LAS VEGAS >> To nobody’s surprise, the University of Hawaii football team was predicted to finish last in the Mountain West Conference’s six-team West Division this season, according to a media poll released Tuesday at the league’s Media Days.
MWC FINISH POLL
West Division
1. San Diego State — 174 points (29 first-place votes)
2. Nevada — 129
3. San Jose State — 122
4. Fresno State — 76
5. UNLV — 73
6. Hawaii — 35
MOUNTAIN DIVISION
1. Boise State — 172 (27)
2. Air Force — 126 (2)
3. Utah State — 111
4. Colorado State — 95
5. New Mexico — 74
6. Wyoming — 31
“Not winning a conference game last year probably shows what people think of us, and that’s OK,” said Nick Rolovich, who was hired as UH head coach in November. “We are what our record was last year until we change it.”
San Diego State was predicted to win the West Division, securing all 29 first-place votes. Boise State was the top choice in the Mountain Division.
“It’s based on last year’s performance,” UH safety Daniel Lewis said of the poll. “I can’t really be too surprised. I don’t like the pick. Nobody likes to be last. But it’s definitely another form of motivation for the guys. Guys are as upset about the pick as I am. We’re going to use this to fuel us. We’re going to really grind it extra on top of the incentives we already have.”
Quarterback Ikaika Woolsey said: “It’s motivating any time you get picked last. We’re going to keep focusing on what we have to get done, and stay together as a team, and get ready for the season.”
Rolovich, Lewis and Woolsey are representing the Warriors at the two-day event to promote the coming football season.
The Warriors open training camp on Sunday, with the first practice on Monday. Woolsey is one of eight quarterbacks competing for the No. 1 job.
“It’s going well,” Woolsey said. “We’ve been competing since spring. It’ll continue to get us better and the team better. I’m excited for the competition. We’ll see how it goes.”
Rolovich said the Warriors were productive during spring training.
“The good thing is we’ll get a chance to show if we’re better,” Rolovich said. “It’s up to the guys. I think this team, and the players on it last year, are better than the winless Mountain West team. But we have to make sure the mind-set of this team is correct.”
Lewis said: “You definitely see the potential. You see guys buying into the system, and doing what they’re asked to do, and taking the extra step to do it.”
