Still connected
For the first time in five years, the Warriors did not play a spring scrimmage on a non-Oahu island this year.
But yet, it appears, the Warriors have maintained off-island ties. They have increased recruiting efforts, sending coaches to evaluate prospects at every football-playing school. There have been meetings with business leaders on Maui, Kauai and the Big Island. Last week, there was a football camp on Maui; today there will be one at Waiakea High.
The quest is ongoing for the right formula to connect with the fan base, particularly the neighbor-island residents. The non-Oahu spring scrimmages had only moderate attendance, a reminder that is difficult to compete against youth sports on a Saturday morning. Football camps are more cost-effective.
The Warriors also will be evaluating the summer-camp format. The aggregate attendance for the five high-school-aged camps will be about 350. (There is no estimate on attendance for next week’s youth camp.) The question: Would it be better to have one or two camps on the Manoa campus or to continue to spread them out over five sites? Large attendance or smaller teacher/student ratio?
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Hawaii fans of a certain age were fortunate to watch a future Hall of Famer compete in baseball and basketball against UH.
R.I.P. Tony Gwynn.
Go usa soccer
Ole ole ole usa usa usa
Continue smaller camp/clinics more intimate teaching & learning, better opportunity for establishing relations opposed to bigger camps.
I’ve seen some of the larger-attended camps and sometimes it seems like a student can get lost in the crowd.
What I’d like to see is each participant receive a DVD of his/her workouts. Then again, the camps are only $20 each.
Camps: a camp on the north shore or on windward side would allow talent from Kahuku, Kailua, Castle and Kalaheo opportunity closer to home. West side on Sunday June 22 at Kapolei HS closer for Leeward kids.
Gywnn was also a Hawaii Islander.
C-Pop:
Very true. The Windward side would be a good area. (Although — and my brain and memory are fuzzy — but I sorta-sorta recall UH having a camp at Castle High last year.)
Aloha All. I love that there are making efforts with all the folks on the outer isles. As for T. Gywnn…I actually saw him play basketball, in both pickup and collegiate games, and probably in over a dozen basegames (both in college and the MLB) and the man was quite remarkable. His eye-hand coordination (winning 8 batting titles) was just ridiculous. I am not sure what his eye-site was at his prime, but would not be surprised to find-out if it was 20-10 or better.
While not the biggest, strongest, or fastest (he had a nice belly for most of his career) for my money, he exhibited the most deft agility of any athlete I have seen up close. Hitting a baseball IMO is the single hardest thing to do athletically (which became the achilles of MJ), and he just destroyed pitching for close to 20 years, and to boot, was a pretty damn good b-ball player.
RIP–Tony, p.s. when i see you on the other side, I would love for you to teach me how to hit a slider.
Work hard everyday Warriors, and Warrior coaches.
Inyoface:
You’re right.
So, did you ever get a yellow Hawaii Islander windbreaker, too?
Good morning Tsaikos!
I remember Mr. Gwynn as an Islander.
I worked with the late, great Ferd Borsch, who covered every Islander home game. He also “covered” the road games, rewriting the play-by-play. Borsch was amazing. He could do win-loss percentages without a calculator (or abacus).
Tony Gwynn, too, was amazing. He was always worth $10 (out of a $100 payroll) in our fantasy baseball league.
Former Warrior WR Justin Clapp and his long time girl friend from the Wahine VB team are on a trip around the world.
The couple left Hawai`i May 20th with stops in
Japan,Taiwan,Thailand,Malaysia,Turkey and Greece so far, final destination California.
Big island camp on East side of island in Hilo is better than no appearance for big Isle, distance for Kona, Kohala, HPA, Ka’u kids varies 1 to 2 hrs. A camp in Kona would have been advantageous for UH & West side talent.
For some reason, I was getting nostalgic a few weeks ago, and I decided to watch Phil Chenier videos on Youtube. What I noticed back in the day — the early 1970s — was they played virtually one-handed. Even Earl “The Pearl” Monroe was mostly a one-handed dribbler.
I remember when Tim Hardaway played for UTEP (against UH). That cross-over dribble — routine these days — was revolutionary back then.
The WAC was more entertaining in hindsight.
C-Pop:
You are correct, especially since UH has done well recruiting in the Kona area.
Last Call:
Thanks for the update on Justin Clapp.
