Warrior Beat

Former UH defensive tackle Keala Watson is being forced to retire from football. Watson had a productive career with the Warriors despite suffering from Von Willebrand disorder, a condition similar to hemophilia in which a chemical deficiency does not allow his blood to clot normally. A blood-clotting medicine enabled Watson to play for the Warriors. But recent medical tests showed that the medication had diminished efficiency in treating his disorder. “I had a good run,” said Watson, who will earn […]

Tentative plans call for coach Greg McMackin to announce the 2009 recruiting class Feb. 4 at Murphy’s Bar & Grill. That’s the first day recruits may sign binding national letters of intent. The event, which is tentatively set for 6 p.m., is open to the public. McMackin will comment on each recruit, as well as show highlight videos of the prospects. * * * Aaron Bain is going to chase his dream — one that does not involve football. Bain […]

In a tearful announcement, assistant coach Ikaika Malloe confirmed that he has accepted the defensive coordinator’s job at Yale. “We’re going to miss having what we have here,” said Malloe, a Kamehameha Schools graduate. His wife also was raised in Hawai‘i. “My heart will always be here,” he added. “My heart will never leave here. … It’s been a dream of mine to not only be a coordinator, but to one day be a head coach. You’ll never know if […]

 J is the winner of the Tadd Fujikawa autographed picture. (Juju pulled the winning name.) J, coincidentally, is the same height, I think, as Tadd. * * * Belated congratulations to Mouse Davis, who recently wed. * * * Football’s offseason conditioning program opens tomorrow, but linebacker Brashton Satele could not wait. Brashton and his brother Liko played catch today on the grass practice field. As part of his training, Brashton goes on hikes. He went to the Makapu‘u Lighthouse […]

Roll the credits for academic advisers Sara Nunes-Atabaki and Trina Kudiacek, and tutors Courtney Tsumoto and Amber Tyndzik. Thirty-four Warriors had a 3.0  or better GPA during the fall semester, led by Inoke Funaki’s straight As. * * * The Warriors will open their offseason conditioning program Tuesday, although nearly all of the players already have started some form of training. * * * Long Beach Poly safety Stanjarius McKay, who aspires to have a career in the medical field, […]

Today is the first of several NFL auditions for former UH players. Ryan Mouton plays in today’s East-West Shrine Game in Houston, which is near his hometown of Katy. (He attended the same high school as actress Renee Zellweger, who still makes grown men cry when they hear her say, “You had me at hello …”) Scouts want to see Mouton display his bump-and-run coverage skills in this game, which will not allow blitzing. Mouton was the Warriors’ best cover […]

Pierce Burton of Sacramento’s Rio Americano High has accepted a scholarship offer from the Warriors. Burton is 6 feet 7 and 250 pounds. He played on the offensive and defensive lines, but, more than likely, he projects to play offensive tackle for the Warriors. * * * It’s an interesting debate as to whether a player should remain in school or apply for the NFL draft. Then again, the local media should understand. Two of the top sportscasters — Kanoa […]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. We’ve heard all of your stories. But if you really want to show you can be a Warrior, call the UH football office (956-6508) and register for next Thursday’s walk-on tryouts. You’ll be tested in the 40, and measured. Hey, we’ll even list your “in-cleats” height. Tryouts begin at 4 p.m. * * * The Warriors’ first team meeting is set for tomorrow. Coach Mack will go over the offseason schedule. Offseason training begins Monday. * * […]