Wednesday, September 25, 1996
The unofficial winner was middle linebacker Stephen Gonzales, who said he has been punting almost all his life, and he may be called upon if freshman Eric Hannum stumbles.
"I've been kicking since I was about 10 years old," said Gonzales, who was Hawaii's leading tackler in the 20-14 win over Boise State last Saturday.
"My junior year in high school I was backup to Doug Stuckey of Oregon State. My senior year I punted, and then I was a backup punter in junior college.
"My average in high school was 42 yards. If he wants me to start punting, I need to work on it. I've kind of lost my steps and the placement of the football."
Place-kicker Carlton Oswalt also is being considered. Like Gonzales, he experimented with it in high school.
"But the only time I really punted in high school was when my father got angry with our punter, and told me to go in," Oswalt said. "I could do it in an emergency."
It appears Eddie Klaneski will return punts this weekend against Fresno State, although vonAppen wasn't willing to name him over Doe Henderson just yet. Henderson said he's still bothered by a torn calf muscle.
"I don't think I can cut on my leg like I would need to do on punts," said Henderson, who missed last week's game against Boise State. "I'll be able to play safety, but I probably can't return punts."
That's OK with Klaneski, who is currently No. 18 in the nation. He returned five punts last weekend for 70 yards. The only drawback was his fumble on the last return.
"We haven't decided yet, but Doe is still not running like he did at one time," vonAppen said. "You can lose your job if you're injured. You can also lose it if you fumble."
The news was decidedly better for Brian Chapman. The defensive end returned to practice for the first time since being injured in the Ohio University loss.
Chapman suffered a hyperextension to his left knee. He underwent arthroscopic surgery and has missed the last two games.
"Brian is back, but we aren't sure if he's ready for the rigors of the game," vonAppen said. "We also lost Mark Hernandez today to an ankle sprain, but how serious it is, we don't know.
"We were hoping Gary could make it back, but it doesn't look good right now. We need him in there because he can catch."
Fellow tight end Ryan Green is still suffering from a bruised chest, but he took part in yesterday's three-hour practice, and said he will be making the trip.
The 7-yard grab in the back of the end zone that put the Rainbows ahead to stay against Boise State assured Macon of his first receiving score.
"I just looked up and thanked God," Macon said. "I had dropped a couple of passes before, so I didn't want to let this one get away."
Macon is second behind Dillan Micus in receptions with six for 58 yards. He also has rushed eight times for 49 yards and hit 1 of 2 passes for 22 yards.
"This may not be what Johnny wants to do, but he is helping the team a lot more in this capacity than he would be at quarterback," vonAppen said. "He's a very versatile athlete."