Friday, March 23, 2001
As the University of Hawaii men's volleyball team nears the final stretch of the regular season, some Warrior volleyball players are already looking ahead to next year, but not in a volleyball sense. Tukuafu’s next opponent
will be politicalBy Grace Wen
Star-BulletinTorry Tukuafu, a senior opposite hitter, is already thinking about life after volleyball. Tukuafu, who has ambitions in politics, has been campaigning to become the next president of the Associated Students of the University Hawaii.
"I was always interested in what's going on with my education, but playing sports doesn't really allow you to take an active role," Tukuafu said. "Next year, I'll be going to school and I won't be playing volleyball."
Tukuafu had thought about running for student office last year, but knew that his volleyball commitment would prohibit him from doing so.
Last summer, when a friend jokingly suggested that he run, Tukuafu considered it but left it on the back burner. It wasn't until about a month ago that he decided to run.
Injury report
The Hawaii coaching staff received good news concerning the health of two key players. Tony Ching, a back-up outside hitter, practiced yesterday and was cleared to play for next week's matches.Ching suffered a deep gash to his left forearm in a moped accident two weeks ago.
"It's better now," Ching said. "They took the stitches out and by Wednesday, I should be able to play. It just hurts when I stretch."
Starting outside hitter Eyal Zimet's condition has also improved. Zimet practiced sparingly this week due to a stress fracture suffered in his shin.
"Eyal is feeling better," coach Mike Wilton said. "And Tony is going to be good to go next week, so that was great news."
More foreign flavor
Volleyball players from Israel, Serbia, Austria and countries all over the world have sported Rainbow jerseys.Now England can be added to the list.
Yassir Sliti, a 6-foot-6 middle blocker, will arrive on the island next year. Sliti, who was also recruited by BYU, played for the English national team.
UH Athletics
Ka Leo O Hawaii
