[ UH ATHLETICS ]
If professors strike, UH
sports would go on
A possible strike by professors next month could affect attendance at University of Hawaii athletic events.
But it is unlikely UH athletes will be deemed ineligible for competition if a strike causes them to not attain academic credits this semester, officials from the school and the Western Athletic Conference said.
The WAC requires athletes to pass at least six credits to participate in postseason events, and spring semester academic progress can affect eligibility for fall sports.
But WAC commissioner Karl Benson said the league will be flexible in dealing with such a situation should it arise.
"We'll certainly be prepared to take those factors into consideration," Benson said.
The University of Hawaii Professional Assembly has threatened to strike a week from Monday if the UHPA and UH management can't come to agreement on salary issues.
A 13-day strike by the UHPA in April 2001 did not affect athletes' eligibility, but some fans did request and receive refunds for tickets they purchased so they would not have to cross picket lines to attend games.
In addition to regular-season games in several sports, a lengthy strike could affect the turnout for the national championship tournament for men's volleyball, scheduled for May 6 and 8 at the Stan Sheriff Center.
"We are in the process both systemwide and campus by campus of putting together our contingency plan. For the moment, we can't answer what that specifically will be," UH spokeswoman Carolyn Tanaka said. "I can say during the last strike, sports events were held, and people who wanted refunds for tickets were given them."
Athletic director Herman Frazier declined comment.
No UH coaches are members of the UHPA, athletic department faculty representative Steve Martin said.
"They're in a special category. If they need representation, they get it through the HGEA," Martin said.
"Hopefully there will be no strike, or it will be short-lived like last time," Martin said. "Last time the word we got was that there would be no penalty."
Students are being advised to report to classes in the event of a strike. It is possible at least some classes will be taught by teaching assistants who are not UHPA members.
Camping time: The UH football staff will hold a camp for high-school-age players for the first time in three years this summer.
The camp is for students grades 10 to 12 and is from June 27 to July 3. It includes six practice sessions with position-specific instruction. There will be an offense vs. defense finale at Aloha Stadium.
The camp gives the UH staff a chance to see potential players up close, and also helps the assistant coaches make some extra money.
"It's also a good opportunity to supplement my assistants' salaries," coach June Jones said. "They haven't had a raise in five years."
The camp is administered by TourneySport USA, a company that held a football camp here last December and puts on camps in other sports in Hawaii and on the mainland.
For information, contact TourneySport USA at (509) 926-3905.
Assistant coach Mike Cavanaugh is also planning a camp for offensive linemen.
Back out, back in: Walk-on running back Doug Wylie has left the Warriors.
Wylie was a valuable scout team player for UH as a freshman last year, and coaches saw potential in him as a future on-field contributor.
Running backs coach Wes Suan said Wylie will be missed, but he is excited about a newcomer, 6-foot-1, 225-pound Alonzo Chopp.
"He just got out of the Marines," Suan said. "He's got work ethic, passion for the game and athletic ability."
UH returns three of its four top running backs in seniors Michael Brewster, Mike Bass and West Keli'ikipi. Keli'ikipi will spend spring practice, which begins April 6, resting and rehabbing his left knee after surgery.
Short yardage: The Web site NationalChamps.net ranks Hawaii No. 50 in its preseason football rankings. Southern California is No. 1 and defending WAC champion Boise State is No. 41. Chad Owens is listed as a third-team wide receiver and Samson Satele is an honorable mention offensive lineman on the site's preseason All-American list. ... UH coaches Rich Miano and Mel deLaura are holding speed and quickness clinics this weekend at Cooke Field. Call 671-3812 for dates and times.
