David Matlin & Don Bailey at the Downtown Athletic Club

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!

NFL Predictions!

     I watch a lot of football!  Which is precisely why most of these picks will be horribly wrong!  Behold, my NFL predictions for the 2014 season!

AFC East

New England Patriots (12-4)

Miami Dolphins (8-8)

New York Jets (7-9)

Buffalo Bills (3-13)

AFC North

Baltimore Ravens (10-6)

Cincinnati Bengals (10-6)

Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7)

Cleveland Browns (2-14)

AFC South

Indianapolis Colts (11-5)

Tennessee Titans (8-8)

Houston Texans (7-9)

Jacksonville Jaguars (5-11)

AFC West

Denver Broncos (12-4)

Kansas City Chiefs (9-7)

San Diego Chargers (8-8)

Oakland Raiders (5-11)

NFC East

Philadelphia Eagles (10-6)

Washington Redskins (9-7)

Dallas Cowboys (7-9)

New York Giants (5-11)

NFC North

Green Bay Packers (11-5)

Chicago Bears (9-7)

Detroit Lions (8-8)

Minnesota Vikings (4-12)

NFC South

New Orleans Saints (12-4)

Atlanta Falcons (9-7)

Carolina Panthers (7-9)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-10)

NFC West

Seattle Seahawks (12-4)

San Francisco 49ers (9-7)

Arizona Cardinals (8-8)

St Louis Rams (5-11)

Playoffs!

AFC Wild Card Round

Indianapolis Colts over Cincinnati Bengals (WC)

Baltimore Ravens over Pittsburgh Steelers (WC)

AFC Divisional Round

Denver Broncos over Baltimore Ravens

New England Patriots over Indianapolis Colts

AFC Championship Game

Denver Broncos over New England Patriots

NFC Wild Card Round

San Francisco 49ers (WC) over Philadelphia Eagles 

Green Bay Packers over Chicago Bears (WC)

NFC Divisional Round

Seattle Seahawks over San Francisco 49ers

New Orleans Saints over Green Bay Packers

NFC Championship Game

Seattle Seahawks over New Orleans Saints

NFL Offensive Player of the Year: Peyton Manning

NFL Defensive Player of the Year: JJ Watt

NFL MVP: Drew Brees

NFL Coach of the Year: Sean Payton

NFL Comeback Player of the Year: Rob Gronkowski

NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year: Brandin Cooks

NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year: Jadeveon Clowney

Super Bowl XLIX

Seattle Seahawks: 27

Denver Broncos: 23

Warning!  Sean Eyman is nothing but a Dude that watches football!  He knows absolutely nothing about anything!  He has a total bias towards the Seattle Seahawks!  Wagering on football is illegal in Hawaii!  

UH Fall Practice (8-9-14)

     I went to UH Fall Practice on Saturday Morning.  I was one of about thirty onlookers during the humid, yet crisply run 2 hour workout at the TC Ching Athletic Complex.  Practice started at 10:15am.  At 10:10am all of the players were out on the field.  If you are on time, you are late according to Coach Chow.

     Music blared from the speakers.  Soundtrack consisted of mainly hip-hop and rap.  Artists such as DJ Khaled, Lil' Wayne, Drake, Eminem, Snoop and Akon.  Special Teams was there prior to the start of things and were routinely booming 40 yard field goals through the top of the uprights.  Special Teams could very well be the strongest unit and backbone of this team once again this season.  Is that a good thing?  I don't know.  But its true.

     Offense sells tickets and defense wins championships is the old adage, right?  Which is why our program is at the brink of slipping into the abyss of college football.  Let's start with the quarterbacks.  This is Sophomore Ikaika Woolsey's job to lose.  He can get the ball out fast to his pass catchers and has the legs to scramble down field better than any of the other players in the mix for the starting job.  He took the first snap on most drills and led the 2 minute/red zone offense at the end of practice.

     Taylor Graham looks to have recovered from surgery to his shoulder.  But his slow and deliberate wind up might not be beneficial to the offense.  As defensive linemen will look to swat the ball away in the pocket and defensive backs are looking to jump a WR's route down field.  A quarter second can be the difference between a sack or a touchdown.  I'm still not convinced that he can get through his progression fast enough and get the ball out quick enough to be, "Da Guy".

