The current economic downturn produced an indirect payoff for the Hawaii football team.

Guyton Galdeira, a leader on the Warriors' special teams units the last two years, left the program after last season to pursue a professional career in entertainment. But when the Waikiki production he was performing in shut down last Friday, he asked to rejoin the team and went through his first practice with the Warriors yesterday.

“;It felt surreal actually being back,”; Galdeira said after running a few extra sprints. “;A week ago I wasn't even thinking about football, now here I am. Got some rust in my knees but I think I'll be back into it.”;

Galdeira played in all 13 games last season, recording 13 tackles, including one for a loss. He saw some time as a backup cornerback and nickel back, but the 5-foot-7 walk-on's greatest impact came on special teams as a member of the coverage units and as an emotional sparkplug during the Warriors' Sugar Bowl run.

Galdeira didn't have pads, or a number, for yesterday's practice and said he'll need to get into game shape and adjust to hitting again.

“;It shouldn't be a problem, that's more of a mentality,”; he said.

He might not suit up for Saturday's homecoming game against Louisiana Tech, but he's looking for ways to contribute over the second half of the season and wasted little time in jumping into the action with the defensive scout team yesterday.

“;I'm going to work for what I get,”; Galdeira said. “;I haven't been here from the beginning. These guys have been working hard, they've been busting their butt. I'm looking to do whatever I've got to do to help the team win, whether it's on scout team or if it's running down on kickoffs or making some blocks on special teams. Right now my job is just to get back into football shape.”;

Prior to yesterday's practice Galdeira hadn't been on the field since informing UH head coach Greg McMackin of his decision to take a full-time job as a performer in January.

But Galdeira was left without a paycheck when “;Waikiki Nei,”; which opened at the Royal Hawaiian Showroom in August, went on hiatus until the holidays due in part to falling tourism numbers. He had been dancing hula, and doing some singing and aerial work in the show.

“;We didn't have any warning,”; said Galdeira, who was still attending school full-time while he was working. “;We knew it was a possibility, the seats were empty, but we figured it was just the beginning of the show. But we were losing a lot of money.”;

After the closing was announced, Galdeira said he got a call from associate head coach Rich Miano about finishing out his final year of eligibility and spoke to McMackin as well.

“;He was still going to school but he had to make a decision on his profession,”; McMackin said. “;He missed football, asked the team if he could come back and everybody wanted him back.”;

Along with getting the approval of the coaches, Galdeira said it was important to him that the players accept him back as well.

“;He was really respectful in his pursuit to get back on the team, he didn't want to come on if people didn't want him back,”; said senior defensive lineman and co-captain Keala Watson. “;But it was an easy decision, everybody wants him back. We know what kind of player he is and how hard he works.”;

As he looks to finish his career on the field, Galdeira is also on track to graduate with a degree in economics in December.

“;It's my last semester of college, my last season, and I just want to enjoy it,”; Galdeira said.

Satele easing back

Middle linebacker Brashton Satele suited up for practice yesterday, but didn't have full contact as he eases back from a shoulder injury suffered against Fresno State.

When Satele was off the field, senior Solomon Elimimian moved over from outside linebacker to the middle, where he played for most of his career.

“;In the middle of battle you've got to be ready to do whatever coach tells you to or whatever's best for the team, it wasn't a problem at all,”; Elimimian said.

Bulldogs arrive

Louisiana Tech is scheduled to arrive in town this afternoon and plans to practice today and have a walk-through tomorrow.

“;We're going a day early this time and we're going to get two practices in so that'll definitely help,”; LaTech linebacker Quin Harris said this week. “;I think the practice on Thursday is something we're going to need just to get a feel for the environment.”;

Short yardage

Defensive end Francis Maka practiced today. Maka is petitioning the NCAA for a sixth season of eligibility. He's allowed to practice for two weeks while his petition is pending. ... Junior Viliami Nauahi has been working with the linebacker unit this week. Nauahi had been a safety and played in three games this season mostly on special teams. ... Safety Mana Silva had two interceptions in the team period in yesterday's practice. ...

Satele easing back

Middle linebacker Brashton Satele suited up for practice yesterday, but didn't have full contact as he eases back from a shoulder injury suffered against Fresno State.

When Satele was off the field, senior Solomon Elimimian moved over from outside linebacker to the middle, where he played for most of his career.

“;In the middle of battle you've got to be ready to do whatever coach tells you to or whatever's best for the team, it wasn't a problem at all,”; Elimimian said.

Bulldogs arrive

Louisiana Tech is scheduled to arrive in town this afternoon and plan to practice today and have a walk-through tomorrow.

“;We're going a day early this time and we're going to get two practices in so that'll definitely help,”; LaTech linebacker Quin Harris said earlier this week. “;I think the practice on Thursday is something we're going to need just to get a feel for the environment.”;

Short yardage

Junior Viliami Nauahi has been working with the linebacker unit this week. Nauahi had been a safety and played in three games this season mostly on special teams. ... Safety Mana Silva had two interceptions in the team period in yesterday's practice.