Wittek can’t transfer to UH

USC quarterback Max Wittek can’t transfer to UH — or any other FBS school — this summer.

Because of a personal situation, Wittek did not earn a bachelor’s degree after USC’s recently completed semester. A degree is a requirement for a player to transfer without restrictions, such as a sitting out a season at the new school.

USC had approved Wittek to contact Texas and Hawaii — his top two choices — because the Trojans do not play the Longhorns or Rainbow Warriors the next two seasons. Wittek, if he had earned a degree this week, would have had two seasons of eligibility remaining.

* * * * *


Strength/conditioning coach Gary Beemer said he expects “99 percent” of the returning Rainbow Warriors to participate in the May 27 start of the offseason conditioning program.


He said there probably will be full participation, but he holds out the possibility that a player might be exempt because of extenuating circumstances or financial reasons. Even if a player is not present for the workouts in Manoa, each player has been given a conditioning program to work out on his own.

UH’s spring semester ends today, with the commencement ceremony set for tomorrow. The mainland players who will be visiting their families are expected to return by the Memorial Day weekend. The opening of the offseason conditioning program coincides with the May 27 start of UH’s first summer session.

COMMENTS

  1. Hodor May 16, 2014 8:01 am

    Hodor! Hodor!


  2. Alnbama May 16, 2014 8:17 am

    Work hard and prepare to do Battle this season ‘Warriors’.


  3. TheDeep May 16, 2014 8:19 am

    3


  4. Rodney May 16, 2014 8:20 am

    Go warriors! Imua!!


  5. Ipu Man May 16, 2014 8:24 am

    Hope their conditioning plan includes plenty of running in the sand and waist high water…


  6. Haleakala May 16, 2014 8:28 am

    Beemer – conditioning, strength, speed, flexibility, perseverance. Yes!


  7. Old School Dave May 16, 2014 8:29 am

    Out with the mixed plates and in with the Quinoa and brown rice!!


  8. tommui May 16, 2014 8:31 am

    GOOD MORNING HAWAII!

    Go Beemer!


  9. PurpleMaple May 16, 2014 8:35 am

    Prepare for the Huskies !!!


  10. Pukalani boy May 16, 2014 8:47 am

    Get in condition guys for the long season.


  11. Stephen Tsai May 16, 2014 8:55 am

    The beauty of today’s summer session: Many classes are hybrids or on-line only.


  12. Andrew May 16, 2014 9:08 am

    11.

    Hybrids are the best of both worlds. Especially with certain areas of studies though, summer takes even more dedication than fall or spring semesters considering how short it is and how much work they pack in.


  13. tommui May 16, 2014 9:26 am

    Only $1,380.00 has been raised in the “University of Hawai‘i Athletics has the highest travel costs in the country”.

    It’s a legitimate fundraiser – so don’t hesitate!


  14. jm2375 May 16, 2014 9:50 am

    Good morning Tsaikos!

    Best wishes to all the UH graduates!

    I already “give” to UHAD with my PSCs in 2 sports. I prefer to give directly to the teams themselves through their respective booster clubs.


  15. Warrior Dave May 16, 2014 9:50 am

    Coach Beemer is the best hire under Chow. I can see the olinemen looking leaner in their jersey’s. They also don’t look as winded in the 4th quarter.


  16. hossana May 16, 2014 9:57 am

    Besides increased strength,flexibility, agility, speed in their physical conditioning, how about their intelligence and knowing when and what to do on the field….you can have the strongest on the field but if they lack intelligence and doesn’t know what they’re doing, well, then you end up with losing campaigns like UH for the past 4-5 yrs.


  17. Andrew May 16, 2014 10:01 am

    15.

    Agreed. Although it’s only a matter of time until a big time school notices his success and lures him away with the big $$. Hopefully UH can keep him as long as possible.


  18. Da Punchbowl Kid May 16, 2014 10:18 am

    Bigger, faster, stronger with good cardio. Work hard Warriors!


  19. SteveM May 16, 2014 10:22 am

    Good morning everyone!

    ainbama — long time! Attending any road games this year?


  20. d1shima May 16, 2014 10:44 am

    Great Morning All!

    wait….gotta catch my breath just thinking about all the running, lifting and assorted activities planned by Coach Beeman.


  21. begreen May 16, 2014 10:45 am

    So, what’s up with wittek?


  22. Steve P May 16, 2014 10:49 am

    99% participation in off season conditioning is really good. I don’t believe we have ever had that high a percentage…and perhaps one of the reasons we did not hold up well against bigger schools. I know Chow is legitimately trying to build a program that can stand against the larger conference schools and I think he’s on the right track.

