Dream Maker
February 16th, 2014
By Stephen Tsai
By Stephen Tsai
There is a bumper sticker that reads: "Paris, London, New York, Waimanalo."
That list is as unique as USC quarterback Max Wittek's transfer choices: Texas, Louisville and Hawaii.
Hawaii?
Two of UH coach Norm Chow's friends can be credited with Wittek's consideration of the Rainbow Warriors — Keyshawn Johnson and Steve Clarkson.
Johnson, of course, is well known as a television analyst, "Dancing With the Stars" competitor, and former NFL wide receiver.
Clarkson, known as the "Dream Maker," is considered a quarterback guru.
Here's 60 Minutes' story on Clarkson: Clarkson video
Here's Clarkson's Web site: Clarkson site
* * * * *
Do you want to feel old?
Nick Rolovich turned 35 today.
Posted in Warrior Beat | 110 Comments »
The Warrior Beat
February 16th, 2014 at 9:15 am
Go Norm Chow. Get us a good QB.
February 16th, 2014 at 9:15 am
good morning
February 16th, 2014 at 9:23 am
interesting to note in the 60 minute interview, one of the future qb has been offered a warrior scholie, m c poe.
February 16th, 2014 at 9:27 am
Whitey:
I thought it was interesting that Viagra was a 60 Minutes sponsor.
February 16th, 2014 at 9:28 am
I got rain out from golf today so got home early and read the blog..Had to say some thing since it was only 3....Go bows
February 16th, 2014 at 9:32 am
I saw yesterday's comment on one of last year's o-linemen.
I liked the guy. He was straight-up and had a real passion for the game. And there's no doubt he is talented.
And, yes, it was kind of weird after he got into that fight in preseason. But, c'mon, as much as a guy is likable, talented and has passion for the game, you just don't quit the team on the day of the season opener. You just don't.
February 16th, 2014 at 9:33 am
With a good QB at the helm, there may be hope for this coming season...
February 16th, 2014 at 9:35 am
ST: Isn't that OL guy going to a Pack 12 school this coming year?
February 16th, 2014 at 9:35 am
I went to a seminar yesterday and met two lurkers — a woman and a man.
Nice folks.
But there needs to be a better phrase. I still can't get used to someone saying: "Hi, I'm one of your lurkers."
February 16th, 2014 at 9:40 am
Bowwar:
Yes, he is. He left UH on game day, transferred to a junior college, then was set to transfer to CSU. MWC has a weird 2-4-2 rule, but UH wrote a letter recommending that the player be allowed to receive a scholarship immediately. He then changed his mind and accepted a Pac-12 scholarship.
February 16th, 2014 at 9:42 am
David Moala, one time UH commit (?), is reportedly, headed to Louisville, along with a former UW D-lineman Pio Vatuvei, who was kicked off the team last season and went to a JUCO.
http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20140215/SPORTS11/302150057/Recruiting-Insider-Louisville-football-still-pursuing-defensive-linemen-2014
Austin, TX seems like a nice place to go to live (visited there in 2011). Don't know anything about Louisville, KY. Living and going to school in Hawaii would seem to be quite attractive to many, but that's just me. Also the question of where would Wittek have the best chance to play and show his talent. No guarantees, but I would think that UH presents the best opportunity.
I recall years ago, Weber State got a touted transfer from Alabama, who was a national recruit in high school. He played one season, but was replaced by Jeremy Higgins' brother at mid season. The Alabama transfer left Weber soon after.
February 16th, 2014 at 9:44 am
watching the video, a quick pic of colt brennan can be seen.
February 16th, 2014 at 9:46 am
Awesome, Texas, is a great place to live.
Great city, great energy.
But Old School Dave is correct in that it comes down to opportunity.
Wittek already went to a great school with great energy, but he didn't play.
February 16th, 2014 at 9:46 am
GOOD MORNING HAWAII!
GO WAHINE!
February 16th, 2014 at 9:48 am
I think any college facility is better than a high school's.
I guess the exception is if a Saint Louis School graduate attends Chaminade, since both schools share the same campus.
February 16th, 2014 at 9:56 am
Facilities are important today, but a relative of mine told me of an interview he heard with former Utah HC Ron Mcbride. While praising the major upgrades in facilities at Utah, McBride questioned whether they are "too nice" and making the players "soft," in his words.
