The Centurions: #18 Raphel Cherry

The Star-Bulletin's countdown of UH football's "Centurions", the 100 greatest players in the University of Hawaii's 100 years of football, continues with #18, quarterback Raphel Cherry.

Dave Reardon reviews the sad story of Raphel Cherry.

TOMEY TELLS OF a play against Utah in 1984. In his mind, the signature play of Raphel Cherry's UH career.

"It wasn't a pass, it wasn't a run. He took a sack instead of throwing a ball away, because he felt the pressure coming from his blindside. It was a completely unselfish play. He took an unprotected hit and protected the ball rather than try to throw the ball and probably fumble. That play won us the game."

It is a play a true quarterback makes. But in those days, very few blacks were considered candidates to be quarterbacks in the NFL. Cherry was drafted by the Redskins as a safety.

I wondered then and I wonder now. Cherry outplayed another black quarterback, UNLV's Randall Cunningham, the two times they matched up. Cunningham played quarterback in the league for a long time, and last I heard lives in a very big house. Meanwhile, Cherry lives in the big house.

Maybe it means nothing. Maybe it means everything.

From the Blogs: Rodney Bradley, Colt Brennan, Warrior Jack

Stephen Tsai has a Q&A with receiver Rodney Bradley. Here's an excerpt:

The best thing about Hawai‘i is ...
"The beach. It's really fun. I've never been to a beach until I came out here. It's hard to keep away from it. I haven't been surfing, but that's something I want to try. I like the beach in Waikiki, and I've been to Sandy's and Ko Olina."
Waiter, I said make it medium ...
"On my (recruiting) visit, I had some (sashimi). I didn't like it. I guess it's an acquired taste."

LizKauai got to meet Colt Brennan the other night. She writes about her experience, and has lots of photos.

And Paul Honda writes about getting a Warrior Jack ball, and has some photos of it still in its wrapping.

The Centurions: #19 Vince Manuwai

The Star-Bulletin's countdown of UH football's "Centurions", the 100 greatest players in the University of Hawaii's 100 years of football, continues with #19, offensive lineman Vince Manuwai.

Ben Nishimoto profiles Manuwai.

"He would pancake guys with the strike of his hand. He had the best punch I've ever seen," said Brian Smith, Manuwai's former teammate and current Hawaii assistant coach. Smith now shows Manuwai's sophomore highlight tape to his players.

So powerful were his punches that sometimes even his opponents were incredulous.

According to Cavanaugh, during a television timeout in Hawaii's home matchup with Alabama in 2002, a Crimson Tide defensive lineman who had battled Manuwai all night called him over and asked him how much he bench-pressed. When Manuwai told him he benched around 500 pounds, the lineman swore Manuwai could lift more.

With every pancake, national attention increased. Coaches, teammates and eventually pro scouts raved about his athleticism and technique. The "V-Man 65" campaign, concocted by the Hawaii athletic department, gave the quiet giant enough exposure to be named to the CNN/Sports Illustrated All-America first team.

UH vs Washington State Kickoff Time Set

Washington State University has announced a 4:00 pm PST kickoff time for the September 12th game between WSU and Hawaii at Qwest Field.

Be there!

If anyone is actually gonna be there, be sure to be there Friday night. Island Sports Media is putting together a Sports Hawaii Tailgate Jam.

Island Sports Media & Malaea Entertainment present:
Sports Hawaii Tailgate Jam at Studio 7 in Seattle, WA. Just few blocks south of Qwest Field.
Sept 11, 2009, Doors open @ 7pm, wear your green and white and let’s cheer on the University of Hawaii Warriors.
Hula performances by Na Mea Hula O’Kamano’i'o, Instructor, Malaea Rasmussen-Richardson perform with her halau for you with Harry & da boyz.
Napun Tasi, Elias Kauhane performs with his mixture of Chamorro/Hawaiian music. Also featuring Unified Culture and Island Bound. Food, music, and more….

Here's the flyer from their front page.

From the Blogs: Swap Meet, Sione, Kiel, Symonds

Dave Reardon writes that the swap meet may soon be gone for good on UH game days.

