Wildcats relish chance to play in paradise

KAHUKU, Hawaii - Traveling can be an enriching experience. However, stress is an activity that accompanies any trip. Plane tickets, rental cars, hotels and restaurants can pose problems for even the most seasoned traveler. Imagine coordinating all of that for a college football team and, oh yeah, there's practices and a game too.

For the Weber State University Football Team this was a reality over the weekend as the Wildcats prepared to meet the University of Hawaii Warriors in Oahu, Hawaii.

After landing in Honolulu on Thursday afternoon, the Wildcats drove directly to Aloha Stadium for a light practice before embarking on the hour-long drive to the North Shore area and Turtle Bay Resort.

But it wasn't all work. After all, it's Hawaii.

"Since practice we've been seeing the sights, seeing what's cool," said WSU junior running back Trevyn Smith Friday. "We got to see some of the native stuff, and we're going snorkeling later."

On Friday, the 'Cats went back to work for a short practice on a small field sandwiched between a world-class golf course and a stable that housed horses the resort uses for tours and beach-front rides. Players practiced minus shirts and shoes on a practice field that had been painted specifically for the Wildcats, including a rudimentary, yet greatly appreciated logo at the 50-yard line that read, "Weber S."

Even with all the distraction and laid back atmosphere, WSU wide receiver Tim Toone wasn't concerned about the mental state of the team.

"I don't think it's hard to stay focused," Toone said. "I think we're more relaxed going into the game. You're not all stressed out about it, but you have to be careful not to tire out beforehand."

The heat and choking humidity was a constant throughout the weekend, but it didn't seem to slow down the Wildcats who were eager and motivated during each of the practices prior to the game on Saturday.

After Friday's walkthrough McBride cautioned the team about staying hydrated and avoiding too much sun. He encouraged players to have fun but also stay conscious of the game and the reasons they had come to Hawaii.

"It's really relaxing to be here," said WSU senior Terrell Cloud. "It's been nice the last few days, but around six or seven the night before a game is when we cut everything off, and that's when it's business only."

Mental preparation is a crucial part of any game, especially on the road against a team like Hawaii in a volatile venue like Aloha Stadium.

Ironically, the 50,000 seat stadium sits just outside of Honolulu along an aptly named Salt Lake Boulevard. But for teams coming to Oahu from Utah it takes more than coincidence to leave Aloha Stadium with a win.

And while shoeless practices on a palm-lined field can be nice, it's a far cry from the charged atmosphere of Aloha stadium on a Saturday during football season.