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The Warrior Beat
Stephen Tsai knows University of Hawai'i sports, down to the last decimal of a 40-yard dash. He's lived UH sports since 1987. Few reporters get the inside information like he does. What Tsai writes is a daily must read.
Reach Stephen at stsai@honoluluadvertiser.com.
Posted on: March 26, 2008 at 1:03:25 am
Hinshaw chat moved to Friday; comeback for Yamanoha?

The chat with Manoa chancellor Virginia Hinshaw will move to Friday at 11 a.m.
Hinshaw e-mailed to say that she is meeting with the Legislature tomorrow, her originally scheduled chat time.

* * *

Russell Yamanoha said he was told that if — IF — K5 retains the television rights to UH sports, he would be the top choice to serve as football analyst.
Yamanoha was part of the K5 football crew until last year, when it was decided to cut down on the number of announcers. Jim Leahey and Jim Donovan did K5's telecasts last season. Donovan is vacating the job after being named UH's athletic director.

* * *

It is easy to forget that the Fred vonAppen teams included some very good football players, such as Eddie Klaneski, Chris Shinnick and, our favorite, GONZO!!!
Gonzo?
Yes, somehow linebacker Stephen Gonzales has eluded the memory bytes.
But Gonzo, now with the Bryson Financial Group in Long Beach, e-mailed to remind us that he is UH's power-clean record holder with a lift of 405 pounds. Gonzo said Tommy Kono was the witness.
Back in the day, power cleans, not bench presses, were the weight-lifting workouts.
So here's to Gonzo, who once made a hit so hard it was heard in the red section.
Of course, I can't remember whom he hit.

* * *

There is a provision that allows the wives of UH coaches to make specific road trips. Last year, Bob Coolen's wife accompanied the softball team on the two-week trip that ended with the Regionals in Tennessee.
Later, the Coolens learned about another provision: the value of those trips is considered income, and taxes are assessed. In their case, a lot of taxes were assessed.
Which brings us to this point: How many spouses, girlfriends, boyfriends and special friends paid taxes for the Sugar Bowl trip?

* * *

Reminder: Coach Mack said all practices will be open to the public.
Not sure if Florida alumni are considered to be "the public."

Comments:

Comment from: myki [Visitor]

Good morning Stephen! Are you having trouble sleeping like I am? Go to sleep, you're working too hard. Don't you have class in the morning?
Permalink 03/26/08 @ 01:18
Comment from: Shannon [Visitor]
Good to see I'm not the only one awake...
Permalink 03/26/08 @ 01:34
Comment from: SteveM [Visitor] · http://home.hawaii.rr.com/smurashi/tsai-kos

Good morning everyone!

....time to go sleep. Will be back before brunch...

But interesting news about Russell Yamanoha.

Permalink 03/26/08 @ 01:49
Comment from: bighilofan2 [Visitor]
Hi SteveM

Great job on your page. I'll see you on the 26th.
Permalink 03/26/08 @ 01:57
Comment from: myki [Visitor]

Hi bighilofan2

What! You have a hard time falling asleep too. I think you working too hard, just like ST. Looking forward to seeing you next month.

Good night! Sleep tight! Don't let the bed bugs bite!
Permalink 03/26/08 @ 02:02
Comment from: bighilofan2 [Visitor]
Myki
Howzit sistah. Catching up on all my reading. I like be humorous like homey and Vegas. Looking forward to seein you an hubby next month. okay, back to reading. 'nite.
Permalink 03/26/08 @ 02:22
Comment from: protector [Visitor]
I like Russel Y!! That'll be great.
Permalink 03/26/08 @ 02:47
Comment from: Stretch [Visitor]
Good Morning Tsaikos!!

What's up with Hinshaw?? Changing our chat date because she has to meet the Legislature?? Someone let her know that the Tsaiko's are more important than the lawmakers that will be giving her the millions to fix the school!!

Everyone have a good day at work, except the people who have Prince Kuhio Day off.
Permalink 03/26/08 @ 04:29
Fresno State article.

Is this team really as good as most think, and is it realistic to think an outright Western Athletic Conference title and a Bowl Championship Series game is possible?

The number of returners is there. So is the talent. There are depth concerns at each position -- particularly at linebacker, quarterback and offensive line -- and how the Bulldogs will transition to another offensive coordinator. But for the most part, Fresno State is working with a proven, veteran group. And a good run in nonconference would appear to allow the Bulldogs to rise quickly in national rankings because of Fresno State's tough schedule.

