Feature article on John Fonoti

HA Note: “John Fonoti’s commitment to the offseason conditioning program is a slam dunk. That was evident yesterday morning, when he performed a taxing drill in the University of Hawai’i's Klum Gym. Starting in a back-to-the-ground position, Fonoti was required to spring to his feet, catch a rubber ball on the second bounce, and then soar for a dunk. Swish!”

Praising John Fonoti’s condition, David Veikune said:
“He’s in shape.” (HA)

HA Note: “This offseason, middle linebacker Brashton Satele and Fonoti, who is listed as the No. 1 defensive right end, are workout partners. Their day begins with a 5 a.m. wake-up call.”

About how Fonoti has been motivated for his workouts, Satele said:
“I used to have to call him. Now, the majority of the time he’s waking up on his own. Now he’s calling me. He’s way more committed this year. He’s taking on a leadership role.” (HA)

HA Note: “It is a remarkable change from last season, when Fonoti’s career was in retreat. After a promising freshman season in 2005, Fonoti was forced to redshirt in 2006. Although he was academically eligible by UH and NCAA standards, the coaches felt he needed to focus more on his academics. He was not allowed to practice with the team or attend meetings. What’s more, his football scholarship was revoked. Last summer, he was told he would be reinstated to the team. But without a scholarship, he had to work in construction.”

About working in construction, Fonoti said:
“It was hard work. I had to carry some heavy stuff.” (HA)

About how working in construction left him little time to train with his teammates, Fonoti said:
“I used to walk in here and see everybody training. I’d say, ‘Good job.’ ” (HA)

About how his poor preparation showed up in the first practice, where ever player is asked to run ten 22-yard sprints, Fonoti said:
“I did three. Last year, I was so out of shape. I couldn’t do anything. I wasn’t that committed. I was slacking off.” (HA)

HA Note: “He suffered another setback when he injured his heels after falling off a roof. But, by the end of the season, Fonoti worked his way into the rotation at defensive end. He also emerged as a physical player on special teams. During spring practice, head coach Greg McMackin, who was the defensive coordinator last season, declared open competition at all of the positions. By the end of spring training, Veikune and Fonoti established themselves as the No. 1 defensive ends.”

About being the #1 DE at the end of Spring Training, Fonoti said:
“I don’t take it as a starting job. Everybody is equal. All I can do is work hard and train hard.” (HA)

About how his Mom wakes up early to drop him off, Fonoti said:
“I have to wake up my mom to drop me off (at UH). She has the hard job. She has to wake up early.” (HA)

HA Note: “Fonoti then spends the next several hours competing running and agility drills, lifting weights, and competing in more running and agility drills. The 6-foot-3 junior said he now weighs “a solid 265,” up from last season, when he was 240.”

About the weight that Fonoti has gained, Veikune said:
“He’s heavier than me. He’s always in the weight room.” (HA)

About his workouts, Fonoti said:
“I’m trying to bust my butt, trying to stay in shape.” (HA)

About how he will receive a football scholarship in the fall, Fonoti said:
“I’m very thankful.” (HA)

Financial contrast between Florida and UH

From Ferd’s article in the Honolulu Advertiser:

HA Note: “The athletic department budget UF has announced for the upcoming fiscal year is a record $84 million, according to an executive summary. Or, about three times what UH is expected to operate on. It is a sign of UH’s current financial plight that, currently occupied by the furious bailing of red ink, the Warriors have yet to release a forecast for the fiscal year that starts Tuesday. But estimates are that the Warriors will come in at about $28 million to $29 million, a record by UH standards.

Clearly, the North American continent isn’t the only thing that separates them. Football is credited with producing $54.6 million in revenue for the Gators, or nearly 65 percent of the total budget. At UH, football might do $11.5 million all things considered, or about 41 percent.

Florida projects a $1.39 million surplus. UH, at last report, was staring at a $1.1 million deficit for the upcoming fiscal year. Even after the $600,000 guarantee, from which they might hope to bank half.

UF reports an athletic endowment of $39.3 million; UH is at $4 million.”

Article about it is expected to be hot and humid during the Florida game

About playing in the hottest time of the day in Florida, JD said:
“(Florida head coach) Urban Meyer probably figured it would be a nice environment for the University of Hawai’i. (That) it is not on national television means it was set locally, which goes to show you the kind of great fans Florida has because there were no complaints. My guess is it will be about 92 to 97 degrees — and about 106 percent humidity. We may need to issue snorkels.” (HA)

HA Note: “Florida has announced a set of what it terms “heat initiatives” for fans attending the game at The Swamp, including “misting tents” and free cups of ice to help take the edge of what is expected to be sweltering conditions. The 12:30 p.m. Eastern time (6:30 a.m. Hawai’i) kickoff will be only the second game at that hour for the Gators in 16 years.”

A Florida spokeswoman said that their last 12:30 game came in last year’s opener vs. Western Kentucky where:
“it was only 83 (degrees). Humidity was 80 percent.” (HA)

HA Note: “With Florida leading, 49-3, the game was terminated with 8 minutes, 23 seconds remaining because of what UF described as “severe weather in the area.” Attendance at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium was announced as 90,086.”

HA Note: “The UF athletic department received a $282,000 increase this year for what was described as increased heat initiative and security expenses. Florida said “cool misting tents” will be set up on concourses on the north, south and west sides of the stadium. In addition, fans will be installed on the east concourse, 12-ounce containers of water will sell for $1 and “cooling buses” will be employed on the east and west sides of the stadium to supplement aid stations. Florida officials are recommending spectators use sunscreen of “at least 30 SPF,” wear hats and loose fitting clothing and “avoid excess alcohol.” The UF release noted, “officers at gates (will be) looking out for fans in heat distress and directing (them) to aid stations.” “