February 16th, 2014 at 9:56 am
Aloha All. ST, I am not sure about that and HS facilities?? Now that may be true for the most part, but KS has same pretty darn good facilities, that are on par, or better, than say Portland State, which has to borrow a field to practice and play.
February 16th, 2014 at 9:59 am
I know for sure these are better than some college facilities I have seen: http://kapalama.ksbe.edu/athletics/facilities/index.php
February 16th, 2014 at 10:04 am
Then again, the visiting facilities are always fun.
I remember walking into the visiting locker room at Colorado State, and the walls were covered with newspapers. It turned out the walls were pink — a passive-inducing color — and the equipment people were instructed to cover the walls.
I think it was at Wyoming's basketball arena where there was a spiral staircase leading to nowhere. Talk about twisted strategy.
And Fresno State made visiting football teams hike to a baseball locker room.
February 16th, 2014 at 10:06 am
Does USC still have those metal folding chairs in the visitor's locker room at the Colosseum?
February 16th, 2014 at 10:09 am
Didn't then, UH AD Stan Sheriff want to paint the CSU visitor's locker room when he saw it was painted pink? No doubt Sheriff and then, CSU HC Earle Bruce knew each other when the two were at Northern Iowa and Iowa State, respectively.
February 16th, 2014 at 10:16 am
Interesting read and Wittek statement below says it all. Thats why McMackin couldn't draw interest from recruits like June Jones and Norm Chow.
http://texas.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1607591
Wittek doesn't have a previous relationship with Bobby Petrino at Louisville or Norm Chow at Hawaii. But he respects their pedigree.
"Coach Petrino is a great, offensive minded coach," Wittek said. "Hawaii has Norm Chow who has produced tremendous quarterbacks. These coaches, their names carry a lot of weight in the world of football. If you get their blessing, those are things that mean a lot. Those are all factors that will go into my decision."
February 16th, 2014 at 10:25 am
Thursday nite BB game:
score tied - UH batting - one out - runner on 3rd base
was it may imagination that the batters chose not to be aggressive at the plate and not swing at balls over the plate waist high or did the 'coaches" tell them to take as many pitches as possible?
Oregon pitchers were gunning their fast ball over the center of the plate and there seemed to be very little or no movement on the ball
if it was the coaching staff - very disappointing not being aggressive in that situation
February 16th, 2014 at 10:27 am
well, cloudy skies and rain has returned to the valley - slight wind, if any, and somewhat on the chilly side - great that our portion of the valley has been repaved
guess that last cold front moving in from the West has finally reached Oahu - rain today and tomorrow
aiya - Great Aloha Run tomorrow!!
February 16th, 2014 at 10:54 am
Yup.....definitely feeling old....when I remember back when the Bay Area college football buzz was about San Jose State Spartan star QB Steve Clarkson.......under HC Jack Elway.....John's dad......with fellow Spartan teammates (and future NFLers) S Gill Byrd, RB Jewerl Thomas, and LB Frank Manumaleuna.....leading Spartans to consecutive year victories over the Stanford Cardinal....during the so-called Elway Bowl era.
February 16th, 2014 at 11:05 am
22
All Mack did was win games and championships.
February 16th, 2014 at 11:19 am
#11,
Moala flaked on UH during last year's recruiting.....but Vatuvei was being heavily sought out by UH (along with Taufa with signed with Utah State).
Been to Louisville, KY.....well over 20 years ago.....as well as all over most of the Midwest (Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Kentucky)......since got stuck near Columbus, Ohio for over a year for work.....actually in Bob Wagner's hometown (Newark, Ohio). Might just be me.....but the weather was pretty rough. With Moala & Vatuvei.....as well as Wittek.....being Cali kids, Hawaii would be definitely be more attractive.....weather-wise. Can definitely understand why BJ accepted the move to Hawaii.
February 16th, 2014 at 11:23 am
#26: Can't argue with the bottom-line...Mack left UH with an overall winning record, WAC championship & bowl appearance...Look at where we are now. Unless we have a major turnaround it will take another 4 years before we will get back to where Mack left us.