But the Bulldogs have flourished when they were considered an underdog. Being the favorite has been an uncomfortable role of past teams (see 2005-06, post-USC stretch). And right now, it's possible Fresno State would be favored to beat all teams except Wisconsin.
Permalink 03/26/08 @ 04:46
Even though Fresno State has so many people returning, it seems that they are missing some key people.

Who will be the most difficult to replace: team MVP and do-it-all running back Clifton Smith, the WAC's defensive player of the year in linebacker Marcus Riley, or four-year starting offensive lineman Ryan Wendell?

The easy answer is all of the above. And don't forget departed three-year starting defensive end Tyler Clutts, who led the WAC in sacks.

Watching who takes over Smith's role during the offseason will be the most entertaining since Smith was such a playmaker. But the progression of Ryan Mathews should soften Smith's loss. And considering the talent and depth at each of the positions, replacing Wendell would appear to be the toughest challenge of them all.

Then again, Fresno State's worst stretch of play during the past four years occurred when Riley was injured.
Permalink 03/26/08 @ 04:47
I cannot imagine a college player who has 4 different offensive coordinators in his 4 years in college! That requires so much adjustment...though since they did it so many times already maybe they have it down now.

How long will it take for new offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier and the players to get comfortable with one another? More specifically, what kind of relationship will Nussmeier and three-year starting quarterback Tom Brandstater have?

It took all spring and summer camp, and half of the 2007 season before ex-offensive coordinator Jim McElwain and the Bulldogs started to click. Brandstater, like the rest of the upcoming senior class, is working with his fourth coordinator in four years. McElwain restored confidence in Brandstater, helping him understand the coverages better and to see the game at a slower pace. Nussmeier's challenge with Brandstater will be to get him to play as he did during the final three games of last year -- efficient as usual but capable of taking over a game, if needed.
Permalink 03/26/08 @ 04:48
San Diego State has a LOT of question marks.

The Aztecs, coming off their ninth straight nonwinning season, are bereft of eight offensive starters from a year ago. Gone are quarterback Kevin O'Connell, who also led the team in rushing; Brandon Bornes, the team's top running back; Brett Swain and Chaz Schilens, SDSU's top two receivers; tight end Steve Schmidt; and three offensive linemen, including tackles Mike Kravetz and Will Robinson.

The most glaring unknown is at quarterback, where the trio of sophomore Kelsey Sokoloski, redshirt freshman Ryan Lindley and junior transfer Drew Westling will try to fill the void left by O'Connell, a player who had a hand in nearly 77 percent of the team's total offense last year.
Permalink 03/26/08 @ 04:49
From what I understand, Mack's coaching clinic will be free for the local coaches. Florida State is charging $50 for their coaching clinic, and they brought in a guest speaker.

A question-and-answer session with head coach Bobby Bowden and former Notre Dame head coach Lou Holtz on Saturday morning will highlight this week's annual Florida State coaches' clinic.

The Q&A, which will be moderated by current FSU linebackers coach Chuck Amato, will culminate the three-day event that starts on Thursday afternoon.

"That, to me, is worth the price of admission right there," said Florida State Director of Player Personnel Bob Lacivita, who helped organize the event.

But the $50 fee includes more than just the two hall-of-fame coaches answering questions.

Much more, in fact.

"You'll hear a presentation from the whole offensive and defensive staffs," Lacivita said. "There will be huddle sessions, one-on-one time with the coaches. There will also be presentations from the all of the state champions from the state of Florida."

Florida State's strength and conditioning coach Todd Stroud will also make a presentation, as will former FSU All-American Derrick Brooks.

"Then," says Lacivita, "Coach Bobby Bowden and Lou Holtz will sit down and reflect on the game of college football. And the discussion will be moderated by Coach Amato — How can you beat that?"

He added: "Plus, interspersed with all of that, the coaches will get to watch the practice on Friday and the scrimmage on Saturday."

Virtually every major college football program in the country conducts its own coaches clinic.
Permalink 03/26/08 @ 04:51
Tennessee's coach really put down his backup OL!

The UT coach was worked up after working with various backup offensive linemen, including Cody Pope, Ramone Johnson and Darris Sawtelle.

"They're soft," a fiery Fulmer said. "That group of guys, they're soft 300-pounders. They should be big, ugly tough guys. Right now they're not very tough."
Permalink 03/26/08 @ 04:52
ESPN is creating a new bowl game, this one for C-USA vs. Big East.

A proposed bowl game to be played at St. Petersburg’s Tropicana Field starting this season will be submitted to the NCAA’s bowl certifying board by Tuesday.

“We have been exploring with a number of partners, the viability of launching a bowl game in St. Petersburg,” said Pete Derzis, senior vice president and general manager of ESPN Regional.

