Kamakawiwo‘ole
enjoying new world

The outside linebacker is adjusting
to changes, both on the football
field and in his personal life

Hawaii football player Kila Kamakawiwo'ole says it's "a different world."

The senior outside linebacker was talking about the Warriors' new defense under Jerry Glanville. But it could've been about life in general for him lately. Kamakawiwo'ole married his girlfriend, Iwalani, on Saturday.

Kamakawiwo'ole had to rush from Saturday's practice to the ceremony. So did teammates and groom's men Justin Faimealelei (best man), Sam Satele and Mel Purcell.

"It went well," Kamakawiwo'ole said. "I spent the whole day with my wife yesterday (the Warriors had Sunday off). We're planning on a honeymoon in Las Vegas in the spring."

If it were a player other than Kamakawiwo'ole, coach June Jones might have been concerned about him trying to get married and deal with the rigors of the opening of football camp on the same weekend. But Kamakawiwo'ole is mature and organized enough to multi-task.

"He's real smart and he's worked real hard," Jones said.

He's tough, too. Kamakawiwo'ole missed only two games last year after an emergency appendectomy on the eve of a road trip.

"He's been kind of an all-around player for us on defense. He was a rush end in the 40, and now he's a linebacker," Jones said. "He's come a long way to get to where he is."

Not literally, since Kamakawiwo'ole went to high school right around the corner from Manoa at Kaimuki. As a Bulldog, he played receiver and safety. He and Faimealelei led Kaimuki to the state semifinals in 2000.

Along with the rest of the Warriors defenders, Kamakawiwo'ole is trying to absorb UH's new defense, which is a combination of what Glanville and Jones ran when they coached together in the NFL, and what UH has done the past few years.

"I'm a pretty fast learner, so I'm not having a problem," said Kamakawiwo'ole, whose 48 tackles last year included 8.5 for loss. "We have been going at a pretty fast pace. If the young guys have any questions, they know they can come to me and T.J. (Moe, another senior linebacker)."

Sophomore linebacker Brad Kalilimoku said he likes the new defense.

"Overall, it's easier than what we were doing," he said. "There's less plays, it's simpler."

Another linebacker, senior Ikaika Curnan said the schemes are "not as complicated."

"But it's more active, we attack," he said. "I kind of wish (Glanville) was here when I first got here."

Curnan, who led UH with 121 tackles in 2003, was limited to four starts at middle linebacker last year because of a right ankle injury that required reconstructive surgery. He managed to play in 10 games, but with just 29 tackles.

"It's all right, getting there," Curnan said as he pedaled a stationary bike after yesterday's practice. "Only time will tell, but it's better by far than last year. It's like watching grass grow. Coming back from surgery is tough."

Sample hurt: Starting wide receiver Ian Sample's practice was cut short due to a back sprain. He is listed as day to day.

Slotbacks Ryan Grice-Mullen (shoulder) and Nate Ilaoa (hamstring) were both at practice but not participating.

Ilaoa jogged with strength and conditioning coach Mel deLaura.

Coach's show bids in: Yesterday was the deadline for proposals for rights to June Jones' coach's TV show and at least two were received by UH.

Liquid Planet submitted a bid to produce the show. It would be hosted by Russell Shimooka and shown on Oceanic Time-Warner, as it has the past two years.

"I hope the university recognizes the work we've done the past two seasons and wants to continue the quality programming," Shimooka said.

KHON-TV2 also submitted a bid.

"We put in a creative offer," general manager Rick Blangiardi said. "We hope to showcase Kanoa Leahey and John Veneri, and we think we're capable of a real interesting coach's show reflective of the program. It will be something the coaches and players will be proud of."

KHNL-KFVE, which owns the TV rights to UH sports, had right of first refusal and declined to do a coach's show.