BOISE, Idaho — The newly formed lead counsel of Western Athletic Conference football, discussing matters over frosty beverages and happy memories, decided to offer career advice to University of Hawai'i quarterback Colt Brennan.

"The No. 1 thing is he should turn pro right now," said New Mexico State coach Hal Mumme, who served as spokesman. "I think he's an NFL guy all the way. I coached (quarterback) Tim Couch (at Kentucky), and he came out (for the NFL draft) as a junior. He's had injuries and can't play anymore, but he's set for life (financially). I think Colt should come out, too."

Mumme, of course, has reason to not want to face Brennan again. Last year, Brennan threw for 515 yards and seven touchdowns in UH's 49-29 rout of New Mexico State. "Well," Mumme said of that performance, "there's that, too."

UH coach June Jones glared at Mumme, then said: "I hope (Brennan) has a great season, as we expect ... and that he stays with us."

"I'm kidding," Mumme said. "He's a great quarterback."

That view not only was shared by the round table of head coaches attending last night's opening reception of the WAC Football Media Preview, it was emphasized by the reporters who cover the league. The media selected Brennan as the WAC's Preseason Offensive Player of the Year.

Brennan, a 6-foot-2, 195-pound junior, led the nation in passing yards (4,301) and touchdown passes (35) as a first-year Warrior last season.

"It's a great honor because it came from the people who have seen us play," Brennan said. "At the same time, I can't get caught up in this. As fast as you can get an honor, it can turn around just as fast."

Brennan started 10 of 12 games last season, and passed for at least 300 yards in nine games.

"I have to use (the WAC honor) as motivation to prove (the media) made the right choice," he said.

Brennan transferred from Saddleback Community College in California. Before that, he attended Colorado.

"This turned out to be the right place," he said. "Life is supposed to be about ups and downs. But since I've been in Hawai'i, I've experienced all of the upsides."

San Jose State coach Dick Tomey, who recruited Brennan, said: "I don't know if we had a chance (to sign Brennan), but we liked him a lot, and I'm not surprised he's doing so well. I know he's a really good player. He obviously had a really good year. He's a great person, and I think a lot of him."

FOURTH AND A WAY TO GO

Hawai'i was picked to finish fourth in WAC football this season.

Boise State, which has won the past four WAC regular-season titles, was picked to win it again, receiving 36 first-place votes and 432 points.

Fresno State (nine first-place votes, 380 points) was second, followed by Nevada (four, 349) and UH (one, 306).

"I don't put a whole lot of things on polls," Jones said. "Boise State should be chosen, because they've gone out and (won). Fresno State, too. Until we can go in there and beat Boise State and Fresno, we're not going to be considered in the top echelon. We have to beat them."

Defensive end Ikaika Alama-Francis, who is representing UH at the meeting, agreed, adding: "We're always playing to be No. 1, and we have a good team for that. But we're also in a good league, and we have to prove ourselves."

TOP OF THE HILL

When it comes to salary, Fresno State head coach Pat Hill is the top dog.

The Idaho Statesman yesterday printed the salaries of the nine WAC head football coaches. Hill's total compensation was listed as $900,000 annually. Jones was second with an annual salary of $800,016.

During yesterday's reception, the other WAC coaches told the waitresses to send the bill to Hill.

"In Fresno," Hill said of his local media, "they think I get more, so this is good."

UH athletic director Herman Frazier said the UH coaches are deservedly well paid. "(Volleyball coach Dave) Shoji is not No. 1 (nationally in pay), but he's been in the top three," Frazier said. "(Men's volleyball coach Mike) Wilton is No. 1. (Basketball coach) Riley (Wallace) is probably third (in the WAC) behind Fresno State and Nevada. (Baseball coach Mike) Trap(asso) is either No. 1 or 2 (in the WAC). I can tell you that's how we judge things. We want to take care of our coaches and make them feel appreciated."

GRIEVING THEIR LOSS

New Mexico State players still are coping with the loss of linebacker Shana Leaupepe, who was shot to death two weeks ago.

Leaupepe, who redshirted last season, was listed as the team's starting middle linebacker.

"He was a leader for the team," cornerback Courtney Bryan said. "We fed off his energy. He was a joy to be around. This affects the whole team. We're still trying to recover from that. It was tough, especially on the Polynesian players. They were like a family. We all cared about each other like brothers. When that happens, the way it happened, it was so tragic. It was a major blow to the team."

Quarterback Chase Holbrook said: "He worked so hard. It's a shame he lost it."

Reach Stephen Tsai at stsai@honoluluadvertiser.com.