Thursday, October 17, 1996
So much so, the Rainbows yesterday had one of their lightest Wednesday workouts of the year.
"We got several players hurt in Tuesday's practice," vonAppen said. "So, we decided to cut back and see if we can heal some."
The hardest hits continue to be on the offensive front. Senior tackle Michael Petersen is out with a sprained knee he suffered last week at San Diego State.
Center Shane Oliveira and tackle Mark Hernandez are questionable. Oliveira is still bothered by an Achilles heel problem, due to a bone spur in his ankle.
Hernandez is slowed with a back strain he suffered against Colorado State. Both will probably play Saturday, but for how long?
To make matters worse, backup center Sione Tafuna pulled a hamstring in practice. His status is unknown. That could force guard C.B. Wentling to shift to center, a position he played some last year.
"That's a definite possibility," Wentling said after yesterday's practice. "We're pretty dinged up right now. We need a break."
With Hernandez and Petersen hurting, look for Adrian Klemm to see extensive playing time at tackle. UH offensive coordinator Guy Benjamin said Klemm has played only 12 snaps this season.
The Rainbows won't get their first bye of the year until after the Air Force game. By then, playing nine consecutive games will have taken its toll.
"The bye can't get here soon enough," vonAppen said. "As bad as things look on the offensive front, we also have some guys hurting on defense. San Diego State was a physical game for us."
He said he will return to Hawaii for the spring semester.
"I'll definitely be there," Shrout said. "I've kept up with what we're doing. I'm looking forward to coming back."
Shrout left home for Lancaster, Calif., the Friday night before the season opener with Boston College upon learning his mother, Terry, had a heart attack.
She underwent open heart surgery a week later, but died on Sept. 11 of complications. Shrout said he appreciated everyone's concern for his family.