Word we’re getting is that whoever gets the new contract for the Aloha Stadium swap meet will not be allowed to hold it on Saturdays of University of Hawaii home football games. Stadium officials won’t say anything, but a big announcement on this is expected as early as next week.

It’s about time someone figured this one out … it’s a no-brainer.

Stephen Tsai writes that Earvin Sione is back on the UH roster, while kicker Brett Symonds and receiver Matt Kiel will no longer be Warriors.

The Centurions: #20 Jeff Ulbrich

The Star-Bulletin's countdown of UH football's "Centurions", the 100 greatest players in the University of Hawaii's 100 years of football, continues with #20, linebacker Jeff Ulbrich.

Paul Arnett profiles "Brick".

"This is Jeff Ulbrich."

A couple of weeks before, Skinner pulled me aside after a voluntary workout to give me the heads up on the midterm transfer from Gavilan Junior College in Gilroy, Calif. Isn't that the garlic capital of the world? Skinner had no idea. But what he did know early on was UL-BRICK was a player.

"You should see this guy in the weight room," Skinner said, a touch of awe in his voice. "He bangs his head against the weights before he lifts. HARD."

Ulbrich politely raised his hand to shake mine — hard enough — before quietly introducing himself. Like a sniper. Polite. No smile. Just an upward gaze of intensity and acknowledgment. Even now, the thrill of hitting someone in practice was fresh on his face.

I wonder if he gets that same look after he drives his Prius.



Eh, I'm just kidding! Seriously, I hope he becomes a coach at UH whenever his playing days are done.

Warrior Jack

You need to get some balls.

The University of Hawaii Warrior Jack antenna ball bounced onto the market yesterday at all 26 Jack in the Box restaurants around the state, according to Media Relations Manager, Kathleen Anthony in San Diego.

Guests ordering a large combo meal receive the antenna ball free, as has been the case with the restaurant's other antenna balls created in Jack's likeness. Those are generally made available at the chain's 2,180 restaurants in 18 states. This one, however, is available only in Hawaii.

"In years past we offered a series of antenna balls featuring NFL and MLB sports teams, (such as the) San Diego Padres," Anthony said. "However, I believe this is our first antenna ball to feature a college team ... and we are not currently offering antenna balls featuring collegiate teams in other markets."

Warriors in the Pros: RGM

The BC Lions take on the Hamilton Tiger-Cats tonight at 7:30pm PST. Hopefully Ryan Grice-Mullen can redeem himself after dropping a tough pass in last week's season opener. Here's a link to rosters, depth charts and game notes.

Follow live stats via TSN.ca.

Listen to the game via Team 1040 Sports Radio.

Purchase a live webcast of the game via CFL Broadband, though the game may available afterwards for free on TSN's video page.

Off-Topic Friday: Plants vs Zombies

If there's any musical justice in this world, this song would be the hit of the summer. So frickin catchy!

The Centurions: #21 Jeff Sydner

The Star-Bulletin's countdown of UH football's "Centurions", the 100 greatest players in the University of Hawaii's 100 years of football, continues with #21, slotback/returner Jeff Sydner.

Jason Kaneshiro profiles Sydner.

"I didn't like to fair catch, it defeats the purpose," Sydner said, reminiscing about his daring as a punt returner. "Who wants to go back there and waste a play by fair catching when you've got a chance to make something happen?

"Hawaii in general, the fans, everybody just wanted big things to happen. They came to those games to see big plays and big things and I felt like that's what I was there to do. I never wanted to short the fans anything."

Big plays were the specialty of the relatively diminutive Sydner in his three seasons with the Rainbow Warriors.

Sydner's elusiveness as a returner and versatility as a slotback added up to 4,137 total yards, good for third on the program's all-time list.

His 82-yard punt return against Maine in 1990 remains the second longest in UH history and he held the record for punt return yardage until Chad Owens passed him in 2004.

Sydner also talks about striking the Heisman pose vs BYU the night Ty Detmer won the Heisman. Here's the video. It's preceded by a 53-yard run from Centurion #86, Dane McArthur.

