By Dave Reardon

Greg McMackin and Jim Donovan leave today for Japan. It’s a four-day marketing trip for both the football coach and the athletic director. McMackin said he wants to try to find players in Japan, and that the level of competition has improved to the point where there are viable prospects. … It’s technically NOT a recruiting trip. Both will have speaking engagements, McMackin to coaches, Donovan to athletic administrators. … Donovan is hoping to make deals with at least two schools that want to come to Hawaii to learn more about football and would pay UH for the opportunity to do it at Manoa. … “There are a lot of avenues for us in Japan,” says McMackin, who, like his predecessor, June Jones, sees the entire Pacific as fertile ground for UH in terms of marketing and recruiting. … One of Jones’ dreams was a game in Japan.   McMackin says that’s a possibility, but not in the immediate future. … Donovan, who has long believed in the potential of expanding UH’s brand to Asia, stresses that no state funds are being used for this trip. It was organized by the Pacific Rim Sports Initiative, which is headed by former UH football player Ross Yamasaki.JAL, the Oahu Visitors Bureau, Marriott and Panda are sponsors, McMackin said. 

By Dave Reardon

Greg McMackin once again shows he’s serious about recruiting. Yesterday he told me of plans to host a “junior day,” a recruiting concept which several of you have brought up and is growing in popularity. The event will be held in conjunction with the April 25 spring game and will include a tour of the program for the high school prospects, as well as a barbecue (the prospects will have to pay for the food per NCAA rules).Other upcoming dates to remember: UH’s Pro Day will again be at the Home Depot center in Carson, Calif., April 2; Spring practice starts March 30, with scrimmages on Saturdays (including, likely one on Maui, April 11). And the Na Koa golf tournament is set for April 14 at the Hawaii Prince.  Also, Dr. Don Weir has been named executive director of Na Koa.

By Dave Reardon

I always felt like Chris Tormey got a raw deal when he was fired as Nevada’s head coach. Now he’s a UH assistant. This is a strong pick.

By Dave Reardon

Of course, time will tell. Gordon Shaw has coached some great players and has plenty of experience. That experience includes being on the Minnesota staff that lost 17-3 to Fred vonAppen’s Hawaii team in 1997.

By Dave Reardon

What do you folks think about the UH football recruiting class?I think the Warriors need to get more of the top local players. It’s tough to compete with BCS conferences and the allure of the mainland, but the coaches have to find a way to keep more of the great talent home. 

By Dave Reardon

Colt Brennan, Davone Bess, Ryan Grice-Mullins, Nate Ilaoa, Tim Grasso and Jake Ingram helped raise what was estimated at $40,000 last night for the Hawaii Leukemia & Lymphoma Society event at The Willows last night.Coach Greg McMackin, Jim Leahey, Augie T, Bobby Curran, Rich Miano and Kale Ane  were among the other celebrities in attendance.Today’s McMackin’s focus returns to recruiting as it is letter of intent day. The Warriors hope Jray Galeai, an athlete from Kahuku, decides on UH instead of BYU. I’ll be filing something from McMackin’s news conference this afternoon at 2.

By Dave Reardon

If you see a guy around town who looks like Colt Brennan, well, chances are it’s Colt Brennan. He arrived today and has already begun drawing crowds wherever he goes. Tomorrow he hosts “An Evening With Colt Brennan” at The Willows, a benefit for the Hawaii Leukemia & Lymphoma. Plenty of other former Warriors will be in attendance, including Davone Bess, Ryan Grice-Mullins, Samson Satele, Jake Ingram and Tim Grasso.

By Dave Reardon

Success hasn’t spoiled Davone Bess. The former UH great is in town after a great rookie season with the Miami Dolphins. But he’s taking nothing for granted, and promises to work even harder to continue to improve.Bess’ wife, Rachel, recently gave birth to the couple’s first child, 2-month old Kyra.”It was a wild year, a great year,” said Bess, who will be here in Hawaii for the next couple of weeks. He will appear Tuesday at The Willows for the Evening With Colt Brennan charity fundraiser.

By Dave Reardon

Next week’s “An Evening With Colt Brennan” is turning into an evening with his receivers, too.Now we hear Ryan Grice-Mullins will be at the Willows for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society fundraiser Tuesday, along with fellow former UH slotback Davone Bess. Tickets are still available for the Feb. 3 event. Call Kyle Nakayama at 952-9200. 

By Dave Reardon

Don ‘t be surprised to see an influx of talent from Hawaii at Iowa Western Community College in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Dane Uperesa, a standout at right tackle on Hawaii’s 11-3 team of 2006, will coach the offensive line there. Mike Pavich, who coached Uperesa at Punahou, is also coaching at IWCC. Uperesa’s fiancee is at dental school right across the Iowa-Nebraska stateline at Creighton.