Friday, May 8, 1998

UH’s Shrout
named preseason
All-American

College Sports News makes
the punter an honorable
mention pick

By Paul Arnett
Star-Bulletin

Punter Chad Shrout became the first University of Hawaii football player named to a preseason All-America team since Fred vonAppen was named head coach.

Shrout was excited by the news that he was selected honorable mention by College Sports News magazine. The native of Lancaster, Calif., finished fifth in the nation in punting last year, averaging 46.1 yards.

"That's great news," Shrout said. "I'm honored to be a part of any All-America team. The good thing is, I can build on this. It's not like I've been named first team and have all that pressure on me. This allows me to grow and continue to set goals.

"I just want to approach this season like I have the others and try not to think too much about the numbers," Shrout added. "This is something you always dream about. But I can't let the national recognition go to my head."

Shrout was named first team All-Western Athletic Conference last year and was the WAC's Special Teams Player of the Week after averaging 47.4 yards on eight punts in the 17-3 win over Minnesota.

"We're very happy for him and for the recognition it brings our team," vonAppen said. "We're always delighted when our players receive individual awards.

"Our goal this year will be to put a better special teams around him so he doesn't have to worry as much about blocked kicks," he added. "We need to improve our net punting and our punt protection."

A leg up on the competition

Hawaii punter Chad Shrout compiled some impressive numbers last year:
Had 20 punts of more than 50 yards
Had five punts for more than 60 yards
Against Cal State Northridge, he had five punts of 50 or more yards

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