Quotes from JJ’s weekly press conference

About Colt’s WAC Offensive Player of the Week award, JJ said:
“It was nice. It was a toss up between him and Ryan Grice-Mullen. I thought both kids had great offensive games. I think six touchdown passes certainly helps. This particular game for some reason, he had three or four throws that he normally hits right on the money, but he didn’t. Even on a couple of the throws to Ryan that went for touchdowns were a little underthrown. They weren’t perfect but Ryan made the catch. I’m not disappointed. Colt told me it was only his second full game at home this season. We’ll get him completely healthy by Fresno. He is a pretty good player.” (UH Athletics)

About what they will do during the bye week, JJ said:
“We’re going to focus a little more on Fresno and then take a day to look at some of the other teams too, in particular Nevada who runs a different offense. I’ve never really (looked at) other teams before during the bye week, but if we were playing a wishbone team one of the last few games, we’d do the same thing. I think the Reno offense is a little different than anything we’ll play, so we’ll spend some time on it defensively. Offensively, we’ll just focus on Fresno.” (UH)

About how their young OL has developed, JJ said:
“They have played really well. Dennis (McKnight) has done a good job, and the players are committed and take a lot of pride. All of them have had great games. We gave the offensive game ball this past week to Hercules (Satele). He has had two-straight really good games. All of them have played really well. They’ve had eight games and are now a veteran group.” (UH)

Asked if he followed the rankings, JJ said:
“I really don’t unless (a reporter) calls me and says something. I don’t look at it because it doesn’t matter. It’ll only matter if we keep winning. We’ve convinced the players of that too. They speak that same way. It is kind of cool, but everyone in this room will be disappointed if we don’t end up that way.” (UH)

Asked about their remaining 4 games, JJ said:
“We are playing at a level we can win the WAC, but we’ll need to play really well the last four games. It is all there. Defensively, I am proud of how the players are becoming sound in the scheme, and Greg (McMackin) has done a great job in getting them ready.” (UH)

About their upcoming game vs. Fresno State, JJ said:
“(It doesn’t matter if we’re 8-0 or 0-8) it’s Fresno. They will play their asses off when they come here, I assure you of that. Now we’re going to have to stop the run against Fresno. They have changed a little offensively playing four and five wideouts, but they are still primarily a run team and you got to stop the run to beat them. They are very physical. They’ve also improved their coverage personnel. They’ve tried everything against us in nine years. They’ll even change what they did last year against us. They are playing a little more man-to-man. In 2004, they put 70 on us and then came here the following year and won. I think it has more to do with them being Fresno. Since the 1999 game, I think this game has been more emotional with more hype.” (UH)

Asked about possibly breaking into the top 10, JJ said:
“It was not a goal for me, just winning. When I came here, the goal was to be a Top 20 team every year. We’ve done it now two years in a row and also one other time. Just finishing (in the Top 20) and being consistent.” (UH)

Asked to compare this team to last year’s team, JJ said:
“I think we’re pretty close to the same but maybe playing with a little more confidence. A whole bunch of guys on this team have won a lot of games – 18 of 19. I don’t think there is another team in the country that has accomplished that feat.” (UH)

Feature article about the Ha’a

http://media.www.kaleo.org/media/storage/paper872/news/2007/10/29/Sports/Ha8216a.Reminiscent.Of.Hawaiian.Culture-3062586.shtml

About replacing the haka with their ha’a, Brad Kalilimoku said:
“We didn’t want some other culture representing Hawai‘i. Doing the haka that we did, it was a thing from the Maori culture and it wasn’t representing Hawai‘i and the people, and that’s why we decided to change it.” (Ka Leo)

KL Note: “The ha‘a unites the team and helps the players show appreciation to their families and fans.”

About how she spoke to the Warriors 3 years ago and provided assistance to help them develop an identity emerging from their name (the Warriors), Associate Professor of Hawaiian studies Kanalu Young said:
“After a while, it had very little to do with my involvement at all and had everything to do with where the players wanted to take it. They took off on that and expanded it.” (KL)

KL Note: “Young provided Jones and the team with a Hawaiian phrase, “eō nā toa e,” which translates to “Warriors, respond to the call of battle.” “

KL Note: “The cultural aspect of the ha‘a revolves around how the team responds to adversity as a part of competitive sports, he explained. This year, the players also want to conduct themselves in a warrior-like manner on and off the field by being model student athletes and representing the team well.