    I also would like to say this: I am of the belief that encouragement gets real results, where as criticism containing the kind of vitriol that we find on these boards from time to time achieves nothing—–nothing whatsoever. This does not include a coach correcting a player whose executing wrong…that’s something else, just goo education. But we come from a society that sometimes really goes overboard in criticism of their teams….to the point that its so counter productive that one has to wonder about the emotional stability of those launching into that kind of criticism of coaches and programs. I mean, crap, its only a game guys…..not worth a moments grief from any of us. I think everyone should keep that in mind….I will.


  23. nutmegger May 16, 2014 11:00 am

    I agree with Steve P, about encouragement, not so much about football just being a game. Encouragement does get real lasting results. You can’t turn a battleship on a dime, it takes time and many miles. Gotta give Norm Chow the time – it does seem we are beginning to turn the corner and are headed in the right direction.


  24. A-House May 16, 2014 11:13 am

    alnbama:

    nice to see you posting again!

    Will we see you on one of the road trips?


  25. Andrew May 16, 2014 11:31 am

    How many wins do you think Chow needs to get this year in order for you to feel comfortable with him continuing to be the coach?


  26. d1shima May 16, 2014 11:37 am

    Irrespective of W-L next season, how much $$$$ will you contribute to payoff his remaining contract obligation and fund the new HC’s salary?


  27. jeezy33 May 16, 2014 11:59 am

    With Cam Coffman going to wyoming, hawaii really dropping the ball in pursuit of finding a quality mountain west Qb.


  28. Andrew May 16, 2014 12:14 pm

    28.

    Maybe now that Wittek is out they might mention the QBs that wanted to transfer from those BCS schools that they mentioned earlier?


  29. papajoe2 May 16, 2014 12:18 pm

    So if Wittek goes to summer school and makes up his classes, Can he then transfer?
    With the UH processs, he could be eligible by the 6th game.


  30. papajoe2 May 16, 2014 12:20 pm

    NorthShoreFan,
    Where are you sushi and chicken sale going to be? I take it will be Saturday. May stop by if reasonable distance from Mililani.


  31. tommui May 16, 2014 12:40 pm

    #30 It is my understanding – don’t quote me! – that he will not be able to graduate till Dec leaving him only a year of eligibility.

    #26/27 Doubt if he even contributes $$ under the best of circumstances.


  32. nutmegger May 16, 2014 12:44 pm

    If the Warriors win five, Chow will survive.
    If the Bows win four, Chow will be no more.


  33. bowwar May 16, 2014 12:50 pm

    I agree with Nutmegger, 5 wins is probably the bottom-line with Chow…Anything below and he’s probably gone along with BJ.

    As for Wittek, I can’t say I didn’t tell everyone that was going to be the case…We should be looking at other potential transfers.

    On another note, it will be a “semi-miracle” if Shamberger graduates this summer, so the Missouri deal is problematical at best.


  34. Kilikili May 16, 2014 12:50 pm

    All the wasted type, words, and discussion regarding Wittek… his true colors shown thru. If he can’t even complete his required classes, he obviously lacks much effort and dedication! Waste ..


  35. maddog50 May 16, 2014 12:54 pm

    Certainly Agree with Steve P…..want nothing more than a winning season as I am sure many do including those directly involved. The Warrior faithful deserve a much improved team and results…..this program is on the right track and it will show this year. I am proudly sitting in blustery 45 degree weather with my “Hawaii” flag waving proudly in the breeze……lets get this thing done!!!!!! Go Warriors


  36. bowwar May 16, 2014 1:09 pm

    Sarkisian(sp?) must be laughing his head off, as Wittek is probably stuck with “toughing it out” and staying at USC or just trying to market himself with only one year of eligibility.


  37. 3-Prong May 16, 2014 1:14 pm

    Season tickets, parking pass…..check, check. Tailgating supplies, gotta check!

    It’s Aloha Friday, we in Paradise, almost Pau Hana, and I am TIRSTAY!!!!

    What, Saint or Trojans?


  38. Ralph May 16, 2014 1:44 pm

    #13 Honorable Judge, could it be because there is no link to the site on the UH web. I opened it after reading your blog entry, no Indiegogo or promo of travel subsidy fundraising listed or explained on the web.


  39. boolakanaka May 16, 2014 1:46 pm

    Beware a saint on a trojan horse.