The game, to be televised on ESPN or ESPN2, would pit teams from the Big East Conference and Conference USA and is tentatively scheduled for Sunday night, Dec. 21, a Rays official said. If the Rays’ outdoor stadium is built — if approved, it would open in 2012 — the bowl would move there.

The bowl, which likely would be named the St. Petersburg Bowl if a corporate sponsor can not be obtained, would be the sixth bowl run and operated by ESPN. The network’s other bowls: Las Vegas, Hawaii, Armed Forces, Papajohns.com and New Mexico.
Permalink 03/26/08 @ 04:55
Comment from: Garret [Visitor] · http://www.mlive.com/wolverines/academics/
Remember the 4-part series on academics withe the University of Michigan Athletic Department?
Permalink 03/26/08 @ 04:55
Michigan's President, Provost, and Athletic Director responded to the articles.

Eight days after the Ann Arbor News published an examination of the athletic department's handling of its students, U-M president Mary Sue Coleman, provost Teresa Sullivan and athletic director Bill Martin released a joint statement:

"When the Ann Arbor News implies, through four days of coverage, that the academic experience for University of Michigan student-athletes does not meet our standards or expectations, we must cry foul. Our job as faculty and administrators is to help these student-athletes succeed academically, just as we are committed to the academic accomplishments of all Michigan students. As with their peers, student-athletes are encouraged to pursue any major and degree program they want, depending on their interests, ambitions, and abilities."

The statement also attacked the News' four-day series, although Coleman and Martin refused requests for interviews before it ran.
Permalink 03/26/08 @ 04:57
Michigan lost one of their starting offensive linemen, who apparently felt that spring practices were too hard.

The Michigan football roster has suffered another casualty.

Junior-to-be Justin Boren, who started at center and left guard last season, left the team on Monday, U-M coach Rich Rodriguez announced Tuesday.

The first-year U-M coach refused to discuss specifics, saying he talks only about guys who play for Michigan.

But Boren told much of the story 10 days earlier, following the team’s first spring practice.

That day he cited the change in the offense and how grueling the first workout was.

He said he had early thoughts about the process and the difficulty of the new conditioning program and how difficult it was for the offensive linemen having to run constantly back to the line of scrimmage in the no-huddle offense.

“We didn’t know what to expect, a lot of screaming and yelling, a lot different, but we’ll get used to it,” Boren said that day. “It’ll just take time.”

The departure was not a shock after those comments, but Boren also had a strong affinity for Michigan because his father Mike played for the Wolverines under Bo Schembechler.

Boren, an All-Big Ten honorable mention selection last season, did not return messages left Tuesday at his Pickerington, Ohio, home.

A pair of upperclassmen who started at right guard last year, Alex Mitchell and Jeremy Ciulla, left the program soon after Rodriguez arrived. Another player who served as depth, Grant DeBenedictis, did not return for a fifth year.
Permalink 03/26/08 @ 05:00
Nick Saban is not upset that LSU's Les Miles now makes $1000 more than him.

What was Saban's view on Miles' contract that pays the current LSU coach exactly $1,000 more than the former LSU coach? (No, really, that's what it is.)

Knowing how much he loooooves to talk about money stuff, I asked Saban yesterday:

Me: "Were you upset that you're no longer the SEC's highest paid --"?

Saban: (Interrupting my question) "I could care less."
Permalink 03/26/08 @ 05:01
Comment from: Garret [Visitor]
http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/yankees/2008/03/25/2008-03-25_jose_cansecos_new_book_links_arod_to_kno.html

If Jose Canseco was seeking revenge, he found it.

Canseco says he was nice enough to educate Alex Rodriguez about steroids and even introduced him to a friendly steroids dealer in the late 1990s, but A-Rod returned the favor by trying to bed his wife, the former Bash Brother alleges in his new book, "Vindicated: Big Names, Big Liars and the Battle to Save Baseball."

Whatever his motivation, Canseco writes that he is "confident" the Yankees star and three-time MVP used steroids.

"I did everything but inject the guy myself," Canseco says in the book.

Canseco said he introduced the future Yankee to a trainer named "Max."

"This trainer was a fan of steroids, and he had connections with local suppliers," Canseco writes.

Max later called Canseco to thank him for the reference. "He said A-Rod had signed on," Canseco adds. "I didn't ask for specifics."

"I'm confident it was the 'roids (that made A-Rod buff). I believed it then, and I believe it now. I've been down this road too many times with too many guys. I know my (stuff), and I know the way it works. I may not have seen (A-Rod) do the deed, but I set the whole thing up for him, just like he wanted. I saw the changes in his body in a short time. Hell, if you ask me, I did everything but inject the guy myself."