He’s slowing down. It took him three years to earn a bachelors, but three semesters for a master’s.
Last Call:
There’s a movie on De La Salle — Clapp’s alma mater — that will be released this summer.
No windbreaker but my dad still has an Islanders triangle signal flag.
Tony Gwynn and I go way back to rival high school basketball players leading our teams against one another as he for Long Beach Poly and I for fame Verbum Dei High School. We were both outstanding point guards in 1976 playing each other in the CIF semifinals for the California State Championship 4AAAA Division. Through out the tight game it was nip and tuck as his Poly team prevailed 50 to 46 in front of a sell out Long Beach Arena crowd. After game we hugged and shaked hands not knowing that years later he will be playing for San Diego State and I for Hawaii. Became an outstanding baseball player and future hall of famer for the San Diego Padres. Over the years I played tennis with his brother Charles who got in contact with Tony to honor a request for a signed autograph memorabilia in support for a silent auction item to raise funds for my after school program. A picture I was hoping for or an autograph baseball as weeks later when I saw his brother Charles he presented me his signed bat as I just smiled with happiness and appreciation. The bat sold for 1,250.00 at our golf silent auction. Very grateful to Mr Gwynn and sad too his passing at 54 years of age. Wonderful guy who always had a smile and laugh. My prayers go out to him and his family.
I’m a transplant from Oahu to Big Isle, since transplant (on & off over 20 yr pd) I’ve learned to appreciate when people refer to an “outer island” as “neighbor island”
GOOD MORNING HAWAII.
Sorry to hear about Mr Tony Gwynn.
I struggle with trying to identify the non-Oahu islands. “Outer island” and “neighbor island” make it seem as if they are not main islands.
What do residents of the non-Oahu islands prefer?
Tony Gwynn batted .335 with two strikes.
Connecting with the fan base depends on a winning season. Without one, the fan base will continue to dwindle, no matter how many camps, or how effective the camps are managed. So Coach Chow has the huge task of delivering a winning season. This season. And the pieces are there for a winning season. I liked your update on the two incoming quarterbacks (Prater and Reilly). Maybe more player updates on their off-season conditioning and improvement. Maybe something on Diocemy St Juste. And just hoping the O-line players are getting stronger.
20…RainbowCliff–I still remember that iconic Verbum Dei, Nike poster, that was circa 1981-82…does that ring a bell–damn, I loved that poster, takes me back to the day…and so with that…http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9dZW1C3neao
Boolakanaka, “just a squirrel trying to get a nut” Man that’s funny !
Thanks for the memories and respect. Memories of GREAT players during my time and Tony Gwynn was one of them. I just hope one day we find a cure for cancer as this disease has taken so many of my friends, family members and former athletes away from this earth all to soon. Constant check ups, clean living and exercise with passion and laughter as that is not always a guaranteed. Life is not promise so LIVE it to the best of your abilities while enjoying the fruits of your labor. “Make it count” as Leonardo Dicaprio from Titanic would say as he pose in that tux eating with the snobs from first class. Make It Count !
RainbowCliff..mahalo brother. Just to clarify, the poster I am referring, said something to the effect of ” the boys of 86th street (was to a specific street referecne at a known basketball park in the LBC)–and I know most of the guys in the picture were from Verbum Dei–does that ring a bell?
an advanced group summer camp should be held on campus.
our facilities may lack but still better than most high schools.
use the studios and cots, too.
tony gwynn…watched him as an aztec and an islander.
a very talented athlete and good guy.
could have been a tsaiko cuz he loved to eat.
#13, Last Call, so who is Justin Clapp’s girl friend?
Regarding fans of a certain age, I must be a tweener. Didn’t see Tony Gwynn as an Aztec but did see him play as an Islander and Padre. One of my all time favorites.
OK, this is a non-sports related question, and I need the assistance of the tsaikos of resolving a long-standing dispute for me….so, for you old-timers with wisdom, how did we get the name of the street Beretania? My one friend says, it is the Hawaiian word for british–which makes sense. But, my ohana says, that it is actually a take on the word Bretanha, which sounds very close to Beretania–Bretanha is a region form the Azores, which many of Portuguse immigrants came from in the late 1880s. And thus, the name was a variation of their ancestral homeland–which also makes a lot of sense–which is it?
