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

Early enrollment

By Stephen Tsai on November 19, 2008

My bad Saint Louis School wideout Billy Ray Stutzmann is completing his studies early and will enroll at UH in January. He will participate in the offseason conditioning drills and spring practice. And he won’t miss out on his high school life. He will be allowed to attend his senior prom and participate in the graduation ceremony in June. * * * The Warriors practiced at Saint Louis today. It was good to see Jonathan Kauka, a former UH running […]

Back to the starting line

By Stephen Tsai on November 18, 2008

The Warriors canceled practice this morning because the field was soaked. They considered other sites, even making tentative plans to practice at Aloha Stadium. But then the weather turned nice, and the Warriors have decided to practice on their grass field this afternoon, starting at 4 p.m. * * * The Punahou football team has requested the use of UH’s grass practice field in preparation for the state playoffs. And the headline would scream: Manti Te‘o Is Going to UH. […]

Pete Newell dies

By Stephen Tsai on November 17, 2008

It’s sad to hear about the passing of Pete Newell. He was the originator of the Big Man’s Camp, which was held several times in Hawai‘i. http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/news/story?id=3709014 Riley Wallace described Newell as an “absolute gentleman.” They met when Wallace was coaching at UH. Newell addressed the team every year. “You had to earn his respect, but once you had it, you had it for life,” Wallace said. Newell spoke highly of Wallace. Because of that, Bob Knight and Wallace became […]

Mei Ling wins

By Stephen Tsai on November 16, 2008

Mei Ling gets the tickets to tomorrow night’s basketball game. I’ll buy Koakane beer for being a good sport. * * * Sorry for the delay, but we went to see the James Bond movie last night. OK, not sure if it’s only me — OK, probably is only me — but Daniel Craig just doesn’t seem like James Bond. And where are the gadgets? * * * UH’s calendar will be like The Advertiser’s on-line clock. Tomorrow, the Warriors […]

Now that wasn't awkward …

By Stephen Tsai on November 15, 2008

We had a meeting today to discuss our high school reunion. It was at 7:30 a.m. As  Stretch, SJmacro and Myki know, I have a hard time making football practice at that time. (My son had to serve detention Wednesday because we had four tardies in a row.) But I made it. And I saw the gang.  As I approached, I could see through the window they were greeting each other with hugs. It’s been a while, and I wasn’t […]

Free tickets; Waianae DT Keli‘ikipi commits to UH

By Stephen Tsai on November 14, 2008

I’ve got two free tickets to tonight’s basketball game. Post No. 225 gets them (however, the winner must stop by The Tizer to collect.) * * * Wade Keli‘ikipi, a Waianae High defensive tackle and the younger brother of former Warrior West Keli‘ikipi, has accepted a football scholarship from the Warriors. Keli‘ikipi is 6 feet 4 and 273 pounds. He can bench press a maximum 405 pounds, as well as bench 225 pounds 30 times.

Kapolei's Lopati commits to UH

By Stephen Tsai on November 13, 2008

Chad Lopati of Kapolei High School has accepted a scholarship offer from the Warriors. Lopati, who played defensive end at Kapolei, projects as a linebacker in college. He’s 6 feet 2, and up to 245 pounds now. Kapolei coach Darren Hernandez timed Lopati running 40 yards in 4.6 seconds. Lopati received offers from every Pac-10 school except USC. His uncle is Keith “Junior” Lopati, the former UH running back. * * * Ray Hisatake, the No. 2 right guard, cut […]

Colt, Princess' video, 'School House Rock!'

By Stephen Tsai on November 12, 2008

Colt Brennan said he remains one of the “Warriors’ biggest fans.” He said he subscribes to ESPN360 and the Oceanic hookup. “Every Saturday, I’m in a hotel,” Brennan said. “I take my laptop and I watch the games.” But, he admits, with the time difference, “sometimes I don’t make it to the end of the game.” He said if the Warriors make it to the Sheraton Hawai‘i bowl “it will be a great season.” * * * Princess Leila’s videos […]