Wednesday, March 11, 1998
Injury shouldn't
sideline UH coachFor now, Williams will coach from a golf cart
By Paul Arnett
Star-BulletinNew University of Hawaii defensive coordinator Tom Williams will be coaching from the seat of his pants - literally.
On Thursday, the third-year assistant for UH blew out his left Achilles' tendon in his daily pick-up basketball game.
"I went to push off to get a loose ball and it popped," said Williams, who will be in a cast for six weeks. "It hurt worse than anything I've ever experienced.
"It's not going to affect me in spring football. I'm probably going to coach from a golf cart that (UH trainer) Eric (Okasaki) is going to rig up for me. I need to try to keep my foot elevated as much as possible."
Williams returned to work this week after surgery last Friday to repair the tear. Rehabilitation will begin after his foot is removed from the cast.
"You know, this is the first time I've ever worn a cast," said Williams, who played linebacker at Stanford University for four years. "I guess my body is trying to tell me something, to slow down. At least that's what everybody has been saying."
The 28-year-old hasn't played organized sports since his brief stint with the San Francisco 49ers in 1993. He began coaching as a graduate assistant at Stanford under Bill Walsh in 1994.
After a five-month stay in Japan, where he served as defensive coordinator in an industry league, Williams joined UH head coach Fred vonAppen's staff in 1996.
He was the linebacker coach for two seasons before being named defensive coordinator for the Rainbows last month. He replaced Don Lindsey, who is the new offensive coordinator.
"I'm ready to get started with spring football right now," Williams said. "This injury won't be any big deal as long as I don't get in the way.
"And being mobile is overrated anyway. You can get a lot done behind the desk without having to move around. I'm going to miss being active, but I'm sure that will change after I start rehab."
http://uhathletics.hawaii.edu