About the lyrics to the ha’a, Young said:
“In ancient times, that would’ve been a battle. Today, metaphorically, it’s football competition.” (KL)

KL Note: “Young defined the ha‘a as a “physical protocol connected to a higher spiritual order.” Although the lyrics are kept within the team, the movements suggest enforcing what it means to be a warrior and preparing an individual for a large, important group action.” “

Hoping that the native Hawaiian community can embrace the ha’a, Young said:
“The leadership of the native Hawaiian players who have taken the kuleana (responsibility) to share their culture is so positive and should be appreciated.” (KL)

When their football days are long gone, Young would be pleased to know that the Warriors will be able to say:
“I know what that means to respond to adversity, to respond when you’re really needed to be there.” (KL)

About how the ha’a contains more words than the haka, which probably made it more difficult to learn, Guyton Galdeira said:
“But I think that’s a good thing in that when you see it and hear it, it really makes a great impression.”

KL Note: “Kalilimoku, defensive back Guyton Galdeira and defensive lineman Keala Watson wrote and choreographed the ha‘a, making it even more personal to the team. All three have a background in Hawaiian language. After they wrote them, the lyrics were used as a guide to choreographing the routine. Then the ha‘a was taught to the team before their 7 a.m. practices. Galdeira also emphasized the importance of having a positive attitude and the team’s willingness to learn.

About how the ha’a was a chance to learn about something different, Colt (from Irvine, CA) said:
“I’m kind of used to going all over the place. I enjoy kind of getting a chance to learn about the culture (I’m) living in.” (KL)

About the ha’a, RGM (from Rialto, CA) said:
“At first, it was a little different. I didn’t really understand it.” (KL)

About how learning the words was difficult for him but he put the team ahead of himself, RGM said:
“It’s something that when you do it, it’s not about you; it’s not about one individual person. It’s about getting everybody up, getting the crowd into it … getting that extra energy we need to get into the game.” (KL)

About the ha’a, Keala Watson said:
“The combined effort of all us really resembles Hawaiian values. It’s not just from one person; it’s from the whole team. That’s what makes it so personal for all of us.” (KL)

About how the ha’a helped them develop an identity and brought them closer as a team, Colt said:
“When you look around in football, there’s a lot of teams out there that have certain types of rituals and things that they do. This is something very specific to us. I really think it gives our team an identity and gives us a chance to really come closer.” (KL)

KL Note: “Brennan also mentioned the ha‘a is effective in other ways like intimidating other teams and upsetting coaches. Kalilimoku emphasized that the ha‘a is not only for the team, but for showing appreciation for the love and support from their families and fans.”

About how they are proud to represent Hawaii’s culture, Galdeira said:
“The big difference coming here (to Hawai‘i) is that we have a culture. We’re proud to represent that.” (KL)

Quotes from the Hawaii papers and the Associated Press

So happy with the defense’s play vs. NMSU, GM said:
“I’m so proud of them.” (HA)

“I had the Miami Hurricanes who were No. 1 in the country in total defense, passing defense and scoring defense, and there was always one or two that we didn’t get done. That was a special effort. I’ve had some really good teams and nobody’s accomplished that.” (HSB)

HA Note: “Greg McMackin was defensive coordinator when the University of Miami had the nation’s No. 1 defense in 1993 and 1994. McMackin also was the coordinator when the Seattle Seahawks were a fantasy-football owner’s dream, scoring an NFL-record 14 defensive touchdowns in 1998. He was at the defensive helm in 1999, when Hawai’i produced the greatest single-season turnaround in Division I-A history. But in all of those years and through all of those stops, his defenses never had a better game than the Warriors’ 50-13 victory over New Mexico State Saturday. That was the first time in 14 years that his defense checked off every box in a nine-goal list.”