News and Notes: Kauai, Chizzy, Recruits

The UH coaches wrapped up their three-day Speed & Quickness Clinic yesterday. David Simon of KauaiWorld.com has a report.

Stephen Tsai has a Q&A with incoming JC running back Chizimuzo "Chizzy" Dimude.

Hectic?
"I came in Sunday. I slept the whole way on the flight. It was fast. I started school the next day."
From what he can tell ....
"It's cool. I like it so far. I'm adjusting pretty fast. I can't wait for the regular season to start."
Chizzy?
"My mom named me that. It's short for Chizimuzo — 'God showed me the way' in Igbo."

Jason Kaneshiro wrote about London Sapolu and Ipulasi Eselu committing to UH. Here's an excerpt from Eselu's article:

Eselu (6-foot-2, 200 pounds) plays outside linebacker for Moanalua, but is projected to grow into a defensive end in college. Moanalua coach Arnold Martinez said he plans to play Eselu at end in certain packages along with dropping him into coverage or having him rush the passer.

"Lasi's kind of like another coach on the defense for me," Martinez said. "Great football IQ and then obviously he has great dimensions and he's able to make plays. ... Just a real versatile player for us off the edge."

UPDATE (7/10/09): Kaneshiro talks to UH's newest commit, Sean Michael Shigematsu.

WitP: Bess, Brennan

Ed Thompson of Scout.com has a Q&A with Davone Bess.

Thompson: Davone, you caught 54 passes during your rookie season even though you only had six starts. You have to be pleased with that since there are veterans who start 16 games and catch maybe 50, 60 passes.

Bess: Yeah, I get excited. It was unfortunate when Camarillo went down and got hurt, but obviously, when he went down my role expanded. I made the most of the opportunity when the coaches gave me that shot and I've never wanted to look back. I take every opportunity like it's my last. Me and Chad built a pretty good connection towards the end of the season and he kept coming my way. Hopefully we can keep things going from the beginning of the season to the end and make it happen again.

KGMB's Liz Chun has part two of her profile and interview with Colt Brennan. The story starts at about 1:05 into the video.

"Basically, the offseason is all about maintaining your strength and your conditioning and throwing the ball," Brennan said. "You get enough practice during 2 a days, you want to show up in shape and ready to go."

Brennan says coaches want him quick and agile and while he's noticeably heavier than before, the team says he's just about six pounds away from his ideal weight of 212.

"Hip healed and I slimmed down, had the knee surgery and slimmed down, knee healed and I'm feeling great," Brennan said. "Weight is definitely not the problem."

Sean Michael Shigematsu Commits to UH

Stephen Tsai writes that Kapa'a High School left tackle Sean Michael Shigematsu will become a Warrior.

"I always wanted to be a Warrior," Shigematsu said. "I'm a fan of the Warriors."

He is one of the few Kaua'i residents to earn a UH football scholarship. But he is ready to step in — with size-17 shoes.

"He appreciates what an opportunity this is," said Steve Kaui, who has served as Shigematsu's mentor. "He realizes there are other worthy young men who are waiting for an opportunity such as the one he's being offered. He feels the joy that was given to him, and he wants to make the best of it. I think it's a great day for him and his family."

Congrats to Sean!

WAC Signs BCS Pact

Ferd Lewis writes about the WAC reluctantly signing the new BCS agreement with ESPN.

The Western Athletic Conference Board of Directors voted unanimously yesterday to sign the new Bowl Championship Series agreement with ESPN while also expressing its reservations about the present football championship format.

WAC Commissioner Karl Benson said the conference will be submitting a letter voicing its "concerns about the current structure (of the BCS)."

The WAC and Mountain West were the last two of the 11 Football Bowl Subdivision (formerly known as Division I-A) conferences and Notre Dame to commit to the new agreement that will run from January 2011 through January 2014.

In his column, Ferd gives it to the MWC.

The MWC, along with all the rest, agreed back in November to the terms of the upcoming agreement. Then, it belatedly got religion. And got greedy.

