Warrior Beat

It doesn’t matter whether you approve of Dana Takahara-Dias’ hiring as Rainbow Wahine head coach. What matters is, by most accounts, her players love to play for her. What matters is her upcoming coworkers at UH celebrated her appointment. What matters is that, for one day, pride had returned to a spiraling and puzzling program. Takahara-Dias is a proven coach and educator. Most important, she has a willingness to work with others, and a deep-rooted love for her alma mater. […]

Dana Takahara-Dias, a former Rainbow Wahine player who earned three degrees at UH, is the new head coach of the women’s basketball team. She said she will receive a three-year contract. She will be allowed to hire three assistant coaches and a director of operations. * * * While all three freshman quarterbacks are enrolled in Summer Session I, only Corey Nielsen participated in unsupervised workouts yesterday. Nielsen is a dual student. Gahr High’s academic year doesn’t end for another […]

So, I was wandering around UH this afternoon and I wandered into … Dana Takahara-Dias. Yes, she was on her way to an in-person interview with the selection committee for the next UH women’s basketball coach. These are the other confirmed candidates who have had in-person interviews: • George Wolfe, a Kalani High graduate and former UH assistant coach. • Gavin Petersen, Idaho State associate head coach and former UH assistant. • Patrick Harrington, Colorado assistant coach. • Joan Bonvicni, […]

There’s an old saying: If you can’t do 55, don’t get busted going 56. If Mike Trapasso is your man, then he deserves more than the one-year extension he received today. Maybe he doesn’t get the five-year extensions that went to Bob Coolen and Dave Shoji, but — if he’s your man — he deserves at least two or three more years. A one-year deal doesn’t help recruiting or provide stability. His tenure wasn’t extended, it was prolonged. * * […]

It’s sad to hear that slotback Rick Taylor has decided to not play football this coming season. Taylor, a very good student, will focus on his studies. He needs 21 credits to earn a bachelor’s degree. Taylor will remain on scholarship. Taylor is one of the good guys: always upbeat and, despite limited playing time in games and practices, a supportive teammate. He fulfilled his role with pride and dignity.

Ray Lewis, Wes Welker, Colt Brennan, Davone Bess, David Veikune and Jake Ingram are among the football players who will attend a July 9 fundraiser that will benefit the Warrior football clinics and camps. Further details to come. * * * Remember Jacob Barit, a 2006 All-State linebacker from Saint Louis School? After playing the past two seasons at Arizona Western (junior) College, Barit is seeking to transfer to UH this summer. In 2008, Barit had 41 tackles, including four […]

As previously noted, when describing incredulous situations, comedian Augie T. used to say: “It’s crazy, it’s nuts.” That also would describe the search for the next UH head coach for women’s basketball. Despite a finalist withdrawing from consideration, the number of candidates invited for in-person interviews has swelled to six. And one of them is Gavin Petersen, whose candidacy has been doing the hokey-pokey. He’s in. He’s out. Now, he’s back in. Petersen arrives tomorrow for an interview early in […]

Charlie Wade will receive a five-year contract to serve as the Warriors’ head volleyball coach. The deal is worth more than $100,000 annually in base pay. Because the deal falls within the position’s current salary range, the appointment only needs approval from UH president David McClain and Manoa chancellor Virginia Hinshaw. Wade succeeds MIke Wilton, who is retiring from the UH system after 17 seasons as the Warriors’ head coach. Wilton’s contract runs through June 30. He begins his job […]