***

"The very next time Alex (Rodriguez) came over, he asked me, point blank, where one would go to get steroids if one wanted them. He was a cautious, cagey guy, Alex. He didn't say, ‘I want to buy steroids. Can you point me in the right direction?' Or, more accurately, as far as I'm concerned, he did say it, but not in those exact words."
Permalink 03/26/08 @ 05:07
Police confirmed Tuesday that Phoenix Suns star Shaquille O'Neal is set to become a volunteer with the Tempe Police Department in the near future.

O'Neal was at the station last Thursday to discuss with Police Chief Tom Ryff what he will be doing within the department, said Sgt. Cindy Davies, a police spokeswoman.

While playing for the Miami Heat before being traded to the Suns, O'Neal was a reserve officer for the Miami Beach Police Department, drawing a salary of $1 a year. He also was a reserve officer in Los Angeles when he played for the Lakers.
Permalink 03/26/08 @ 05:07
VERY detailed evaluation of Washington State, a UH opponent this season. The evaluation of Washington State (interesting to read about their new offensive coordinator) ends with this prediction. Looks like they are predicting Washington State to beat UH.

The Cougars were predictable under Doba, if nothing else: winners when expected, losers when expected - aside from upsetting Oregon in 2006 and immediately giving it back in a surprising loss to Arizona, Wazzu has been almost right down the line as a favorite and underdog over the last four years. With about four "swing" games, that gives State a window of somewhere between three and six wins, not enough in a 13-game schedule to break the bowl slide, and certainly not enough to break even in the conference, where it's probably the least talented team overall (this doesn't say much for Doba's recruiting, either). This is not a dire rebuilding job, but this fall will probably feel like one: much as there is potential for excitement out of the offense, the best thing that can happen to the Cougars is a solid upset (over Cal, UCLA or Arizona State, maybe), general improvement from the beginning of the year to the end, a strong closing stretch against Washington and Hawaii and a sense of momentum entering 2009. I wouldn't predict better than 6-7.
Permalink 03/26/08 @ 05:11
Comment from: Mei Ling [Visitor]
Aloha Kakahiaka, Tsai-kos!
Permalink 03/26/08 @ 05:44
Comment from: Garret [Visitor]
Hi ST!
Permalink 03/26/08 @ 05:55
Comment from: Garret [Visitor]
Rich,

I hope that your audit goes well today. It was good that you had your assistant to help out last night.
Permalink 03/26/08 @ 05:58
Comment from: Maverick [Visitor]
Morning Gang.

The chemistry of Papa Leahey and Russell works well.

The bunching of Three commentators in TV and radio usually gets confusing for the listener/viewer.

They are our Ambassadors for Net fans across the nation, hopefully capturing the audience that is new to Hawaiian style broadcasting that will want them to return for the next game.
Time for K5 to step up with something new for looks, get rid of that local news at halftime, and show the halftime show. I thought that was personally cheap of them. Why would I pay money to watch the local news?
Permalink 03/26/08 @ 06:22
This is something to keep in mind when UH has their Junior Day in the (hopefully near) future. I don't think many high school sports are going on now, so this will probably not be a problem except for the track and field guys.

When Georgia coaches learned late last week that Patterson was scheduled to participate in a Georgia High School Association-sanctioned track meet and attend junior day in Athens on Mar. 22, they told the junior to delay his visit until early April.

“[Georgia defensive coordinator] coach Willie Martinez called and said a player can’t participate in an athletic activity and attend a junior day on the same day,” Patterson said. “So he wants me to be there on April 5 for the spring game.”
Permalink 03/26/08 @ 06:26
Article predicting the Heisman finalists.

Graham Harrell, QB Texas Tech

Welcome to this year's Colt Brennan. After finally breaking through the ceiling and the stigma of Texas Tech quarterbacks just being numbers guys, he's ready to take another huge step after leading the nation in passing, averaging 432 yards per game (62 more than Paul Smith of Tulsa, who finished No. 2) and throwing 48 touchdown passes. Leading the way to two straight comeback bowl wins, and a win over Oklahoma, has softened even the harshest of Red Raider quarterback critics.

He'll win it if ... He does that again. Like Brennan last year, Harrell will have the preseason excitement generated from being a statistical superstar. Of course, Brennan became a Heisman finalist by leading Hawaii to a 12-0 regular season record and the BCS with a few tremendous comeback performances. Harrell will have to at least get Texas Tech in a position to win the Big 12 South.
Permalink 03/26/08 @ 06:32
The article discusses who will put up crazy numbers but get no support for the Heisman.