About how their D met all 9 of McMackin’s goals, JJ said:
“He’s been using that since he was No. 1 with Miami. To finally meet all of the goals is an impressive deal.” (HA)

HA Note: “While his Miami defenses were topping NCAA statistical charts, McMackin decided he wanted a more precise barometer. That’s when he crafted a list in which the goals are: to win; hold opponents to no more than 17 points, 3.4 yards per rush, and 37-percent-conversion rate on third down; not allow a rush of more than 19 yards or a completed pass of more than 29 yards; not relinquish a touchdown after a UH turnover; force at least three turnovers, and score a defensive touchdown.”

About how they made their coach proud, Michael Lafaele said:
“I know coach Mac is excited, and that he’s proud of us. I knew our defense was playing well, and guys were making big plays. It was a testament to how hard we worked in practice and during the summer.” (HA)

About why he set the goal at allowing 17 points, GM said:
“17 is two touchdowns and a field goal. You figure if you don’t give up more than that, you have a good chance to win.” (HA)

HA Note: “He said it was a better gauge to use rushing average instead of rushing total. It is noteworthy that none of the goals involve total yards.”

About the purpose of the goals, GM said:
“They’re realistic goals and they’re all goals to get the offense back on the field.” (HSB)

About how turnovers and 3rd done stops are the key for their D, Adam Leonard said:
“Turnovers are the big thing. We put a lot of focus on how we play on third down, and making those key stops.” (HA)

About how McMackin never changed his goals despite college offenses scoring more and putting up more points than NFL offenses, Adam said:
“It really puts into perspective how well our defense is playing.” (HA)

About how they reached 8 of their 9 goals twice this season, JJ said:
“If we didn’t give up that late touchdown in Idaho, we would have had enough.” (HA)

HA Note: “This season, the Warriors are holding offenses to 2.9 yards per rush and 30-percent conversions on third down. They have intercepted 16 passes, five of which were run back for touchdowns, and forced five lost fumbles. The goals are listed on a large grid posted in the locker room. “H” stickers are used to fill in the blanks, like chips on a bingo card.”

Happy they reached all 9 goals, Fale Laeli said:
“I’m happy we accomplished it. We came, we saw, we conquered.” (HA)

About reaching all 9 goals, Patek said:
“It’s a great accomplishment for the team in reaching those goals and it says a lot about the coaches, that everybody’s understanding what they need to do and where they need to be.” (HSB)

HSB Note: “McMackin credited defensive assistants George Lumpkin, Jeff Reinebold, Cal Lee and Rich Miano, and graduate assistant Terry Duffield for preparing their individual units for a New Mexico State team that entered the game seventh in the country in passing offense.”

About his fractured left scapula that will keep him out for the rest of the regular season, Keao Monteilh said:
“It’s part of the game.” (HA)

Monteilh said that he cannot start a rehab program until:
“the bone attaches.” (HA)

JJ said that having to play without Monteilh is:
“pretty big because he’s kind of a captain back there (in the secondary). He lines people up in assignment. He’s just really a good football player. He made a lot of things happen. He made a great pick in the game. He’s really kind of coming into his own, found his spot on the team.” (HA)

“He’s kind of a captain back there. He lines people up and he really is just a good football player, made a lot of things happen, was really kind of coming into his own and found his spot on the team.” (HSB)

About Monteilh, Desmond Thomas said:
“I feel for Keao. I pray he’ll get better.” (HA)

About how he will support his teammates, Monteilh said:
“I’ll still go out there and help and support the guys. It won’t be fun sitting out and just watching. But as long as I get a (WAC championship) ring and the boys get it done I’ll be happy. And it’s an opportunity for someone else to get in there.” (HSB)

Monteilh said about their upcoming bowl game that he hoped to:
“make an appearance” (HA)

About being a hard hitter despite bench-pressing a max of 285 pounds, Thomas said;
“I don’t bench that much, I don’t weigh that much, but whatever I have, I use every ounce of it.” (HA)

About replacing Monteilh in the starting lineup, Thomas said:
“Getting good reps throughout the season has helped. I know I’m ready. When the first guy goes down the next guy has to step up and be ready. Hopefully if I get in there we don’t miss a beat.” (HSB)

HSB Note: “The Warriors have two weeks to come up with a plan to fill the void and Jones said junior Erik Robinson and freshman Spencer Smith could work into the rotation. Ryan Mouton, who returned from a knee injury and played extensively in nickel situations last week, could also factor in.”

