The life and times
of two Rainbows
Eddie Klaneski and Johnny Macon
By Paul Arnett
would like to make this a senior
season to remember
Star-BulletinDALLAS--The changes in the lives of Eddie Klaneski and Johnny Macon reflect the ebb and flow of the University of Hawaii football team.
In 1993, the two fifth-year seniors were part of the first recruiting class after the Rainbows' stunning 11-2 season that included a Holiday Bowl victory and a Western Athletic Conference championship.
''It was an exciting time to be involved with the program,'' Klaneski said this morning during the final session of WAC media day. ''I had to walk on, but I didn't care because I wanted to play for UH.''
Klaneski was a Damien High graduate known more for his scraps than his football prowess, while Macon was a hot-shot quarterback from Long Beach, Calif., who was supposed to be the perfect fit for former UH head coach Bob Wagner's spread offense.
"I was excited to be a part of that,'' Macon said. ''I wanted to play quarterback and Coach Wagner was willing to give me that opportunity. Obviously, things didn't go as planned.''
Macon and Klaneski were redshirted during that mediocre 6-6 season. It was the first indicator that not all was right with the Rainbow world. Over the next three years, Hawaii won only nine games.
''We were 3-8-1 in 1994, 4-8 in 1995 and
2-10 last year,'' Klaneski said. ''We've gone down hill, so this is our last chance to do something about it. I know we can have a winning season. That's what the seniors want more than anything.''
Macon couldn't agree with him more. The soft-spoken player saw his dream of being quarterback go overboard after he was moved to wide receiver last year.
He lost the fall camp battle to Glenn Freitas, but it didn't keep him from contributing in other ways. The all-around athlete rushed 12 times for 44 yards. He also completed 2 of 4 passes for 49 yards and had 17 receptions for 160 yards and one touchdown.
''I wanted to contribute any way I could,'' Macon said. ''A lot of things have changed since I came here. I've tried to grow as a player and a person. But the thing is, I really believe we'll be better than people think.
''Any time you hire a new coach, things are going to be different. As a player, you have to make some adjustments. I wanted to compete at quarterback, but when that didn't work out, I wanted to play anywhere I could.''
UH head coach Fred vonAppen plans to use the versatile Macon in many ways this season.
''Johnny doesn't have great speed, but he has good quickness,'' vonAppen said. ''He can run, he can throw and he can catch, so you want to utilize that kind of offensive talent.''
Like Macon, Klaneski has made some changes to fit into vonAppen's plans. Once a slotback and receiver in the old spread option, Klaneski decided before his junior season that he needed a career change.
''I knew they didn't really have my slotback position in the West Coast offense,'' Klaneski said. ''So, I wanted to make the switch to defense. It was a good move for me.''
That it was. Last year, Klaneski was named first team All-WAC as a defensive back. He will start out at free safety when camp opens next week, but could move to corner if junior college transfer Ron Wood makes his hard-hitting presence felt.
''I also could move to corner if Robbie Robinson or Al Hunter struggles,'' Klaneski said. ''I believe both of those guys can play, but they need to have more confidence in order to be successful.''
Klaneski doesn't lack confidence. Last year, he led the team in tackles with 114. The 5-foot-9, 190-pounder also had five interceptions, three caused fumbles, three fumble recoveries and seven pass breakups.
VonAppen also will use him on punt returns. He had 18 for 165 yards in 1996. This year, defensive coordinator Don Lindsey will coach punt returns, something that excites Klaneski.
''Coach Lindsey said that now the defense is responsible for four downs, not just three,'' Klaneski said. ''We're going to try to give the offense the ball in the best field position possible.''
Klaneski also believes the Rainbows will be improved. Although not that many people agree with him, the talented senior feels a winning season is not beyond the realm of possibility.
''I know we can do it,'' Klaneski said. ''A lot of different stuff has happened the last five years, but I believe we're starting to understand what the coaches expect from us.''
VonAppen agreed.
''Eddie is an excellent example of what hard work and dedication can do,'' vonAppen said. ''Here's a guy who walked on and five years later, is the best player on the team. As a coach, Eddie is what you're looking for.''
As for Macon and Klaneski, they're looking to go out on a more positive note.
''We've got a lot to prove to ourselves and our fans,'' Macon said. ''It's been a tough four years, but this is our chance to do something about it by winning and helping this program to keep the rebuilding process in motion.''