Coach Chow & staff must continue the process, the grind! Norm has been involved with many successful programs in his long career! He and his staff – a mix of young (energetic/low paid) assistants & veteran coaches like Moses, Demerest, Clune & Norm, are continuing to reach out and engage. Keep up the process, the grind and hopefully success will eventually come. Keep up the hard work!
According to the Disccover Hawaii Tours website:
http://www.discoverhawaiitours.com/blog/discover-honolulu-street-names/
Beretania Street – “Beretania” is the Hawaiian word for “Britain” or “British”. The Hawaii British Consulate was originally located on this road when Hawaii was an independent nation.
I would think that it all depends on which island you’re on. The islands next door to you are neighbor island the rest are outer islands ?
Some New Zealanders on the north island call the south island That Other Island.
I think most of the points made on this blog by its posters concerning UH Football is no doub pretty much, right on. The fact is we really do not know yet what kind of a Head Coach Norm Chow is going to be….since he’s never really been one on a D1 level. There is such a thing as the “Peter Principle” where when a persons ability, no-how, smarts, maxs out, ….hits the ceiling when it really needs to extend further for greater success, than its time to think about making a change. Not sure that’s happened here. Undoubtedly Coach Chow has made mistakes, he would most likely admit that and has at least to himself. But creativity, innovation first and foremost involves he willingness to fail. Without that there is not creative thinking.
I agree with some that have said we have good personel now…time will tell on that one too, but I inclined to agree. At the very least I think its right to think Hawaii will win games this season, 4-5 at the least and possibly more depending on the 101 things that constitute a winning football team. With all this? I’ll see you at the Washington game…Chow’s team this year is certainly worth a look and the price of a game ticket.
Hawaii Island is easy: “Big Island” nuff said .. Lol
There is no doubt in most minds…that Coach has the team moving ih the right direction..
Suggestion…why not move the time of the scrimmage to sat evening…n make a big deal out of..it with a FREE concert by local talent…so the players can enjoy after the scrimmage.. n make a pot luck…UHAD provides rice.. n fans bring main dish…salad.. n dessert… be a good way to have fans bond to players n coaches…
Just watch the noise level…surely sum will complain…
What say you BJ ?
Maybe even the tsaiko quartet sing the national anthem ?
#10 ST – I had three Islander yellow windbreakers and the yellow batting helmet with the “H” sticker on it. I loved watching the Islanders in the late ’70’s when they had Fred Kuhaulua, Juan Eichelberger, and Tom Tellman on the same staff. In the 1979 season, they EACH had 4 shutouts. Sammy Perlazzo was also on that team, and Doug Rader was the manager.
#28 boolankanaka: Yes, that poster does ring out memories to me as my guys Raymond Lewis, Lewis Brown and Dwight Slaughter were among the select basketball players to cover that poster along with other outstanding city players Marcus Johnson, Freeman Williams and Reggie Theus. That era was just LOADED with some great players as I was two years away setting my own standards and top point guard playing in 1976. Bicentennial year was a good year for me. Thanks for the memories !
🙂
LizKauai can handle the National Anthem solo.
Tsai-ko kanikapila could work. Put Kekoa and A-Joe in charge. 🙂
41–Glad to hear…I thought I was getting senile, as that poster had been etched in my memory for many year. So, nice to hear that you remember that as well…..back in the day!
Freeman Williams had a small part in the 1992 movie White Men Can’t Jump (final scene). I remember Williams leading the nation in scoring at Portland State. Marques Johnson played a thug in that movie, (kind of funny character).
# 42…GO 4 IT.. Me is sure be no problem rounding up the talent…just have to get Coach n BJ give the go ahead…give them a call?
RAINBOW CLIFF:
“NEED” “BEFORE & AFTER (AKA NOW)” PIC OF YOU JUST FOR FUN.
Those SDS teams that we saw play the Bows also had several other future major leaguers besides Gwynn. Bud Black, Bobby Meacham, and Al Newman played some epic series against the Bows along with Gwynn.
