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Tuesday, February 29, 2000
Diggin’ it
Playing the new position of libero
By Kalani Wilhelm
for the Rainbows has given senior
Lockwood a new lease on
volleyball life
Special to the Star-BulletinUSSELL Lockwood digs playing libero for the fifth-ranked University of Hawaii men's volleyball team.
Literally.
Whenever Rainbow coach Mike Wilton needs some extra defense, he reaches for calls on his No. 1 shovel and digmaster Lockwood, the lone senior on this year's 8-3 squad.
Wearing his No. 11 contrasting-colored jersey makes it easy for the 6-foot Lockwood to stand out on any volleyball arena. But it is Lockwood's play that has drawn most of the spotlight.
As far as digging a multicolored Spalding volleyball is concerned, few are doing it better this season. Lockwood has either been near or at the top of the national dig leaders and is currently averaging 3.07 digs for the Rainbow (9-3, 5-2 MPSF).
The Stan Sheriff Center fans are still adjusting to seeing a libero on the court. Lockwood feels it will take some time for the home crowd to catch on to what is basically a roving defensive specialist.
The position was first introduced at the international level. He is a defensive specialist with unlimited entries into a match and does not need to check in with the referee to enter. WHAT'S A LIBERO?
A libero:
Cannot serve.
"We've played quite a few games and people are still aren't sure what's going on,'' Lockwood said.
Hawaii has had over a week off since upsetting then-No. 1 Long Beach State Feb. 18. The Rainbows resume conference play this week when traveling to No. 3 Southern Cal for matches Friday and Saturday.
Lockwood's own journey to UH could be best described as being in the right place at the right time.
The California native was visiting Hawaii with a group of friends during the summer of 1998. He decided to bring his one year's worth of volleyball experience earned during his senior year in high school and two years of club experience to participate in one of Wilton's volleyball camps.
Lockwood spoke with Wilton about a possible spot on the roster the following season. There was room for a walk-on.
"Next thing I knew, I was telling my parents I was moving to Hawaii," said Lockwood. "I was pretty fortunate to come in at the right time."
Prior to that, Russell knew very little about the tradition of the Hawaii volleyball program. It wasn't until viewing video tapes of the Yuval Katz-led Rainbows of the mid-1990s that Lockwood realized how special the team was.
"That's when I thought, 'Wow these guys are good,' " said Lockwood. "What the guys on that team were doing was pretty amazing."
Last season, Lockwood served as defensive specialist and backup for setter Mason Kuo.
This year, Lockwood replaces middle blockers Torry Tukuafu or Brenton Davis in the back row for ball control or defensive situations.
Although playing libero relegates Lockwood to the back row, it hasn't stopped him from stepping to the forefront in terms of leadership.
"I was up for it, whatever would help the team,'' said Lockwood. "The position suits me perfectly. It gives me a great opportunity to play a lot. I get to pass and dig a lot, basically use my strengths.''
UH's opponents have taken notice of Lockwood's abilities. He leads the MPSF with a 3.40 dig average, including a 20-dig performance in a five-game loss to Brigham Young.
BYU coach Carl McGown and Charlie Brande of UC Irvine have both called Lockwood "the best libero'' they've seen this season.
"As far as the libero position goes, Lockwood has it down to a science,'' Wilton.
His ability to be in the right position on the court and anticipating where the opposition will hit the ball is why Lockwood is valuable at the position.
"If I can see that the opponent has a straight shot, I am pretty much, digging in waiting for the ball to come and bounce of my face," Lockwood said. "I expect perfection. I think you have to if you want to get better.
"I always try to work hard. It's good for the younger guys to see. I think the team respects me for that.''
UH Athletics
Ka Leo O Hawaii
