Tuesday, November 12, 1996
Henderson a likely pick for Hula Bowl
By Paul Arnett
Star-Bulletin
University of Hawaii head coach Fred vonAppen will meet with Hula Bowl officials next week to discuss which Rainbow players will be selected for the annual college all-star game."At this point, Doe Henderson is the most obvious choice of our seniors," vonAppen said of the fifth-year safety.
"First of all, we don't have that many seniors. I would like Glenn Freitas to have a chance to play in a setting like that, but realistically, it's going to be tough for him with the kind of quarterbacks that have already been selected."
Senior running backs Carlos Shaw, Tony Thomas and Randall Okimoto haven't put up the kind of numbers worthy of consideration. The senior offensive linemen for the Rainbows have been sidelined with injuries.
"We already have a lot of positions filled," Hula Bowl executive Lenny Klompus said. "And I don't feel like we'll have that many cancelations like we've had in the past because of the involvement of the American Football Coaches Association."
Despite nagging injuries, Henderson has had a solid season. The Los Angeles senior has no interceptions, but is fourth on the team in tackles with 48.
Tight end Gary Ellison is the only player lost for Saturday's game with Brigham Young University. INJURY UPDATE
He injured his biceps in the loss to San Jose State last Saturday night and is out for the season.
Tight end Ryan Green and middle linebacker Stephen Gonzales are questionable for the final Western Athletic Conference game of 1996.
Green stretched a ligament in his foot, while Gonzales suffered an ankle sprain. Offensive lineman Iosefa Puaauli is probable, despite breaking his hand.
Running back Russell Grant also is probable. He suffered a concussion on the goal-line hit by San Jose State linebacker Jacob Malae, but did participate in yesterday's light practice at Cooke Field.
Linebacker Rufus Ayeni, who sprained his knee in the loss at Air Force two weeks ago, is questionable. If he can't go, UH trainers expect him back for the season finale against Wisconsin.
BYU offensive coordinator Norm Chow said he is looking forward to coming back to the islands this weekend, but claims this game is no different than any other. CHOW COMES HOME
"I don't harbor any grudges toward the Hawaii athletic department concerning my interview last year for the UH head coaching job," Chow recently said.
"This game is important to us because we need to keep winning going into the game with Utah at the end of the season. I know this, the Hawaii guys will be up for us, no matter what their record is."
Chow has been instrumental in the success of the BYU offense this season. He has the No. 2-rated quarterback in the country with Steve Sarkisian, and has a host of former Hawaii prep standouts starting at wide receiver and tight end.
"I enjoy coming home to see my parents and to experience the island lifestyle," Chow said. "A lot has been made about my situation with (UH athletic director) Hugh (Yoshida). But that doesn't carry over into the game. As I've said, if I wasn't going to be really considered for the job, then why ask me to interview for it? What I remember most is Hugh telling me that I asked too many questions."
VonAppen announced his three captains for this week's game with BYU. CAPTAINS NAMED
Seniors Freitas, Shaw and backup linebacker Greg Roach will handle the duties this week. Roach is in the lineup for the injured Ayeni.
UH offensive coordinator Guy Benjamin said Freitas is coming off his best game of the season. He has currently connected on 109 of 194 passes for 1,003 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Shaw leads the team in rushing with 331 yards on 81 carries. Roach has 41 tackles, including two quarterback sacks.