Chow’s mother, Thelma, 97, dies in Idaho

Thelma Chow, the mother of University of Hawaii football coach Norm Chow, died on Sunday in Boise, Idaho. She was 97.

"She was a very special woman who supported her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren," Norm Chow said. "She was very special."

Thelma Chow was born and raised on Maui.

She was a longtime teacher at Mother Rice Preschool. After retiring, she split time living in Honolulu and Boise.

She is survived by two sons, 10 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held in early October. Details are pending.

Maile Chow, Norm Chow’s daughter, wrote a letter about her grandmother. The entire letter appears at hawaiiwarriorworld.com/ warrior-beat.

Anguay must sit, wait

Samson Anguay is playing a familiar waiting game.

Anguay is awaiting medical clearance for his surgically repaired right knee. He is allowed to practice wearing a yellow jersey, which signifies he cannot be tackled.

"Until he is cleared, he can’t go full speed," Chow said.

Still, Anguay practices as a slotback and backup punt returner.

In the spring of 2011, Anguay was promoted to No. 1 punt returner. But he suffered a torn ACL in his right knee, and missed the 2011 season. The next year, he suffered an ACL tear in his left knee. He appeared in five games last year. During the offseason he had a procedure on his right knee.

The initial plan called for Anguay to miss training camp.

"The training room didn’t think I’d be ready, but I kept working hard and staying positive," Anguay said.

He was added to the training-camp roster.

"I keep pushing on," Anguay said. "I’ve had three surgeries. The way I look at it, I’ve got two brand new knees. I might as well roll with it."

Vele is Mr. Versatility

Is Justin Vele a tight end? Or an H-back? Or a fullback?

"I’m a UH football player," Vele said. "Wherever the coaches put me, that’s what I am. I’ll do my best."

In the Warriors’ spread offense, Vele aligns as an on-line tight end, in the slot or in the backfield.

Vele’s versatility provides roster flexibility. The Warriors prefer to practice two-deep at every position. As the lone fullback, he can help at three spots.

Vele initially joined the Warriors as a linebacker. In spring 2013, he moved to fullback.

"You have to buy in," Vele said of the move from defense. "You have to do all you can. There are other guys who joined the offense from defense."

Vele then moved to tight end, where he developed into a reliable receiver. But in the 2013 spring game, Vele suffered a fractured ankle.

Since fully recovering last year, Vele enjoys the multiple roles.

"It’s a blessing to have the coach say, ‘play here,’ or ‘play there,’" Vele said. "It gives me more chances to help the team."

In Chow’s first two seasons as UH head coach, a Warrior fullback has not had a carry.

"We’ll see," Vele said of the possibility of rushing. "I’m a local boy. I like to hit. If I get the ball, I’ll still try to hit somebody."