Reality bites.
University of Hawaii interim head coach Chris Naeole remembers the sting of uncertainty after he retired from the National Football League after 12 seasons. He had money, good health and a tolerant family who put up with his transition from pro athlete to regular guy.
"That first year out," Naeole said, "you’ve been in the locker room your whole life, and when the bubble bursts, it takes some time to adjust."
One of the lessons Naeole wants to impart on the Rainbow Warriors is this: Enjoy the moment.
"Football should be fun," said Naeole, whose Warriors play San Jose State in a Mountain West Conference game today at Aloha Stadium. "You have to put in the hard work, but at the same time, you should have fun."
The Warriors (2-9 overall, 0-7 in MWC), on an eight-game losing streak, have two regular-season games remaining. For many seniors, this could be aloha ball.
"Most of the guys will never put pads on again," Naeole said. "It’s the nature of the beast about playing this game. Everybody has a dream about playing in the NFL. Is it realistic? No. You can do the numbers. Some guys get in, many don’t. The window of opportunity is slim to none. For these guys, it’s about getting their education and having fun playing college ball and moving on with (their) lives."
For Naeole, this week has been spent preparing for San Jose State and letting cell calls go to voice mail.
"I try to avoid calls from the doctors about who’s good and who’s not good," Naeole said. "Every day, guys have something. It’s a matter of who we’ve got — we’re going to line up and play."
Quarterback Max Wittek, who started eight games this season, and wideout/returner Keelan Ewaliko were scheduled to undergo knee surgeries on Friday. Tight end Dakota Torres will miss the final two games because of a shoulder injury. Wideout Quinton Pedroza, linebacker Jeremy Castro and cornerback Dejaun Butler also are done for the season. Fourteen projected starters in training camp have missed games because of injuries.
"We’re running low at a lot of positions," Naeole said. "It’s like the walking wounded. … You’ve got to line up 11 guys. The other team isn’t going to care who you put out there. They’re going to try to beat you."
The Spartans’ offense revolves around running back Tyler Ervin, who also flexes out as a receiver and returns kickoffs and punts.
"They’ve got a running back who’s pretty damn good," Naeole said. "He can take it to the house any time he touches the ball."
The Spartans (4-6, 3-3 MWC) need to win their final two games to be bowl eligible.
"It’s a real important week for us," SJSU linebacker Christian Tago said.
