Gov. Ben Cayetano voiced support for Hawaii football coach June Jones yesterday on the matter of installation of a softer artificial surface at Aloha Stadium. Cayetano behind
Tulsa on losing streak
Jones on turfBy Dave Reardon
dreardon@starbulletin.comSeveral injuries suffered by the Warriors this year were caused by the stadium's AstroTurf, Jones said after Saturday's game against Nevada. He said the injuries could have been prevented if the turf had been replaced, as was proposed during the summer.
"I think the coach is absolutely right, we probably could have resolved the problem if there was better communication between the Hawaii Tourism Authority and the Stadium Authority, but that is water under the bridge," Cayetano said. "We are negotiating a contract with the NFL that will perhaps work out the installation of Fieldturf (but) it doesn't have to be Fieldturf down the road."
The Stadium Authority agreed to install Fieldturf between the end of the Dec. 25 Hawaii Bowl and the Feb. 2 Pro Bowl if construction and cost issues could be worked out. The NFL said it would pay part of the cost to install a Fieldturf surface.
Jones said Fieldturf is the only artificial surface the NFL Players Association has approved at this point. He said AstroTurf is making a bid to replace the surface with its product that is similar to Fieldturf, called AstroPlay.
Jones said he is getting more cooperation from the Stadium Authority since a leadership change in the summer.
"I think there are people on Stadium Authority who want to help us," he said. "(Chairman) Eddie Hamada is trying to help. I think everybody's in the same boat, we've just got to get it done."
Where are they now?: Defensive lineman Matt Faga is enrolled at UH and should be eligible by the spring. ... According to the NCAA, defensive back A.J. Martinez is technically no longer a Warriors player, but is now considered an athlete who is going through the recruiting process, because of a mix-up having to do with his high school classes. UH coaches cannot comment, but Martinez is expected to join the Warriors by next fall. ... Defensive lineman Darrell Tautofi is at Hawaii Pacific trying to earn an associate's degree. ... Linebacker Justin Faimealelei has completed studies at HPU, but must clear administrative hurdles before his records are released.
Not just acting: Movie and TV star Cary Hirayuki-Tagawa, an expert in massage therapy, worked on running back Mike Bass' injured knee at practice yesterday.
"This is what I really do, was my day job for a long time," said the Kauai resident, who didn't break through on the screen until he was 37 years old.
Inside (receiver) stuff: Jones still hopes to redshirt junior Gerald Welch, who missed much of fall practice while recovering from knee surgery. But with all the other injuries at inside receiver, the fully recovered Welch is back on the field running pass routes.
"He's ready to go," receivers coach Ron Lee said.
Around the WAC: This is one of those Saturdays when Hawaii fans, as distasteful as it might seem, should root for a rival -- Fresno State plays at Boise State. Both teams are 2-0, but a Bulldogs' victory gives the Warriors a much better chance at the WAC title than does a Broncos' win, since UH has lost to BSU, but has not yet played FSU.
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