Citing work and family obligations, Nate Ilaoa requested — and received — a release from serving as color analyst for Oceanic Cable’s telecasts of Warriors football games this season.
Oceanic’s first UH football telecast is Saturday’s game against UC Davis.
Ilaoa recently accepted a job as marketing representative for Hawaii Advanced Imaging Institute. His area focuses on PET/CT scans used in detecting cancer cells.
"I know how much work goes into preparing (for a telecast), and I didn’t want to shortchange anyone," Ilaoa said. "I’m grateful for the opportunity, but at the same time, with the new job, I don’t think I could do it the justice it deserves."
Ilaoa, a former UH running back, had attended Oceanic’s meetings, rehearsals and production sessions before being offered the marketing job last week.
"Nothing compares to playing, but to be around the program and discuss football were as close as it gets," he said. "It’s unfortunate this other opportunity came up at the same time."
Oceanic will go with a two-man announcing booth of Robert Kekaula and Darren Hernandez.
Cravens sees action
Wednesday, for the first time in nearly 10 months, defensive end Siaki Cravens practiced with the Warriors.
He suffered a partially torn right patella in December, and had surgery in January.
"It’s good to be back," Cravens said. "It was kind of rough watching the first three games and not being able to play. All I did was be patient, hang in there, rehab, and work hard. If I would have rushed it, I probably would have missed the whole season."
Defensive end Tavita Woodard, who had foot surgery last month, met with a doctor Wednesday evening to determine whether he will be able to resume practicing today.
Enos earns big role
Twenty-one months ago, Rykin Enos left the UH basketball team to return to the football Warriors.
The comeback was completed Wednesday when Enos was named a starter on several special teams units.
"He did a great job for us this spring," said Dick Tomey, who coordinates UH’s special teams.
But Enos suffered a hamstring injury during the summer conditioning program. He did not play in the opener against Colorado, and was left off the travel roster for the two-game trip against Washington and Nevada-Las Vegas.
"He was our best match-up guy in the spring," Tomey said. "When we left him home, I told him: ‘This would be a time for you to get yourself ready.’ When we we’re gone, he lost some weight."
After Wednesday’s practice, Tomey offered this quick evaluation: "I thought he did a great job. He’s going to help us."
