On the first day of every school year, roll call became an eye-rolling experience.

Ikaika Woolsey would sheepishly answer, “Here,” when a teacher would call out, “I-kee-AH-Kah.” At Salesian High in Rodeo, Calif., where enrollment counted a handful of Polynesians, Woolsey’s first name was a diction test.

“They came up with all kinds of crazy names,” Woolsey said. “It’s funny. I’m used to it.”

As the University of Hawaii’s No. 1 quarterback, Woolsey can expect to hear a diverse choice of names — some praiseful, some not-so-funny. The throne is a hot seat.

“Anywhere you go, the quarterback position is scrutinized the most,” Woolsey said. “You’re either the goat or the hero. There’s no gray area. My dad always told me: ‘Playing quarterback, you’ve got to have crocodile skin. You’ve got to be tough.’”

During the season, Woolsey avoids social media and news reports. “Everyone has their own opinion,” Woolsey said. “I can’t control that. People will say things I don’t want to hear. It is what it is.”

But Woolsey will not shirk the position’s legacy. “I’m standing on the shoulders of people who came before me,” said Woolsey, naming past quarterbacks Nick Rolovich, Tim Chang, Colt Brennan, Bryant Moniz, Michael Carter … “They definitely left a great legacy here. I hope to do that my senior year.”

At the conclusion of each of the 19 games he started the past three years, Woolsey applauded teammates’ efforts and accepted responsibility for the things that did not turn out well. He did not point fingers, and he did not blame ailments. In 2014, Woolsey played the second half of the season with a back injury that made it difficult to take off his socks without grimacing.

Woolsey receives guidance from his grandfather, Bill, who won swimming medals in the 1952 and 1956 Olympics. Woolsey joked his grandfather, who attends nearly all the home practices, gave him his first swimming lesson. “Grandpa just threw me in the pool and said, ‘Don’t sink,’” said Woolsey, laughing.

His father, Tripp, emphasized the value of a hard day’s work. “A lot of times the alarm goes off at 5:30, and you’re thinking: Why did I do this to myself?” Woolsey said. “Then you snap back into reality and see how blessed and fortunate you are.”

And Woolsey learned perseverance — and respect — from Rolovich. Rolovich had a disheartening setback in his UH debut in 2000, losing to I-AA Portland State. He lost his starter’s job to Chang, reclaimed it the next year with a record-setting effort, and, 15 years later, became the Rainbow Warriors’ new head coach. Woolsey out-performed six challengers to become the No. 1 quarterback.

“I know in my heart, I leave it out there every day when I’m on the field,” Woolsey said. “I love this game. I love being here. I love Hawaii football.”

QUARTERBACKS