February 16th, 2014 at 11:23 am
Frank Manumaleuna was one tough buggah. He originally went to UCLA with other Polynesian players like Manu Tuiasasopo and Terry Tautolo, but suffered a serious neck injury and left school. After rehab and getting medical clearance, he played at SJSU and later for the KC Chiefs.
February 16th, 2014 at 11:29 am
Next years QBs? What will be will be. I guess we can describe UH as cautiously optimistic about Witteck - it's nice to be considered along with those schools.
Mr. Tsai - some of us don't need Rolo's age do be reminded of how old we are.
February 16th, 2014 at 11:31 am
Kapakahi - just look at the mianland weather reports these days. Lucky live Hawai'i!
February 16th, 2014 at 11:31 am
mainland* sorry - old guy typo
February 16th, 2014 at 11:42 am
They have an L & L in Louisville?
Seriously, Louisville has great facilities. Weather today is 37 degrees.
Texas has some of the best facilities and resources. Temps were in the high 30s all of last week, with snow flurries.
Just wondering if an indoor practice facility would be necessary in the future for UH? The average mainlander would probably do a double take if UH did have such a facility by asking, "Why?" Kinda of like the disbelief when they find out that it snows on the Big Island.
http://www.saturdaydownsouth.com/2013/college-football-indoor-practice-facilities/
February 16th, 2014 at 11:45 am
#26 &28: Can either of you remember a year under Mack where we had a schedule like last year? Or will have this year for that matter. Yeah -- we had a bowl appearance under Mack. Embarrassing if I recall.
Remember his reference to a ritual of ND vs the Haka -- made at the pre-game dinner for both teams. There was also that other Hawaii Bowl appearance. Equally embarrassing.
He also left with a lot of holes in recruiting pipeline -- which he too inherited from JJ.
I liked Mack. But the conference championship was a 3-way tie in the WAC. I'm not taking anything away from that -- but let's compare with same degree of difficulty. Also Mack inherited players recruited for R&S.
Coach Chow has had to rebuild. Although this year's first month is more than taunting, I think we'll see a different product on the field.
D
February 16th, 2014 at 11:49 am
#33,
Try KFC & White Castle instead.
Must say that.....could always find a Chop Suey.....to fulfill the rice cravings.
February 16th, 2014 at 11:53 am
Kapakahi: They say that there is a Chinese (Chop Suey) restaurant in every American City and town. Although, there seems to be a lot of Thai restaurants, too. Was passing through Lander, Wyoming back in the mid 90s and had dinner at, you guessed it, a Chop Suey restaurant.
February 16th, 2014 at 11:56 am
DPK,
Was based out of SoCal.....when got assigned to the Midwest......so don't think that these Cali kids would like the weather either. Dry & cold in winter.....down to the mid-teens w/o windchill......and below zero w/ windchill......to the point that my ski jacket wasn't enough.....and hot, humid & sticky in summer.
February 16th, 2014 at 12:00 pm
#36.
Always asked to meet the owner & cook beforehand.....since always ordered off-the-menu items.....since waiters/servers had no idea.....if you know what I mean.
February 16th, 2014 at 12:09 pm
Good Afternoon Tsaiko Nation, went to the game last night as the Bows won a thriller beating Fullerton with good tough playing on the road from all players, especially Issac Fotu who has shown not only to me but anybody who has watched UH play this season that he is the "MVP" of this team and they will go as far as he gets the ball down low where he is UNSTOPPABLE !
Basketball team is having a good season as I am proud of them being a former player back in my days playing for the bows from 1976-81. Team and coaches are showing execution, grit and determination as that is what it takes to be successful in the Big West Conference. Regular season is winding down and Tournament is up and coming. Will be there cheering them on !
Over the past weeks I have spoken to former Bow stand out Henry Hollingsworth who played for the Rainbow Warriors from 1973-75 as he teamed with freshmen sensation Reggie Carter to form a prolific back court on that 1975 team. Unfortunately, Reggie Carter died of a heart attack at the age of 42 as his death was so tragic and unexpected as he left so many people in his life admiring and missing him not only as an OUTSTANDING basketball player but a good person who went on to receive his masters degree and become an administrator in the New York School District. His mom today does not have any memories of him playing for Hawaii as his time was only one year as the NCAA infractions was coming down due to the infamous Honolulu Ford Commercial. I am asking any one of you Tsaiko posters that may have a picture or action shot, media guide, basketball program of Reggie Carter or tapes of his game it will be GREATLY appreciated to a Mother who still today miss and love him so very much. This request is so heart felt to a GREAT bow who I never met but when I came the following year his name was talked about fondly through out all the Islands as he held the assists record for a game 19 vs San Francisco and 199 for a season as still today they are UH records.
