Excuse Alex Gerke, a Harley-Davidson enthusiast, for feeling as if he is in Hog Heaven.

"I tell you what, you can't beat this place," said Gerke, who joins the Hawai'i football team as an assistant coach in charge of running backs and offensive linemen. "It's so surreal just to be here. I've always felt this was the Shangri-La of coaching. This is a great place to be a coach. The people here are all outstanding; very friendly, very humble. The community is excellent. The program has great players, and a great tradition. Why am I fortunate to be here? All of the above."

Last season, Gerke was Weber State's assistant head coach in charge of the offensive line. Among his coaching stops were the University of Utah and Saskatchewan of the Canadian Football League.

While he is a skilled offensive line instructor, Gerke has had experience coaching running backs.

"It really comes down to teaching fundamentals, having a good relationship with the players," Gerke said. "I've had running backs in my meetings plenty of times."

In addition to working with offensive line coach Brian Smith, Gerke will assist offensive coordinator Ron Lee in identifying defensive coverages during games.

"I look forward to it," Gerke said. "I want to help make sure we give coach (Greg McMackin) and this football team every possible chance to be successful."

Gerke drove from Utah to his hometown of Huntington Beach, Calif. Then he caught a flight to Honolulu, arriving yesterday. He already signed most of his employment papers.

Aside from football, Gerke has one other passion.

"I like to ride my motorcycle, bro," Gerke said.

He owns one Harley-Davidson. "You only need one," Gerke said.

Gerke, who bought his first motorcycle in 1990, often hit the open road, riding through Montana, New Mexico and Arizona.

"I look forward to meeting the folks in (Hawai'i's) Harley-Davidson community," he said. "I know (defensive coordinator) Cal Lee rides, and Mel (deLaura, the conditioning coach) rides. Now we have to make sure Rich (Miano, the associate head coach) trades in his little Honda Shadow and gets a real one."

SPEEDY WEEKEND AHEAD

Several UH student-athletes will serve as guest instructors at Hawai'i Speed and Quickness clinics tomorrow and Sunday at the UH athletic complex.

Each session is $10, and runs from 8:30 to 10 a.m. Participants receive training in plyometrics and resistance training. A new machine designed to improve vertical jumping will be used this week.

Details: Call 739-5444 or go to www.hawaiispeedandquickness.com.

Reach Stephen Tsai at stsai@honoluluadvertiser.com.