End game the same for Warriors’ kicking duo

Inner fire spurs Aaron Novoa.

"Ice" motivates Kainoa McDonald.

Both are friends and competitors for the University of Hawaii football team’s place-kicking job. Tyler Hadden completed his UH eligibility in December.

"They’ve shown improvement since the first practice," said Jake Cookus, who coordinates the Rainbow Warriors’ special teams.

Novoa and McDonald are polar kickers. Novoa did not play in 2014 after transferring from Sacramento City College. McDonald is a 2014 Punahou School graduate who redshirted last season. Novoa is 6 feet and 195 pounds. McDonald is 5 feet 31⁄2 and 160 pounds. "I like to round it up and tell people I’m 5-4," McDonald said, smiling.

Novoa kicks with his right foot; McDonald is left-footed.

Of the different styles, Cookus said: "I don’t worry about that stuff as long as I see the ball going through the goal posts. That’s the most important thing."

Novoa participated in the 2014 spring training but was not invited to training camp.

"I don’t think I was mentally ready," Novoa said.

That summer, he worked with a "mental coach" who administered visualization techniques. "He simulated the problems you’d see in the game, and he’d teach you things you can do to get over them."

Before every field-goal attempt, Novoa will pinch a finger on his right hand, then take a deep breath.

"It helps you get into the zone," Novoa said. "We really worked on getting into the zone. It helps quite a bit. I think I’m ready. I know I’m ready."

He also did core and leg-strengthening exercises last year. "I worked my ass off," said Novoa, who lost 25 pounds.

Novoa also is the lone punter in spring training. Alex Trifonovitch, who will graduate from Punahou in June, joins the Warriors as a punter this summer. Novoa said his kicking and punting skills are a result of a father who is a "crazy soccer coach. That’s all I used to do: Play soccer, soccer, soccer."

Now Novoa is making the most of his second chance.

"It’s been a dream to come here since I was in high school," Novoa said. "I’m trying to make it a reality."

McDonald said he is a long-time Warriors fan who used to find inspiration from former UH kicker Dan "Iceman" Kelly.

"I grew up watching the hometown team and wanting to play for them," McDonald said. "When I was a kid, I remember Dan Kelly being out here. I went to games. It was an exciting time."

McDonald has a background in soccer and football. His grandfather, Arthur Camara, was one of the first Hawaii residents to be drafted by the National Football League. Unfortunately, Camara was drafted by the military that same week. McDonald’s father also was a standout high school player.

Under former UH kicker Eric Hannum’s guidance, McDonald was named to the All-State first team as a senior in 2013.

"He taught me so many things, like zoning out and focusing on certain things," McDonald said.

McDonald joined UH as a preferred walk-on last year. He spent the 2014 as a redshirt.

"It gave me a year to know what’s going on instead of coming here and not knowing anything," McDonald said. "I feel a lot more confident this year."