For the University of Hawaii football team, the pursuit of a championship ring begins in the ring.

This summer, several defensive linemen trained with a boxing club in Palolo. The suggestion originated with Fale Laeli, a former Warriors defensive lineman who used boxing drills to improve his handwork in fighting off blockers.

"Fale talked about it, and it made sense," said defensive tackle Vaughn Meatoga, who served as the group leader.

The players participated in afternoon sessions three times a week. The opening drill was jumping rope nonstop for 3 minutes.

"It was the longest three minutes of my life," defensive tackle Ikaika Mahoe said. "Plus, I’m flat-footed. My arches started cramping up. But it was a good cardio workout."

Sessions included shadow boxing, pounding the heavy bag, sprints, and floor exercises such as squat lifts, pushups and sit-ups. The players did not spar.

"All we had to do was bring a mouthpiece to spar," Meatoga said. "None of us brought a mouthpiece."

He then smiled, adding, "Kind of on purpose."

The boxing-related workouts proved to be beneficial. Liko Satele, the leading candidate to start at left end, noticed he was able to shed blockers.

"If you don’t use your hands, you can’t get away from anybody," Satele said.

Cal Lee, who coaches the UH defensive ends, said it takes quick hand movements to be a successful pass rusher.

"Boxing helps you have fast hands," Lee said. "Look at (Satele). There’s a big improvement. I don’t know if it’s the boxing, but his hands are a lot faster. With hard work and energy, he’s gotten a lot better."

Satele said he has gained nine pounds, but feels physically fit.

Meatoga said the boxing workouts strengthened his left hand.

"That’s my nondominant hand," he said. "Working the jabs, I’m a lot more confident with my left hand."

Mahoe said he now has more stamina.

"It was totally different exercises from football (workouts), and now I have more energy," Mahoe said.

Meatoga said he will continue to combine boxing drills and UH conditioning coach Tommy Heffernan’s program for his workouts.

"They work together," Meatoga said. "I think I’m in the best shape of my life."