Chase Holbrook, QB, and Chris Williams, WR, New Mexico State

The numbers should be astronomical. This is Holbrook's third season as the starter, and had been around the system for years before that following head coach Hal Mumme over from SE Louisiana. Williams was the nation's leading receiver two years ago, and was well on his way last year before getting hurt. With everyone coming back to the Aggie offense, these two should go ballistic.
Ian Johnson, RB Boise State

There are two keys for Johnson. 1) He has to stay healthy, and 2) the quarterback situation has to be settled in a hurry. Johnson ran for 1,714 yards and 25 touchdowns in his breakout sophomore season, but he wasn't right over the second half of last year.
Permalink 03/26/08 @ 06:34
ESPN note on UH gives a shout out to the Advertiser.

Hawaii quarterback Tyler Graunke was reinstated Tuesday after a 40-day suspension for violating team rules, but the projected successor to superstar Colt Brennan will have to claim the starting job in spring practice. Graunke improved his academic standing, completed community service and paid a fine to clear his record. He was barred from team activities during the offseason.

Graunke passed for 1,234 yards and 10 touchdowns last season, leading Hawaii to a critical win at Nevada after Brennan was held out with an injury. He seemed like the clear-cut starter before the suspension, but Warriors coach Greg McMackin has said the quarterback spot is wide open.

When spring practice kicks off March 31, Inoke Funaki will start off as the No. 1 signal caller. "It was really depressing to not be around the team when I'm supposed to be a leader," Graunke told The Honolulu Advertiser. "If I have to start on the bottom of the depth chart again, it's not going to bother me. I've done it before."
Permalink 03/26/08 @ 06:35
Article on Nevada discusses their QB situation.

Last season, Nevada quarterback Colin Kaepernick was like a young pitching prospect getting by on a live fastball.

The 6-foot-6 freshman showed off his bionic arm whenever possible, even when he didn't have to. Kaepernick wound up winning WAC freshman of the year honors after passing for 2,175 yards and 19 touchdowns in eight games as the starter, but he was far from a finished product.

"He's a gifted kid," Nevada coach Chris Ault said. "Now we're honing in on the finesse [aspects] of the position, which he was very, very green at last year."

For Kaepernick, finesse means learning how to make different types of throws, including football's version of the knuckler.

"[Ault] calls it the sponge ball, when the receiver's wide open," Kaepernick explained. "I try to put more touch on it, make it an easier catch for them. We're trying to tone it down a little bit."

Graziano has been held out of contact drills this spring but should be fully cleared by May.

Ault expects Kaepernick to start off with the first-team offense in training camp this summer, but Graziano, who threw for 1,119 yards and 10 touchdowns before his injury, will have the chance to close the gap.

"I'm not a two-guy quarterback," Ault said. "I've done it before when the situation dictated it and I'd do it again. When we come back to camp and the competition starts, the best one's going to start and play.

"The beauty of this thing is there's times where you'd like to take your starter out. Maybe he's faltering, he's not reading things, so you can put somebody else in there to move the club. We're going to have that available to us."
Permalink 03/26/08 @ 06:38
Comment from: LizKauai [ Believer ] [Visitor] · http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art32305.asp
Aloha Kakahiaka!

SteveM- the cook/history book is reviewed on the above link. There are other articles linked from Google but they include another newspaper.
It may have been reprinted, not sure. But it was a best-seller during the holidays at Borders when it was released.

Permalink 03/26/08 @ 06:39
I like how this Fox Sports guy basically says that Colt proved he was an NFL prospect and was not a system QB.

Graham Harrell, QB, Texas Tech

Kliff Kingsbury, B.J. Symons, Sonny Cumbie, Cody Hodges ... Texas Tech has had a slew of marginally talented quarterbacks who put up ridiculous numbers. Harrell is different. Oh sure, he's cranking out the stats, leading the nation in total offense and throwing for 10,689 yards and 89 touchdowns in just over two seasons, but he's an actual NFL prospect. Sort of like Colt Brennan showed that he just wasn't a system quarterback at Hawaii, Harrell might finally break through as he leads a loaded offense that gets Biletnikoff winner Michael Crabtree back and loses just one starter, WR Danny Amendola. After throwing 48 touchdown passes with 11 400-plus yard performances, he should be even better.
Permalink 03/26/08 @ 06:39
NMSU gets some recognition by Fox Sports.

