Tuesday, October 16, 2001
DICK Tomey has talked football for many years to a lot of people, his teams, quarterback club gatherings, the media and family members of recruits.
The former Hawaii and Arizona
Tulsa awaits Warriors
head coach has enjoyed his adjustment
to life in the broadcast booth
Football notebookBy Al Chase
achase@starbulletin.comNow his words are being digested by thousands of Warrior fans in his new role as the analyst on KFVE-TV's Hawaii football broadcasts.
"I must admit, I have a lot of respect for those people who do it for a living. You find it is more difficult than you think it is," Tomey said. "All the nuances of this job aren't picked up immediately."
There is preparation, not like a head football coach goes through on a weekly basis, but visits to the UH practices and talks with each week's opposing coaches are part of his routine.
After the road victory at Southern Methodist, the former Hawaii head football coach spent time in Phoenix with his son Ritchie who works for the Arizona Diamondbacks. As soon as he arrived back here last Wednesday, he spent three hours studying the Texas-El Paso media guide.
"I don't plan anything, but just talk about what I see and what's on my mind," said Tomey, the dean of Pac-10 football coaches before stepping down at Arizona following the 2000 season.
During the season-opening UH-Montana broadcast, Tomey was heard talking to someone while partner Jim Leahey was calling play-by-play.
"The guy (in the truck) was talking to me in my ear (headpiece) and I was answering him on the air," said Tomey. "I think I'm getting better each week. Jim gives me a little laundry list of things to improve each week."
Leahey is glad to give his insights. He has taught many analysts through the years.
"It's just little stuff about rhythm and looking more at the camera during the opening, things like that," Leahey said. "He has to pay attention to a myriad things and he's done that.
"I think it's working out OK. He brings a wealth of football experience which I think adds to the depth and credibility of the broadcast. He comes prepared and I like that."
Tomey remembers saying to Leahey before the first broadcast, "Jim, don't forget to tell me when to shut up. He said, 'You won't talk too much', but sure as heck, he had to tell me to shut up.
"I've stepped on his toes. I started doing play-by-play once and he just sat there looking at me. And, I've gotten into the middle of a couple of sentences that I couldn't get out of. I'm enjoying it and feel it will get better each week. We're hoping for a more easy flow."
Tomey credits the KFVE crew with being so professional that it is really hard for him to mess up.
His understanding of the game is unquestioned. He has seen every offense and defense imaginable and can detail the differences in coaching philosophies. But, offense and defense are only part of the picture for Tomey.
"It's about the players and coaches and coaches teaching and players establishing a way of playing the game with a great effort consistently," Tomey said.
"It's about staying together with all the crazy things that happen during a season. It's continuing to believe they can win no matter what happens, striving to get better during the season. That's why college football is so wonderful."
