Hawaii and Washington have finalized a contract setting up meetings between the Warriors and Huskies in 2013 and 2015.

The home-and-home deal announced yesterday extends the series beyond the current contract, which began with a meeting in 2007 and has the Warriors visiting Seattle in 2011.

The Huskies return to Aloha Stadium on Dec. 7, 2013. The series continues at Husky Stadium on Sept. 19, 2015.

UH athletic director Jim Donovan has placed an emphasis on filling future schedules with home-and-home series rather than single games, adding the Washington pact to multi-year deals signed with USC, Colorado, BYU, Army and UNLV.

“;We have many alumni in the Northwest, so by extending this series, it will allow us to continue to build our relationships with them,”; Donovan said in a release from UH.

“;These games will also help us in recruiting — both in the Northwest and with a Pac-10 opponent.”;

The contract calls for UH to pay Washington $400,000 when the Huskies play in Honolulu. Washington will pay UH the same amount when the Warriors play the return game. There is a $500,000 cancellation fee.

The addition of the Huskies to the 2013 schedule leaves UH with one opening in the nonconference slate, with USC (Aug. 31), BYU (Sept. 14), Army (Nov. 30) and Washington set to visit Aloha Stadium.

In the 2015 schedule, UH faces Colorado at home and travels to Washington and UNLV with two slots left to fill.

Just in case ...

...Inoke Funaki enters Saturday's game against Fresno State as a running back and will be available as an emergency quarterback behind Bryant Moniz and Shane Austin.

Funaki didn't take any snaps at quarterback yesterday, but tossed the ball some to “;throw some WD-40”; on his arm.

Funaki started six games at quarterback last season, including UH's 32-29 overtime win at Fresno State, and can relate to Moniz's situation this week as the sophomore prepares for his first start.

“;I really believe we're in good hands with Moniz and Shane,”; Funaki said. “;Not only do we trust and believe in them, I think they also have that belief in themselves.

“;(Moniz) has a really good attitude. He has a fire about him, but it's under control.”;

On the mend

Defensive tackle Chris Leatigaga hopes to resume practicing next week. The senior has been out since suffering a knee injury late in fall camp. Leatigaga said the ligaments in his knee have healed — now it's a matter of strengthening the surrounding muscles.

Early kickoff reminder

Kickoff times for UH's WAC home games, beginning with Saturday's game, are set for 5:05 p.m. at Aloha Stadium. The lower Halawa parking lot opens at 11:30 a.m. All other parking gates open at 12:30 p.m. Stadium turnstile gates open at 2 p.m.

That uplifting feeling

The university yesterday announced support for Operation Uplift, an American Red Cross relief effort for recent disasters in the Pacific Region.

UH student-athletes will collect donations at the stadium gates.