Collins' wife set for treatment

University of Hawaii defensive lineman Sam Collins announced to the team after Tuesday's practice that his wife, Donna, will undergo the bone marrow treatment on Dec. 1 to combat the breast cancer she has battled for the past four months.

"The cancer has gone into remission and that's a miracle to me," the soft-spoken Collins said after yesterday's practice. "This bone marrow treatment is supposed to knock out the cancer for good."

Several fund-raisers have been held to help defray the costs of this bone marrow treatment that could run as high as $100,000. So far, $66,000 has been donated.

"We can't say enough as a family for all the kind things people have done for us," Collins said. "We are very grateful."

To make a donation, call 534-4300.

INJURY UPDATE: Collins and fellow defensive lineman Miles Garner are listed as probable for this Saturday's nonconference game with Northeast Louisiana. Both players suffered nagging groin injuries in last week's mud bowl at San Jose State.

"I almost did the splits out there," said Collins, who is only one of two defensive linemen to play all 10 games. "I haven't missed a game or a practice yet, so we'll see how it feels Saturday night."

Tight end Morrie Roe suffered a broken hand, but like cornerback Al Hunter, will wear a soft cast and should be able to play. Cornerback Blase Austin is still out with a sprained knee.

WHO WILL WIN?: The prediction of who will advance as the ILH champion to the Prep Bowl fell along party lines.

Hawaii has five players from St. Louis and seven who prepped at Kamehameha Schools on this year's roster. Among the starters, center Shane Oliveira, cornerback Al Hunter and offensive right guard Conrad Paulo played for the Crusaders.

Defensive lineman Ben Bright and linebacker Kamuela Cobb-Adams played for the Warriors. There was little doubt in anyone's mind who would win.

"I don't even have to answer that question," Oliveira said. "It will be St. Louis. Easy."

Paulo agreed.

"Coach (Cal) Lee doesn't lose twice in a season to anybody," Paulo said. "They'll make some adjustments and come back strong."

But Bright disagreed. He believes this is the year for Kamehameha to go the Prep Bowl.

"It's time for somebody else to win the Prep Bowl," Bright said. "They showed what they can do in the big win on Saturday. They have a good attacking defense and that will make the difference."

-- By Paul Arnett

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