Spring practice is a time for building from within.

Hawaii head coach Greg McMackin hopes to also use the next month to expand the program's reach.

Along with practices and scrimmages, the last three Saturdays of April will include special events.

First is the Warriors' trip to Maui on April 11 for a practice and scrimmage at War Memorial Stadium, their first trip to the Valley Isle since 2001. The practice is scheduled to start at 11 a.m., with an autograph session to follow.

UH's second annual Warrior Coaches Clinic on April 18 gives the staff a chance to connect with coaches from around the state and beyond. McMackin said about 30 coaches from Japan are expected to attend the clinic, which drew about 500 coaches last year.

“;We're trying to build a bridge so Hawaii is Japan's team,”; said McMackin, who visited Japan with athletic director Jim Donovan earlier this month. “;There's a lot of good will on both sides.”;

UH is hosting its first “;Junior Day”; in conjunction with the final day of practice. High school coaches were asked to nominate their top prospects to attend the event on campus. McMackin expects to draw between 150 and 200 players and their parents.

“;On the mainland they do this; we've just never done this here,”; McMackin said. “;We're trying to stay on the leading edge of recruiting.

“;Recruiting is such a year-round, full-time deal. We want to get out of losing nine guys (on offense) last year and nine guys (on defense) this year. We're working really hard to recruit year-round and get the right guys and do it the right way.”;

The day will culminate with the Warrior Bowl to cap spring practice. The spring game is set for 3 p.m. at Aloha Stadium.

The Warriors will hold 15 practices starting at 4 p.m. Monday.