Warrior Beat

Today’s practice was the first involving all 111 players. Attendance had been spotty because of final exams, final projects and graduation. This was one of the better practices. The offensive line, particularly the tackles, have played well the past week. Kealoha Pilares is running well. Daniel Libre also has looked sharp. On defense, the Warriors have tried to rotate in fresh bodies. Ryan Mouton looks as healthy for the first time in weeks. And Erik “E-Rob” has been gettting in […]

Saying he went through the 25-year program, Robert Kekaula today earned his bachelor’s degree. Here are the proud parents, Anne and Sam Kekaula: * * * Fale Laelli, Keith AhSoon, Inoke Funaki, Dylan Linkner and Guyton Galdeira strike a pose: * * * Jameel Dowling and Inoke Funaki: * * * Fale Laeli and Keith AhSoon: * * * David Veikune: * * * And a blast from the past — Gerald Welch:

According to a news release, UH and a Hawai‘i-based representative for June Jones jointly announced the “resolution of all issues involving the contract between UH and the former head coach.” According to the release, “the resolution was accompanied by the receipt by the University of Hawai‘i Foundation of two donations to the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa totaling $200,010.” This is the distribution: • The June Jones Foundation donated $100,010 to Na Lei O‘iwi Scholarship Fund in the name of […]

It’s moving day for the Warriors, who will check into the Moana Surfrider Hotel at 5 p.m. Because the Warriors are officially on the bowl clock, every team member — including the non-scholarship players — are invited to the training-table meals. Today’s breakfast speciality was beef curry, in addition to the usual egss and various meats. Kealoha Pilares was at full speed during the drills today. He was used at running back. Ryan Mouton also appears to be physically fit. […]

Today is the first day junior-college transfers may sign NCAA commitment letters. Tomorrow, the Warriors should receive faxed copies of written commitments from David Hafoka, Brett Leonard, Chizzy Dimude and Lametrius Davis. Other JC recruits apparently are awaiting to see how many of their credits are transferrable. * * * Calvin Roberts has always been the most overlooked of the Warriors’ top cornerbacks. Ryan Mouton is the most athletic. Jameel Dowling has the size and Pac-10 background. But Roberts has […]

David Hafoka, a nose tackle from College of San Mateo, said he gave his verbal commitment to the Warriors last night. Hafoka is 6 feet 2 and 310 pounds. He already has an AA degree. He’ll enroll at UH next month, and have two years to play two seasons. (He played in 2006 and 2008, but sat out 2007 because of a leg infection.) In 2006, his San Mateo teammates were Ray Hisatake, Francis Maka and Calvin Roberts. * * […]

UH yesterday received commitments from cornerback Melvin “Tank” Hopkins of Navarro College and left tackle Brett Leonard of Saddleback Community College. Hopkins is 5 feet 10 and 165 pounds, and has been clocked at 4.38 seconds over 40 yards, according to his JC head coach. Leonard is 6 feet 5 and 306 pounds. His line coach is Jackie Slater. Both earn associate degrees next week, and will enroll at UH in January. Here’s Hopkins’ video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ht7_aOyV7D4 * * * The […]

Birds gotta fly, fish gotta swim. And Coach Mack has found his calling as a ring designer. The NCAA allows a school to pay up to $350 in gifts to each team member of a bowl team. In recent years, UH has given Xboxes, camcorders and iTouch consoles. This year, UH will give each team member a bowl ring. Coach Mack, who received rave reviews for designing the 2007 WAC championship ring, is in charge again. In addition, the NCAA […]