Viewer Comments To Jones LeavingPOSTED: 10:00 am HST January 7,
2008 E-mail Thoughts | More Opinions | Part 3 "It's too bad we lost Coach Jones. I hope Cal Lee will be picked to replace him. Cal ran almost they same system at St. Louis.He will also be able to recruit local players."- viewer"Thank you Mr. Jones for the joy ride We of HAwaii wish you love, success, and warm clothes for your new job. All our Aloha & love always. We will be here when you pau, a hui hou, malama pono Hula Girl"- Bobi Olmos Arnold"IF June Jones walked the talk, he would still be here. Enough said. I was pushing for Cal Lee to be Head Coach back in 1999. It's a good thing Jones came in though, now Cal Lee has more experience in what it takes to coach at UH. Cal Lee's time is NOW. One thing is certain... Cal Lee won't leave Hawaii stranded and he KNOWS how to win! GIVE HIM THE CHANCE"- viewer"With June Jones leaving... Fire Herman Frazier Hire Dick Tomey for Athletic Director Hire Norm Chow for Head Coach Then we'll all be happy! Go Warriors!"- viewer Representative Gene Ward (R-Hawaii Kai – Kalama Valley) said he regretted June Jones departure from Hawaii, but felt it was inevitable. "When a coach reaches the top of his game - and he still wants to go places, he's got to leave at the peak of his game; it is time for June to move on after he gave us his best and now it's his turn," Ward said."In his nine years of coaching the Warriors, he not only gave us our first undefeated WAC champion team, he changed the way we think about ourselves and our potential as a state, " Ward said."To me, June Jones and Colt Brennan were just what the doctor ordered! They took us from the divisive mistrust that was developing before and after the Superferry Special Legislative Session to where we came together as a community and as a state and have never thought more highly of ourselves than perhaps on the day of statehood and the day the maiden voyage of Hokuleia returned to Hawaii," Ward concluded.- Representative Gene Ward (R-Hawaii Kai – Kalama Valley)"As disappointed as I am that Coach Jones chose to move on....I do not fully believe that it all lays on Frazier's shoulders. There is a large group of authority within the University and they, as Frazier, should ALL have paid more attention to the issues that Coach Jones had pointed out.Those issues didn't just surface! The entire University staff, I'm sure, was aware of the coaches concerns and requests. You can't just blame Frazier, there are the "powers that be" too. The president, the chancellor, all of them...CANNOT say they weren't aware of ongoing concerns or even the lack of attention to the Coaches contract! They have ALL displayed a poor sense of professionalism and should be ashamed at the way they not only let down the people of HAwaii, but especially the Football program and the Warriors themselves!Herman Frazier in my opinion, should not stand alone in this. I am not defending him, but merely trying to be fair. After reading the statements made by McClain and the Chancellor, I just thought...WOW What a bunch of spineless, irresponsible politicians! They are all at fault!We wish the coach all the best and will certainly send the aloha spirit with him. "- viewer"Frazier seems to have had problems with more than one coach. He bungled the tickets for the bowl game and other troubles. He should be replaced by someone that can do the job and looks for ways to benifit U.H., not with the reputation it could have with his leadership."- viewer"Do a 4 part investigative series on the 19 items of concern by June Jones. Allow the residents of Hawaii to see what they are via video and make sure the new coach applicants know about them before making any decision."- viewer"Hawaii simply doesn't know how to be "competitive", and I don't mean in reference to athletics. If we lost Coach June Jones for the reasons he "gave"; seemingly a lack of support by having he and his football team live and function out of antiquated facilities and other such amenities, then we deserved to lose him. I suspect there are more "reasons" which probably will not be made public.The sad fact is that most of what is the University of Hawaii is "shabby". For being our only major University, we can a should do better! But then, there are always excuses for why "excellence" in Hawaii is not part of our vision."- Al Nakatani"June Jones arrived here with a goal in mind and he has achieved everything he set out to do as the Warriors head coach, the University of Hawaii’s athletic program is in a much better position to improve now then it ever was back then. I for one shall mis Coach Jones, his warm demeanor and leadership style under pressure should be an example for all to see and emulate. Fair winds and following seas coach...we will miss you. I for one shall enjoy the victories SMU shall soon experience under your leadership. God Speed Coach."-R/ G. Olayvar"I feel that Jones is a coward for not staying and he knew he was going to leave before Christmas. While I feel Herman Fraizer is a problem, June is taking out his anger at Fraizer on the players left behind. He is gutting the staff and he does not care much for "the people of Hawaii" if he can just leave UH in a lurch. He is a greedy money hungry guy who cares only about himself and not the love of the game!!!"