Sports Hawaii

HONOLULU - The reigning Western Athletic Conference champion University of Hawai`i football team officially began spring practice Monday with a spirited effort at the UH grass practice fields. The Warriors took the field under new head coach Greg McMackin, who spent last season as the team's defensive coordinator.

"It was really exciting to get out here today," McMackin said. "What impressed me the most was the attitude of the players. The energy level was way up, everyone was fired up and we played fast. It really showed how hard these guys have worked in the off-season."

The Warriors return a total of 12 starters, four on offense, five on defense and three on special teams, from last season's perfect 12-0 regular season squad. Of the 114 players participating in spring camp, 63 lettered, 21 redshirted, eight grayshirted, and seven were four-year transfers.

UH will be rebuilding on offense with the loss of nearly all of its skill players from last year. McMackin was nonetheless enthusiastic with the initial performance.

"The timing of our quarterbacks and receivers for this time of year was a good as it gets, which shows they've been working hard," he said.

The strength of this year's team figures to be the defense, including perhaps one of the best linebacking corps in program history.

"On offensive we'll be rebuilding and on defense we'll be working to get better," McMackin said. "Our defense, especially the front seven, will be the face of the team. It's a physical group and they gave a great effort today."

This season is the first for McMackin and his newly assembled staff. Four assistant coaches from last season were retained including new offensive coordinator Ron Lee and new defensive coordinator Cal Lee. Also returning are associate head coach Rich Miano, who'll continue to coach the secondary and assistant head coach George Lumpkin, who'll handle the linebackers.

McMackin brought in five new assistant coaches including former Warriors Nick Rolovich (quarterbacks) and Brian Smith (offensive line). Rolovich lettered for UH from 2000-01 while Smith was the team's center from 1998-2001. Dave Aranda (defensive line), Ikaika Malloe (defensive tackles/special teams) and Alex Gerke (offensive line/running backs) are also on board.

"I was really impressed with the teaching of our coaches today," McMackin said. "The stayed on plan and showed a lot of enthusiasm."

The 15-date spring practice concludes Saturday, April 26 with the annual Football `Ohana Festival at Aloha Stadium. Most practices run from 7-9 a.m. and are open to the public.

Garret wrote:Video from Spring Practice by Leila Wai.

http://honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs ... 5/80331045

chawan_cut wrote:Who's the WR #80 toward the end of the vid?

I'll get the news uploaded later tonight for everyone.

thanks for the scoops NelsonO

NelsonO wrote:Sideline warning- I know it’s called Cooke Field, but there is actually no “field” on Cooke Field. This lack of a field, however, does not prevent the ROTC guys and gals from conducting their work-outs and calisthenics on Cooke “Field.” And the ROTC group is working up a sweat even before football practice begins at 7:00am.

ahh, such is military life