StarBulletin.com

Rolovich is helping another receiver succeed


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POSTED: Friday, December 04, 2009

Nick Rolovich could play a role in the top two single-season receiving performances in Hawaii history.

With Rolovich calling the plays this season, junior slotback Greg Salas enters tomorrow's game six catches away from breaking Davone Bess' record for receptions and 155 yards removed from the mark held by Ashley Lelie.

“;You're just going game by game,”; Salas said. “;I just try to go into every game and play my hardest, just try to help my team win.”;

Lelie set the current target of 1,713 yards eight years ago, running down deep passes from Rolovich.

Where Rolovich let Lelie use his speed to stretch defenses vertically with deep throws down the sidelines, Salas does most of his work over the middle of the field, having moved into the slot this season.

Though they have differing styles, Rolovich recognizes common traits between the two.

“;The biggest thing I see in both of them is the ability to catch the ball,”; the Warriors' quarterbacks coach said. “;Their hands are very similar in that if it's close you'd expect them both to make the catch. Their hands and their competitiveness would probably be the two things that stand out.”;

Salas has had eight games with more than 100 yards, with a high of 196 against New Mexico State. He's coming off a 10-catch, 147-yard game in last week's win over Navy.

Unlike Lelie, Salas is planning on sticking around for his senior season. Lelie entered the NFL Draft after his junior year. Salas said he hasn't had any such thoughts. If he puts up similar numbers next year, Salas could threaten Jason Rivers' record for career receiving yards of 3,919.

 

Freshmen looking ahead

After contributing on special teams in their first season, freshman safeties Aulola Tonga and Mike Wadsworth are looking forward to making an impact off the field over the next two years.

Both are planning on going on Mormon missions next year and will likely learn of their destinations after the spring semester.

“;I've looked forward to it since I was a little kid,”; said Wadsworth, who has 11 tackles and recovered a fumble.

“;Special teams is really fun and just being able to get a little reps in practice, I have a good grasp on the defense so when I come back I'll have a head start.”;

 

Gala nets $275,000

Approximately 1,000 Hawaii football supporters attended the Centennial Celebration Gala, Wednesday night at the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel, which culminated the season-long celebration of the 100th Anniversary of UH's inaugural football season.

The event raised $275,000, the largest amount for a single event in the university's history. Proceeds benefit the UH football program, with $100,000 going toward supporting the football program and the other $175,000 toward an endowment for football operational expenses.

 

Short yardage

Wisconsin arrived on Wednesday night and practiced at Aloha Stadium. The Badgers visited Pearl Harbor before yesterday's practice. ... Fans attending tomorrow's game can donate used wireless phones and accessories to the Verizon HopeLine program. The program aids survivors of domestic violence. Donation boxes will be set up near gates 4 and 7 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. The first 50 to donate phones receive entry to the Verizon Wireless Football Zone Tailgate Party.