HONOLULU – University of Hawai‘i Head Football Coach June Jones announced today that Cal Lee is joining the Warrior football coaching staff and is handling the linebacking corps.

“I’m excited to have Cal come on board,” Jones said. “We’ve been talking about this for three to four years and now just seemed to be the right time.”

Lee, who gained his fame in the high school ranks, led St. Louis School to 18 Interscholastic League of Honolulu (ILH) titles, 14 Prep Bowl championships, and the inaugural 1999 state crown before stepping down following the 2001 season. In 21 years at the helm of the Crusaders, Lee compiled a 241-32-5 overall record, including an incredible 55-game winning streak between 1985-90.

“I’m extremely humbled to be a part of June’s staff,” Lee said in a statement released by the Hawaiian Islanders. “All I’m doing is sharing my coaching experience to this tremendous staff and hope to continue the University’s tradition of building a tough, hard-nosed defense.”

Jones said that part of the agreement in the hiring was that Lee continues as the head football coach of the local professional franchise the Hawaiian Islanders of the Arena Football League 2.

Jones said that with the addition of Lee, the defensive duties will be broken up regarding the run and pass defensive schemes.

Associate Head Coach George Lumpkin, who coached the linebackers, steps into the new defense coordinator role and will handle the run defense. Defensive backs coach Rich Miano will oversee the pass defense.

The defensive coordinator position was vacant during spring drills after Kevin Lempa resigned his position to become the defensive backs coach at Boston College.

“The move will no doubt strengthen our local recruiting and it shows to the local athletes that we’re committed to them,” Jones said. “The most important thing at this point is that Cal is the right guy for us.”

The Warriors open up the 2003 season at home on Aug. 31 against the Appalachian State Mountaineers at Aloha Stadium with a 6:05 p.m. kickoff.