My e-mail cliffsanchezatgeemaildotcom I can be reached with any support to Reggie's Mother who is now in her later years in life as Henry Hollingsworth is in touch with her on a daily bases.
Finally to Tom Mui, sir I want you to know that Henry told me to tell you how much he appreciated you for all you did for him during that trying 1975 year with the Honolulu Ford Commercial debacle. Mr. Puka Shells went on to serve in the Army for 25 years as he quoted this for me to tell you "no mission to difficult, no place to far. Duty first" !
Henry e-mail: hustlinghenry@yahoo.com will LOVE to converse with you and talk with you personally. Henry H now resides in Colorado and has an athletic son as a single parent Father. Would appreciate hearing your wise and caring voice who still TODAY holds you in the highest esteem.
Much Love to all of you Tsaiko Nation and thank you for all of your love and dedication for UH athletics. Reggie Carter good folks #12 a GREAT bow always as I wore that same number my entire career not knowing how fitting it will be 33 years later as I am "REGGIE CARTER" !
February 16th, 2014 at 12:45 pm
34
Chow lost to the worse teams the MWC had to offer. Do you believe Mack would have lost every MWC game last year? My gripe is the way Chow supporters feel they must bash Mack is order to feel better about themselves.
February 16th, 2014 at 2:09 pm
39 Rainbow Cliff
Thanks for relaying the message. I remember Henry and the fact he was listed as 5'11" in the press book. When I first met Henry, I recall that I was a tad taller than he was and at that time (before three spine surgeries) I was about 5'9"+
February 16th, 2014 at 2:18 pm
Incidentally, the WAHINE lost (badly) to Nevada but came back in the second game to beat Utah.
February 16th, 2014 at 2:35 pm
Good reads. First what Wittek says about Rollinson then what Rollinson think about Chow:
http://sports.yahoo.com/news/transferring-usc-qb-max-wittek-224555389--ncaaf.html
http://articles.latimes.com/2008/jan/23/sports/sp-plaschke23
February 16th, 2014 at 2:44 pm
Yup. Nevada proved to be UH's continued nemesis. Tricky with a costly error with two outs that opened the flood gates. Morales' first D1 pitching experience against high altitude was not kind to her.
Looking forward to seeing Morales and Kesterson regroup at sea level this weekend.
On the positive, Coolen appears to have found his consistent lead off hitter in true freshman Lindsey Willmon. Simply this girl "gets it"-a great mind for the game. Its as simple as that and its good to see Wartner back in the mix and Alyssa Villalpando continuing her offensive flurry today.
FYI, Nevada POUNDED BYU 20-10 yesterday I believe, so… the "air up there" has been a problem for pitchers…..
February 16th, 2014 at 3:02 pm
Hey all,
I hope everyone is doing well this President's Day weekend....
Boolakanaka,
I remember your challenge from a few months ago of getting 10 people to donate $1000... I will accept your challenge... contingent that at least 8 others do the same...
February 16th, 2014 at 4:14 pm
#46:
I did already, but not to the football program.
February 16th, 2014 at 4:32 pm
smiling down from heaven...
as his pride n joy grandson bryce ah sam takes the mound for the rainbow warriors for the first time.
...brother "long time uh fan"
February 16th, 2014 at 5:02 pm
Old Diver
Mack won a shared a the WAC Championship in a 3-Way tie. June Jones won a outright WAC title and beat Boise State. The MWC is a better conference overall than the watereddown 2011 WAC that Mack 6-7 record. The bottom feeder of the MWC UNLV beat Macks teams pretty consistently. The MWC bottom feeder like New Mexico and UNLV were still better than the WAC bottom feeders New Mexico State and Idaho. Chow Hawaii team is playing in on tougher schedule/conference than Mack had in the WAC, especailly in the watered down 2011 WAC. Comparing Mack WAC years to Chow's tougher competition in the MWC. I don't think Mack would have faired much better in 2012 in the MWC and with teams like Utah State stepping it up in the MWC in 2013. Lets not fool ourselves Mack lossed some really bad games during his tenure as head coach and in 2011 Mack should have had a 10 win season in a watered down WAC conference. So your comment is misleading and disingenuous.
