’ll be even better this year.” The cost is expected to be $10, and will include heavy […]