Saturday, January 5, 2002
[ UH WARRIOR VOLLEYBALL ]
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Classes don't start for another nine days, but none of the members of the Hawaii men's volleyball team are complaining about being on campus early. UH eager to start season
By Grace Wen
gwen@starbulletin.com
Only three days remain before the Warriors open their 27-match regular season against Loyola-Chicago on Tuesday. The Warriors started practice Wednesday and seemed upbeat and energized.
The players were reveling in the fact that they didn't have to juggle school and volleyball just yet. It's a long season and one they hope extends into early May.
"It seems like there's a lot of energy with the team," senior Vernon Podlewski said. "Our first two practices have been awesome. It's been better than last year. Even the new guys are trying to compete for the starting spots.
"I think there's been a lot more smiles, a lot more fun. Some of the older players have been saying it's going to be a good year."
While plane tickets haven't been booked for Pennsylvania -- Penn State hosts this year's final four -- a preseason test run was made in the fall. This team has made it clear that it has high expectations.
Hawaii finished 2001 with a 19-7 record, one match short of reaching the final four.
Unlike last year, the Warriors want to be in control of their destiny late in the season. And one way they hope to do that is with added depth.
Hawaii coach Mike Wilton noticed that last season's other three Mountain Pacific Sports Federation semifinalists could sub players and not miss a beat. The Warriors, however, didn't really have that luxury.
"We are definitely deeper than we were last year," Wilton said. "We're stronger on both sides of the net in practice. We have some very real guys challenging each other for playing time."
The only problem may be finding enough playing time for everyone. It's a problem Wilton is glad to face.
He won't say that this is his most talent-laden squad, preferring to reserve comment for the end of the season. But when you look at what he has back, you might have to think it.
Hawaii returns five starters, including 2001 AVCA Player of the Year Costas Theocharidis. The 6-foot-3 outside hitter was unstoppable at times, averaging 5.04 kills per game. The junior carried the bulk of the offense but should shoulder less as the Warriors spread it around more this season.
"We're all competing," Theocharidis said. "That's what brings energy to practice. The (Player of the Year) award was nice. It's a good motivation for me to get even better. It's really hard to get to the top, but it's even harder to stay at the top."
Junior Eyal Zimet is playing pain free for the first time in recent memory. Zimet anchored the passing and defense last season but played with pain in his shins for much of the season that prevented him from being effective at the net.
Last year's super-sub, Tony Ching, could move into the starting role vacated by the graduation of Torry Tukuafu, but highly touted freshman Jose Delgado is also challenging for a spot.
"Jose can play all three of those positions and he's good enough to be on the floor right now too, so that's a good situation," Wilton said.
Sophomore setter Kimo Tuyay returns to quarterback the offense but will be pushed by Daniel Rasay, who took over the reserve setter spot in the fall.
Second team All-American Dejan Miladinovic is back in the middle. Freshman Delano Thomas, sophomore Geronimo Chala and transfer Brian Nordberg should battle for the other spot. In practice, Nordberg is already being tabbed "Mr. Intensity" and could become the emotional leader of the team.
Chala hasn't completely recovered after fracturing his right ankle in two places in fall practice. The 6-6 sophomore was jumping well yesterday but not landing with complete ease.
Back in the libero spot is Podlewski, a first-team all-conference performer. He was second on the team last season with 2.17 digs per game.
Notes: Ching was recovering well from shoulder surgery in October but suffered a mild sprained right ankle in practice on Thursday. He didn't practice yesterday but is expected to be ready for Tuesday's opener. ... The first AVCA poll won't be released until Jan. 15.
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