SEATTLE — When the University of Hawai'i football team needed a stadium to practice in here yesterday in advance of tomorrow's game with Washington State at Qwest Field, head coach Greg McMackin knew who to ask: assistant coach Chris Tormey.

When the Warriors decided to make a major recruiting plunge into the Puget Sound area this week, McMackin turned to Tormey to direct it.

This despite the fact that McMackin, who spent five years with the Seattle Seahawks, is no stranger to the area.

But Tormey, who coaches special teams and safeties for UH, is a Pacific Northwest native with deep rooots here having grown up in Spokane, Wash., and served four tours on the University of Washington staff.

"I'm at home here," said Tormey, who has maintained one. His wife, Kellie, was born and raised in the area also.

And he is the staff expert on Washington State, having played the Cougars 28 times in his career while at UW, Idaho and Nevada.

"It is a personal rivalry," Tormey said. "I've always been on the other side (with WSU)."

UH to scout area schools: McMackin said several UH coaches will visit Seattle area high schools and attend games this weekend.

"There's a lot of talent (here)," McMackin said.

Tormey said UH expects to contact 10 to 12 schools and send 3 to 4 coaches out during the Seattle stopover.

One of the Warriors' top Pacific Northwest products, former linebacker Adam Leonard, attended yesterday's practice at the Leon H. Brigham Field.

Leonard, who still entertains pro football hopes, said he is working out and is employed by REI.

Cougars reside in Hawai'i: A WSU spokesman said there are 2,200 WSU alumni currently living in Hawai'i.

"It is a smaller (group) but very, very active," said Mark Wilcomb, operations director of the WSU alumni center.