SALT LAKE CITY – The University of Hawai'i was picked fifth in the preseason Western Athletic Conference Media and Coaches' polls, which were announced at the conference's Football Media Preview at the Hilton Salt Lake City Airport.

 

The Warriors received 36 votes in the coaches' poll and 275 votes in the media poll. Boise State was the preseason favorite in both polls.

 

Last season, UH was picked fourth in both preseason polls but finished in a three-way tie for second place with a 5-3 league mark. Overall, the Warriors posted a 7-7 record and secured their third-consecutive bowl appearance with a trip to the Sheraton Hawai'i Bowl.

 

In the coaches' poll, Boise State was a unanimous selection to repeat as WAC champion, receiving eight first-place votes (Nevada received one first-place vote, but coaches were not allowed to vote for their own team). Nevada was second followed by Fresno State and Louisiana Tech (tied for third), UH, San Jose State, Utah State, New Mexico State, and Idaho.

 

In the media poll, Boise State received 55 of 58 first-place votes followed by Nevada, Fresno State, Louisiana Tech, Hawai'i, San Jose State, Utah State, Idaho, and New Mexico State. Nevada quarterback Colin Kaepernick was voted the Offensive Player of the Year, while Boise State cornerback Kyle Wilson was picked as the Defensive Player of the Year.

 

The 2009 season marks the 100th Anniversary of the inaugural year of UH football. Hawai'i played its first football season in 1909 and the 2009 season will be UH's 93rd year of competition. The university did not play football from 1912-14, 1942-45, and in 1961. UH played an all-collegiate schedule in 1966 and became a Division I member in 1974. UH's all-time record is 504-379 under 21 head coaches. Hawai'i has appeared in nine bowl games in the modern era and has won the Western Athletic Conference title three times (1992, 1999, and 2007).

 

The Warriors open fall camp, Aug. 6 in preparation for the 2009 season opener against Central Arkansas on Friday, Sept. 4, at Aloha Stadium. Kickoff is 7:05 p.m.

 

   1.    Boise State (8)                                    64

   2.    Nevada (1)                                           55

   3.    Fresno State                                        45

          Louisiana Tech                                   45

   5.    Hawai'i                                                 36

   6.    San Jose State                                   34

   7.    Utah State                                            21

   8.    New Mexico State                              13

   9.    Idaho                                                    11

 

   1.    Boise State (55)                                519

   2.    Nevada (3)                                         444

   3.    Fresno State                                      365

   4.    Louisiana Tech                                 360

   5.    Hawai'i                                               275

   6.    San Jose State                                 263

   7.    Utah State                                          170

   8.    Idaho                                                  110

   9.    New Mexico State                            104