FOOTBALL

Morris signs with Chargers

FORMER University of Hawaii wideout Wesley Morris signed a free-agent contract yesterday with the San Diego Chargers. He will report to camp tomorrow.

Rainbows head coach June Jones helped members of the senior class put together tapes and send them to various teams around the National Football League.

"I told the guys I would help them any way I could," Jones said. "Wesley put together a good tape and has a shot at San Diego.

"He's not a speedy guy, but he runs good routes and has good hands. We also helped (former linebackers) Mark Mollner and Stephen Gonzales. I haven't heard anything definite on those guys."

UH academic advisor Adam Lockwood said an official for the New York Giants contacted him about Gonzales' helmet size. But he wasn't sure if the Dick Butkus Award nominee for the Rainbows had signed a contract.

"They had Gonzales on film from the Hula Bowl, so they didn't need our help," Jones said. "But from what I've heard about Gonzales, I think he has a chance to land a free-agent deal."

Florida QB visits campus

All-State quarterback Ryan Schneider had a good visit this weekend, but has yet to sign a letter of intent with the Rainbows.

The Plantation, Fla., standout is also being recruited by Central Florida and West Virginia. His father, Carl, who is the offensive coordinator of his son's high school team, attended yesterday's light practice.

"His mother and I are hopeful he'll select Hawaii," Schneider said. "I love the coaching staff and the offense they're running. We have to talk about it, but I wouldn't have any problems with Ryan attending here."

The senior quarterback was second team All-State this past season. He threw for 3,505 yards and 43 touchdowns the last two years at Plantation High School.

Running back Oneal Sandiford, who was scheduled to make a trip with Schneider, wasn't able to come because his mother is ill.

Tickets on sale tomorrow

UH season ticket sales begin at noon tomorrow at the Stan Sheriff Center.

Sideline seats for the nine home games against USC, Eastern Illinois, Boise State, UTEP, Rice, TCU, Fresno State, Navy and Washington State are $140. End zone seats are $122, and Jr. Bows and senior citizens pay $77 in the north end zone only.

Beginning tomorrow at 8 a.m., fans can also order by telephone at 944-2697. The regular business hours for the Stan Sheriff Center are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Injury update

Center Dustin Owen took part in yesterday's light workout at Cooke Field, but he has yet to be cleared for duty.

Team doctor Andrew Nichols said the big center will undergo tests on his heart today and tomorrow. He has missed the last week of practice after experiencing a rapid heart rate during weightlifting eight days ago.

"We're keeping our fingers crossed," Nichols said. "Hopefully, the tests will be fine and Dustin can finish the spring in full pads."

On a brighter note, defensive lineman Lui Fuga returned to practice yesterday after suffering a knee injury at last Thursday's practice.

Team doctors said an operation on his sprained knee would not be necessary. Fuga, who transferred from UNLV, is hopeful to play this fall. But NCAA rules generally state a player has to wait a year before being eligible to play for another Division I team.

Starter files Chapter 11

Sports clothing manufacturer Starter Corp., which outfits the UH football team, sought bankruptcy court protection from its creditors yesterday.

The company listed assets of $118.1 million and liabilities of $120.5 million.

Starter Corp. was founded in 1971 and became one of the largest manufacturers of team-licensed sportswear, with contracts to pro basketball, baseball, football and hockey, and more than 100 universities nationwide.

Jones said last night that UH was looking into making a switch from Starter. He also said the design on the helmet would change to a Rainbow Warrior with a small Rainbow beside him.

"It will look more like it did when I played here," Jones said.

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Paul Arnett, Star-Bulletin