Day-after ramblings
• Give credit to the fans. Maybe they weren’t all there for a couple of games this year, but when it counted — last night — they were loud and supportive longer than the game was suspenseful. They did their job, and for that, UH should thank them.
• There didn’t seem to be any flow to the season. I blame the 36-day break between home games, Central Arkansas to Fresno State. You can’t re-start a season, and that’s what happened. UH is the dean of WAC members. It needs to start using its senior power. The first test: the Warriors have back-to-back road games in 2010 against Army (in New York) and Colorado. The next game must be at Aloha Stadium. The WAC schedule comes out in the spring.
• UH marketing actually has some decent ideas. What it needs to do is put them all down on paper, take the best and spread them over the home season. UH always treats the final game like North end zone seating. Throwing long giveaways, an untimed halftime show (it went at least 10 minutes before the 20-minute clock was activated), and Senior Night activities into one game, well, it was too much. Which brings us to …
• The deterioration of Senior Night. It took about 25 minutes from the end of the game to the introduction of the first senior. By then, there were a few hundred people left in the stands. And there was no final walk around the field. Once again, too many people crammed the entry way. The radio guys told me that from their booth, they could not see one senior being introduced. The mysterious fences made another appearance, but what was the purpose? I thought the fence was to keep people out; instead, it kept everyone in. What was once a joyful,spontaneous event was ruined by commercialism. And too many field passes. That’s too bad.
• The Warriors are creatures of habits. Same practice schedule the entire week. Fun walk-throughs on Friday afternoons. Movies on Friday nights. Chicken and pasta at every pre-game meal. Leave to the stadium at the same time, go through the same pre-game rituals. It’s a well-tested formula. Which is why it was puzzling that it would change the routine last night. Honoring the parents of seniors was a great idea. They trusted their sons to UH’s care, and they should be thanked and acknowledged. But as a sportscaster noted: “You can’t be hugging and crying with grandma, and then go out five minutes later and be ready to play a football game.” Maybe next time the parents should be introduced while the players remain in the locker.
• It seemed every opponent this year had an imposing offensive line and fast, athletic defensive ends. Easier said than done, but that should be the emphasis of UH’s recruiting. There are some good ones in the wings — Paipai Falemalu, Liko Satele, Earvin Sione — but UH needs more.
• Several coaches go on the road tomorrow to recruit.
• UH red-shirted some key players, such as Malcolm Lane, Brysen Ginlack, Brett Leonard, Aaron Brown. There are some transfers already in the program. Next step: Get Brashton Satele, Laupepa Letuli and Rocky Savaiigaea an extra year.
• Jon Lister joins in January. Is he the missing power back?
• The Hawai‘i Bowl missed an opportunity to really push selling tickets after the Navy game.
• Nevada’s a fun team to watch, but in recent years, it doesn’t bring a lot of fans to its bowl games. That’s a shame.
• Add defensive tackle to the list of players who are redshirting this season.
• UH needs to hire an offensive G.A. as soon as possible. Did you know that position has a hiring waiting period? Not sure why, since it’s the equivalent of a football scholarship. Good thing UH doesn’t require recruits to go through a waiting period. “The 12-member search committee will interview the five finalists for the running back’s scholarship …”
• Forget last night. But shouldn’t UH start marketing Bryant Moniz as a Heisman Trophy candidate? If healthy and on his game, he should be a 4,000-yard passer/500-yard runner next year. As the saying goes, the worst shots are the ones not taken.
• I’m getting drawing withdrawals.
First?
Carrying over from the previous entry:
Last night’s game was what it was. I have a hunch we’ll see Wisconsin back on the island in a few years’ time. I wonder what it is with the likes of USC and Wisconsin seemingly catching us in our ‘down’ years…..or at least that’s the perception I’m getting. Oh well.
On a lighter note, snowfall yesterday in the beltway! Didn’t enjoy spending time scraping it off my windshield and back window, though.
Actually I didn’t scrape ALL the snow off my car. I just took enough off so I can drive safely, then took the car for a spin on the freeway going 70-75mph, letting the rest of it fall off, slowly but surely, and perhaps peeving a few other drivers off as well.
👿
Top 5! Well, next year will be better – too much key injuries this year.
Congrats to Dave Shoji and the Raiboe Wahine! Great games. Can’t wait till Friday. Go Rainbow Wahine!!
Is there not going to be an open QB competetion next year or is Moniz for sure the starter next year? Would like to see the other QB’s get a shot.
Warrior fan now and always!
The only team that matters.
Warriors, thank you for your hard work and dedication!
Warrior fan FOR LIFE!
Thank you Hawaii Warriors for your valiant efforts.
Top 10!
CRW – #3 & 4 – hehehehe. Glad you know how to drive in snow. Saw pics of snow in Fredericksburg. Very pretty when it first fall, then ewwwwwwwwwwww.
Thank you, Seniors, for your contributions to the Warrior program.
The best of everything in your future.
(brought this over from another blog, edits are welcomed.)
Class of 2009
Jon Medeiros
Chris Black
Inoke Funaki
Greg Alexander
Brashton Satele
Jayson Rego
Leon Wright-Jackson
Craig Bell
Kimo Alo
Viliami Nauahi
Victor Clore
Joshua Rice
Tuika Tufaga
Blaze Soares
Bo Montegomery
John Estes
John Fonoti
R.J. Kiesel-Kauhane
Ray Histake
Raphael Ieru
Aaron Kia
Daniel Johnson
Antwan “Tua” Mahaley
Chris Leatigaga
Rocky Savaiigaea
Top 12
Banquet is this afternoon — right between Toys for Tots ride and men’s basketball tonight.
OK, what’s with the scheduling?
Anyway, my picks:
MVP — Greg Salas
Most Inspirational — Blaze Soares
Good morning! I just wanted to say mahalo to the Tsaikos for making me and my “Power Ranger” boys feel very welcome and for stuffing me with ono food. Wish I could have stayed around to meet Stephen and Greg Salas’ parents. At least I got to see the navy uniform guy (sorry, so many names to remember). I would like to give a special thank you to (girl) Robin for giving me a chance to get out of “mommy mode” for a while. I’m a big UH fan, but haven’t been to a game in over 15 years. Even though it was sad, I had a great time. Maybe I’ll see all of you again next season!
Good Morning Tsaikos !!!
Thanks Warriors for a great season. I agree with ST the long season on the road to begin the season was unreasonable for any team to endure. Despite the hardships, the Warriors came to play every game. I am just tired of getting disrespected by the WAC and by the NCAA.
Go Warriors !!!
P.S. Also a great job by the UH Warrior Marching Band
Good game for Bess..10 catches…Miami upsets NE
Thank you Warriors,
For the departing seniors the day after the last game of their football careers, is probably one of the saddest days of their lives.
For some of the former players, I think they are overwhelmed with emotions today. And where in their minds echos the voice… that’s it’s over.
Also, where in their minds they can trace back the beginnings as little tots, where they played football with neighbor’s and other tots out on the street, to when they first put on the pads during their Pop Warner days, to high school, and then onto their career at Hawaii.
As much as the day after is a finality for the departing seniors it’s also a day for reflection. And that is the sad part.
Football has been in their blood since they were a tot and now the transition. This is a day where some players want their privacy.
Tomorrow and for the rest of their lives (esp. for the ones not having the chance in continuing the career at the next level) there will be no more wind sprints, no more practices, no more films, no more early wake ups, no more road trips and no more being around their coaches and team mates in a team setting.
And to some this day of reckoning adds a deep emptiness as they face this impending void.
And to others they’ll be burdened with the thought they let down their team mates, families, classmates and friends by not making it to a post season bowl game.
The end of the road for these players won’t hit them until they clear out their locker, turn in their equipment and gear and sign out on their paperwork. They probably be choked with tears at this time.
In closing, I’m acknowledging to all twenty four seniors that choose Hawaii.I am recognizing that football is a hard road to take and it does leave ones with scars to body and mind. And they’re very deserving of basking in the effervescence of the fan’s appreciation.
