Sample training, hoping to stick

He is filling in for injured Ross Dickerson while waiting for word on his eligibility from the NCAA

Hawaii starting receiver Ross Dickerson hasn't practiced this spring because he's coming back from ankle surgery, so Ian Sample has filled in.

The Warriors just hope Sample will be around in the fall. He and running backs Nate Ilaoa and Bryan Maneafaiga and safety Leonard Peters are still awaiting word on their medical appeals to the NCAA for a sixth year of eligibility.

In recent years, running back Jonathan Kauka and defensive tackle Lui Fuga participated in spring camp while their appeals were being reviewed. Kauka's was denied, Fuga's was approved.

"As long as I don't know, I'm staying in shape and training. If it doesn't happen, I'll try not to get depressed because there's still five weeks left in the semester," Sample said. "It stinks, but I'm hopeful."

Sample played in seven games the past two seasons after transferring from Delaware State. He caught 19 passes for 243 yards and one touchdown at UH.

His appeal stems from a missed season at Delaware State.

The son of former Major League baseball player Billy Sample said yesterday he doesn't mind practicing at Les Murakami Stadium while the grass on the football field recovers from 1 1/2 months of nearly constant rain. But he doesn't like the AstroTurf surface very much.

"I give credit to the baseball players," Sample said. "Let me tell you, I can't imagine diving on this or sliding on this. That's just terrible."

Receivers coach Ron Lee said Dickerson might be back next week.

"He can run, but he can't cut," Lee said. "He knows what we're doing, so there's no rush and some other guys who need it are getting reps."

Offensive lineman Daniel Johnson (knee) and safety Brad Kalilimoku (hamstring) were also slowed by injuries yesterday.

Atlanta-bound: The Warriors plan to use Atlanta as their staging area before their season-opening game at Alabama on Sept. 2.

That's fine with punter Kurt Milne, whose family home is in Roswell, Ga., which is between Atlanta and Tuscaloosa.

"It'll definitely be nice to go home because I'm planning on staying out here this summer and I stayed here for spring break," said Milne, adding he will need at least 30 tickets for family and friends.

Jones and defensive coordinator Jerry Glanville both were head coach of the Atlanta Falcons, and Sample lived there when his father played for the Atlanta Braves.

Bring the family: The Warriors will conclude spring camp with a 60-play scrimmage at UH on April 15.

It will be part of a Football Ohana Festival put on by the athletic department.

There will be no admission charge and no fee for participating in the various contests and activities.

In addition to the regular practice drills, the Warriors will run seven-on-seven drills, followed by the scrimmage. The practice is scheduled to begin at 8 a.m. and run through 10 a.m. at the grass practice field.

From 8-11 a.m., there will be games and giveaways on the soccer field. Fans can compete for prizes and free tickets to a UH baseball game or the men's volleyball team's final regular-season home match against BYU that night. There will also be balloon artists and other activities and contests.

From 10-11 a.m., members of the UH football team will be available for autographs and photos.