Warriors hit the field running as camp opens

By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer

Quarterbacks Tim Chang, left, and Jack Rolovich work out during the opening day of camp for the University of Hawai'i. Photos by Andrew Shimabuku • The Honolulu Advertiser

Slotback Chad Owens, whose wife is expecting their second child in March, is on the watch list for the Senior Bowl.

Their first official workout featured the running of the "220s," a rite-of-Warrior discipline in which each was asked to sprint 220 yards 10 times, with maximum lap times and rest breaks set according to the player's position.

In a testament to the summer conditioning program, a team-record 52 players passed the test, including all six quarterbacks and five of the offensive linemen. Last year, one offensive lineman passed on the first try.

"Good thing it was raining," said Phil Kauffman, a 291-pound guard who qualified. "It cooled it off a little bit."

Middle linebacker Ikaika Curnan said: "This is good running weather. I guess coach (June) Jones didn't turn on the switch to make the sun come out."

Broadway said the keys were adhering to conditioning coach Mel deLaura's fitness program and a stubborn attitude.

"After the first five (sprints of 220 yards), you start to count," Broadway said. "You have to say, 'There's no way in the world I'm going to quit with five left.' You give it everything you've got — not just because you want to be in shape but because you want to show the coaches you're in shape. After you finish, you can lie down or throw up or do whatever you want to do."

Slotback Chad Owens passed the test in each of his five training camps. Quarterback Tim Chang, a fifth-year senior, has passed it four consecutive times.

"These (three) freshman quarterbacks are good," Chang said of Taylor Humphrey, Tyler Graunke and Brandon Satcher. "They're making it from the start. I'm proud of the younger guys."

Jones said: "I'm happy we reported in shape. What we did from January until now is what makes us who we are."

In the money: Jones yesterday announced he awarded football scholarships to punter Kurt Milne and defensive ends Ikaika Alama-Francis and Karl Noa.

"It took me by surprise, for sure," said Noa, a second-year freshman from Kamehameha Schools. "This will ease the load on my family."

On the lookout: The Senior Bowl's watch list includes quarterback Chang, defensive tackle Lui Fuga, slotback Owens, right guard Uriah Moenoa and left cornerback Abraham Elimimian.

Chang already has accepted an invitation to play in the East West Shrine Game.

You complete me: Owens, the team's best slotback, fondly remembers his favorite reception.

"It was an awesome experience," Owens said of the reception party following his June 6 wedding. Being married "is an awesome feeling. My family is complete now."

Chad and Rena have a 15-month-old son, Chad Jr. Rena is expecting the couple's second child in March.

"No matter what it is," Chad said, "it'll be a blessing."

Roll call: Jones said left wideout Jason Rivers, who did not attend the opening practice, is expected to report shortly. Jones said Rivers needs to complete paperwork.

Offensive lineman Chad Kahale, a fifth-year senior, also is not in training camp. He is expected to report Aug. 23, the first day of the fall semester, when the training camp roster may expand from 105 players.

Moenoa, whose excessive weight jeopardized his starting job during spring practice, lost 40 pounds and now weighs 335.

"I don't feel as sluggish or sloth-like as I used to," he said. "I have a lot of energy. I'm ready to take this energy out on these rooks."

His new look includes a Rasta-styled headband. He insisted he is not copying American Idol singer Camile Velasco's style.

"I was wearing the (Rasta) wristband before she did," he said. "She wore it on American Idol and it was like, 'You're just like Camile.' No way. I started the fad. I'm starting a new fad. I'm going with the headband."

Although the drills were limited yesterday, Jones said he was impressed with freshman slotback Andrew Pearman's "light feet." Pearman did not compete in the 220s because of a slightly strained right leg.

"I told him to take it easy," Jones said. "I know he can run. I don't worry about that."

As a high school senior in North Carolina, Pearman ran 40 yards in 4.3 seconds and 100 meters in 10.3 seconds. By agreeing to move from running back to slotback, Pearman is expected to play this season.

"I personally see myself as a running back," said Pearman, who arrived in Honolulu on July 15, "but Coach Jones is the man. If he thinks playing receiver is the best thing for me, I have to honor what he's saying. He's been around football a heck of a lot longer than I've been living."

Reach Stephen Tsai at stsai@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8051.