  40. tommui May 16, 2014 2:09 pm

    #39 RALPH:

    It was first posted on May 9 by ST on The Warrior Beat “Fare Game” and apparently he checked our the bona fides with Derek Inouye and I did the same with the University Foundation. The fundraisers website and info is:

    https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/uh-highest-college-athletics-travel-costs-in-the-nation-help

    From what I understand from UHF is that indiegogo is a professional internet solicitation group – but the money is received by UHF from them. My contribution went though indiegogo and I later got an acknowledgment from both indiegogo and UHF that it was received.


  41. tommui May 16, 2014 2:21 pm

    From Fansided:

    “Initially, the only word as to why Texas pulled the offer was because of some off-filed issue, and this definitely falls into that category. So now Texas, Hawaii or any other FBS level institution that sought his services are out of luck because they would not have been able to put him on the field anyway.

    In regards to football, the best option on the table for Wittek right now is to transfer to a school at the FCS level and then transfer back into the FBS for the 2015 season when he’s eligible once again”

    Would anyone want a one-year eligible QB (unless he really turns out to be a sensation at a FCS level)?


  42. Andrew May 16, 2014 2:37 pm

    34.

    To me I think he needs to seriously be contending for bowl eligibility at this point. Five wins while an improvement from previous season is still low. If they do end up with only five (knock on wood), their losses better be close ones though.


  43. NorthShoreFan May 16, 2014 3:06 pm

    Papajoe….164 California Ave…below Kam Hwy….sales start at 10:00 am…

    If you come help…all the chicken you like for lunch!…lol!


  44. st. anthony trojan May 16, 2014 3:24 pm

    #41-while it is a step in the right direction….i believe 3 or so % is deducted for their services…

    the IT program at the school could have done a web site similar i believed if asked…
    if you gave to koa anuenue maybe 100 % would stay here…

    # 22 STEVE P: me agree with you 100 % as far as teaching goes…better to spread honey
    then vinegar…however …very very constructive criticism …not directed at coaches…should be encouraged by all….not malicious n pernicious like mr. FJ….but even that should be welcomed in our society….n a filled stadium with 7 or 8 winning seasons will silence him n many other critics of the program n the direction it is headed…..

    The program is ‘green’ …(new AD…NEW PRESIDENT SOON)…chow is ‘green’…few coaches are ‘green’ many players are ‘green’…we have to step back…relax…keep ‘watering’ the program….financially….spiritually….n physically…because ‘ONLY GREEN THINGS GROW’….

    There is a wealth oh experience here on this blog….hopefully someone will realize soon….how much can be gleamed from it for the benefit of UHAD…

    Case in point…blogger express visiting the UHAD site…n could not donate…cuz no info or link to it….
    Type in Google ‘UHAD’..go to 4 down…uh ticket sales….you can enter ur password…but cant register…so simple to add a link for them to register…they wont do….why not make it user friendly ?…maybe they have enough members now n don;t need more…

    IMUA


  45. st. anthony trojan May 16, 2014 3:30 pm

    Kilikili: # 35…good observation…if he cant take care his studies…how can he care n run a team…


  46. st. anthony trojan May 16, 2014 3:35 pm

    NorthShoreFan: in the 50’s was at Schofield….nothing much but pineapple fields kinda way down calif. ave..used to go park at nite n look the moon n lake wilson….he he he


  47. lesberealz May 16, 2014 3:37 pm

    we dont have a qb on roster to win us 7 games to make a bowl


  48. nutmegger May 16, 2014 3:46 pm

    There are 7 home games and 6 away. Of the 7 home games 2 are most likely L’s (Washington & Oregon State), 2 are most likely wins (N. Iowa, Wyoming) , of the remaining 3 I think our best chance of a win is Utah. So expect 3 home wins.

    Away games are always tough wins, but UNLV and Colorado are likely, so I think with these 2 then 5 wins are doable, reasonable expectations. Anything can happen, but most people are going to go through the same calculation and if Norm Chow hits these 5 wins, what more can you ask for? That is why

    If the warriors win five, Chow will survive.

    The next test will be 2015, because expectations will increase.


  49. jmor56 May 16, 2014 3:51 pm

    I wonder how the Star-Advertiser got the scoop on Wittek? So far every online article about Wittek not being able to transfer refers to the Star-Advertiser’s article.


