Hawai’i Football Fanatics

I’m asked from time to time, if I use Twitter when I’m away from home or on vacation and what application I use. Besides my laptop and wi-fi devices, I consider Twikini one of the best Twitter clients for Windows Mobile smartphones. I use it to update my followers on Hawaii Football Fanatics and my other blogs while on the road. I’ve used a lot of different ones such as PocketTwit and Twobile. All of them have their attributes but ease of use is important to me. I’m on the run a lot and having to fiddle with menus and submenus, makes for a frustrating experience. I’ve often ended up using the mobile Twitter site on my IE. Twikini makes the user interface practical and simple. I’m not trying to create a rocket, I’m just trying to tweet. Another thing is startup, Twikini is fast and you’re up and running in no time. Failure rate is nil as opposed to other Windows Mobile clients. Give it a try! You won’t be disappointed! Twikini by Trinket Software. Don’t leave the hale (home) without it!

Great news for aspiring Samoan athletes this weekend as the American Samoa Football Academy and Medical Mission headed by former Hawaii and current SMU head coach June Jones kicks off its second year.

In addition, the creation of the Samoan ‘Ioe (Yes) Foundation, will assist in ongoing efforts for Samoans:

Sapolu also announced the formation of the Samoan ‘Ioe Foundation. The organization will be led by Sapolu, Thompson and Mayor Mufi Hannemann, who proclaimed yesterday “Samoa ‘Ioe Foundation Day.”

Among the foundation’s goals will be to build football fields and provide equipment. Sapolu said Jones has been in contact with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and NFL owners in trying to raise support for the foundation’s efforts.

The Tampa Tribune reports on Roy Miller in Buccaneers OTAs:

Not the heat

Rookie DT Roy Miller has found himself making several adjustments to the NFL and the Tampa Bay area.

“This heat is something,” Miller said of midday temperatures in the low 90s. “I should be used to it coming from Texas, but it’s not this humid down there. Sometimes this feels like a big ol’ cloud of humidity on you.”

Miller, a third-round pick, also is trying to adapt to Jim Bates’ new defensive scheme, which is unlike Miller’s college playbook at Texas.

“Last year, I did something completely different than what they want here,” Miller said. “I was a one-gap type player, straight upfield. Now I’m playing more on the blocker. It’s a transition, and I think I’m doing pretty well with it. The older guys, like Chris Hovan and Ryan Sims are giving me a lot of support, and I appreciate it.”

Junior Siavii has the greatest chance seeing some action this season more than ever as he backs up Jay Ratliff. I agree with Junior that you don't want to see anyone get hurt and sometimes it's becomes a detriment when you want to get some playing time in the NFL.

The Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports :

Siavii’s big chance

The Cowboys boast some depth at defensive end, but nose tackle is different. There is no proven commodity behind Jay Ratliff, so Junior Siavii will receive a chance.

He’s the team’s best shot at backing up Ratliff. At 6-foot-5, 320 pounds, Siavii has the ideal frame for a 3-4 nose tackle, the question is whether he can be effective with that frame.

A second-round draft pick by the Chiefs in 2004, he spent a pair of seasons in Kansas City but was out of football in 2006 and ’07. Last season, he spent some time with the Cowboys, was injured, and then spent more time looking for work.

"I got nine tryouts, but at my position nobody went down. It’s hard to get a job if nobody gets hurt," he said. "I wish nobody gets hurt in this league, but sometimes that’s how it works to get a job."

He had some different options during the off-season, but he chose the Cowboys because he has a decent shot at playing time.

"The 3-4 defense is a better fit for me," he said.

There's no other player that deserves to play after all he's been through then Junior!

Aloha!

Woot! Saw this great collector’s item for Troy Polamalu fans. I’ll have to get this one that is scheduled for release in October 2009. You can find more information and photos on McFarlane’s Toys site. Check it out! It really shows off his “mana” (power).

Paul Soliai has some work cut out for him in Miami as backup to Jason Ferguson (recently re-signed) in the nose tackle position. He might want to get some tips from Baltimore Ravens, Haloti Ngata. Miami Sun-Sentinel, Omar Kelly, reports :

However, Ferguson’s present backup, Paul Soliai, has some potential based on what I saw this weekend. There were times Soliai got boxed out of the play because of poor technique, or slow reaction to what’s happening in traffic. But there are instances, much like last season, where he makes plays that disrupt the opponent’s offense. While Soliai needs to get his weight under control, trimming about 20 pounds, he’s still the top backup, and MIGHT be ready to blossom. Even if Soliai’s development continues to stall the Dolphins will be fine because Randy Starks can play a little nose, and new addition Tony McDaniel was being worked there this weekend….

Good luck Paul!

Nice write-ups on Domata Peko (former UH recruit that was lost to Michigan State) on the Cincinnati Bengals website and on Jonathan Fanene in the Dayton Daily News . I still remember Domata as the only football player in the Big Ten with a mane flowing from his helmet (Polamalu-like) and when Hawaii played against the Spartans in 2005.

Just got an email from Ace Salu from the Pacific Island Council of Oregon notifying me of their 2009 PICO Youth Instructional Football Camp. Here’s the following information for parents interested in sending their child to the camp:

Registration for PICO 2009 Instructional Football Camp is now open. In addition, Our Big Man Camp for OL, DL, LB and TE for Middle Schoolers and Incoming Freshmen will be held the following week. Both camps will be at Central Catholic High School (Portland, Oregon). You can register by visiting PICO Camp and take advantage of our early bird special.

I encourage parents who want to start their student-athlete on the right track to sign up for the football camp along with learning about the Polynesian culture and heritage. Talofa to Ace for the information!

Haloti Ngata, the Baltimore Ravens nose tackle, hopes to make a bigger impact in the upcoming NFL season. The former Oregon Ducks alum talked with Greg Bianco on WBAL’s Purple Passion program and shared his thoughts on the team, teammates and coaches.

The other half of the unsigned Polynesian connection in Philly, Paul Fanaika, has agreed to a four-year deal with the Philadelphia Eagles . That makes three Polynesians on the Eagles roster. Marcus Mailei signed on as a free agent.