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How long until the next football game?
I think that I am going through withdrawls already!!
Running Santa and parking lot fireworks were the best part of last night.
Raiders beat the Steelers!
Too bad they didn’t do the same to the Cowboys Ralph!
Congratulations on their win today though…on any given Sunday….as they say.
My pick for most inspirational player is Inoke Funaki. He was the ultimate team player in helping to bring along Greg Alexander and the other quarterbacks during the last two off seasons even though it would eventually cost him his job at quarterback. He always had a positive attitude even though he ended up in the dog house and was never really given a chance to play any position during his senior season by the coaching staff. He is also one of the nicest and most humble kids that you will meet. He will go far in life and his unselfish giving spirit of aloha should be an inspiration to all of his teammates.
I agree about Moniz!
And if the Athletic Department has any sense they will give senior night back to the seniors..
Richie-
You are absolutely right about Funaki!
My pick for most awesome is Inoke Funaki.
My pick for second most awesome is Blaze Soares.
My pick for the best football player this year is Greg Salas.
My pick for he came off the bench and he did his best was Bryant Moniz.
Anyone around here from NoCal or traveling in the area going to be at Stanford next weekend to cheer on the Wahine?
Interesting scene last night out on the concourse where someone had set up a peition drive to fire Coach Mack. I asked the guy if he had $.3 million in his checking account to pay off the balance of the contract – he claimed that firing for cause – defined as stupidity in this case – negates the clause so no need to look for payoff money. I damned near decked him.
Anyhow, we have m & w basketball and men’s volleyball and baseball and softball plus the “lesser” sports to cheer for before April rolls around.
Hope to see some of you at tonight’s men’s basketball game or today’s football luncheon celebration. We’re leaving for town in about two minutes.
BTW – anyone want a ticket to Wednesday night’s men’s basketball game with Chaminade. Have to go to a must-go-to meeting.
My pick for most awsomest fan is bhf2!
Moniz is not a QB! If Moniz is our future then i’m giving up my season tickets and not buying stuff from the Murphy’s pigout. Moniz is a Funaki look alike and Coach Mac said 5 weeks ago on the radio “Funaki is not a QB”. Austin is a Graunke look alike. See coach Mac! BACHI! thats what you get for making up some excuse that Rausch had an arm injury after naming him the starter from the start of last year, when he didn’t have anything wrong with his arm. That’s why Rausch threatened to transfer after last season and now he’s not getting a chance because of that!
good morning tsaikos country and warrior fans. another fine day with the sun shinning brightly but downer cause of da warriors not getting the drive for 5 completed.
mahalo to the seniors for putting in their time representing the UH. good luck to you and best wishes for a successful future. have a fine time at the banquet tonight.
congrats to the wahines and dshoji and continued success next week. go wahines.
We used to always stay for the Senior Walk. I feel bad because we didn’t this year. But now that ST reports that there was a 25 minute wait for the first Senior to get introduced, I’m kind of glad we didn’t.
However, I’d like to add our thanks to all the Senior Warriors! Once a Warrior, always a Warrior!
oh forgot to send out my thanks to all who made this season special by attending the tgates making it fun, family, friendship, fuud and football related. enjoyed the time getting together for every game at the cabana or at the designated hot spot. special mahalo to the cabana crew that assisted with the prepping (you guys rock
)
Inoke Funaki for GA.
I want to thank all the players for their hard work and efforts. Senors I am sad to see you go. I wish you the best. To those returning I’ll see you at the USC game. Time to prepare is now.
Give the Seniors their night back…here’s what you do:
As the team runs through the helmet, Seniors out first in a group leading the rest of the team. Have the announcer say: “Here come the Senior Hawaii Warriors and their team.” Until the game is OVER, there is NO time for individual recognition…they are part of a TEAM! The individual intro and family thing is just ridiculous to have before the game.
Then, after the game let the Seniors immediately do their walk around the stadium while the announcer says something about each individual one and their families. Once they have made their rounds (20-30 minutes) THEN have them gather mid-field for the rest of whatever “commercial” stuff needs to be done. This way, the fans and the Seniors have their moment together. THAT’S the tradition and THAT’S what it’s all about…the Seniors and the fans.
Can’t wait for next year…it’s going to be great!!!!
Kona Girl,
Good suggestions. I hope someone who has a say is reading this.
ST & Kona Girl: Great suggestions for Senior Night – hope JD adopts them.
It is nice for the S&L to give plaques to the seniors – but can’t they do it in private instead of making it a media (and long-winded) event?
I’m sure we will miss Bigwiezie’s $$ which probably is more talk than actuality.
This season made for excellent and suspenseful football in the “playoff scenario.” although it really shouldn’t have been this way…
Wisconsin has the size, speed, strength and dare I say a better coaching staff than we do. I have never seen other schools out play and out coach us during the second half so much.
I didn’t expect a win but I did expected a better offensive performance rather than practically no offensive performance whatsoever. We may need to rethink our offense and even consider bringing in an actual collegiate o-coordinator who actually coordinates the offense as the job title would indicate…..
Looking ahead to next year we are sure going to have work on a bunch of things to avoid another season like this.
The house that June built has nice leather couches, redecorated bedrooms, and a better field turf lawn…but it doesn’t quite feel like home sweet home.
Hoping for a better 2010.
wow Warriormojo is in the hale! where have you been?
I hear a rumble coming from Kauai, is it the heavy storm front or two Na Wahine stomping their feet after the Redskins go down in OT
Thank you to the enitire football team, especially the seniors. We are all human beings — sometimes we win, sometimes we lose and most of all nobody’s perfect. You gave it your all and most fans really appreciate the sacrifices and hard work that you did to represent UH and Hawaii Nei.
With that said, ignore (and I know it’s difficult) the comments of #27. I probably should not even react to that posting, but I just can’t see “kicking
a person(s) when he (they) is down.
Bryant Moniz looks like a qb to me. But as we all know you need more than one qb to complete the season.
Nice video on sportsmanship…kind of makes me get ready for softball/baseball now that football is all pau..
http://www.responsibilityproject.com/films/player/the-home-run
mbb three winnable games against teams that are struggling- Lamar, Chaminade and Chicago State. I call them cream puffs, I wonder what their fans are calling UH with its 2-4 record.
I hope to see da Kurtz tonight.
wbb their next game is against my Alma Mater, Kansas State, in the Las Vegas Classic. KSU is off to a poor start, only one bona fide starter, Ashley Sweat, returning, loss of their point guard and top rebounder really hurt and its taking them longer to find the right chemistry. Should be an interesting matchup, similar in size and heart.
Raiders beat Cincy, Pitt and Philley but lose to everyone else, go figga. But we got the ‘skins next week, should be money in the bank.
Ralph . . .
You, sir, are a very brave man.
Bwah-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha!
I hate to say it, but looking realistically at the QB position, with the kind of yardage we’ve racked up, our scoring average should have been 21 points higher. So, why haven’t we?
Look at our yardage, did Moniz throw even half of that? Heck, Salas alone had almost half of our output.
The games we won in the second half of the season, we won with defense. I like Moniz, I’m just hoping that he’s not our savior.
Was he the best we had right now? Absolutely, he deserves a scholarship, but too often, when we needed touchdowns, we got breakdowns instead. And don’t blame it always on the coaches, so many times I was yelling at the TV, because he didn’t see the open play, especially in the redzone.
Anyhow, I like him, but we have to open competition, for the programs sake.
Good luck to all the seniors! doesn’t matter, win or lose, it’s always fun to watch a UH Warrior game. Tough season, looking forward to spring!
going into recruiting season, would the the program be better off giving Mac a contract extension at this point? After next season he has 2 years left, Recruiting wise, wouldn’t it be beneficial to a program for a head coach to have at least 4 or 5 years remaining on a contract? …just wondering, not sure if it would a play a factor if a key recruit is looking at that or not? Interesting to see how it plays out..