Chase Holbrook, QB, New Mexico State & Chris Williams, WR, New Mexico State

After doing a little bit of thinking about jumping ship to the NFL early, Holbrook chose to return for his final year after realizing he'd likely have been a late second-day pick. So far he's thrown for 8,485 yards and 60 touchdowns with 27 interceptions in two seasons. However, after an ultra-efficient sophomore season, he struggled with interceptions throughout last season, throwing 18, with two or more tossed in six games. At 6-foot-5 and 240 pounds, he has the size, arm and knowledge of the offense. Now with his prime receivers returning, he should be in for a huge final season and take over for Colt Brennan as the WAC's big passing star.

Williams caught 56 passes for 772 yards and 11 touchdowns in just under eight games, but it was that eighth win over Idaho that cost him his season as he suffered a broken collarbone. On the positive side, one of the nation's quickest, most productive receivers is back for a final year and, if he can stay healthy, will be one of the nation's most productive receivers. A wisp at only 5-foot-8 and 157 pounds, he can't take too many big shots, but he's uncoverable.
Permalink 03/26/08 @ 06:40
I like the way they compare Nebraska's starting QB (remember, they have a pass-oriented offense now) to Colt.

Reviewing Ganz's three starts last fall, it's fairly clear that he's not Colt Brennan. If Ganz passes 40-50 times a game, he'll throw interceptions.
Permalink 03/26/08 @ 06:41
Comment from: Garret [Visitor]
Okay, it is obvious I have too much time on my hands now after my proposal is done. I'm banning myself until after lunch so that I do not take over this blog any more than this!
Permalink 03/26/08 @ 06:42
Comment from: djmitcho [Visitor] · http://www.myspace.com/djmitcho
I love the press. Funny that everyone seems to be comparing this year's QB's to Colt. I guess when you set such a high standard, people have a lot to live up to.
Permalink 03/26/08 @ 06:48
Comment from: LizKauai [ Believer ] [Visitor] · http://msn.foxsports.com/cfb/story/7952596/20-questions:-Heisman-contenders
Garret, I liked this one.
Funny how being compared to Colt Brennan is taking on a positive note now!
I guess late respect is better than no respect at all ;-)

Graham Harrell, QB Texas Tech

Welcome to this year's Colt Brennan. After finally breaking through the ceiling and the stigma of Texas Tech quarterbacks just being numbers guys, he's ready to take another huge step after leading the nation in passing, averaging 432 yards per game (62 more than Paul Smith of Tulsa, who finished No. 2) and throwing 48 touchdown passes. Leading the way to two straight comeback bowl wins, and a win over Oklahoma, has softened even the harshest of Red Raider quarterback critics.

He'll win it if ... He does that again. Like Brennan last year, Harrell will have the preseason excitement generated from being a statistical superstar. Of course, Brennan became a Heisman finalist by leading Hawaii to a 12-0 regular season record and the BCS with a few tremendous comeback performances. Harrell will have to at least get Texas Tech in a position to win the Big 12.
Permalink 03/26/08 @ 06:49
Comment from: LizKauai [ Believer ] [Visitor]
djmitcho- wow, are we in tune this morning or what?

GO COLT!!!

Permalink 03/26/08 @ 06:51
Comment from: bighilofan2 [Visitor]
Good morning Tsaikos.

Garret thank you 4 the info.

Warrior Mojo, others possibly habut w/me yestaday I'm very sorry I sullied your day.

I feel it was a terrific chat with the coach. If I was a player or a coach working with him, i would come away with the feeling that he has my back. I think Keenan and Geordan feel that way especially after yesterday, and if I was one of the other players, like Barry said, I would strap it on for him too. He gave us enough to keep us fanatiks going, an he never bad rapped anyone all the while knowing he did what he had to do with Keenan, in a dignified way.
So, ahem, accept my apology for my inexperience, I'll try to remember from da adlib chastising. Also, loosen your panties, stop sniffling and dream of da glory we going get outta these hard working and humble guys. An practice yoa singing cuz it sounds like me an Rich 2176 going damage da mike sumtime soon.

GO WARRIORS. hiho hiho.
Permalink 03/26/08 @ 06:59
Comment from: LizKauai [ Believer ] [Visitor]
OK Stretch and SteveM- I am booked for the CRAZY KARAOKE CALL April 19. We better get the minimum number of singers/listeners/comedians because the tix are non-refundable... bwahahaha!!!

Permalink 03/26/08 @ 07:22
Comment from: Stretch [Visitor]
liz - Awesome!! Enough or not, we are still going to be there singing!!
Permalink 03/26/08 @ 07:38
Comment from: myki [Visitor]

Liz, can't wait to see and hear you again!! Don't forget to bring pix of the baby.

