Hawaii Warriors Practice Under Bright Lights at Hawaiian Airlines Field

Honolulu, HI—Last night the University of Hawaii football team practiced for the first time under the bright lights at Hawaiian Airlines Field at Aloha Stadium.

This past Tuesday the Warriors tested the new field during the day, but coach Greg McMackin wanted his players to get an opportunity at night.

Most importantly, McMackin said, was for punt and kick returners to have experience catching footballs in the stadium's lights.

Hawaii newcomer Scott Harding said he has caught his fair share of footballs at night while playing professionally in Australian Rules Football.

"It was good to get under the lights and get used to catching those balls in the dark so it was good practice," the 25-year-old freshman receiver/returner said after practice.

"Probably half the games I played (in Australia) were at night so I guess that's not a big issue, but it's still good to catch some under the lights."

For those who do not know, the NCAA considers Harding eligible to play football for the Warriors because Australian Rules Football is different from American football. If he had played in the NFL, he would not be eligible.

As for the one month he has been living in Hawaii, Harding said "I'm loving life. Good lifestyle, awesome weather, so I can't complain."

The Colorado Buffaloes, who Hawaii opens its schedule with on Sept. 3, announced their depth chart yesterday and the most shocking of revelations is that three true freshman have been named starters.

Of the three freshman, right cornerback Greg Henderson will likely face the stiffest challenge against Hawaii—the other two starters are at placekicker and punter. Last season the Warriors led the nation in passing with 5,520 yards.

Delivered with the somewhat shocking announcement after practice Hawaii's Darius Bright, who is a projected starter at wide receiver, said:

"They got a lot of faith in him I guess. I'm not a veteran in this offense too much but (we) got Royce Pollard. He's damn near a veteran right now, he's a 'living legend' out there on the field, so they must got a lot of faith in (Henderson).

"He must be a pretty good athlete. (Come Sept. 3) we're just gonna see who, even at his age, who got it."