With the odometer set to hit the halfway point of what has been a 3-3 season, ownership of the Hawaii football team was turned over to its seniors.
With head coach Greg McMackin in attendance, the seniors met after Thursday’s practice to discuss what they termed "family business."
"We discussed things," co-captain Royce Pollard said. "As seniors, this is our season, our last year. (The meeting) was a reminder that every game could be our last game, and our college careers could come to an end. We wanted to make sure that we come together and really take advantage of our senior season. It’s time to take ownership of the team."
The seniors acknowledged the Warriors let slip away two games in which they were favored, including last week’s 28-27 road loss to San Jose State.
"We should be 5-1 or 6-0 or whatever, but it didn’t fall that way," right guard Matagisila Lefiti said. "We have to pick it up and push and be 10-3."
The Warriors face New Mexico State on Saturday in their first home game in 28 days. After playing four of six games on the road, they close with five of the remaining seven games at Aloha Stadium.
"I’m disappointed with the record," defensive tackle Kaniela Tuipulotu said. "I didn’t imagine us being 3-3 with the type of character this team has shown. … We wanted to meet to make sure we’re doing our job as seniors, that we’re leading by example, and never getting down when things don’t go our way. Our job is to make sure we push through the hard times."
In the past, the seniors-only meetings were called to discuss upcoming events. This was one of the few times the seniors have met to discuss leadership roles.
"Things aren’t going totally wrong," Tuipulotu said. "We have to catch it before it gets out of control. We wanted to make sure we’re positive, and not dwelling on losses."