  50. jacklegpreacher May 16, 2014 3:55 pm

    wittek didn’t take care of his academics…or he knew he wouldn’t graduate by summer and wanted to generate interest….or he didn’t get an offer from the school he wanted….or endless possibilities lol….who nose

    50. interesting-did he tell our ppl 1st that he wasn’t going to graduate? Out of respect because we were in the running? Or trying to get a look possibly to come here for his senior year?


  51. st. anthony trojan May 16, 2014 4:02 pm

    nutmegger…me agree you your assessment this year…4 me 7 or 8 is 2015 season…no matter who coach…cuz most will agree…we going in the right direction now…under full sail…like the Hokule’a
    and soon both programs will make all us here proud of what both accomplish…


  52. st. anthony trojan May 16, 2014 4:05 pm

    seems he (wittek) n ST…maybe closer then he n other schools…ST never gave up on him…maybe a phone call or txt….n ST had the scoop…


  53. d1shima May 16, 2014 4:10 pm

    …not a 9th island game. 😉


  54. nutmegger May 16, 2014 4:18 pm

    Oops – ok we win 4 home games and 1 away – still 5 wins


  55. nutmegger May 16, 2014 4:18 pm

    Better for the fans, yeah


  56. Maneki May 16, 2014 4:33 pm

    UH get 2 wins this year. Chow will retain his job. Just look what Ben decided to do with Coach Trap after another losing season. Mediocrity breeds a new contract extension in Manoa.


  57. Andrew May 16, 2014 4:45 pm

    Anyone going to the game @ Boulder?


  58. Ralph May 16, 2014 5:08 pm

    #13 #41 Judge Mui, that is why the total is so low, only those who saw the link on the WB donated, one day posting of the link will not get it done. Why isn’t the link promoted on the UH athletics web? Left hand not communicating with the right hand, the brain is asleep.


  59. nutmegger May 16, 2014 5:17 pm

    Maybe one of the Star Advertiser sports columnists can mention the link.


  60. st. anthony trojan May 16, 2014 5:23 pm

    Well they had a few games last year….that if not so many mental errors…maybe we could
    have won…

    So maybe this year we get a bit lucky n have the ball bounce our way…
    I am thinking….strive to win the first two…but if win one n loose one.we be ok…

    We do have a lot of time to prepare 4 the first game….n so do they..
    So could be a very interesting tight game…i hope so……n if we do loose…at least be competitive n not more then one touchdown…


  61. st. anthony trojan May 16, 2014 5:25 pm

    nutmegger: thumbs up for that….should help huh…


  62. gobows May 16, 2014 5:36 pm

    wonder how the parents feel, buggah doing all that traveling and he no can grad yet. lose money.


  63. gobows May 16, 2014 5:42 pm

    too bad former hawaii recruit harris ross won’t be making the trip to aloha. sat too low.


  64. nutmegger May 16, 2014 6:00 pm

    st. anthony trojan – I think we have a good chance to do better, but if the question is how many wins for Norm Chow to keep his job, I feel he should be judged on what can reasonably be expected. I like what I hear from the former football guys on this blog, so am optimistic this team will find a way to win more.

    QBs are strange animals. I think there is a mind/spirit thing that goes on between the QB and the o-line and receivers. I’m a science guy, but sometimes receptions are made that should never happen. I don’t see a Wittek dropping in to Hawaii and having that connection – I feel Higgins and Woolsey have carried water, felt the pain and want it more than a Wittek.


  65. NorthShoreFan May 16, 2014 6:53 pm

    SA Trojan…#47…must have been nice…us guys was Kaena Pt and all the cone field in between….pineapple leaf too sharp!…lol


  66. NorthShoreFan May 16, 2014 6:53 pm

    cane…


  67. Rodney May 16, 2014 6:54 pm

    I want to play USC again!!!!!!!!!


  68. Expat May 16, 2014 7:24 pm

    It might be disappointing that Wittek is out of consideration. Not sure that he was the answer. Regardless, before anyone else gives him a hard time for not taking care of academics consider that he was trying to graduate from USC with a bachelor degree in 3 years all while being an athlete in a demanding program. I realize that others, like Schroeder, were able to do a similar thing, but there is nothing easy about getting a degree in three years.


  69. nutmegger May 16, 2014 7:39 pm

    Nothing easy about getting a degree in four years either.


  70. 808WarriorFan May 16, 2014 8:02 pm

    As far as “projections” go as to our win-loss record in 2014, “IF” our defense improves we should have a better year. There were a few games last year we “should” have won but our “D” let us down…Fresno State, Wyoming, and San Diego State come to mind.