     I liked what I saw out of Freshman Beau Reilly.  He could very well be the QB of the future for the Bows.  Maybe even starting this year if the season goes off the tracks and we find ourselves at 0-7 or 0-8.

     The offense at times looked like what June Jones ran at Hawaii.  Running 4 WR's and motioning a RB/FB out to the flat.  Working to get the ball out quickly from the QB's hands.  Chow still prefers to pound the rock (ball) using power option, toss sweeps and trap plays when it matters most.  Joey Iosefa has NFL talent and will be the workhorse.  I just hope Chow doesn't pound him into the ground with 35+ touches a game.

     The starting WR's have talent.  They lack depth.  I have a feeling the freshmen will play.  Any more injuries at this position would be a detrimental catastrophe to this decimated unit.  Was really impressed with Marcus Kemp and Don Yeh Patterson.  Didn't see that much from the TE's.  Seemed to be mostly used as blockers.  What little balls went their way were either poorly thrown or outright dropped.  Would be surprised if this position is an important part of the offense this season.

     Defense dominated the 2 minute and red zone offense at the end of the practice.  Team worked on alignment and assignment during practice.  I didn't pay much attention to their drills.  Choosing to focus more on the QB's and WR's.

     I came away impressed and not as pessimistic as my 1 win game total for next season.  Team has potential to win 4+ games if a QB steps up and injuries aren't an issue going forward.  Those are big ifs though.  Is it enough to get Chow to year 4?  Not sure.  But it was by far the best practice I have seen in the Chow Era.

Go Bows!

Seattle Seahawks 2014 Record Prediction

     Last year I nailed it.  Picked the Seahawks over the Broncos in Super Bowl XLVIII in July.  Check my Twitter feed.  Just go back about 5,000 tweets.  Its there.  I promise.

     This season I am predicting the Seahawks to go 12-4.  Here's how they are going to do it.

Opponent             Score               Result               Record                   Note
Green Bay            24-13               Win                  1-0
@ Chargers          21-10               Win                  2-0        
Broncos               30-24                Win                  3-0
Bye
@ Redskins          17-23               Loss                 3-1
Cowboys              38-10               Win                  4-1
@ Rams               27-17               Win                  5-1
@ Panthers          17-14                Win                  6-1
Raiders                 31-13               Win                   7-1
Giants                   28-14               Win                   8-1
@ Chiefs              20-21               Loss                  8-2
Cardinals              33-20               Win                   9-2
@ 49ers               21-24               Loss                  9-3
@ Eagles              13-17               Loss                  9-4
49ers                    24-17               Win                  10-4
@ Cardinals         28-14                Win                  11-4
Rams                    42-13               Win                  12-4

     12-4 should be good enough to win the NFC West and clinch a bye in the playoffs.  Assuming that Marshawn Lynch reports and doesn't retire and Russell Wilson stays healthy.

GO HAWKS!

Rainbow Warrior 2014 Season Prediction...It Ain't Pretty

     If you are reading this blog you probably know how I feel about Norm Chow.  I hate him.  When he was hired, he wasn't my first choice to be the next head coach at UH to follow Greg McMackin.  He wasn't my second choice either.  Nor my thir...nevermind.

     I hated his offense on BYU back in the 80's and 90's.  I thought it was arrogant.  Slow.  Plodding.  Horrible.  The thought of it attempting to be installed at UH didn't sit well with me.  In order for the system to work properly, you need top of the line recruits.  The kind that UH simply doesn't get.  But this was what our fearless leaders (MRC and Rockne) came up with.

     Following Chow's introductory press conference, I was fully on board.  Chow Time.  I got the shirts, I bought into what he was saying, this might take some time, but it was going to work.  Right?  Wrong.  Horribly, horribly, WRONG!

     After two horrendous, and that might be putting it lightly, years at UH, Chow has gone 4-20 including a 1-11 season last year.  Football season ticket sales are in the toilet, the UH Athletic Department is a mess, and most UH fans are frustrated beyond belief.  And did I mention that we don't have a  QB returning in 2014?  At least one with very much game experience.  We are switching to a more wide-open WR heavy offense.  The one like June used to run.  Should have kept Rolo.  Whoops.  Losing Kirkwood is a huge blow.

     I had to think long and hard about giving up my season tickets for football.  My family has occupied the same seats at Aloha Stadium since 1980.  I grew up watching the Rainbow Warriors.  Chow has killed this team and fan base.  Tearing this team down so far that it has no idea how to stand back up.  This team has no idea how to win.  Its coach is stubborn.  Beyond belief.