- viewer"I think all of the Administration should be fired. This includes David Mc Clain> What hve he done for the University of Hawaii Manoa 1. He raised tuition 2. Raised event prices and 3. No Security for the Dorms. Everything starts from the top."- viewer"We hate to see JONES go . but if he really has to go.ALOHA AND MAHALO. We will always rember this season. WE WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER THIS GREAT SEASON."FROM EWA BEACH, DEEDEE "Okay Hawaii, we lost a great coach, but not our SPIRITS, rise above this and support the next coach, if you were the ones that did not support the UH system, now's the time for a CHANGE, if you look at this from the UH perspectives,they (adminstration and AD ) drop the ball BIG TIME, but, also the fans gotta BE PROACTIVE, and support the program, WIN or LOSE, we gotta be there for the TEAM,don't say "I support the team", MEAN IT!!!.. as for the AD H. Frazier, you stood in front of the media and LIED your tail off, we live on this island and you should STEP DOWN, and that's just a nice way of saying it."- viewer"Shame on University officials and Coach Jones. The only ones who truly suffer are the loyal fans of the program who support it rain or shine. Egos and other selfish reasons should never override the feelings and support of the only ones who truly matter to the program...the fans. If people don't support the program it fails no matter how much funding or how much success it has. This is the only show in town for Hawaii, we have no pro teams.The university chancellor and athletic director need to straighten up their acts or we will never hire a quality replacement, much less be able to attract student athletes, or students for that matter, to a university that only looks at things in its little microchasm of a world in Manoa.I understand coach Jones reasons, but I still think he let his players down. Ultimately, he said he was here for spiritual reasons and to make the program truly reflective of Polynesian culture. That culture does not include running away with our our ball when people don't play the way we want them to."- viewer"0 & 12, here we come !" - viewer"STUPID IS . . . AS STUPID DOES. CONGRATS TO S.M.U. ON PICKING A WINNER FOR THEIR NEW HEAD COACH."-David Honolulu, HI."Thanks Coach Jones for the Memories, Good Luck on your future!!!!"-viewer“I wish June Jones and his family well as Coach takes on a new opportunity in his career. I want to thank him for everything he has done for the University of Hawai‘i Warriors Football program, and for the pride and national recognition he has brought to the University and our entire state.“In his nine years as head coach, June Jones did more than turn the UH Warriors Football program around. He instilled a strong work ethic among his student-athletes that emphasized teamwork, perseverance and always believing in oneself. In the process he captured the hearts of the people of our state and reminded everyone that with focused, dedicated pursuit of a dream, goals can be realized.“I am confident that the spirit and unity the Warriors and all the people of Hawai‘i gained as a result of Coach Jones’ accomplishments will continue as the University of Hawai‘i moves into a new chapter in its athletic history.”- Gov. Linda LingleThere are almost no words that express my disappointment regarding June Jones' demise. Had he proven his worth? Yes. Had he succeed on every possible measurement? Yes. Did Frazier have sufficient time to negotiate the contract? Yes. Was it too late before the big guns were rolled out? Yes. Due to extreme ineptitude, we lose Coach Jones, who - Herman Frazier This is only one in a series of gaffs that are tied to his secretive process and his inability to make decisions. I have a feel he waits too long thinking he’s going to “outfox” the other guy. But he always ends up outfoxing himself. As of this moment, there is sufficient cause to relieve him of his duties. The thought of him leading a selection committee for the next coach is beyond frightening. McClain/Hinshaw These two knew they had a problem that was growing with each passing day. And they knew Herman and his track record. So why did they wait until the 25th hour to intercede? Why didn’t they tell Frazier last summer to get Jones’ contract settled by the start of football season or he can pack his bags? The Board of Regents Clueless as always, the BOR moves at its own pace creating its own priorities. It has become an impediment to the university’s success The State Legislature Why do we hire good people at great expense and then tie their hands in all matters concerning money? It is plantation mentality at its worst. The legislature should not be the head luna to the university.Finally, whether anybody realizes it or not, UH is in the middle of a public relations crisis that effects everyone in Hawaii. This is our state university. It represents us to the outside world. Once again, we look stupid. It is a very uncomfortable feeling to those who want desperately to take pride in UH but can’t because of a litany of things like the Jones’ resignation. It is time for leadership. For God’s sake, will somebody stand up and take charge. Will somebody begin to assert some common sense on this situation? Will somebody finally realize that the fabulous momentum from 2007 football season has been entirely lost. Will somebody get a new coaching regime into action right now so that 2008, 2009, etc., aren’t lost. Waive the 10 day rule to advertise the position. Extreme crisis demands extreme action.Get your act together, UH. With each tick of the clock, things look bleaker and bleaker."