After Utah went 13-0, the MWC in March began promoting a new plan to rewrite automatic BCS eligibility. One that just happened — surprise — to favor the MWC at the exclusion of the four other non-automatic conferences.

So the MWC's demands for equality not only rang hollow, they garnered little support and no leverage. Now, only Justice Dept. action will change that in the next four years.

Too bad, too, because the BCS system cries out for real change. The kind that would have had a better chance of coming with a united front.

The Centurions: #22 Dana McLemore

The Star-Bulletin's countdown of UH football's "Centurions", the 100 greatest players in the University of Hawaii's 100 years of football, continues with #22, cornerback/returner Dana McLemore.

Dave Reardon profiles McLemore.

"DANGEROUS" DANA McLemore wasn't very imposing. He was smaller than average for a college football player at 5-feet-11 and 185 pounds. He wasn't blazing fast. But he was smooth and quick, smart and tough -- and a hard worker.

It didn't take long for him to begin dominating games in two ways -- by shutting down the opponent's best receiver, and changing the momentum and the scoreboard via the roller-coaster ride called the punt return.

Double-duty was standard fare for him. "I'd always done that since Pop Warner, when I was 9 years old."

A dependable punt returner was crucial to the defense-based teams of the Tomey era. McLemore hung onto the job for three years because he hung onto everything that came his way.

"We were looking at two or three other guys," says Bob Wagner, who coached the secondary and the punt return team in those days. "We charted them, and even though Dana had an awkward catching motion, he caught everything."

Warriors in the Pros: Ryan Grice-Mullen

Ryan Grice-Mullen talks to Lowell Ulrich of The Province about the ball that slipped through his hands late in the BC Lions season opener.

Grice-Mullen spent most of the contest in a cat-and-mouse game with various Riders defensive backs and when he needed to go deep, he took off. Buck Pierce's throw found Grice-Mullen alone behind coverage, but he adjusted to the ball a split-second too late.

Game over. Unless, of course, you have two days to think about what happened.

"Of course I'm still mad about not making that play, because it's one I make over and over," the receiver said. "But that's what Saturdays are for. I have Saturday to stay home, yell, slam things around. But as soon as Monday practice comes around, it's totally out of my system." That's not entirely accurate, however, as Grice-Mullen looked at a replay Monday so as to work on avoiding a repeat.

"Clearly there's no excuses, especially in the last seconds of the game. [The ball] kept drifting and I didn't adjust until the last second," he said.

Great quote from RGM at the end of the article:

"I'm a man about it," he said. "Guys who don't trust their skills make excuses. That was a great ball by Buck. I just didn't finish."

The article also notes that he'll be returning punts sometime soon.

Speed & Quickness On Kauai

UH coaches have been on Kauai the past few days conducting a three-day Speed & Quickness Clinic for the kids. Dennis Fujimoto of KauaiWorld.com has an article about the first day of the clinic.

Monday’s opening day of the three-day clinic featured about 75 young players and more than 150 student athletes.

“I’m glad we had some girls in the younger group,” said Jamilee Jacinto, a Hawai‘i wahine track team member who was helping the football coaching staff. “When I came to this, I was the only girl.”

Jett Jasper, a Kaua‘i High School graduate, was also helping the staff.

Fujimoto has an article about how the coaches are stressing academics.

And David Simon of KauaiWorld.com has a report from day two.

According to Theresa Koki of the county’s anti-drug office, who is coordinating the event, 76 youngsters took part during the 12 and under session, followed by 144 in the second session, totalling 220 who came out to take advantage of the free clinic.

The athletes were split into groups based on their optimal position and the University of Hawai‘i coaching staff gave individual instruction and drilled the student-athletes on the fundamentals.

Head coach Greg McMackin was on hand making the rounds to each group throughout the morning.

WitP: Colt Brennan, Davone Bess

KGMB's Liz Chun interviews Colt Brennan. The article includes video.

How are you more of an ideal NFL quarterback than you were right out of college?

