Training camp focuses on football, food and fun

By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer

Freshman Michael Lafaele, an offensive lineman from Farrington, devours his dinner. Photos Deborah Booker • The Honolulu Advertiser

Former Saint Louis receivers Daniel Inferrera and Ross Dickerson enjoy a meal at the Hale Aloha cafeteria.

It has been that way since Aug. 5, when the University of Hawai'i football team opened 20 days of training camp and closed down its nocturnal summer entertainment.

During training camp, which runs through Aug. 24, the Warriors live two-to-a-room in Gateway House on the Manoa campus and adhere to a strict ten-hut schedule. The players may leave campus for short errands. But with practices, weight training, lengthy meetings and an 11 p.m. curfew, "there's no time to go anywhere," said offensive lineman Phil Kauffman, a fourth-year junior. "When we're done with meetings, it's almost 11. When we wake up, it's time for another practice."

Running back John West said: "We miss going out, socializing with the homies, but we're socializing on another level. We're learning how to work together."

Quarterback Tim Chang added: "I guess the people out there will have to get used to seeing us on the field instead of wherever we used to go."

Because of the NCAA's new rule prohibiting consecutive two-a-day practices, training camps have increased from 14 to 20 days. The Warriors' only off day is this Sunday.

That has made it difficult for players with wives or children. Slotback Chad Owens said he sees his 3-month-old son Chad Jr. for a few minutes after practices. "I'm working through it," he said.

During practices, especially on weekends, family and friends of players turn the makeshift parking area next to the grass practice field into a tailgate party. The grandmother and mother of defensive lineman Abu Ma'afala attend every practice.

"Sometimes it's embarrassing," Ma'afala said. "You're trying to concentrate and you hear a little voice saying, 'Abu ... Abu...' But it's uplifting to see my family. If I'm feeling down, they're always there to encourage me."

Ma'afala said family members often give him snacks, although the team's extensive meal plan seems to satisfy even the largest appetites. After Monday's afternoon practice, Cal Lee, who joined the coaching staff this summer, wondered how he would find room for dinner after eating a team-provided lunch a few hours earlier.

"Whatever kind of food you want, they've got it," Kauffman said. "They've got sandwiches, hot entrees, desserts, good ice cream. Ice cream is the key."

The short breaks between practices and meetings are filled with video games and television.

"PlayStation2 is the greatest invention ever made," Chang said.

If the upperclassmen are really bored, offensive lineman Uriah Moenoa said, "the rookies entertain us. That's their job."

Actually, UH coach June Jones has banned the hazing of freshmen. Jones implemented a mentoring program in which freshmen and upperclassmen are roommates.

"That's how we get that camaraderie," Owens said. "We don't want to have separate groups. We want the whole team to be as one."

Chang said: "That's why we're all here. It's a commitment we make to each other. Being in camp is not like pulling teeth. Remember, football is fun. And I love being with these guys. I have other loved ones outside of football, but being with these guys is like being with my second family."

West added: "When you have love for the game, it's easy to be focused. You can work hard and be somebody or lollygag and just be a number. It starts here."