UH dives into some hard-earned leisure

By Jason Kaneshiro
jkaneshiro@starbulletin.com

Making the jump to Division I took on new meaning for the Hawaii football team's newcomers yesterday.

The Warriors' pool day, an annual respite during fall camp, includes having the first-year players perform the rite of taking the plunge off the high-dive platform at the Duke Kahanamoku Aquatic Complex.

"I was kinda scared at first, but the adrenaline gets you pumped, so I just did it," freshman defensive end Haku Correa said. "I just went up there, I looked, went back and ran off and jumped. ... All the rookies have to do it."

Head coach Greg McMackin shortened yesterday morning's practice to give the players a chance to unwind a bit.

"We've had 13 practices, I think it's a good day to cut back, go have some fun," McMackin said after kicker Dan Kelly made a 53-yard field-goal attempt to end practice, the ball bouncing off the crossbar on its way through the uprights.

Once they reached the pool, linebacker Corey Paredes earned style points, adding a backflip to his dive.

"I wasn't scared to jump off, but I wanted to do a gainer, that's what made me nervous," Paredes said.

Others had to overcome their anxieties before finally jumping.

"People don't know but I'm scared of heights, I've never rode a roller coaster," said Mana Silva, who is participating in his first camp with the Warriors.

After considerable prodding from his teammates, Silva did make the dive ... twice.

"It feels good to have it over with," he said.

McMackin was pleased with the Warriors' effort over the last two days and the team got back to business in the afternoon, concentrating on special teams in the second session of the day.

"I think we've become a team these last two practices," McMackin said after the morning practice.

The Allen-Jones boys

Brothers C.J. and Cameron Allen-Jones bookended the defensive line yesterday as the aches and pains of camp continued to force the Warriors to shuffle the rotation.

Among those who sat out yesterday were defensive end David Veikune and backup Elliott Purcell, who had his arm in a sling after suffering an elbow injury on Thursday.

Purcell began camp as the backup to John Fonoti, who has been sidelined by a hamstring injury.

Offensive lineman Lafu Tuioti-Mariner practiced for the first time this week, sharing repetitions with Ray Hisatake at right guard.

Short yardage

The Warriors are scheduled to practice from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. today, take tomorrow off, then return for two practices on Monday. ... Ticket sales for individual home games go on sale Monday.