About missing 3 weeks because of a partially torn MCL in his left knee, where the initial fear was that he had an injury to his ACL, key special teams members Rustin Saole said:
“I’m glad I’m not out for the year.” (HA)

After getting his 3rd WAC Offensive Players of the Week award, Colt said:
“I think Ryan was the one who really deserved it.” (HA)

About how his award is more of a team award, Colt said:
“As a QB that’s kind of how it goes. When you lose you get the finger pointed at you, when you win everybody gives you a lot of credit. If you watched the game, I had unbelievable play by my receivers, especially Ryan (Grice-Mullins), he had a tremendous day. As a unit, I think it’s a reward to what we accomplished on Saturday.” (HSB)

Praising his offensive teammates, Colt said:
“Davone (Bess) had two touchdowns and another big game, Jason Rivers dominated on the outside in man coverage, the O-line did a great job of picking everything up. It was a great day for the team and I feel like we got back on track and got back to our comfort level and it’s a great first step in this last chapter of our season.” (HSB)

About their ranking, Colt said:
“I think everybody’s happy, but it’s not about being happy about what we’ve done, it’s happy about what we can do.” (HSB)

About how RGM turns a 3-yard pass into a 42-yard TD in the NMSU game, Colt said:
“That’s always great from a quarterback standpoint.” (HA)

About that 42-yard TD catch and run, RGM said:
“I love it, too. It’s a lot more fun catching and running for 40 (yards) than catching one in the end zone.” (HA)

About how Colt deserved the award, RGM said:
“He deserves it. I mean, six touchdowns. He did a good job. He came out swinging.” (HA)

Happy with how the season has gone so far, Colt said:
“At this moment, I definitely expected to be 8-0. Right now, everything’s all good. Coming up is where it’s time to rise up and make a statement.” (AP)

“This is exactly where we want to be. We’re in the driver’s seat. …These next four games will say a lot about our football team. If we win all four, I think we would’ve said enough. It’s all about getting victories.” (AP)

About how he finally felt injury free in the NMSU game, Colt said:
“It just felt like I finally got out there and I was myself again. Now I’m so excited to get back out there. It feels like the season is about to start against Fresno State.” (AP)

About how he’s looking to have a great end to the season now that he’s past his injury struggles, Colt said:
“Because I struggled early on, everybody’s kind of written me off. I don’t think people realize that I’m really hungry and I’m about to have a run that I’m really excited about.” (AP)

“That’s something I really want to do — really go out on a blazing note.” (AP)

About his Heisman chances depend on his team’s performance, Colt said:
“If we’re 12-0, chances are, my numbers will be where they need to be to get respect. Really, the Heisman has been about the best player on the best team in the country. It hasn’t been about the overall best player. That’s why my team really is the deciding factor whether I go to New York.” (AP)

About how he isn’t looking at the polls yet, JJ said:
“I don’t look at it because it doesn’t matter. It’s only going to matter if we keep winning.” (AP)

About the chance that the Fresno State game will be broadcast on ESPN, though only available via Oceanic PPV in Hawaii, UH associate AD John McNamara said:
“Nothing changes for our fans.” (HA)

HA Note: “UH associate athletic director John McNamara said “it would be premature” to say whether negotiations and resolution of production issues will lead to ESPN showing what would be a record sixth Warrior game this season. If ESPN does show the Nov. 10 game, the date and time (6:05 p.m.) would likely remain the same, but ESPN will be blacked out in Hawai’i and Fresno.”

About how they would like a 6th game on ESPN this season if ESPN meets their terms, McNamara said:
“Certainly having additional national exposure for the program and for the state of Hawai’i is something we want to pursue, but we also want to make sure we do it with all considerations to all parties.” (HA)

About ESPN broadcasting the Fresno State game, Karl Benson said:
“Efforts are being made to accommodate everyone’s interests.” (HA)

“All I can tell you is they were discussing it and trying to find a way to make it happen.” (HSB)