Former UH running back signs with European team

Former UH running back Ryan Tuiasoa still has pro dreams. His current one will be narrated in Finnish.

Tuiasoa said he has signed a contract to play for the Hameenlinna Huskies of Finland’s Maple League.

Tuiasoa participated in UH’s pro day last week, but decided “I needed more film if I was going to make a real run at it.”

At the suggestion of former Warriors Makani Kema-Kaleiwahea and Makoa Camanse-Stevens — both of whom played in Germany last year — Tuiasoa enrolled in what is essentially a head hunter’s program for European teams. Tuiasoa received several responses, then decided to accept an offer from Jeremy Brigham, a former tight end for the Oakland Raiders who coached in Italy last year.

“Jeremy Brigham is bringing me over there so I Can get more film and have that overseas experience,” Tuiasoa said.

Tuiasoa said the Maple League season opens in two weeks.

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Marie Kondo wrote a series of inspirational books encouraging readers to pursue things that spark joy.

Which brings us to UH baseball.

Is there a more joyous player than Logan Pouelsen, who had three extra base hits — including a triple — and pitched three hitless innings of relief in UH’s 4-3 victory over UC Irvine yesterday? From the full mustache to the arms-first slides to the strongman poses, Pouelsen is a fan favorite who seems to really enjoy the sport. You’d have to go back to former ‘Bow Billy Blanchette — a pitcher, hitter, Whiffle Ball enthusiast — who thoroughly loved baseball.

Pouelsen also conjures memories of:

> La‘anui Correa, who, as legend has it, used to sleep with a helmet on in the days leading to the start of training camp.

> Anthony Carter, who was discovered playing in a midnight basketball league in Atlanta. Carter, who was a high-school dropout, eventually attended Saddleback Community College and then UH before embarking on an NBA career than spanned 14 seasons. He is now a coach.

> Alan Hackbarth, who made volleyball and basketball fans root for timeouts. Nicknamed “Rubberband Man,” he energized crowds with his Gumby-like dance moves. The thing is, Hackbarth was just as enthusiastic as a seldom-used UH defensive back. But he worked hard and earned teammates’ respect. He won a UH letter in 1998.