This was my first time attending an event at the Downtown Athletic Club at the Hukilau located at the Executive Center. It featured the new Athletic Director for the University of Hawaii, David Matlin, and Offensive Coordinator for the Rainbow Warrior football team, Don Bailey. Hosted by ESPN's 1420AM, the event kicked off smoothly at 12:00pm. There were about 80-90 people in attendance. $20 got you a buffet style lunch of rice, chicken, steak strips, salad, and some type of coconut dessert.
David Matlin was introduced. It struck me how small he was in stature. Its a daunting job that he's got. He shot right into a prepared statement talking about the value of Division 1 Athletics for the State of Hawaii. It had the feel of an introductory press conference. Personally, I would have preferred he talk about his first three months on the job, and bang the can on the upcoming sports year. Volleyball and football season is right around the corner. It has been shocking to me how little in the way that UH has promoted and pushed for season ticket sales for these two programs. Especially considering that football carries the entire athletic department.
Matlin hit his points about the value of athletics here. He talked about justification for having UH Athletics to create leaders for the future both here in Hawaii and abroad. Stewardship, the importance of utilizing every dollar given to the greatest potential for the athletic department and school. Sees athletics and the department as an investment, and wants to gain trust back. Transparency, admitting when mistakes are done and correcting them so they won't happen again. His last point in this opening salvo was continuous improvement. He said it his goal to improve on one thing each day. By picking one thing each day and working on that, he can better himself and the department. He called it the 1% solution. He said he challenged the 350 students and 450 employees in the department to improve on just one thing a day. By improving something everyday, the school and you could be so much better.
He went on to discuss the guiding principles of his administration. I think he covered this in his introductory press conference. They include: integrity, winning, innovation, brand image, engagement, faculty involvement, ownership and engagement, outreach, community involvement, and having a positive mindset. Said the last point was very key for him. Having a positive mindset when tacking huge problems, which UH has, is key to improvement.
Kurt Ozaki was then introduced. He on behalf of the, "We Get Em" campaign presented a $30,000 check to Matlin. Audience was then asked if they had any questions. Only one person asked about a Family Zone at Aloha Stadium for the upcoming season. John McNamarra jumped in and told what sections of Aloha Stadium was designated as family friendly and what to do if people were being too rowdy in that section, by texting or notifying an usher.
Don Bailey was then introduced. He is living in Ewa Beach and doesn't seem to mind the commute to Manoa everyday. He gets there early in the morning before the sun rises and gets home after the sun sets. So I'm assuming he misses the horrible traffic. He talked about his encounters with people here, and how much UH football means to Hawaii and the fans of the program. He said that he would rather play good teams then cupcakes. He'll get his wish with road games at The Ohio State, Wisconsin, and Boise State this season. He assured the crowd that we will see a different product this coming season. Spring Ball (Practice) went well and they improved offensively as camp progressed. He added that he didn't want to talk about the changes, he can't wait to show people what they were going to do.
A member of the audience brought up a question about starting QB for the Rainbow Warriors, Max Wittek. Bailey said that he was a talented individual and talked about his journey from high school, to USC, to sitting out a year, in order to have a year of eligibility here at Hawaii. The discussion then turned to the offense. He didn't want to talk about scheme. He did say that they will go fast (uptempo) to manipulate the defense. They will make the defense react and they will be aggressive in style. Their aim will be to stretch the defense.
Talked about the different position groups starting with RB. Mentioned DSJ and the need for him to stay healthy. Talked about the two JC transfers of Davis and Harris, as well as projected starter, Steven Lakalaka. Bobby asked if the O-line had enough (depth) to make it through the season. He didn't seem that concerned about it and was quite confident in their ability to protect the QB and make holes for the RB's.
Bailey went on to add that he incorporated his system into the offensive system already in place. Easier for 1 person (him) to learn a new system, then 40 guys learning a new one. Said he liked to use the TE at Idaho State and would like to use them here at Hawaii. Went on to discuss the array of WR's on the roster and what they bring to the offense.
A question was brought up about the offense and percentages. Bailey said that last year they passed 55% of the time, and ran 45% of the time. But that was predicated on the look of the defense and personnel on the field. The question was asked about how much of the offense would be in his hands. He simply said that HE is in control and will call all of the offensive plays.
Bobby concluded by saying there were 37 days till the kickoff between UH and Colorado at Aloha Stadium on Thursday Night.
I enjoyed the meeting. Bailey more than Matlin, based on material. Nice seeing friends such as Dave, Lance, and Alan at the event. If you have never gone to the Hukilau, I suggest you go! I think their Kobe Burger is THE BEST burger on the island! I took a few pictures, but they were all jacked up due to the strange lighting and shadows in the restaurant.
GO BOWS!