"I think you grow up, you start to realize the responsibility," Brennan said. "I think I'm starting to learn that and becoming a lot more mature."

Colt's maturity could be tested sooner than later with expected starter Jason Campbell going into the final year of his contract. The situation really throws all the Redskin quarterbacks into a crucial performance test.

"It's actually the best position you could ask for, it's one of those things it's in everyone's hands; for me, all I can control is what I do but I know I'm going to get a ton of time this preseason," he said. "They said they were going to play me and let me get out there and see what I can do."

Thanks to a tip from LizKauai, Matt Terl of the Redskins blog has a post about Colt's appearance on yesterday's Tsai & Wai Show.

If you've been following the ongoing "Cult Of Colt" drama since last preseason, you will be singularly unsurprised to hear that several of the questions are variations on "Hey, why don't you start ahead of Jason Campbell?" and Brennan handles the questions with the same class and understanding of his place in the NFL pecking order.

But he also addresses one of the major knocks on his otherwise stellar college performance, acknowledging that his Hawaii team may have been a little too comfortable just to get to the Sugar Bowl, which he turns into a life lesson for the future: "I can tell you that if I ever get a chance to play in a championship game again," he says, "I know what I'll want to do to prepare for it."

And it doesn't look like Davone Bess will be going after his Twitter impostor.

A pretend match race with Chris Johnson of the Titans is one thing. It's quite another when a fraud is inviting clueless young women to meet him at certain nightclubs while impersonating an NFL receiver.

Speaking of which, Kenny Zuckerman, the agent for Bess (pictured), told me in an email he "[does] not foresee any lawsuit with Twitter or L_Sleazy." It's not just the La Russa outcome, it seems, but the fact such an action "is not really Davone's style," Zuckerman wrote.

Of course it isn't. Davone Bess is a humble, hard-working, fast-rising member of the Dolphins' underrated receiving corps. He isn't a diva receiva', and he would never be caught saying the things his impersonator did online in his name.

Ipulasi Eselu Commits to UH

Stephen Tsai writes that Moanalua defensive end Ipulasi Eselu will become a Warrior.

Moanalua head coach Arnold Martinez said Eselu was used as a stand-up end, essentially an outside linebacker, but projects to play defensive end in college.

"We needed a strong outside backer, and he was the first candidate," Martinez said. "He was easy to coach there. And I think it helped his footwork. He was able to cover (pass) routes."

His older brother, Savaii Eselu, is a tight end for California.

"I think he's going to grow," Martinez said of Ipulasi Eselu. "His brother is 6-5, and his dad is huge."

Martinez also praised Eselu's workmanlike attitude.

"He doesn't take a play off," Martinez said. "For me, it's a blessing to coach him. His dad and his family did a great job with him. That starts in the home."

Woot woot! Here's his junior year highlights. I believe his jersey number is #1.

The Centurions: #23 Jason Rivers

The Star-Bulletin's countdown of UH football's "Centurions", the 100 greatest players in the University of Hawaii's 100 years of football, continues with #23, receiver Jason Rivers.

Kalani Simpson praises Rivers.

It was something awesome to watch.

He played receiver in a different way. Violently. Ferociously. Hungrily.

Angrily.

He played the way Pancho Gonzales played tennis. The way Bob Gibson pitched.

He would make plays and howl into the night. He would knock people over. He would block. He would fight you. He would fight you with everything he had, and for everything you had. He would take it from you.

This is what made him great.

And he was fiercest in the biggest moments, or, as June Jones put it once, "When the stage gets big, he gets big."

News and Notes

Pay-per-view broadcasts of UH home games may be in HD this season.

"We're still working out a few kinks, but it looks really, really positive," Santos said. "We're still working out the schedule and trying to figure out some other things."

The price of pay-per-view has steadily risen since the package's creation in 2002, and will go up again. Last year's package of 18 games (11 football, four basketball, and three volleyball) was $430 on Oahu, or $380 for renewing customers.

Santos said the price will increase as incentive to get fans out to games. The specific price range is expected later this week. There is also a significant cost involved to convert to HD; Oceanic has broadcast some high school games in HD on OC-16.