I hear a few more women screaming and hollering as the Cowboys go down with nomo Romo. So calm down PP and Rob, we all know Romo hasn’t been the same without Jessica. lol
Dr. Ralph – it’ll be money in the bank for da Redskins!!! HTTR!!! 😀
So where’s da pikchas of SailorBlue from yesterday?
Respect the guys for not given up and know we need to recruit,recruit for depth and a FG kicker
You have got to be kidding me, Boise State vs. TCU? I don’t want to watch the two mid-majors face off, I want to see them face the big boys!
Just looking at the faces of the TCU players says it all…they got screw*d! This just shows how flippin’ biased the BCS is to their own…UNBELIEVABLE!!!!
Jason:
Agreed. Pathetic regarding the Boise-TCU matchup in the Fiesta Bowl.
Yes, I wanted both of these teams to play in a BCS game, but I didn’t want them to play each other, which some folks felt was going to happen.
Jason – just shows how corrupt the BCS system really is.
TCU versus Boise means “hey, you little guys can play each other”.
They’re cowards – if they split up Boise and TCU, then they risk
a) 2 non-BCS teams beating BCS teams and smudging the BCS image
b) 2 non-BCS teams winning more money
Sure, both could lose, but chances are at least one will win…which is the case anyway if they play each other. Minimize risk, maximize the protection of the BCS image. I call BS yet again with the BCS.
Ugh… Cincy versus Florida… please… you could split them up Cincy versus Boise, TCU versus Florida.
I have other names for Romo…Ralph you should know that. Can’t blame it all on him as the defense hasn’t been picking up the slack when the offense struggles.
The schedule doesn’t get any easier for them for the rest of December. They better strap it up and get ready to finish out the regular season.
Didn’t TCU and BSU just play in a bowl game last year (Poinsettia Bowl in San Diego)? That is a pretty unfortunate matchup, as it would have been nice to see TCU vs. Florida…
Frankly, I do not care about any of the matchups in the BCS bowls except for Alabama vs. Texas. I *do* care about how UH will get BCS money from both TCU and BSU.
Garret:
Yes. TCU and Boise played each other in last year’s Poinsettia Bowl. I guess the BCS didn’t care to take that into consideration.
From a purely football standpoint, this is a good matchup. Unfortunately, I sense that this matchup was made simply to protect the BCS interests. I don’t think they’d want to split up TCU and Boise to different BCS bowls and see both of them potentially winning, thereby creating an even bigger divide regarding the BCS system as a whole.
The Warriors season is over, but there is still a lot of collegate football to be played. We can now see the best of the best. Like this one…
http://backporch.fanhouse.com/2009/12/02/florida-states-zebrie-sanders-doesnt-get-out-of-his-stance/?icid=main|htmlws-main-w|dl7|link4|http%3A%2F%2Fbackporch.fanhouse.com%2F2009%2F12%2F02%2Fflorida-states-zebrie-sanders-doesnt-get-out-of-his-stance%2F
Great job by Bess in today’s game!
CRW,
Actually I think that this matchup hurts the MWC…if TCU and BSU had gone to different games (especially if 1 of them faced a relatively weak Cincy), then that would help the MWC’s case to become a BCS conference.
At least this way there will only be the media at one bowl game that talks about BSU going to the MWC and the MWC’s case to become a BCS conference. I think that the MWC is pointing at the Big East as part of their case to become a BCS Conference, and I think that both TCU and BSU would have beaten Cincy.
I guess we should cheer for TCU to beat BSU to hurt the MWC’s AQ hopes…but either TCU or BSU winning a BCS bowl would help the MWC.
Moniz for the Heisman??? Seriously??? How about let’s see him put together a couple of scoring drives in a row against good competition. He looked horrible against Wisconsin. He’s got poor arm strength and missed a number of wide open receivers.
If UH starts a campaign for Moniz to be a Heisman candidate, does that mean that all the talk about an open QB competition was just a smoke screen? With 7 scholarship QBs in Fall camp (assuming Moniz gets his scholarship), does that mean that the other 6 QBs are looking to compete for the limited reps that the #2 QB gets and the other 5 scholarship QBs will know well in advance that all they will get are “mental reps”.
Announcing that Moniz will be the starter and putting UH’s limited marketing money behind him will really decrease the incentive for the other QBs to work hard and improve this offseason. Even if the open competition is just lip service, the UH program would be better served to keep that a secret until after Fall camp is halfway through so that the other QBs work hard to improve. We all saw how QBs can get injured and how UH will need game-ready backup QBs, so giving them incentive to work hard is important for the program.
Recruit well and all will be OK Josh Quezada ( four TD’s in last night’s semi’s)is a must get and then lots of line depth. Every thing begins up front. Take away the injuries and we had a 9-10 win year.Thx to all the seniors and get your degrees!
My HS, My college and My UH all had disappointing years so I hope for my daughter’s alma Mater, Kansas to make everything better in Roundball.
Stay safe on the North Shore! We are going to rained on heavily in So Cal
TCU and Boise, 34 million dollar jackpot, we get a share. JD must be smiling, please JD don’t watch the tape of last night’s game, enjoy the smell of BCS money. Maybe next year it will be our turn again, maybe not, but the boys will come to play you can bank on it.
Dennis Halloran,
Unfortunately, it looks like Quezada is going to BYU or Utah and UH will have to go to the next RB on their list. This quote from Quezada was from last week.
Regarding # 27
(“Moniz is a Funaki look alike and Coach Mac said 5 weeks ago on the radio “Funaki is not a QB” “)
Only someone who is not paying attention to UH football would say something like that.
(See coach Mac! BACHI! thats what you get for making up some excuse that Rausch had an arm injury after naming him the starter from the start of last year, when he didn’t have anything wrong with his arm.)
You sound like you belong to the Obama was born in Kenya crowd.
(That’s why Rausch threatened to transfer after last season and now he’s not getting a chance because of that!)
So his broken pinkie was a huge conspiracy? Or was he brainwashed into believing his pinkie was broken?
Garret:
I agree about this matchup hurting the MWC’s case for BCS inclusion. That said, if my analysis is correct, the Fiesta Bowl had little choice but to take both of those teams, as the alternatives could have been even worse for them in terms of attendance and/or economic impact. See my line of thought and correct me if needed:
With Sugar and Fiesta losing their contractual conference champions to the title game, they get first pick of at-larges, Sugar first, then Fiesta.
Sugar takes Florida (obviously), Fiesta takes either TCU or Boise. Once those picks are made, and the remaining contractual teams placed in their appropriate games, the pecking order becomes:
Orange, Fiesta, Sugar. Rose would be last, but since that matchup is already set, this is a moot point.
Orange selects Iowa to go up against Ga. Tech. Fiesta is now down to either the other non-BCS squad, 3-loss Va. Tech, or Cincy. Which one do you think they took? The other non-BCS team, of course, leaving the Sugar with no choice but to pit Cincy against Florida.
CRW,
You are correct, the Fiesta Bowl had no choice but to do the TCU vs. BSU matchup. Trying to do otherwise would have hurt their bowl game *and* would have cost UH money because BSU would probably have been left out of the BCS bowl lineup.
I just wish that the Fiesta Bowl could have trade with the Sugar Bowl so that the Fiesta Bowl could have had Florida. However, I do not see anyway to convince the Sugar Bowl to give up Florida!
“trade” should have been “traded”
Bad night, last night. Warriors lost… I lost my voice… wanted to see the senior night commencement, but it took too dang long… wife’s parents called before it started so we walked outside where it was quieter… then headed to the cabanas where wifey’s prescription sun glasses fell from her small bag and as she turned to pick them up in the dark, she stepped on them and crushed the lens and snapped the frame, so I didn’t get to wait around to greet the rest that were still at the senior night tribute.
