At camp, players battle for position — of cots

With yesterday’s opening of the University of Hawaii’s football training camp, the position battles have started.

"You want to be out of the sun, but near the breeze," offensive guard Adrian Thomas said of the quest for a suitable position in the dance studios that will serve as the Warriors’ home for the more than two weeks of training camp.

The first-year Warriors checked into training camp Tuesday, and the remainder of those on the 105-player roster reported by yesterday afternoon.

In what started as a cost-cutting move that eventually became a training-camp tradition, the Warriors stay in two dance studios on the second floor of the UH athletic complex. The locker room is a floor below; an L&L Hawaiian Barbecue is 20 yards away.

"Five-star hotel," mused Jake Heun, a senior middle linebacker.

Cots are taken out of storage.

Seniors and true freshmen are in Studio 3. The others are in Studio 2.

"I made it to the big-boy room," said quarterback Cayman Shutter, a second-year freshman who was assigned to Studio 2. "Even though I’m considered a freshman, second-year players get to go with the big boys."

The freshmen and seniors were paired as part of a mentoring program designed to minimize hazing. Still, pillow fights are an accepted ritual.

"For the rookies, you have to stay in groups," said quarterback Shane Austin, a fourth-year junior. "Everybody can keep a lookout for people coming in with pillows. For vets, you have nothing to worry about."

The lone exception was Dan Kelly, a former UH kicker who was on the pillow hit list as a senior.

"He was avoiding it for a few years," Austin said. "It kind of caught up to him."

Austin said the preferred living areas are in the corners.

"They’re nice and cool and shady," Austin said. "In the middle, you’re out in the open. In the corners, you have a little more privacy."

Cornerback Lewis Walker, a third-year sophomore, said it is important "to get a spot nice and early." But in an environment where the strongest rule, Walker noted, "Somebody can move your things if they want that spot."

Linebacker Siaki Cravens, who transferred from a junior college after attending Utah as a freshman, benefited from research.

"It can get pretty hot," Cravens said. "I’ve got my bed right by the window. I’ve got the breeze coming in. I’ve got my fan there, too. And I’m by an outlet. I can plug in my phone charger. Everything is good."

Running back Chizzy Dimude arrived with two full suitcases. Dimude, a senior who is from the Bay Area, did not leave anything in storage when he returned home for a month. "I took everything — basically clothes and shoes," said Dimude, known for his large collection of footwear. "Too many. I didn’t pack for training camp. I packed for Hawaii."

While Dimude prefers a ventilated area, he is avoiding the space near the front door.

"Last year, I was by the doors, but the cockroaches came in," he said. "I want to get more inside, away from the cockroaches. That’s the key."

Greg Salas, a senior slotback, added: "They’re huge cockroaches up there. It’s crazy. They fly. They run up to you. They’re crazy."

Still, Salas lamented his final training camp as a Warrior. This will be the first one without high school teammate Joey Lipp, an offensive lineman who completed his UH eligibility in December.

"It’s going to be sad this is the last year," Salas said.

Thomas shared that sentiment, saying, "I can’t believe this is my last camp already. I’m going to make it the best one."

The Warriors will attend an NCAA-mandated seminar this morning. Their first practice is at 2 this afternoon.