"I think the major consideration previously (was that) we all had some skepticism as to putting such a good quality product on TV; less people would show up at the stadium," Santos said. "So we're trying to make sure we don't detract from the live audience."

Ferd Lewis looks at early lines Vegas is putting on UH games.

The Golden Nugget race and sports book, the early bird on the college football season, has installed the Warriors as seven-point underdogs to Nevada-Las Vegas (Sept. 19), three-point underdogs to Fresno (Oct. 10) and 17-point underdogs to Boise State (Oct. 24), according to the Oklahoma fan website, www.blatanthomerism.com.

And UH athletic director Jim Donovan had another First and 10 chat on SportsHawaii.com yesterday. Here's an excerpt of his answer to Garret's question regarding the new "Road Warrior" program:

The Road Warrior concept is a creation of Koa Anuenue.... The stimulus was a combination of the demand for Sugar Bowl tickets and the desire for some mainland fans to have a "higher priority" when it comes to purchasing tickets to a UH road game.

You are correct that this year's road games -- especially Washington State, UNLV and San Jose State -- will likely have many tickets available for UH fans. But this will not always be the case.

When a UH fan purchases an away game football ticket from us, we are "earning" only $10 per ticket -- all the other cost of the ticket goes to the home team and we do not get any prorated portion of that sale. So if we sell 10,000 tickets to the UNLV game through our box office, we would earn $100,000 from that away game. If a UH fan buys a ticket directly from the host institution, UH "earns" nothing from their purchase/support and the UH fan may be placed in a section surrounded or in the middle of the host institution's fans.

More on Kaniela Tuipulotu

Ryan Finley of The Arizona Daily Star talks to Kaniela Tuipulotu about his decision to transfer to UH.

Kaniela Tuipulotu was successful in two seasons as an Arizona Wildcats football player, but he wasn't satisfied.
In fact, he was homesick.
"I missed just being able to look into the stands and see people I know personally, not just people that like me because I'm a football player," Tuipulotu said Monday. "I missed playing in front of people that I know, people I appreciate. My parents couldn't ever come out and see me play, and that (stunk)."

"I was comfortable," he said, "but I really never was healthy."
Tuipulotu batted shoulder problems in 2007 and "turf toe," a hyperextension of a joint in the big toe, in 2008. He underwent shoulder surgery this spring and is currently facing an undiagnosed elbow problem.
Tuipulotu is so hurt that he was planning to redshirt at the UA this fall just to get healthy. Instead, he'll join a Hawaii program that is two years removed from a Bowl Championship Series game.

Colt Brennan on the Warrior Beat

Colt Brennan is the guest on The Warrior Beat Show today at 11:00am HST (woops, already started!). Submit your questions on the blog or during the show on the Cover It Live window. Hope the servers can handle!

London Sapolu Commits to UH

Stephen Tsai writes that center London Sapolu, son of Jesse Sapolu, will become a Warrior.

Sapolu will play his sophomore season at Orange Coast Community College, then transfer to UH in January. He will have two seasons of NCAA eligibility.

Sapolu, who is 6 feet 1 and 295 pounds, played defensive tackle last season. He will start at center this season.

London Sapolu said he was "4 or 5" when his father won his last Super Bowl ring.

"They still tell me a story about how they wanted to take me to a Super Bowl, but I told them I'd rather stay in the hotel and watch the Power Rangers," London said, laughing.

Jesse Sapolu said his son "is going to surprise a lot of people. In my opinion, he's a pretty good player."

The Centurions: #24 Pisa Tinoisamoa

The Star-Bulletin's countdown of UH football's "Centurions", the 100 greatest players in the University of Hawaii's 100 years of football, continues with #24, linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa.

Cindy Luis profiles Pisa.

"He wasn't focused, his work ethic wasn't there," said Jones, now the coach at SMU. "I told him before his last season that this was it -- 'If you don't get focused after we've given you this chance, I'm done with you.'

"He took it and took it to another level, played as well as anybody in the country that year."