-Phil Wood"After nine years, I believe he owes us nothing and I wish him well in his endeavors. I've never been a die hard fan of UH football, but I have thoroughly enjoyed JJ's tenure. The University has gotten their moneys worth on this last deal. We'll see how much they're willing to spend on the new head coach and I hope UH does right by its student athletes, alumni and fans."-Jon-Michael Kalima"It is a sad day for Hawaii. The Warriors gave us a sense of pride in a time when much about things about Hawaii have become so ordinary. The past few years is the first time I paid attention to the UH football team. When I arrived here it was a time of so what. When I would go to the mainland you would hear people talk about our Warriors and on ESPN and other sports outlets they would mention them. What can we expect. No offer made until too late was an example of the priority the team was given. When an offer was made, all we heard about was the I I contact. What about the facilities and pay for the other team coaches? If we want first class, we have to treat it accordingly. Coach, thank you for a few wonderful years."-Robert L. Zimmer"I used to support Herman but its obvious the job is too big for him. Ex. The Bob Nash hiring. If you’re going to hire him then hire him. Don’t make him and the fans hang on. Add to that the Riley Wallace firing – the way it was handled was bad. Then the scheduling. Most team’s schedules are 3-5 years out with maybe a hole here and there. This year was absurd. June Jone’s contract should have been handled last spring or summer.I’m sorry to see June go. Herman should go as well and Jim Donovan should be hired as Athletic Director if he wants the job. He knows the department, the job, and can raise money. He would be a perfect fit."-viewer"The 2007 UH Football season has changed Hawaii forever. Not only did Coach Jones, Colt Brennan and the rest of the UH football team give us a reason to believe, but they took us on a journey that brought us to the All State Sugar Bowl. Finally, we got a chance to show the nation who we really are and how our culture plays a very big role in our life style. Fan's crowded the Aloha Stadium on any given weekend to watch the Warriors play and if fan's couldn't fly to their away games, people were glued to their television sets. Colt Brennan became a household name. Children were just as excited as the adults whenever it came to the Warriors. We couldn't get enough UH gear, they flew off the shelves. Green became a favorite color to all. Although, we didn't win the Sugar Bowl, Hawaii didn't care. We were happy and content with winning the WAC and being able to experience this once in a lifetime event along with the Warriors. Unfortunately, a week later Hawaii is struck with another loss, this time it's off the field and honestly speaking more devastating then losing the Sugar Bowl, we're losing Coach Jones.If the State can hustle to have the Super Fairy run while conducting environmental studies despite some public opposition, why can't they hustle to provide for the University of Hawaii? How shame! Our school, our University being displayed on national television with the commentaries saying just how much Hawaii lacks in facilities and provisions. It seems that the powers at be came up short, too little to late is what is being said. I just wish Coach Jones wouldn't go. I believe that he can, with the public's support, create change; But it seems that he tried. He fought a long hard fight and feels defeated, defeated by the University and those that are suppose to provide support and guidance. Just as Colt Brennan said in his interview, "I've been at the University for 3 years and I haven't seen any change. All I got was soap." Soap that was provided by the community and other organizations. All because Colt said something, the community heard and we wanted to help make a difference. Why can't the University and those in charge do the same?As a season ticket holder, I can honestly say that I may reconsider continuing buying tickets year after year, but if I give up too, then I guess I'll be no better than those who have let the University down.If the ink is dry and the paper work is in play, I guess we can't stop Coach Jones from leaving. He's got to do what he's got to do. The University of Hawaii, it's athletic director and those in charge should look at this as a hard lesson learned. We did this to ourselves. If those in charge made changes to improve the University and it's athletic program awhile ago, we wouldn't be losing everything we just gained.I wish Coach Jones and the UH Warriors the best for their future! GO WARRIORS!"-Kristen Foster"Frazier must be fired. He should took care of this before the season started. "-Gary L Johnson"As much as everybody is going to want to place blame for June leaving on Frasier, it will be much more productive to look to the future and see who he will hire as the new head coach. However, he needs to move quickly and make a good decision. UH won’t be able to recruit without a head coach." -Steve Phillips E-mail Thoughts | More Opinions | Part 3 |