We're going to have an awesome time with the ohana.
Permalink 03/26/08 @ 07:44
Comment from: chawan_cut [Visitor]
kazz,

(from yest)

you really need to check out kiawe grill....
everything i've tried there is great.
Permalink 03/26/08 @ 07:53
Comment from: djmitcho [Visitor] · http://www.myspace.com/djmitcho
Ok, it's the end of March and it's snowing! Not what I want right now. I need some sun!!!!

Liz,
I guess so. By the way, did you know that Jordan Dizon now has a football card. I bought a couple of them on ebay. Autographed even.
Permalink 03/26/08 @ 07:54
Comment from: Esme [Member]
Yeeehaaa! Liz is coming to the K-Call!

That news made my morning. Glad we'll get to see you again, Liz!


except now i shame sing... :P
Permalink 03/26/08 @ 08:58
Comment from: Esme [Member]
Good morning, Tsaikos!

And don't forget to salute your blog host:

Good morning, ST!

Permalink 03/26/08 @ 09:00
Comment from: Mei Ling [Visitor]
Good morning, Stephen! You up now after staying up so late? No forget to take your meds.

djmitcho, hope we don't get anymore snow. Stay warm.
Permalink 03/26/08 @ 09:11
Comment from: Da Punchbowl Kid [Visitor] · http://home.hawaii.rr.com/smurashi/tsai-kos/tsaikoware.html
Howdy Stephen!
Permalink 03/26/08 @ 09:11
Comment from: Stephen [Member]
If people were to enter the blog without back knowledge, "take your meds" sounds like your blog host has a psychotic problem.
Permalink 03/26/08 @ 09:37
Comment from: Esme [Member]
ST, I thought about making a joke. Then I decided against it. Too easy.

:D
Permalink 03/26/08 @ 09:43
Comment from: Stretch [Visitor]
Tsaikotic??
Permalink 03/26/08 @ 09:43

Chawan,

A mini Kiawe Grill opened up in Aiea, closer to where I live, I will have to get out there.

Always seems busy tho.

However the next time I will encounter Kiawe-cooked food will most likely be at the Ohana Football Festival Tsaikogate.

Chawan, can you make it?
Permalink 03/26/08 @ 09:43
Comment from: SteveM [Visitor] · http://home.hawaii.rr.com/smurashi/tsai-kos

ST -- of course not, why would anyone reading and seeing the "Tsai-kos" everywhere construe that? BTW, Good morning!

Esme - in the karaoke space launch metaphor, today we just achieved second-stage booster ignition by Liz . :-)


Permalink 03/26/08 @ 09:46
Comment from: uh808sfriend [Visitor]
Good morning, Tsaikos!
Permalink 03/26/08 @ 09:58
Comment from: Stretch [Visitor]
howzit uh808friend... I hope you are not at work today!!
Permalink 03/26/08 @ 10:01
Comment from: Stephen [Member]
I must say a year does make a big difference.
Without Colt, I just can't get excited about the Heisman buzz. Then again, the Heisman will be awarded eight months from now.
But still ...
Permalink 03/26/08 @ 10:02

Comment from: Esme [Member]
Good morning, Tsaikos!

And don't forget to salute your blog host:

Good morning, ST!


03/26/08 @ 09:00


Ok Esme,

Without further adieu:

O Blog Host! Our Blog Host! Another wonderful season is done; this past season has weather’d every rack, the prize we sought was won; the new season is near, the Ha'a I hear, the people all exulting,

While follow eyes the steady snap, the opposition is grim and daring:

But O Hawaii! E'o Na Toa O Hawaii Nei!

O the bleeding drops of GREEN,

Where on the practice field our Blog Host stands,
Ready to report and comment.

O Blog Host! Our Blog Host! rise up and see the calls;
Rise up—for you the flag is flung—for you the beer flows;
For you buffets and karaoke—for you the TSAIKOS a-crowding;

For you they call, the swaying mass, their eager fingers typing.

Permalink 03/26/08 @ 10:06
Comment from: Stephen [Member]
In answer to the unanswered question: Yes, Mack does read the blog.
Permalink 03/26/08 @ 10:11

Before working for the bank, I took state holidays for granted.
Permalink 03/26/08 @ 10:12
Comment from: rage777 [Visitor]
ST,

