The University of Hawaii football team is seeking alternative living, dining and practice facilities ahead of two storms approaching the islands.
On Tuesday, the Rainbow Warriors completed the second practice of fall camp. They were working on arrangements for later this week, when strong wind and rain are expected to impact Oahu.
The Warriors do not have a covered practice facility for football. One suggestion is to practice in Klum Gym, a bleacherless facility used mostly for intramural sports.
Of the storms, coach Norm Chow said:"We can’t worry about it, right? We’ll have a plan. We can’t worry if it rains or not. Obviously, we’ll have to do a lot of adjustments. We’re going to have to find a place to sleep. We’re going to have to find a place to practice. If the power goes out, we’ll have to adjust."
One of the concerns is the dangers of recording practices in strong wind. The Warriors shoot video of every practice from three mobile towers. The videos are reviewed after each practice to correct mistakes and develop strategy.
For training camp, which runs through Aug. 19, the Warriors are living in two second-floor dance studios in the athletic complex.
"It’s old," Chow said. "The louvers are old. When the wind hits, (the rain) is going to go right through."
Chow said one of the possibilities is to move the players to more secure rooms in the athletic complex.
Chow also said a new dining area will be needed.
UH workers are trying to amass bottled water.
"There are people working on this," Chow said. ‘We’ve got to find a solution."
Receiver Quinton Pedroza, who redshirted after transferring from Utah last year, said the coming weather system "doesn’t bother us at all."
"What’s there to be scared of?" Pedroza added. "Rain and wind?To me, it’s a different climate. I’ve been in a snowstorm. What is that?Hurricane frozen?"
Cornerback Dee Maggitt said: "The old saying is football is played in rain, sleet, snow. The show must go on. Imean, (the weather) is not really our focus. It’s not like we can control it. Our focus out here is getting ready for the hurricane we’re going to bring to U-Dub Aug. 30, honestly. Ihaven’t been worried (about the weather). I’ve been in my playbook, Hudl account, just getting ready. Whatever happens, happens."
Chow said the team is living by the mantra: "Relentlessly positive."
"If we have to practice in a gym, we’ll practice in a gym," Chow said. "There are enough problems around here. We have to stay positive."