February 16th, 2014 at 5:55 pm
RE: #48
UH pitcher Bryce Ah Sam is Long Time UH's Fan's (LTUHF) grandson?
I lost track. I recall Fred saying he watches his grandson play little league--almost 7 years ago. Wow. Still watching from the best seats in the house.
Go Bryce!
Click here for LTUHF's Tsai-ko bio and history.
February 16th, 2014 at 6:03 pm
The Mac vs Chow discussion is not an easy one. Mac did win more but played an easier schedule and there was a definite feeling of decline over the years of his tenure. I hope with Chow it is the opposite. That is that we establish an upswing that will be sustainable. I feel this is possible. I know there will be those who think this is foolishly optimistic and it might prove to be. I liked coach Mac and I wish he could have been more successful. I don't think he was well suited to be a head coach. Coach Chow seems much more suited by his presence and his temperament. But in the end you gotta win and so far he has not.
February 16th, 2014 at 6:07 pm
Happy Birthday to Rolo. Many, many more I pray.
February 16th, 2014 at 6:08 pm
#41 Tom Mui, I here everything you are saying about Henry Hollingsworth. When I first got to UH and visiting the basketball bungalow down in the quarry I watched a lot of video of that 1975 team. Loved how they play with the aloha shorts and white jerseys. Henry and Reggie were solid guards playing together as the rest of the team and season you know well about. Through our daily talks he really hold you in the highest regards and will be so overwhelm with joy to hear from you. Please e-mail him at my #39 post as I listed his address for you to contact.
I am finding out at this stage of life that it is not promise as while we are here we have to live it to the fullest enjoying things we like doing and sharing with family and friends of our inner circle. Mr. Mui, you helped many of my bows that 1975 season as today when ever I am in contact with any of them they ALWAYS mention your name. Mahalo kind sir for representing my Rainbros during a young time in their life they needed legal representation. I am sorry for one of them the sensational freshmen Reggie Carter #12 is not with us today. IF you can come across some footage tape of ANY of his games playing for Hawaii his Mother will GREATLY appreciate it. Still today she has NEVER seen him play for Hawaii as this viewing gift will be a fitting tribute to a bow who really was loved by Rainbow basketball fans in 1975.
Mahalo Tom for all of your GREATNESS !
February 16th, 2014 at 7:40 pm
39 & 53...what a testimony to one of hawaii's finest!
i concur.
the counselor and judge is all that.
February 16th, 2014 at 7:42 pm
50... yes that's fred and lorna's grandson.
February 16th, 2014 at 7:44 pm
Mac, you could tell, relied on his assistant coaches throughout the entire game which isn't a bad thing. Not sure if he was head coach material but he had an outstanding sense of hiring good support around him. His recruiting wasn't very strong but did recruit some good defensive guys.
February 16th, 2014 at 9:05 pm
Never start out a sentence: "As I said in another blog ..."
February 16th, 2014 at 9:08 pm
It seems we've exhausted the Mack-Chow debate.
So, how about this: Donovan or Jay?
February 16th, 2014 at 9:08 pm
Leahey or Leahey?
February 16th, 2014 at 9:09 pm
Pacheco or Curran?
February 16th, 2014 at 9:09 pm
JonJ or Boola?
February 16th, 2014 at 9:10 pm
Zippy's regular chili or veggie chili?
February 16th, 2014 at 9:11 pm
UH softball or UH women's basketball?
February 16th, 2014 at 9:11 pm
Jimmy Kimmel or Jimmy Fallon?
February 16th, 2014 at 9:14 pm
Great Aloha Run or Honolulu Marathon?
February 16th, 2014 at 9:14 pm
LeBron James or Kevin Durrant?
February 16th, 2014 at 9:15 pm
Plate lunch or shave ice?