Then had to get up at 6 am today to pack the van to take the wifey to the craft fair at Castle High… ..phew… just got back…
No bowl game this year… too bad. Last night was a very very odd performance. The Defense couldn’t get stops and turn overs… the Offense couldn’t get first downs and gave up a couple of turn overs. They didn’t look like the Warriors at all.. even Moniz’s passes were often a bit out of reach. On two or three plays, our receivers didn’t even look back to see the ball coming… on a couple of others, there were no receivers in the nearby vicinity.
Just not what I was accustomed seeing. Just seemed like the QB was throwing under too much pressure… but I couldn’t tell if that were really the case.
Ah well.. gotta wait till spring practice.. and next season.
Thanks UH football team for all the fun for the fans this season.
Forget the couldofs, shouldofs, & wouldofs—it’s hard to play with injuries and most of you did. You did good. But now enjoy your life and
your education. And do what you enjoy the rest of your life—with gustoh!
You, too, coaches.
And Tsaikos.
(Isn’t Stephen Tsai great?)
Roger that Westsideview on the post above.
Well pointed and explained.
heisman, are you kidding me?
A starter QB should be given a scholie. Dedication, playership, discipline. Moniz has it. He displayed it by stepping up. I’m sure he will be taken care of for next season.
Heisman, Are you kidding me?
Good evening (afternoon) Tsaikos. I just want to say thanks to the Warriors for trying their best and look forward to another version of Warrior fb next year. The score was lopsided, but it was good to see that they did not give up.
On the other note, the coaches from top to bottom will need to get their act together. I believe they are due some slack this year, but next year, there will be no excuses. I will withhold any further comments about them till we start the new season next year.
The Tsaikos were more amazing as the years go by and to them I stand and salute you. Also want to wish you a Merriest of Christmas and Happiest of New Year.
Florida will not travel west of the Missippissi river.
Never.
No Fiesta or Rose for them.
Though I would of enjoyed watching them against the Bronc’s in Phoenix land. Out of their realm
porgot, will also wait till spring football to see who has the potential to be the starters in 2010. gut feeling, there will be changes cause there are too many good players either red shirting or incoming.
prediction for 2010, u of florida will not be in the top 10 next season when it ends.
neither will USC, Texas, or Oklahoma.
I’m gonna enjoy this Amusment park ride with one of our top conference teams in a BCS bowl.
Let’s all get the pass to hop on this train and root them on.
There good. Real Good.
GO WAC!
Plus,
Our Wahine VB.
There gonna make it to the top 4 to Tampa.
There good, REAL GOOD.
GO WAC
If Moniz wins the starting job and has an excellent junior season, then UH would be justified in a Heisman campaign for his senior season. Colt played more games in 2005 than Moniz and UH didn’t push for the Heisman for the 2006 season…it normally takes huge stats in one season to get the Heisman hype the following season for a player not at a high-profile power school.
Hey just wondering if anyone at the tailgate cabana or restrooms found a single key on a Dallas True Blue Fan Club keychain. My car key apparently fell out of my vest pocket yesterday and unfortunately I don’t have a spare.
Please let me know if you happened to have come across it yesterday afternoon. Thanks.
Hi, Tsaikos!
I had a great time at your tailgate! You guys rock; so friendly, so welcoming, great food, and good sports.
Thank you, Stephen, for the ticket, even though it was Slugger’s karma that got it.
Hopefully I’ll see you guys again.
from Husky Football Blog
There are a couple of reports tonight that UW has received at least a soft commitment from defensive tackle Lawrence Lagafuaina, a 6-2, 310-pounder from Honolulu.
Team did seem flat last night. Surprised they interfered with their concentration by starting Seniors Night before the game.
Here is a surprise, not.
Palin’s Father: She Left Hawaii Because Asians Made Her Uncomfortable
But Palin’s father, Chuck Heath, gave a different account to Conroy and Walshe. According to him, the presence of so many Asians and Pacific Islanders made her uncomfortable: “They were a minority type thing and it wasn’t glamorous, so she came home.”
UW signing Lagafuaina is also on ESPN.com recruiting section.
Agree with Garrett about the Heisman thing. Unless of course he can beat USC. Would be curious first if he starts next year. I think he is a great talent but still would have liked to see Austin or Rausch come in during the fourth quarter. Loved that Funaki finished up, giving he got screwed all season.
Another link about Lagafuaina. The good thing is that he’s still going to visit UH this coming weekend.
Enjoying my first BB game!!!
Mahalo Momo and nice to see so many Tsai-kos in da house!
Dragged my post over from the previous blog after it finally dawned on me that Liz and I were talking to ourselves lol
Betty and I are grateful to the Warriors for sticking together, showing character, and giving us an improbable run at the latter part of the season. Thanks guys, for your effort and heart.
Yes, it was disappointing last night, but give credit to Wisc for a very good defensive plan. Sure looked very much like Boise with the 4 man rush and man coverage on the outside receivers. My hopes are that the coaches will come up with an effective answer for next year. We really miss that big, fast threat on the outside to stretch the defenses. A lot of WAC teams don’t have two shut down corners and a D-line which can pressure with only 4 rushers…the better teams can.
What other Christmas wishes do I have? I surely wish ALL the bloggers out there a safe and most happy holiday season. Through the years, I’ve faithfully echoed Bulla’s signature motto: “Make (great) memories”.
royvic
I wanted to specifically thank you for staying on and adding to the blog. Early on, I didn’t see eye to eye with you. But, you’ve proven to be flexible and a consistent contributor. It’s only fair that I say so for all to see…thank you!
“Agree with Garrett about the Heisman thing. Unless of course he can beat USC. Would be curious first if he starts next year. I think he is a great talent but still would have liked to see Austin or Rausch come in during the fourth quarter. Loved that Funaki finished up, giving he got screwed all season.”
I would make a wager that Austin can get a W against USC…he’s been looking forward to that opportunity since his recruit visit to Stanford four years ago…right before he decided to play for JJ
OK. Last post for tonight…gotta get back to writing my paper for the final class of my course tomorrow.
I got a kick out of my Betty at the tailgate…hilarious. I got a little heated when the director came around to our cabana and tried to tell me that we were a “group/organization”…not allowed under the rules. He said we must be a group because we tell the guard on the road that we’re “Tsaikos” when we come in. Additionally, our banner that says, “Tsaikos…Wessai Chapter” is additional evidence that we MUST be a “group”. Kekoa moved up to provide direct fire support when my voice started getting loud while I was asserting that we have no business meetings, no dues, and no structure. Then I accused him of making up his own definitions and that I wanted to see the definitions of “group and organization” in writing since they prohibit them in writing. The guy started to back up when Kekoa showed up and he started to back up a little more when I started my tirade. Just then, Betty comes around the corner looking like she wasn’t too happy and I jumped in front of the director in mock alarm saying, “It’s OK Betty! Don’t get mad!” We give the director an out and tell him we won’t use “Tsaikos” to come in any more…shake his hand and let him scoot. Whew! Diana said Betty was going to beat him like a drum!
That’s my story and I’m going to stick to it…
Moniz Heisman talk is ridiculous, he would not even be playing if Alexander was healthy, and Brent’s finger wasn’t broken. He is a good football player but the QB position needs to be open because IMHO there are better QB’s who have redshirted this year.
If a certain QB would get a few of the freshmen WR together this winter, spring and summer they would be starting come fall.
Are summa you guys out of your ever loving minds?
Lets talk straight! Our team deserves straight talk. We ended the season on what we saw last nite. with our own eyes. the one thing I think we all we agree on is that our Warriors tried their best. the players did their best.
and I did not want our seniors to go out like that. they deserved better than that.
and I do not want our next year’s seniors to go out like that. they deserve more than that.
and I’ved got alot more to say. But not tonight. Am I upset? You can bet your car payment on dat!