Did UH send the Coolen's a 1099-C or something? How would the Government know that somebody took the trip?
Permalink 03/26/08 @ 10:15
Comment from: Stephen [Member]
rage777:
Not sure what form he was sent, but, yes, he was sent a form from UH.
He knew that coaches had to pay taxes on the free season tickets they receive (although I'm not sure why, since there's no dollar value listed on the complimentary tickets). But he was surprised that he had to pay taxes for his wife's trip, which was paid by the school.
Permalink 03/26/08 @ 10:18
Comment from: Stephen [Member]
Because Coolen's wife works at Punahou, one of their kids receives a tuition waiver.
She was surprised that the waiver is not considered taxable while the trip is.
I thought that was an interesting debate.
And don't get me started on inheritance taxes. I mean, Joe Schmoe pays taxes on all of the money he earns toward his estate. Then he dies. And that money is taxed again? What did the government do except watch Joe Schmoe die?
(This is where Rich2176 comes in an gives some lecture on the value of trusts.)
Permalink 03/26/08 @ 10:21
Comment from: Barry Markowitz [Visitor]
Garrett, That Michigan blurb may explain why Abe got a note from Coach Rodriquez saying that they were evaluating Abe. We laughed it off thinking that they mistook Abe for Class of '09 not his Class of '08. Abe's process is turning into bizarro world...and he is in LA and hasn't even seen what is going on. Without you Garrett I'd be completely in the dark. Abe is staying near you at a private home in San Clemente til Friday, and is at Magic Mountain today for a well earned day off.
Permalink 03/26/08 @ 10:22
Comment from: Loa [Visitor]
Howzit ST!

morning rage, kazz, stretch, uh808sfriend, esme, dpk, mei ling, rest of the gang!

thanks coach mack for the great chat yesterday.

probably the guy gonzo hit doesn't remember who hit him either.

that tax thing sucks for coach coolen, wonder if the sugar bowl gang got notices, btw caught the end of yesterdays game, great finish, congrats to the wahine.

Permalink 03/26/08 @ 10:27
Comment from: Stephen [Member]
Loa:
It was a great softball game.
But the post-game interviews are difficult because the parents make great meals. You try to interview a player who's eating a plate lunch.
Permalink 03/26/08 @ 10:32
Comment from: uh808sfriend [Visitor]
Stretch
Not at work! Finally have time to check and see whats going on.
See all kinds of events!

Permalink 03/26/08 @ 10:33
Comment from: rage777 [Visitor]
ST,

I think the reason the tuition is not taxed is because Punahou is a private school. The 1099C is a way for UH to show the government that it lost some money and to relieve some tax debt. UH doesn't have to claim the money to the government. If they don't then they won't get the 1099C form and they wouldn't have to file it with their taxes.

I got a 1099C when I did a short sale on a house. Hopefully I will get it waived because of the new law that Bush signed.

Forgot to say hi ST and Loa.
Permalink 03/26/08 @ 10:33
Comment from: Stretch [Visitor]
Re: Taxes on Travel

WTF is that all about?? Are other coaches allowed to take their spouse on roadtrips?? Did they get tax papers also??

Permalink 03/26/08 @ 10:34
Comment from: Jason [Visitor] · http://www.deep-mirrors.org/jason/tsai/
There was a time I wanted to become an attorney – maybe even a tax attorney. Forget about it. Tax law is crazy, it makes my head hurt.

Hmm, I'm pretty sure my UH tuition waiver is taxable.
Permalink 03/26/08 @ 10:34
Comment from: gigi-hawaii© [Visitor] · http://gigihawaii.wordpress.com
ST, next time you see Hinshaw, ask her if she reads the blog regularly.

Permalink 03/26/08 @ 10:35
Comment from: Loa [Visitor]
ST - speaking of interviews, i caught the one where one of the gals told the radio host she never heard of his station and she had to go work out, had a good laugh on that one

did they offer you a plate?
Permalink 03/26/08 @ 10:36
Comment from: gigi-hawaii© [Visitor] · http://gigihawaii.wordpress.com
TurboTax is the way to go. Hubby swears by it.

Permalink 03/26/08 @ 10:37
Comment from: las vegas [Visitor]
ode to ST

You are Stephen, king of the blog
We are the Tsai-Kos, many shaped like a blob
You inform the public and the worlds masses
We read and and we comment, while sitting on our asses
Now today we learn about taxes
That's right, income, not J.J. in Texas
Permalink 03/26/08 @ 10:40
Comment from: Da Punchbowl Kid [Visitor] · http://home.hawaii.rr.com/smurashi/tsai-kos/tsaikoware.html
I wonder where homey is. I asked a t-shirt question again during the GM chat, and I'm sure homey would like to get an early start ripping me about it. homey, if you're lurking, can we please get this over with already? I'm here. Rip away.
Permalink 03/26/08 @ 10:41
Comment from: Loa [Visitor]
morning gigi, jason, barry!

gigi - why don't you ask her on friday?

stretch - lol, i almost spit out my beverage when i read WTF

jason - when is spring break over?