In 2002, Tinoisamoa was named first-team All-Western Athletic Conference and the MVP of the Warrior team that finished 10-4, 7-1 WAC. He opted for the NFL rather than return for one last season.

Warriors in the Pros: Colt Brennan

Colt Brennan is in town, and Stephen Tsai has some pictures of him. Leila Wai has a video interview with Colt. And Colt is the guest on tomorrow's Tsai and Wai Show, which will also have video of Nasti Nate Ilaoa interviewing Colt on camera.

Lots more stuff from that post, including a Q&A with Spencer Smith, news that Veni Manu will grayshirt this season, and lots more pics.

From a July 4th post, Tsai had a Q&A with Malcolm Lane, who talked about catching passes from Colt.

"It's wonderful. He puts it on the money. The receivers like to go out and play catch with him. He's so accurate, and he's a very hard worker. He'll help you get a lot better. He has a very good touch. If he needs to get a pass out fast, he'll get it out fast. He puts the touch on it. He throws a great catchable pass. His passes are on point. He can pick out receivers very fast. He throws such a tight spiral. Everybody loves catching passes from Colt."

Season Tickets On Sale

Be there!

Season tickets for the 2009 University of Hawai‘i football season are now on sale. It's the 100th Anniversary of the inaugural season of UH football and special celebrations are being planned. In addition, season ticket and premium seat contributions are the same as last year.

Fans can purchase season tickets online at HawaiiAthletics.com, visit the Stan Sheriff Center Box Office (Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.) or call 944-2697 during the same hours.

The Warriors play a seven-game home schedule in 2009. Hawai‘i will host non-conference games against Wisconsin, Navy, and Central Arkansas and conference match-ups against defending champion Boise State, Fresno State, Utah State, and New Mexico State.

Here's the link to purchase tickets online.

The Centurions: #25 Skippy Dyer

The Star-Bulletin's countdown of UH football's "Centurions", the 100 greatest players in the University of Hawaii's 100 years of football, continues with #25, halfback Skippy Dyer.

Lyle Nelson profiles Dyer.

Combine Gary Allen and Chad Owens and what do you get?

Many old-time Hawaii football fans would say Skippy Dyer.

Perhaps no greater all-around running back ever wore the green and white than Dyer of the 1955 and 1956 teams.

First, he was tremendous on kickoff and punt returns, demoralizing opponents and thrilling the crowd like Owens did nearly a half-century later.

But unlike Owens, Dyer bit off large chunks of yardage from scrimmage as a halfback.

Also, does anyone know what became of Dyer?

"We've tried and tried, but can't locate him," Araki said. "The last we know is someone thought he was with the L.A. parks and recreation department in the '60s. But they had no record of him.

Araki said Dyer was beloved by his teammates and had many friends at UH and throughout the state.

"We have many get-togethers over the years, and the question is always, 'Where's Skippy?' He was a real nice fella, got along with everyone on campus. You would think somebody like that would come back."

No one seems to know where James "Skippy" Dyer is, or even if he is alive.

The Centurions: #26 Joe Onosai

The Star-Bulletin's countdown of UH football's "Centurions", the 100 greatest players in the University of Hawaii's 100 years of football, continues with #26, offensive lineman Joe Onosai.

Paul Honda profiles Onosai.

"COACH TOMEY is probably the greatest motivator who I've ever met in my life," he says. "Not only was he eloquent and articulate, he was very emotional. He knew how to get you up for a game. He also knew how to put the fear of God in you.

"If he wasn't pleased with you, he'd let you know, whether you were a player or coach."

Tomey remembers someone who needed little prodding.

"Joe was a man among boys, a very physical guy, a tough guy, but a very solid individual," Tomey said. "He became a great leader, an outstanding performer and he was a great worker. He did it all."

O-line coaches Ed Riewerts and Mike Hill did much of the molding at UH. Between daily battles with defensive star Al Noga and constant motivation from the staff -- Tomey once called Onosai "a big sissy," which seems absolutely comical now -- he turned into a sixth-round draft choice by the Dallas Cowboys, his favorite team.