  71. tommui May 16, 2014 8:33 pm

    #60 RALPH: ” Why isn’t the link promoted on the UH athletics web? Left hand not communicating with the right hand, the brain is asleep.”

    The sense of public relations and promotion at UH surpasses all understanding.


  72. Stephen Tsai May 16, 2014 8:49 pm

    From what I understand, it wasn’t necessarily his fault he didn’t graduate on time.


  73. Stephen Tsai May 16, 2014 8:51 pm

    But, hey, if Wittek graduated in three years at USC, that would have been an accomplishment.


  74. PurpleMaple May 16, 2014 8:57 pm

    If you think it will be a four or five win season in 2014, then it will be a three win season in 2015. Too many graduating starting seniors on defense this year. Team needs a seven-win season this year which is a 13-game season. A four or five win season will not increase fan attendance or revenue. Plus, UH needs to play in the Hawaii Bowl to boost fan and revenue base. It has to be this year. 2015 has Hawaii playing away games at Ohio St and Wisconsin. And so far, there is no Northern Iowa FCS team on the 2015 schedule.


  75. Stephen Tsai May 16, 2014 9:22 pm

    The way I figure it, if UH wins a lot or not a lot, it won’t matter to some people. People who say they’ll stop going to games probably never went in the first place.


  76. Stephen Tsai May 16, 2014 9:25 pm

    As for contracts, it doesn’t seem like a big deal. If the AD wants to extend a coach, just extend the coach. I have no idea why there are delays.


  77. al May 16, 2014 9:39 pm

    74…st, has that have anything to do with “the sark and chow feud”?


  78. Stephen Tsai May 16, 2014 9:54 pm

    Al
    No. It’s sort of the plot to Godfather III.


  79. al May 16, 2014 10:03 pm

    wow…deep stuff. send out the ncaa investigative committee.


  80. al May 16, 2014 10:10 pm

    too bad…one day you can write the tale of the would be warrior.

    …next please!?


  81. kapakahi May 16, 2014 11:10 pm

    #78,

    Cuz that’s the way it’s always been at UH.


  82. st. anthony trojan May 16, 2014 11:44 pm

    Congratulations….St. Louis ….n Maryknoll….the bishops must be happy….

    Yes have to give him credit 4 that…to bad he could not graduate in 3 years…n if not all his
    fault…must hurt him n parents…to bad cannot turn back the clock s few months for him…

    NorthShoreFan:…yea me was lucky…i had a sgt. that a car i could borrow…was nice…

    PurpleMaple: …well players always get hurt n underclassmen have to step…so those seniors who move on in 2015….well i am certain…their shoes be filled by bigger…faster…n more athletic players…just hope not many injuries with the 99% conditioning program starting on the 27th.

    nutmegger: yea agree…wishing with addition of clune (me messed up his name b 4 as cluney…which was a cop on maui during whiteys days there) n gouveia…n more aggressive defense….that side of the ball should be ok….

    Now if we can only replace SS at QB…..


  83. PurpleMaple May 17, 2014 3:27 am

    sat…yes, you would expect younger players to step up, but the Warriors lose too much in 2014, just as the Washington Huskies lost key players from last season’s team on offense. They just won’t be as productive offensively with the loss of Keith Price, Bishop Sankey, Kevin Smith and Austin Seferian-Jenkins. It’s the ups and downs of college sports.


  84. Dennis Halloran May 17, 2014 7:08 am

    Wittek, a fellow MD Monarch alum wasn’t the answer. He has the measurables, but needs to be in a program for awhile. Best bet is to stay at USC, get degree and alumni status( which is a biggie in So Cal)
    We can win well with who is on campus, but OLINE is the answer and the question.


  85. mo808 May 17, 2014 7:17 am

    Good morning folks!

    I am hoping for a very good year for our RB Warriors!

    Hoping for enough W’s to get back to the Christmas Bowl!

    Seven would be Heaven! 🙂

    Go BOWS!


  86. Steve P May 17, 2014 8:19 am

    Frankly speaking, I saw Wittek play and did not feel he had an arm or speed that was much different than our Graham. So, I don’t think we’ve lost much.


  87. Rodney May 17, 2014 8:55 am

    Ahhh Shoooots! Wittek would of been sweet!
    Alright next!!!!!!!!!!!! We need a QB!!!!!!!Dbs to!!


  88. Shoko May 17, 2014 9:18 am

    Think Wittek would be better off transferring and sitting out a year rather than stay at SC to finish up his degree in December. Or he could transfer to an FCS school like Joe Flacco did and hope he has ehough success where it improves his draft stock.


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