New training program helps Warriors shape up
By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer
If everything goes according to The Book, "we should have a great season," University of Hawai'i football player Lui Fuga said.
The Book, which topped the Warriors' must-read list this summer, is a 12-week program designed to improve strength and speed. The author, UH strength coach Mel deLaura, condensed more than two decades of research into a three-quarter-inch-thick book that was distributed to 110 Warrior players and recruits in May.
The results are listed on a bedspread-wide chart posted in UH's Waterhouse Training Facility and on display in the new appearances of Fuga, offensive lineman Shayne Kajioka and dozens of other veteran Warriors who will report to training camp today.
"I'm in the best shape I've ever been in," said Fuga, a redshirt junior who did not play last season while recovering from surgery to both shoulders.
Two years ago, Fuga could easily bench press 475 pounds. But in May, he could barely lift 225 pounds. Now, Fuga can bench press a maximum 435 pounds, as well as 225 pounds 35 times.
As a freshman in 1999, Kajioka weighed 390 pounds. He was 333 pounds in May, but now is down to 307. What's more, deLaura said, Kajioka "runs like a linebacker now. During all of the agility drills, he's finishing first or second in his group."
The tales roll like testimonies at a Weight Watchers meeting. Defensive back David Gilmore added bulk, right guard Vince Manuwai bench pressed 500 pounds, safety Lono Manners did 113 sit-ups in two minutes.
"We followed Coach Mel's book," slotback Clifton Herbert said, referring to deLaura's suggestions on daily workouts and nutrition.
DeLaura then posted a chart, which listed each player's accomplishments in 11 strength and speed disciplines. A weighted point system was devised, based on a player's position. DeLaura announced that each player to score at least 88 points would receive black shorts as "Superior Warriors."
"We took that as a challenge," said slotback Chad Owens, one of nine Warriors to receive the black shorts. "When we went into the weight room, we weren't playing around. We went there for business, and our business is trying to get stronger and faster. Getting the shorts shows how much we worked."
DeLaura said Manuwai, trumpeted as one of the nation's top offensive linemen, did not post high scores early.
"When (the results) were first posted, and Vince was in the middle, we said, 'Hey, what are you doing down there?'" deLaura recalled. "I told him he needed to get serious. He worked hard and — boom — he's right up there at the top of the chart. Now he gets the shorts. Now when people see him wearing the shorts, they'll know he's one of the best."
DeLaura said about 65 players worked out in Hawai'i the entire summer. Another 15 attended a session of summer school here before returning to the Mainland. DeLaura said all of the players were required to submit documentation of their progress.
DeLaura said the players were asked to lift weights and run twice a day. The drills included sprints and uphill runs.
Training together, deLaura said, "is the only way, to me, to push guys who don't like to work. They're competing within the ranks, and that makes them better."
DeLaura said the players who scored the highest in performance drills — left tackle Wayne Hunter (98 points), defensive end La'anui Correa (94), and linebackers Chris Brown (90) and Pisa Tinoisamoa (88) — were starters.
"We just want to make sure the players are in the best shape possible," deLaura said.
