[ UH ATHLETICS ]
Frazier finalizes
contracts for Shoji
and TrapassoTerms aren't known, but it is
believed both will receive raises
The University of Hawaii's winningest coach has been working without a contract since January, but that should change soon.
A new deal for volleyball coach Dave Shoji -- whose teams have won 839 matches and four national championships in 28 years -- "has been finalized," according to UH athletic department spokeswoman Lois Manin, speaking for athletic director Herman Frazier yesterday.
Frazier also said a new five-year contract for baseball coach Mike Trapasso has been completed and the athletic director has "received a second revision of" a deal for softball coach Bob Coolen.
Contracts could be approved when the UH Board of Regents meets next Thursday. It is also possible a choice to replace retired women's basketball coach Vince Goo will be presented to the regents at that time.
Financial terms of the new contracts are not yet available, but it is believed Shoji and Trapasso will receive raises, or at least more potential bonuses through incentives.
Shoji's previous five-year deal included a $95,000 base annual salary, plus incentives.
Trapasso's three-year contract, which ended June 30, paid him $70,008 in salary, plus $50,000 in housing allowance and TV and radio fees, and incentives.
Trapasso's UH teams have gone 77-90, but that includes a 16-40 first season in 2002. He is in Japan as an assistant with the U.S. National Team.
Shoji is in New York on vacation. He said working without a contract has not been a problem.
"It's not a big deal because we both knew the situation," Shoji said in a phone conversation Tuesday. "Herman's trying to get all the coaches' contracts to end on the fiscal year (June 30). Mine up until now ended in January, so we'll change it over this time."
UH starts fall volleyball practice Aug. 10.
Wahine favored: Hawaii opens as the favorite to win the Western Athletic Conference again.
The loss of AVCA Player of the Year Kim Willoughby and two other All-Americans didn't stop the WAC coaches from voting Hawaii first in the preseason poll.
This vote was much closer than in previous years, with the Rainbow Wahine (74 points) picking up five first place votes, followed by Fresno State (66) with three votes. Rice (59) and Nevada (58) each received a vote for first, too.
The Rainbow Wahine will attempt to defend their WAC crown without Willoughby, Lily Kahumoku, Lauren Duggins and four other seniors from last year's NCAA final-four squad. But Hawaii does return AVCA Freshman of the Year Kanoe Kamana'o in its campaign for a ninth consecutive WAC title.
Keli'ikipi to return?: The attorney for West Keli'ikipi is optimistic the suspended UH running back will be able to return to the team in time to play his senior season this fall.
Keli'ikipi was suspended from the Warriors in May after he was indicted for felony theft for alleged involvement in a scam against Kaiser Foundation Health Plan Inc.
Attorney Michael Green said Keli'ikipi has a clean record, and that means he might be able to avoid a trial if the judge grants him a deferred plea. Then, UH could allow him back on the team. If Keli'ikipi stays out of trouble for a certain length of time, the plea is stricken from his record.
"I've met with the judge and the prosecutor, and I believe everyone is in agreement that something can be done. (Keli'ikipi has) been cooperative from the beginning. I believe we've shown enough to show there are mitigating circumstances," Green said. "I spoke with (coach) June Jones, and he is very supportive."
Green said he spoke with Frazier about the matter, and that UH's legal department was reviewing it.
Frazier said yesterday he had "received communication from the university attorney," but declined further comment.
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