41–This one is for you Cliff–http://articles.latimes.com/1995-03-26/news/ci-47276_1_verbum-dei and http://www.slamonline.com/nba/original-old-school-the-phantom/
boolakanaka and old school dave: LA during that time was LOADED with great players. Ozzie Smith of Locke High School, Darryl Strawberry Crenshaw High, Eric Davis Fremont just to name a few as those guys were drafted right out of high school and had all star careers in the Major Leagues. Freeman Willams was a scoring machine along with Raymond Lewis Cal State LA and Bird Everett of Pepperdine. Those guys had the green light and were front page news in the LA Times Sports section as young ballers like myself would sit around the tv set at the local area boys club watching them play. Very grateful coming up during that time as the streets took the rest of my guys out as they could not saty away from it’s deadly temptations. Compton, Watts, Nickerson Gardens and South Central Los Angeles, Never walk through there late at night still to this day. Only the SMART and strong will survive !
Never liked BYU, especially when they had Danny Ainge.
Former Kansas BYU QB Jake Heaps is head to Miami (FL). He sure gets around.
http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/11089208/jake-heaps-transferring-kansas-jayhawks-miami-hurricanes
In 1981, I was asked to organize chapel services for the Hawaii Islanders. We also started doing chapel for the visiting team as well. Doug Rader and the visiting managers always provided a time when we could meet. Tony Gwynn didn’t join us, but I developed close relationships with his teammates, Dave Dravecky, Mark Thurmond, and Eric Show, among others. When they with the Padres, Dave and Mark would provide me with tickets if I was in the area. Sad that two former teammates died due to drugs, Al Wiggins, and Eric Show. Believe that Show became addicted to pain medication. He had a lovely wife and remember taking them to lunch at the Waioli Tea Room. Talked to Dravecky the day after he went down, while pitching a great game, because the cancer in his pitching arm came back. Have many fond memories of that team that included Fred Kahualua.
#36 – A lot of the Kiwis’ that I’ve known refer to the island to their west as the “other island”> They even sell tee-shirts with that design.
Of course I’m not sure how the Aussies like that reference but …
Sorry to hear about Sol Kaulakakui’s passing.
RainbowCliff-Lest we not forget about Warren Moon and James Lofton at Hamilton High. The guy that was from my era and all my ohana in LA spoke about 24/7 was a sole named Michael Alo at Banning, went to USC, but never panned out….
RIP TG. Awesome human.
GOAL! USA bandwagon time.
USA 2 – Ghana 1
Good start for the US.
i remember tony gwynn being interviewed as a player and he denied reading pitches…highly doubt he did not have the ability to read pitches, possibly he didn’t realize he was doing it. vladdy is someone i would believe didn’t read pitches…he hit anything.
#33–according to Gavan Daws’ Honolulu: The First Century, “Beretania” was the Hawaiian rendering of “Britain.” This makes sense, especially when you think of the word Britannia, which is pretty close phonetically to the name of our street. In the 1820–1830, the Hawaiians were already referring to a place (rather than a street) as Beretania, because the British consul lived there. This was way before the migration of Portuguese to the islands.
boolakanaka: Mahalo for the slam article on Ray Lew. Heard and read every story on this basketball legend and with out a doubt the “greatest that never played in the nba”. Played against him one time right after leaving Hawaii as my childhood friend Lorenzo Romar picked me up from my Compton home as we drove up to Verbum Dei working out with other players who were getting in shape for their college basketball season or having a try out for the pros. It was about 15 players in verbum dei’s gym and Ray lew was present as he was 35 years old, pot belly and drinking an “old english 40 beer” during a break from playing. All I know this cat LIT everybody up on the court as he was unbelievable scoring all over the place. After being knocked out of the pick up game I just sat and watched this guy just DOMINATE the gym as he won every game with out losing only stopped to just drink his beer during teams changing sides which I just watched with my jaw wide open in amazement. After every one lost to him he just picked up his empty bottle and headed out the door to his parents home around the corner from vdhs. When he passed away in 2001 I was there at his funeral as it was so sad with every legend basketball player, coach and news writer during his time present while telling their recollection on how this young man could really play basketball. His coffin had him in a blue jacket with a basketball in his hand as he looked bad with years of drinking taking it’s toll on his once smooth looking skin. SAD story on Raymond Lewis as humilty and education would of been a big plus to his persona rather then a self destructed egotistical young man who thought he was bigger then life or anybody who would oppose his gifts and abilities. A film documentary is in the works of his life story. Thank you for sharing this slam article as I have never read it before you posted.
Kona has lots of talent and size. There is also a big Rugby scene. A couple of my elementary students are too large to play youth football, so they play Rugby which has no weight restrictions.