It goes like this. Jim Zorn’s team lost today. Wasn’t his fault, directly. The kicker missed. The interceptor intercepted and then lost the struggle and the receiver stole the ball back and scored a TD. stuff happens in life.
what I was trying to say earlier today, the coach has to drive the train. the players make the plays. but we need a bonafide conductor. I ain’t saying fire the coach. I am saying to LIGHT A FIRE UNDER THE COACH’S BEHIND! and that is what I’m going to do. You can trust me to do that!
Yes. I am sooooooooooooooooooooooo upset! Its not Mack that I am upset with. Its the other coaches. They didn’t get his bac,! And that is a fact! They didn’t drive the players to success. And I will tell you why. But tnot tonight.
They know they coulda done better. Heck, I, a no nothing, know in my heart they coulda done betta. And so do you.
So all this idea about so and so gonna be the qb next year is bunk. be real. the qbs gotta scrap. and may the best man win. i ain’t sold on Rolo being the offensive coordinator either. I wanna ses progress. and that means giving Mack all the leeway he feels he needs to have.
and I mean it. I really do.
#68
What’s new…Hawaii gets beat out by better football schools. In day in the future we will be able to compete fiercely in recruiting. Oh yes, I have a dream. 🙂
I’m wondering how attendance will be at the Hawaii Bowl.
Over/Under 25,000?
I say under.
#48
Postmanke,
I guess it would be nice to have a contract extension for a coach to ensure the incoming class knows the coach will probably be along for 4-5 years.
I would be up to a contract extension (on VERY different terms) if we were say 10-3/11-2 kind of thing. After the performance this year…….I would be irritated (not surprised though, go figure haha) if they did give Mack an extension. He has not proved anything yet.
re: Moniz for Heisman…
Don’t get me wrong, I think he stepped in and given the situation he did a pretty good job….
But Heisman quality right now or even close?….That might be a hard sell.
I have nothing against him but given the carnival of quarterbacks situation we had this season it might be interesting to open up the competition and see who comes out ahead.
i am going to scream if there is any contract extension right now. not at his pay. not at this rate of success. Coach Mack has to show me he is a real coach. That means stopping, sitting back, looking at what he’s accomplished, look at things the we we fans see things, and demonstrate to me he is a smart man. show me. At the Wisconsin game, he did not show me.
Coach Jones already took care of him. And Coach Jones took care of us too. Face facts. He did not leave us well.. I’m betting under 22,000 at the Hawaii Bowl. I’m not going.
Reading the comments on how Funaki got “screwed” this year, it seems that something needs to be said about the coaches. People like Funaki don’t screw themselves and if such is the case, who did the “screwing of this young man” and why?
I sort of believe tht our “brainthrust” is a step slow for the game: too predictable, to caught in a box (paint by numbers, if you know what I mean).
So, is there going to be an evaluation of the coaching staff from top down? If so, then what?
Buffoman,
that is what we are doing right now.
explaining it in my simple simon way, my take is that nobody showed up like Paul Potts showed up. But Coach can. get all kinds of ways to show that you’re the top dog. Navy was one way. And because of the Navy game, for me the jury is still out. But I KNOW we have athletes on the team. REAL ATHLETES. but they gotta be coached up. Miano never get into Mana’s face. i no day get a nicey nicey kind relations. don’t get me wrong. I KNOW Mana was a three sports champ at Hilo. and i know he’s still growing, and he’s got great family and stuffs. and i know that we all get our bad days. but coach Rich gotta know he’d be doing the players a big favor is he is their coach and not their friend.
a champ coach is a champ coach. can see what he got, and develop em to be the best day can be. and dat neva happen last nite. no sir it did not! and i want better for next year. for the coaches. for the team.
so if the coaches wanna shut me up. then they gotta be more vocal. Carrol, Meyer, Savan, Murphy, Carroll, they are all vocal. polished.
thats what our coaches gotta be. vocal and polished. We deserve that.
under a one million dollar coach.
plick, i gotta headache. laters gang.
I think I will be going to the Sheraton Hawaii Bowl. First take the UH connection out of the picture. I like college football and like to watch a good game.
I also like JJ unlike my good friend bighilofan2, I also like the R&S an no one does it better than JJ. So I think I will go it should be a good game also gives me a chance to see old skinny legs get his butt kicked, as a matter of fact I think all of the Tsaikos should go, give us a good reason to have another tailgate.
BG..
For subsequent tailgates, maybe we should use the full polynesian names of the Warrior football team.. starting with the longest name first… and just say the Director wouldn’t let you use the abbreviated “Tsaikos” form.
Thanks goodness this was the last year that I will be in Korea watching the Boys play. Next year, I will be at the games, already for season tickets. It’s too bad that the Boys won’t be playing SMU in the bowl, would have been a great game.
Hopefully next year we can stay healthy and put together a good season. But other than that, I am proud of Hawaii, proud to wear my Warrior gear here in Korea (Even though it is snowing) and cannot wait till May until I am back in the islands…
Aloha all!!!!!!
Oh and GO NEVADA!!!! (Parents live in Nevada….)
What happened to one snap and clear?
I am hearing snaps but not to much clarity.
The human mind and body can only do so much. Love and unity builds futures, the other stuff doesn’t.
I shout into a pillow and look forward to the gift of another sunrise.
Although I did make some Tarzan noises at the BB game tonight. My first, BTW. 🙂
sure are lots of sirens going around here.
SojuNTaegu- awesome! I think next year will be a very good one for the Warriors! Welcome home!
My comment about Funaki being screwed was more about not using the wildcat rather than him not starting, or even being a backup QB. Why not use the wildcat in the 3rd, which proved to be another scoreless one.
Had no idea there were two Lizzes on the house watching Hawai`i play some really good basketball. We slid in about seven minutes into the first half after spending a couple of hours at the Sheraton eating, talking sports – not just football – and watching an interesting program, all things considered. My rough guestimate – about 800 people attending all totaled.
Again, does anyone want my ticket for Wednesday’s basketball game against Chaminade. If no one does, then DrDoc will give it away to someone standing in line at the box office.
Anyone know what time the Wahine play their match against Illinois this Friday? Any watch parties being planned.
Wish me luck with tomorrow’s surgery. I’m sort of scared because I don’t know what to expect exactly, but I’ll know by 10 am if it’s going to be in the win or lose column.
WassupDoc- you are in my prayers for a perfect operation and complete return to health!!!
Aloha and all the best!
#112
LizKauai,
I am all for love and unity and what not but what really makes or breaks a program’s future is…
1) Recruits
2) Coaches
3) Fan Support
4) Money
I may have left some other things out but when it comes to a football team I’ll take these 4 elements over a bunch of guys standing together singing a verse from Abraham, Martin and John.
WassupDoc,
Best of luck with your surgery!
Free play link time. Please ignore my next 5 posts if you do not want to read my off-topic stuff.
Study found that bacteria in our gut plays a big role in whether or not we are skinny or obese. In as little as 24 hours, the composition of bacteria in our gut can change based on whether or not we eat healthy or unhealthy foods! With the bad bacteria put into mice, even if they were put on a low-fat diet mice continued to gain weight!
Interesting study found that the length of their toes can determine how fast sprinters can accelerate…this would go along with the saying that sprinters are born and not made.
More than two dozen seniors at Lincoln University are in danger of not being able to graduate this spring because they are obese and have not taken the “Fitness for Life” class.
A 2-year-old in Mississippi was the only person around to help his mother deliver her baby. He got her a towel and even caught the baby!
Couple takes out their BlackBerrys *during their wedding* to update their Facebook status!
Free play links pau.
Can anyone post next years football schedule. I know the WAC games are not set, but who and when are USC etc…?
so my short toes are the problem…
9/2/2010 USC Aloha Stadium 5:30 p.m.
9/11/2010 at Army West Point, N.Y. TBA
9/18/2010 at Colorado Boulder, Colo. TBA
9/25/2010 Charleston Southern Aloha Stadium TBA
12/4/2010 UNLV Aloha Stadium TBA
These players and coaches left everything they had on the field last week to earn the win in the Navy game.
