Making official what was apparent throughout the summer, quarterback Colt Brennan, offensive guard Hercules Satele and defensive tackle Michael Lafaele yesterday were announced as the University of Hawai'i football team's captains.

They were selected in voting by their teammates.

Head coach June Jones said Brennan and Lafaele received the highest number of votes from the offensive and defensive teammates, respectively.

Jones said Satele finished a close second to Brennan, warranting a captain's designation.

Each of the captains is a senior.

"It's a tremendous honor, especially because your teammates selected you," said Brennan, who relinquished an opportunity to apply for the 2007 National Football League draft to return to UH. "I love my teammates. I think I'm going to do a great job for them this year. They know I came back to play for them and to give them a great year. No matter how I'm going to do it, I'm going to give them a great year."

Brennan's skills are a force of nurture.

"When I was growing up, I wasn't the talented athlete," said Brennan, a native of Irvine, Calif. "I wasn't the kid everybody talked about. I wasn't an all-star. I was the kid who was never getting the attention and the love and respect.

"I respect kids who didn't get those things, but worked hard continuously. I was one of those kids. I see a lot of guys who don't get the credit, but come to practice every day no matter if they're fourth team or second team. It doesn't matter. They all deserve respect."

Brennan, Lafaele and Satele coordinated the players' summer workouts. It was a sacrifice for Lafaele, who is married with three children. Lafaele also attended summer-session classes.

"That's why my wife plays a big part in what I do," Lafaele said. "If it wasn't for her, I don't know where I'd be. She has a lot of patience."

Jeff Reinebold, who coaches the defensive tackles, said: "He's a guy who's been a leader through the offseason and training camp. He's the kind of guy who exemplifies June's values for this program - hard work, unselfishness, and an understanding there's something in the program bigger than you are. Those are the qualities that are going to make Mike a success always."

Lafaele, a 2003 Farrington High graduate, said he relishes serving as a mentor.

"I treat all of these guys like they're my family," he said. "They have a special place in my heart. I try my best to take care of each one of them."

Satele, who voted for Brennan, accepts his leadership role.

"I didn't ask for it, but I'm honored," he said. "I want to lead this team like the other captains."

Offensive line coach Dennis McKnight said Satele, who is from Long Beach, Calif., is a "natural" leader.

"When your peers vote you captain, that's the highest honor," McKnight said. "That's the dot on your exclamation point, that your teammates respect you, and they want, when we go into battle, for you to be in front. That's an honor, and Herc deserves it."

Visit Tsai's blog at www.hawaiiwarriorbeat.com.

Reach Stephen Tsai at stsai@honoluluadvertiser.com.