Warriors lose lineman Tupai for season

Offensive lineman Elijah Tupai will undergo shoulder surgery and is expected to miss Hawaii’s 2013 football season.

Tupai, a freshman from Utah’s Cottonwood High, said he suffered the injury to his right shoulder last year.

He said he wanted to "test" his shoulder in training camp before deciding whether to undergo surgery.

He practiced as the second-team left tackle during limited-contact drills on Saturday. That night, he opted for surgery.

The procedure is scheduled for Aug. 16. He said the recovery period "depends on me."

Head coach Norm Chow said: "We told him if the shoulder is a problem, we’ll fix it."

Colton leaves Warriors for personal reasons

Long-snapper JR Colton has left the team because of family reasons. He is not expected to return.

"He’s a real nice young man," Chow said. "He was competing for a job. But family comes first."

Farrington grad Liana excited to be with UH

While preparing for his son’s graduation party, former Farrington quarterback Carl Liana received a phone call from the UH coaches.

"My dad said I had to start packing my stuff because I had to go to (training) camp," said Tyler Liana, a long-snapper from Farrington. "I had my graduation party. The next day I woke up, got my things ready, and came over here."

Liana initially was expected to join the team on Aug. 26, the first day of the fall semester when roster limits are lifted.

Liana and Brodie Nakama, also a freshman walk-on, are the Rainbow Warriors’ primary long-snappers.

Liana has been long-snapping for only a year. After Farrington’s regular long-snapper suffered an injury, Liana volunteered as a replacement.

"After that, I kept snapping," he said.

Carl Liana offered tips. "That’s how I got better," Tyler Liana said. "I’m not perfect at it. I’m trying to get better at it. I’m watching film after practice. I want to fix my mistakes and hopefully come out the next day and not redo them."

Backup QB Woolsey working on holding

Backup quarterback Ikaika Woolsey is training as the holder.

"Spring (training) was my first time holding," Woolsey said.

"It’s becoming more natural."

Woolsey said he was chosen because he presents the threat of passing or running on fakes.

Warriors try Matt Koloamatangi at tight end

After two practices as a defensive end, Matt "Meffy" Koloamatangi worked out as a tight end on Sunday.

Chow said Koloamatangi was recruited as an "athlete," with a plan to work out for two days on defense and two on offense before he would settle on a position.

"We’ll find the best spot for him," Chow said.