They gave us no less effort this week. Had they had the time to fully recover and prepare, the result might have had a slightly different result.
The point is. At the end of the day, the teams played Their hearts out and shook hands and congratulated the winners when it was all over. That is called sportsmanship.
Love and unity is not a fake kumbaya mentality. Love an unity is being an unbreakable unit through thick and thin. It requires strength of character and steadfastness in times of testing.
Love and unity is a solid foundation for success but requires selflessness.
The time for name and blame is over.
One snap and clear.
Captain’s Award: John Estes and R.J. Kiesel-Kauhane
Warrior Club: Rocky Savaiigaea
Scout Team Award: Brett Leonard
Scholar-Athlete Award: Mana Silva
Most Improved Player Award: Jon Medeiros
Most Outstanding Offensive Player: Greg Salas
Most Outstanding Defensive Player: Spencer Smith
Most Outstanding Special Teams Player: Corey Paredes
Ben Yee Most Inspirational Award: Blaze Soares
Alec Waterhouse Most Valuable Player Award: John Estes
269 days until kick-off.
Yes, USC is on a Thursday. You folks who are so inclined, can start grumbling now and beat the rush….
bh2,
The Wisconsin coach, who is likely a student of the shoji way of coaching, pulls his place kicker after he misses a PAT and a 41 yard field goal. And replaces the place kicker with his true freshmen MLB, who started the game on defense. And then who goes on to kick 3 PAT.
His quote was, “it’s unacceptable for my placekicker to miss.”
This is an example of how their head coach deters complacency. And extracts a high level of play out of his players by conveying to them that if you under-perform you’ll be replaced.
Such reinforcement sends a strong message to all of their players. It also the blueprint that builds champions.
For Wisconsin the first stringers have to be on their A-game otherwise a backup is sent in. Mess up an assignment and the player will be taking a seat. The players understand the consequences of selfish playing, stupid personal fouls and under-performing because the Wisconsin head coach engraves into them the threat that they’ll be replaced. And why do they do this? To cultivate the idea that the players have to be playing at a high level. It also sets the way that the best players are going to see the field by merit and not entitlement.
And that is the major difference I see with other team’s head coaches and Hawaii’s.
A good example of this is last year when the Hawaii coaches stuck with the same offensive linemen that yielded a record number of sacks instead of making a change.
Another example is when the assistant coach went to the Nakoa meeting this year after the Idaho game to say that 75% of the plays the players missed their assignments.Yet during that game did they substitute players off the bench that might know the assignment? Or at least give the backups a chance of playing. No.
Watching Wisconsin last night you can see them shuttling in fresh legs at the WR, RB , DL positions. And Hawaii’s answer to that is to stick with their same players. In the waning minutes of the game it was so bad that even though the game is out of reach I image a call from JD prompted Coach Mack into substituting his starters. Or at least giving Funaki a chance to play otherwise he would’ve forgotten.
This is the precedence this Hawaii coaching staff is setting, which I don’t think is the blueprint in building a champion.
When Coach Mack conceded that his starters didn’t want to come out at the end of the Boise game blow out loss and instead wanted to play it to the end instead of giving reps to backups I knew then that the coach has no control over the team. Or foresight. And that is bad.
bg-ty for the acknowledgment.
😳
279 days until kick-off.
HA reports that our big man Kurtz with the mbb team fouled out after playing only seven minutes. I know this is his first game but a lot of hype and stock went into bringing in the 7 footer for defense.
Last comment on sportsmanship. SailorBlue is
my hero. I just saw the pix from the T-gate. Now there is a real fan.
BTW, after Army and CU, the next game on the schedule is at home vs Charleston Southern so no need worry about 36 day break between home games….unless the WAC really screws UH on the conference schedule!
Ralph- somma dem calls against Kurtz were a little iffy.
Momo- mahalo. And mahalo for the pam laulau! MeiLing saved me some for after the game. 😆
Ralph,
Maybe the refs were really anticipating his hardwood debut, too!
“pam laulau”!
Da buggah jus’ slide tru!
Tired from da plane ride, plus kinda warm ovah hea….
Oyasumina-tsai….
Balocka plays physical and he didn’t foul out with iffy calls. He had 20 points and 20 rebounds, blue collar power forward, he just needs to bring it every game and contribute.
Sorry. Dang iPhone. I got rid of the capitol P when it changed pan to Pam but not the m.
Ahm tahrd too.
Nitey nite!
hey, no wonder we didn’t have any pan lau lau.
by unanimous vote…mrs. momo’s pan lau lau was awarded most outstanding tsaiko tailgate grindz.
mahalo to bg and betty for making all the arrangements with the navy mwr throughout the season to secure our “club house” once again.
news from today
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Ovz1EEOXnc
kazz thanks for the constant reminders during the season. although i don’t think any of us would have forgotten to go to the tailgaters.
nah, seriously. mahalo brah.
and how can i forget to show my appreciation to the setup and grill crew chiefs. koakane and jesse/james.
these guys would be there around 9 am to wipe down tables, sweep floors, tents, and what have. then get the grill going.
homey, hiflyer, ralph, et al the were the iron chef hibachi during the year.
and eh tanks ah wassupdoc and dr. doc for keeping us green with the recycling.
wvb Stanford regional on ESPNU. Saturday, Dec 12 11:30 first game, Dec. 13, 1:30 a.m. second game. Doesn’t state if this is the finals, repeated, or both regional game, Hawaii vs Illinois, Stanford vs Michigan.
…and to all the brothers and sisters of the tsaiko tailgate experience. the food was always top dollar and lip smacking ono’s. your generosity week after week was something to behold.
the culinary tasting each game was something to die for each week.
and midori7’s homemade pastries was amazing, always something to look forward to.
btw, 808ike. your makizushi is better than any okazuya in town. i brought home that gift to the boss. whoa, you made an old broad very happy. (good thing she don’t read this thing.)
…however, more importantly the fellowship that was developed week after week was the best part of tailgating with all you guys n gals. win or lose, we all managed a smile on the way home from another “5f” time because once again we experienced another one of life’s special moments, a warrior tsaiko tailgate.
mahalo all!!!
…nuff said.
What to watch-the replay of last night’s UH football game (channel 21) or the Coach Mack show (channel 7)? Both start at 1030. Hmm. I think I’ll opt for watching LC.
perhaps a season ending cattle call is in order.
keep posted for further info.
while it looks like we won’t get that running back this year…i am glad that tsai reminded us of the running back we got last year who we beat out nevada and unlv for will be in spring camp.
some of his senior season numbers:
Season Totals: 273/carries 2117/total rush yds 7.76/ave yds carry 192.5/yds game 87/long 7 tds
oops mistake on jon lister’s numbers.
that evidently did not include a playoff game. his total tds was twenty eight, 27 by rush and one by pass.
please check this article to get a better idea of who we have come january. something to look for no doubt.
wvb Michelle Waber, 2010 recruit stats from Maxprep
87 games played, 3.6 kills per game, .5 blocks per game, hit 63.1%. No stats for the other recruits. She will be looked at as an OH, she is 6’3
Mahalo to all of the Tsaikos for your generosity, companionship, wit & wisdom, and love of football & each other. It’s been wonderful hanging out with you all this season, whether at football games or out & about in town. Thanks to the early crew! The cooks! The cleanup crew! The people who keep communications going! The coffee suppliers!!!
Mahalo to ST for keeping the blog going through labor problems & labour!
Gotta get LizK to the airport too early tomorrow…Night all!
GO WARRIORS!!!
GO BOWS!!!
GO WAHINE!!!!!!
here’s lister’s link
http://www.vcstar.com/news/2008/dec/28/perfect-storm/
anyone see Kazz tonight. He had a lot of pre game jitters last night, left the Cabana early after UH’s less than solid performance, and not a word from him today.
OOC #127
I “see” 3 wins here; just need 4 conference wins to go bowling.
My Christmas wish for next year.