February 16th, 2014 at 9:16 pm
Carole Kai or Natasha Kai?
February 16th, 2014 at 9:17 pm
Macklemore or Ryan Lewis?
February 16th, 2014 at 9:18 pm
Blue Ivy or North West?
February 16th, 2014 at 9:19 pm
Rick Grimes or Daryl Dixon?
February 16th, 2014 at 9:20 pm
Punahou Carnival or 50th State Fair
February 16th, 2014 at 9:21 pm
Howard Dashefsky or Howard Dicus?
February 16th, 2014 at 9:22 pm
ying or yang
February 16th, 2014 at 9:22 pm
hahahahahahaaa
February 16th, 2014 at 9:22 pm
John Wall or Wal-Mart
February 16th, 2014 at 9:23 pm
Kona or Hilo?
February 16th, 2014 at 9:24 pm
Too bad or so sad?
February 16th, 2014 at 9:25 pm
Hunky or dory?
February 16th, 2014 at 9:25 pm
zig or zag
February 16th, 2014 at 9:25 pm
Peachy or keen?
February 16th, 2014 at 9:26 pm
ewa or makai
February 16th, 2014 at 9:26 pm
Kale Ane or Rick Tune?
February 16th, 2014 at 9:27 pm
Koakane:
What happened to Diamond Head and mauka?
February 16th, 2014 at 9:27 pm
I hear your frustrations ST...so chocolate or vanilla?
February 16th, 2014 at 9:27 pm
Ben or Jay?
February 16th, 2014 at 9:28 pm
Chocolate, of course.
February 16th, 2014 at 9:29 pm
If it came down to chocolate, vanilla or strawberry, it has to be chocolate.
Then again, chocolate-covered strawberries trumps all three.
February 16th, 2014 at 9:29 pm
Coach Collen has a huge job getting his pitchers on the right track after Las Vegas. We have the bats and all is well but give this team time to jell.
February 16th, 2014 at 9:29 pm
My favorite strawberry?
Why, Darryl Strawberry, of course.
February 16th, 2014 at 9:30 pm
Definitely prefer Darryl Strawberry over Chet Lemon.
February 16th, 2014 at 9:30 pm
no no ewa or diamond head
February 16th, 2014 at 9:31 pm
town or country
February 16th, 2014 at 9:31 pm
I like Coolen. He's old school. He doesn't believe in charts or computer printouts. He tries to get that "feel" for each game. That must be difficult to coach against. How do you chart an opposing coach's feel?
February 16th, 2014 at 9:31 pm
RainbowCliff #52 - thanks again - I will drop Henry a line tonight who was an unsung player - but a good one. I was sorry to see him leave but it was understandable since Coach Pitino had recruited him and he left as well.
AL -#53 - thanks!
February 16th, 2014 at 9:32 pm
Koakane:
I suppose if you live in Waianae, ewa and diamond head are the same direction.
February 16th, 2014 at 9:33 pm
bwhaaaaa just checking if some paying attention
February 16th, 2014 at 9:37 pm
There will be an interesting announcement tomorrow morning.
February 16th, 2014 at 9:37 pm
Stephen:
I suppose it depends if you ova dea instead of ova hea
February 16th, 2014 at 9:38 pm
Wait, wait, wait. Did I miss some talk about Henry Hollingsworth?
February 16th, 2014 at 9:38 pm
If you live in Enchanted Lake, where is makai?
February 16th, 2014 at 9:39 pm
By the way, second century.
February 16th, 2014 at 9:41 pm
das easy its on the oddah side
February 16th, 2014 at 9:42 pm
nite nite head hurting too much thinking
February 16th, 2014 at 9:44 pm
Later 'Gator. Don't be a hater.
February 16th, 2014 at 9:50 pm
February 16th, 2014 at 11:12 pm
Lots on intellectual debate on th WB today. hehe On that topic:
MaryAnn or Ginger?
February 16th, 2014 at 11:17 pm
Lovey Howell!!!
February 16th, 2014 at 11:20 pm
rasu begasu's MaryAnn(e) beats the full house.
...literally
February 16th, 2014 at 11:50 pm
Is the interesting announcement tomorrow about our new transfer QB?
February 17th, 2014 at 12:18 am
ST: hehehe!