LIHU‘E — A team is only as strong as its weakest link, and a championship can’t be won without a team, said Rich Miano, University of Hawai‘i associate head coach. Miano said even professional players on leave have mandatory events
LIHU‘E — A team is only as strong as its weakest link, and a championship can’t be won without a team, said Rich Miano, University of Hawai‘i associate head coach.
Miano said even professional players on leave have mandatory events to attend during the off-season, and Kaua‘i student athletes are lucky to have the benefit of being able to attend the three-day football clinic at no charge.
Theresa Koki of the county’s anti-drug office, coordinating the event, said students can still attend the event by coming to Vidinha Stadium.
“They still need to register on each day so allow some extra time,” she said. “If they get the forms online and signed by a parent or legal guardian that helps because they can turn it in when they get here. But the form needs to be signed.”
Monday’s opening day of the three-day clinic featured about 75 young players and more than 150 student athletes.
“I’m glad we had some girls in the younger group,” said Jamilee Jacinto, a Hawai‘i wahine track team member who was helping the football coaching staff. “When I came to this, I was the only girl.”
Jett Jasper, a Kaua‘i High School graduate, was also helping the staff.
“We’re between camps and this is a time we regenerate, but coach Miano asked if I could help,” Jasper said. “This is a nice way to give back to the island.”
Jasper is one of four Kaua‘i players on the Hawai‘i football roster and said he called Kenny Estes, a Waimea High School graduate, to see if Kenny could come out to help as well.
“This should be real good,” said Waimea High School football coach Keali‘i Aguiar. “The personnel director, Tony Tuioti, will be talking to the students about the other side of football and what it takes to be a football player at the college level.”
Miano told the high school athletes to be prompt as they will give offered a presentation that goes beyond the football field.
The clinic offers two sessions through Wednesday: the first, from 8 to 9 a.m. for athletes 5 to 12 years old; and the second, from 9:30 to 11 a.m. for athletes 13 years and older.
Assisting Hawai‘i head football coach Greg McMackin and Miano are associate head coach George Lumpkin, defensive coordinator Cal Lee, defensive line coach Dave Aranda, running back coach Brian Smith, offensive line coach Gordy Shaw, wide receiver coach Craig Stuzmann, linebacker coach Mike Smith, strength and conditioning coach Mel DeLaura, and Tuioti.
Miano said former UH quarterback Colt Brennan is scheduled to be at both clinics Wednesday.
For registration forms, visit www.kauai.gov/antidrug or call the anti-drug office at 241-4925.