Re: #131
Royvic,
It was after the Boise State game that Coach Mack said that defensively we were doing about 75% to 85% of the assignments and techniques correctly and needed to get better to be successful. He did not say we were missing 75% of the assignments.
thank you uhwarriors for the clarification, keep sending the Na Koa report, it is much appreciated from those of us who can’t be there in person.
BTW, there will be a Na Koa lunch on Monday. It will be the last one of the year.
Our newest Tsaiko ‘annodaLiz’ was chosen to participate in the half time challenge at the MBB game tonite.
Congratulations for being a good sport and showing the youngsters that a Tsaiko is a force to be reckoned with! I personally thought you deserved a better parting gift. A pair of tickets to the next game would have made more sense.
Ralph ~ Saw other Tsaiko’s at the bb game tonite, but not the Kazz-Brah.
Before I headed over to the stadium, It worried me a bit when he confided that he was sleepless the night before. When he was a no show at the Cabana, I remember hoping he just went home to get some sleep. Now you got me wondering… 😯
how do you apply for a grad assistant job???
LizKauai,
I respectfully disagree with you. If there is *Name and Blame* to be done (maybe there is, maybe there isn’t)….now that the season is over it is the PERFECT TIME to do it. What shouldn’t happen is the naming and blaming without any action…If there is a problem, UH needs to deal with it.
This is the time to evaluate, adjust, figure out who is and who isn’t cutting it as far as the coaches and other “organizational” things are concerned (recruiting efforts, etc etc)…Come spring practice and onto the regular season will be the time to see which of our players can or can’t cut it…
The ultimate goal should be “for the good of the program,” not necessarily to avoid dissension for the sake of keeping the spirit of unity alive.
I agree 110% that during the season the team/coaches/staff/fans should all stand shoulder to shoulder to shoulder and shoulder as one united front. I had my doubts but I went to every single game and knew that the *big* changes would and could not happen in the middle of the season (although the Ron Lee -> Rolovich circus act was pretty big).
If there is a problem with our program that can and needs to be fixed think Nike and Just Do It. I don’t care if it means 2/3 of the staff is let go and we have to recruit 75% of our talent from Siberia…do what needs to be done w/in our means. Feelings will be hurt, egos shattered etc etc…but sometimes that’s the price of success and I for one would embrace it with open arms.
The pads are off now and the season is over, *IF* there is someone or something responsible for our less than stellar season then lets make it our goal to single it out, and make sure we fix it up or cut it out.
“A man can get whatever he wants if he’s willing to pay the price. All it takes is a little sacrifice, talent, and the right break…”
– Rupert Pupkin, Scorsese’s “The King of Comedy”
re: grad assistant job,
If it works like any other GA position on campus you go through an online application at the Universities website and the head of that particular program (usually a professor, but in this case *probably* the head coach) will hire you etc etc etc….
Off course you also need to be in grad school, but that stands to reason off course.
It was a decent year…too bad the team wasn’t as good as in years past….in retrospect, the 2009 schedule was pretty good, with 6 opponents playing in bowl games. Looking forward to next year!
Good morning!!!
I understand plate techtonics. But it sure seems like we got moved up to the Arctic Circle overnight.
BG . . .
Smart move to beat the guy soundly about the head and shoulders with Betty. HA!
TIme to scrape the windows Tsigh.
Good morning Tsaikos everywhere.
BG, #94, 95
well well said.
and thanks to the Tsaikos for putting on the best Tail Gates ever. Kazz, BG, Al, Kekoa, Mrs. Momo, Midori, Ike808, WassupDoc (btw, prayers for success in surgery), Al, Rob25, Pride,
HiFlyer, Koakane, Mrs. BG, Momo, James, Curveball, Pomai, Liz Kauai, all you guyz are simply the best,
royvic:
I’d like to paraphrase your main points, for the coaches.
It goes back to the mindset mantra, and I quote:
“…It is unacceptable for my placekicker to miss….”
Enos made his 45 yard field goal Saturday nite. His mind was right.
And the main point is: IT COMES DOWN TO THE MIND…..
you can only measure the mind by the actions, and the WORDS!
WAFAN,
good morning good morning.
betcha the big chiill is coming your way. Ha! shiver for me too, why don’t ya. 😀
saw some guy wearing a robotics T shirt with Boeing sponsor, telling he went Pullman. thought of you.
Oh well, I really was hoping that we’d have a good game plan and at least not let Wiscy run all over us but reality has set back in as to this coaching staff and where we really stand as a football program (like how reality set in that crow and mynah are not really that ono once you’ve had your fill after starving yourself). When you watch other sidelines, you see constant engagement by the coaches with their respective players. Most of ours look like sideline spectators. Seems like Miano was running the show for the Wiscy game. The genius behind Boise State has always been their assistant coaches. Former BYU HC LaVell Edwards didn’t wear a headset because he said that is how much he trusted his coordinators to do their respective jobs. Putting aside public comments about how much Mack loves his coaching staff, I wonder what he really feels behind closed doors and how much he really trusts certain coaches?
Going into his 3rd season, coach Mack needs to prove he is HC material by putting aside personal obligations/loyalties and treating each coaching relationship in a professional matter as several members of his staff are just not getting it done per their job titles. The 2010 schedule does not make things any easier for McMackin so giving this current staff a one season reprieve to show improvement is not going to cut the mustard. I also have little confidence that JD will place any such pressure on McMackin this season to make these changes which would be a huge mistake IMHO. We need change now so that we can come out and kick USC’s butt in the season opener rather than having to sit through another bodybag shellacking even during what will likely be another down year for the Trojans.
Offensively and defensively, we displayed more digression instead of progression so the coordinator positions should be fair game. The Navy game was somewhat of an anomaly since we matched up well physically and exceeded them in terms of talent and speed which is why I felt strongly about our chances in that game. Wisconsin was entirely different where we needed to play up several notches and bring an A++ game. We’ve had squads before which faced similar challenges in terms of being undersized, yet they overachieved and looked competitive (heck, we even won some of those games). Yet again this season, we look totally inept and outcoached against better competition so until UH with this coaching regime can consistently play competitively against these upper echelon teams, we should not expect to receive any sort of respect and should not be surprised when the ESPN’s of the world don’t give us too much credit. Even D-IAA Wofford gave Wisconsin a game compared to Hawaii. If UH wants their football program to be respected, then we need to earn it on the field against the upper echelon teams consistently.
Hiring proven D-1 defensive and offensive coordinators and maybe convincing Miano to cut his teeth as a headcoach at one of the many open vacancies would be a positive sign that McMackin is taking the proactive step to right the ship. My issue with Miano is that his walk-on program agenda is becoming detrimental to our own program. Yes, there are a few potential diamond in the rough players out there but there is also a natural vetting process as to why the majority don’t end up receiving any offers elsewhere. There comes a point when you have to question why you are playing a bunch of walk-on’s over scholarship players that were specifically recruited by the coaches. Seems like a waste of scholarships to do otherwise. We also need to reevaluate our strength and conditioning coaches (yes, I know that DeLaura and Miano are a package due to their speed and strength clinic). At this juncture, McMackin also should not anchor himself to the R&S as we still have the personnel to run other passing offenses (or we should move to a more balanced system similar to what JJ has done at SMU given they have that high caliber RB transfer from Miami).
Moniz for Heisman? I like the kid and even though he had a rough outing against Wisconsin, I believe he earned himself a scholarship having been the starter for the majority of the season. However, this Heisman thing is way over the top. Please don’t give the UH marketing department any ideas like this because we don’t need any more reasons for everyone else to point and laugh at us. And regardless of the game reps that Moniz and Austin have, I also agree that the QB job needs to be wide open come spring because I believe several of the redshirt freshmen will be able to make a strong case for the job. While game reps are important, a balance also needs to be struck. Like in this last game when the outcome of the game was already decided (it was clear that even with our starters, we were not effective and would not be able to mount a comeback ala Cincy versus Pitt), the coaching staff should have put in the backups to give them that needed game rep. Same thing with underperforming/mistake prone players. Coaches should have yanked them and let them sit to give someone else a chance. Yet the excuse we heard is there was no one else better. Sounds catch-22ish after a certain point where these decisions are undermining the players. Funny, but McMakin’s mantra last season was that when someone goes down, the next person needs to be ready to step up.
