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Hawaii Beat

By Star-Bulletin Staff

Wednesday, February 28, 2001

Jones’ family grateful
for the support, kindness

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Star-Bulletin staff

University of Hawaii head football coach June Jones remains in guarded condition in Queen's Medical Center.

Jones' vital signs remain stable and he continues to improve, said Dr. Neil Fergusson.

His family issued a statement yesterday thanking friends for their support.

"That support has included prayers, flowers, cards, meals, a huge banner with hundreds of signatures and extraordinary medical care from a skilled group of paramedics, nurses, physicians and other hospital staff," Jones' Portland, Ore.-based family said.

"June developed a fondness for the state of Hawaii beginning 30 years ago. We all knew that he desired to return to your glorious state one day. The tremendous outpouring of love and support given to him these past several days has helped us all realize the real reason behind his longing to return," the family said.

"Adequate words to express our appreciation and thanks are difficult to find. We feel very strongly that God's healing will continue to touch June. God has given us a sense of peace that June's recovery will continue," said the statement of Marilyn and Sheldon Jones, parents; Teri Jones Geist, sister; Peter Jones, brother; and Carolyn Jones Christoferson, sister.

Jones was seriously injured in a one-car crash on the H-1 freeway near Honolulu Airport on Feb. 22.

Police have ruled out alcohol and speed as factors in the crash.

ASICS team places fifth

The ASICS Rainbows 17-under volleyball team finished fifth out of 89 teams last week in Las Vegas.

Members of the team include: Kelley Cho, Marissa Chow, Ashley Dutro, Nanea Holmes, Katie Kamelamela and Kiana Kauwe, Blair Nonaka, Desarri Olevao, Melanie Tang, Meghan Watson and Kanai Yockman.

Tanya Fuamatu coached the team.

Wahine make a splash

The University of Hawaii women's water polo team plays a pair of exhibition matches this week against Pacific Storm from Canada.

The sixth-ranked Wahine (7-0) face the Canadians in 6 p.m. matches tonight and Saturday at the Duke Kahanamoku Aquatic Complex.

Akina takes job at Texas

Arizona defensive coordinator Duane Akina has left to become secondary coach for Texas, according to the Associated Press.

Akina was considered for the UH head coaching position twice, when Jones and Fred vonAppen were hired instead.

Akina was on Hawaii's staff from 1981 to 1985 before moving on to Arizona with former UH head coach Dick Tomey.