The Long Game with Mark Carpenter

UH athletics director Matt Elliott

Hawaii News Now is now the home of University of Hawaii athletics and to celebrate this agreement, we sat down with UH athletics director Matt Elliott. Just one year into his tenure, he's already made a tremendous impact on the department-- boosting fundraising, strengthening the university's relationship with the community, and laying a foundation for long-term success. Elliott joined UH after extensive experience with the Hawaii Community Foundation and 13 years with UCLA Athletics. In this episode, we talk about his career journey, the changing landscape of collegiate sports, and what makes UH fans unlike any other.

St. Louis football head coach Tupu Alualu

'You're not just a St. Louis head coach' Tupu Alualu is a state championship winning head coach and entering his third season leading the St. Louis Crusaders. It's a program he's been around for most of his life and one that he is beyond proud to represent as a former star player, longtime assistant, and now the man in charge of one of Hawaii's most storied teams. His journey to Kalaepohaku is fascinating and in this episode, he shares his emotional story of moving to Hawaii from Samoa as a young boy and how football changed his life.

Former UH football great and hall of famer Chad Owens

Chad Owens is among the most electrifying players in University of Hawaii football history. His journey to success serves as an inspiration. The Roosevelt alum joined the Rainbow Warriors as a walk-on and went on to enjoy a record-setting All-American collegiate career. The playmaking receiver and returner was recently inducted into the UH Circle of Honor and is a member of the Canadian Football League Hall of Hame, Hawaii Sports Hall of Fame, and Polynesian Football Hall of Fame.

Former UH standout & longtime Hawaii baseball coach Ron Nomura

'Winners make it happen. Losers let it happen.' Ron Nomura has dedicated his career to guiding Hawaii's next generation of baseball stars. After graduating from McKinley High in the 1970s, he went on to enjoy a standout career at the University of Hawaii before spending 15 seasons working alongside the legendary Les Murakami. Together with his sons, he established the Nomura Academy, an organization built to develop the state's prep baseball talent and help provide pathways to collegiate and pro opportunities.

Kamehameha girls volleyball head coach Chris Blake

Chris Blake is one of the most successful head coaches in Hawaii high school volleyball history. Through a decades-long career, he's led Kamehameha Kapalama to 13 state championship victories and helped guide countless student-athletes to NCAA Division 1 programs. He currently serves as the Director of Pacific Innovations at KS and is an apprentice navigator with the Polynesian Voyaging Society. In this episode, he talks about his coaching journey, his passion for teaching, and the lessons from sailing around the world with Hokulea.