And here we go again with “one of the good ones” wondering why some are offering critiques rather than playing the role of ostrich and humming along happily for the sake of unity. There is something called “tough love” where the harsh critique is meant to help in the long run. Yes, the coaches and players know what is going on more than the fans but they too are adults and know this comes with the territory. The coaches and players know there have been critical voices out there because you had a few of them saying so in interviews over the course of the season. If they really wanted any of this negativity to affect them, they could have called it quits a long time ago. However, they’ve proven quite well on their own inspite of the criticisms that they can remain unified as a team even after suffering through injuries to key players and that six game losing streak. That itself is a major win as they could have easily had in-fighting and continued to lose every single game where instead of 6-7, they could have easily been 2-11. However, by clearly sending out a voice of dissent including qualifying statements, it serves as notice that mediocrity will not be tolerated. Many of us don’t expect to win every single game. All we want is to at least be competitive so that we can garner the sort of respect and reputation that other schools have.
Season 3 of McMackin’s tenure will be a tipping point and he as a career assistant coach prior to this gig knows very well the tenuous position that all assistant coaches are subject to. It is nothing personal if/when they are let go and I hope that he takes that to heart when evaluating his staff. The changes he does or does not make WILL determine his legacy as a coach because he is working on borrowed time. As a headcoach, he has shown very little in terms of having his contract extended. The public would skewer the UH administration unless we get 9 or 10 wins the next two seasons. But if you thought this season was tough, 2010 will be even worse because we have to rebuild both our O and D-line (the place where the battle is won) and we have to start play with USC, @Army, and @Colorado. Unless he has a miraculous 2010, the final two years of his contract are going to be very challenging. If Mack surrounds himself with proven assistants who can get the job done and make him look good in the process, then I hope he gets rid of the dead weight as soon as possible.
LOL®
off topic. surf….
looking forward to the foaming and merciless sea this evening and tomorrow. gonna see how close i can come to da whitewatah witout bussin up da wa’a.. seein like Hilo bay gonna be breaking big time on Blonde’s third break outside da breakwater. dat would make some awesome shots up close. but also know when to say when.
Aloha Kakahiaka!!!
Taking MsLiz to the airport. Na Koa lunch today to find out what happened. Last one…. you should go….
Esme & gone…
This should have read = The public would skewer the UH administration if his contract is extended unless we get 9 or 10 wins the next two seasons.
LOL®
Great Morning All!
Congratulations to the award winners last night.
278 days til kick-off.
Have a great day erryboddy!
HiHo….
LOL
way well stated.
i
and diplomatic too. 😆
LOL
that is a fair assessment of the current situation
KHON TV is live at Petals & Beans. You can see what a chopsueyboy look like on your tv till 8 am
Alohia Kakahiaka!
What a nice first BB game experience last night!
Mahalo everyone for a great Tsai-ko season of Friends, fellowship, fun, food, family and football!
Special thanks to curveball for being my stadium-mate and to MeiLing for making this season possible !
Hope lots of folks can get to the NaKoa lunch today to learn and share manao directly with the folks who make the decisions.
Hi Ho and all the best to WhassupDoc for a successful surgery.
Congrats, chopsueyboy!
Maan. The fragrance of fried rice is wafting through the waiting area. Almost unbearable. 😆
LOL
I don’t think it could have been said it any clearer or more to the point than your #178 post.
People in the right places should take note before it is too late. We may only be outside observers with little understanding of why things are being done a certain ways, but sometimes it takes an outside perspective to help see through the trees.
I believe that if no attempts are made to rectify the problem and we have another disappointing season next year, like this year, it may be the mark the end of the Coach Mac era.
In order to hire the types of coordinators that LOL is asking for, UH will need to significantly increase the assistant coaching salary pool. Unless UH’s assistant coaching salary pool increases to close to what BSU’s assistants make (not even considering the lower cost of living there), it is hard for UH to pick up top assistant coaches from other teams. Right now the low assistant coaching salaries are not high enough to grab star assistants from other staffs…instead, UH is the target for raids when they have a star assistant (Cav, Mack after 1999).
Demanding that Mack shuffle his coaching staff and add some star assistants *without* getting the salary pool increased is asking the near impossible. But is there money to put out for the assistants…and will loyalty prevent outsiders from taking over a coordinator spot or two and demoting current coaches?
Points well made LOL in your assesment of the team and the season.
Too bad money is the factor that drives the change train. Any ideas on how to raise the money to attract the high caliber coaches? Hmmm…yeah, easier said then done.
Slugger ~ Not going to Na Koa lunch today. I’m afraid theIr buffet will include left over Badger Burgers…too TUFF!!
I agree with LOL’s #178.
Warrior fans don’t demand the head coach’s head if he does not consistently deliver the championship. We are satisfied with a winning season and a bowl game. Most importantly, we want a competitive team that plays with intensity against “big name” schools. That brings respect to the team, to the players, and to the people of Hawaii.
The Warriors were beaten by a better team. It would have taken a Herculean effort for the Warriors to win this one. However, as a Warrior fan and one who looks for lessons to learn from this game, I go through the posts and glean for insights. The one that struck me was #176 and the following insights:
… the first stringers must be on their A-game otherwise a backup is sent in.
QB Bryant Moniz was not connecting from the beginning of the game. Why wasn’t Shane Austin sent in to replace him? Did Shane ever get a chance to play? Sometimes the QB gets back his bearing after watching from the sidelines. Perhaps the defensive line was too overpowering that it wouldn’t have made any difference who was in the QB position. We’ll never know. Maybe we can learn from this for next season.
…. mess up an assignment and the player will be taking a seat.
Did CB Ornellas ever get into the game? He was a very capable replacement for Jeramy Bryant when Bryant was recovering from his injury.
… It also sets the way that the best players are going to see the field by merit and not entitlement.
This is something to think about. Produce …. show results … or else … go take a seat on the bench.
Another thing, the coaches shouldn’t keep the same old guys in the game when they are tiring and underperfoming. The team should substitute freely and it should be bringing in fresh faces to utilize the team depth the way Wisconsin and other winning programs do.
These are insights the coaches should ponder for next season if they want the team to improve its performance.
Interesting comments Tsaikos. Keep it up.
But anyone notice that UH football teams usually
look terrible on televised games?
Is it a curse?
Like a Sports Illustrated Cover curse?
Maybe we should demand not to be televised?
Less money but more wins?
Also, maybe we could put that psychological (tsaikological)
curse of too early senior honor show on the opposing team.
You know, like next year, honor all the seniors on USC;s team
before the game and drag out all their emotions before the game
by some kind of ridiculous thing like making them do the hula
with a bunch of beautiful girls…
Just thinking…
In response to James: “… the first stringers must be on their A-game otherwise a backup is sent in. QB Bryant Moniz was not connecting from the beginning of the game. Why wasn’t Shane Austin sent in to replace him? Did Shane ever get a chance to play? Sometimes the QB gets back his bearing after watching from the sidelines. Perhaps the defensive line was too overpowering that it wouldn’t have made any difference who was in the QB position. We’ll never know. Maybe we can learn from this for next season.”
Correct, we will never know, but I would bet my right arm that Austin would have had a better outcome. It makes no sense to not make a change when we were clearly not getting the results needed.
Local talent alone will never make Hawaii a great team. Local players, coaches and especially the fans HAVE to realize this. If they can’t do this and put thier bias aside, get used to seasons like this forever until then!!
This BCS thing is all about greed, plain and simple.
Great job! I would like to commend you for your good work on this entry. I hope you continue coming up with useful posts like this one.