Former University of Hawaii quarterback Kenny Niumatalolo has been let go as offensive coordinator at the U.S. Naval Academy. Niumatalolo
leaves Navy"I have decided to make a change on our staff," Navy head football coach Charlie Weatherbie said yesterday, announcing that Niumatalolo's contract would not be renewed. "We have some philosophical differences and consequently we are making a change."
Niumatololo, who played for the Rainbows from 1986-89, had been on the Midshipmen's staff the past four seasons. Navy finished 3-8 last year.
"Coach Weatherbie and I had a difference of opinion about the offense, which sometimes happens in this profession," said Niumatalolo, a UH assistant from 1990-94.
Niumatalolo is best remembered for directing the game-winning drive against San Diego State in 1989 that led to Hawaii's first bowl appearance (Aloha Bowl).
Ivin Jasper, another former UH quarterback who coached at Navy, became the quarterbacks coach at Georgia Southern yesterday. Jasper rejoins Eagles head coach Paul Johnson, who was the offensive coordinator at Hawaii and Navy.
NO-HITTER NOT ENOUGH: Rachel Lacar of the Pearl City High softball team pitched a no-hitter against Campbell yesterday and lost, 1-0.
The Sabers' Kelia Kualapai blanked Pearl City on two hits.
Lacar gave up an unearned run in the fourth inning. Campbell's Holly Garcia reached first on an error, stole second, was sacrificed to third and scored on a wild pickoff throw by the Chargers' catcher.
SUNIA FRESHMAN ALL-AMERICAN: UNLV linebacker James Sunia, a former St. Louis School football standout from Waianae, was named to the Football News Freshman All-America first team.
The 5-foot-10, 245-pound Sunia, who led the Rebels with 115 tackles, earlier was named the Western Athletic Conference Freshman of the Year in the Mountain Division.