     How the team plays against Washington could be telling for how the rest of the season goes.  Get the doors blown off against the Dogs and Aloha Stadium will more than likely be a ghost town for the rest of the season.  Give Washington a game and give the players, fan base and alumni something they haven't had in a long time.  Hope.  I don't think many are expecting UH to beat UW.  But it would be nice for the game to be in question in the 2nd half.  I hate leaving Aloha Stadium at the end of the 3rd quarter.  A damn near weekly tradition for my father and I in the Chow Era.

     I believe that this will be Norm Chow's last season in Manoa.  Why?  Because he is a horrible head football coach and doesn't have the staff, players, system or skill set to be, "Da Guy" to turn it around.  I renewed my season tickets.  With the hopes that Ciao Time is near.  Here's my prediction on a game by game basis.

Opponent                     Score             Result                         Record            
Washington                  13-31              Loss                           0-1
Oregon State                10-24              Loss                           0-2
Northern Iowa              24-21              Win                            1-2
@ Colorado                  27-13              Loss                          1-3
@ Rice                         28-10              Loss                           1-4
Wyoming                      23-16               Win                           2-4
@ San Diego State        13-33              Loss                           2-5                
Nevada                         20-21              Loss                           2-6
Utah State                     17-27              Loss                           2-7
@ Colorado State         35-13              Loss                           2-8
@ San Jose State          27-14              Loss                           2-9
UNLV                          23-14              Win                            3-9
@ Fresno State             40-17              Loss                           3-10
.
     I predict that Norm Chow will be fired after the conclusion of the season.  Ben Jay will face a lot of pressure to fire Chow after the 7th loss of the season.  I think he humors Chow and lets him coach out the rest of the season.  He has too much respect for him.  I would love to be wrong and spend Christmas cheering on the Bows in the Hawaii Bowl.  I just don't see that happening though.  You can change the offense, but at the end of the day, Norm Chow is still coaching this team.  He will pound that ball into the middle of the pile when the chips are down.  Or until Joey Iosefa breaks.  He can't help it.  Old dog, same tendencies.  Jordan Wynn's offense my okole.  At least until the end of the season.

     I think Chow needs at least 5 wins to get to year four.  I just don't see those wins on the schedule.  This is the least excited I have ever been to kick off a new college football season.  Thanks Chow.  But for what its worth, Go Bows!            

Sports Bucket List

My Sports Bucket List

-Watch the University of Hawaii Men and Women's basketball teams play in the Big West Tournament in California (current venue is the Honda Center)

-For UH Football to win a big game on the mainland

-Watch UH take on Wyoming in Laramie (Wyoming)

-Watch UH become a member of the PAC-14/16

-Watch the Seattle Mariners play in the World Series

-Watch the Seahawks win the SuperBowl in person

-See a Seahawks vs. 49ers game in person (preferably at the CLink)

-Take a picture with Weehawk the Seahawk Mascot

-Take a picture with the Seahawks Lombardi Trophy

-Watch an NBA game in an NBA Arena (preferably the Seattle Supersonics)

-Watch an NHL Hockey Game

-See a game at Wrigley Field (Cubs)

-See a game at Fenway Park (Yanks vs. Sox?)

-Tour Yankee Stadium (Monument Park)

-Watch a game at Lambeau Field

-See a game at South Bend (Indiana) UH ever plays at Notre Dame, I'm there!

-Watch a game at the Big House (Michigan)

-Watch a Seattle Sounders game at the CLink

-Watch a Manchester United Game

-Attend a USA Soccer match in an international venue

And the Oscar Goes to...

I love movies.  So in turn, I love the Oscars.

Haven't seen all the movies nominated, but I'm gonna give you who I think is gonna win.

Best Picture: 12 Years A Slave
Actor: Mathew McCounaghey (Dallas Buyers Club)
Actress: Cate Blanchette (Blue Jasmine)
Supporting Actor: Jared Leto (Dallas Buyers Club)
Supporting Actress: Lupita Nyong'o (12 Years A Slave)
Animated Film: Frozen
Cinematography: Gravity
Director: Alphonso Cuaron (Gravity)

Don't really care about the rest of the categories!  Enjoy the show!