Saturday, October 31, 1998
’Bows expect big things
By Cindy Luis
from tall, talented team
Star-BulletinThere's big. And then there's BIG.
It's not going to be just another block party. This promises to turn into a superblock coming-out fete for the Hawaii men's volleyball.
The Rainbows are three weeks into their preseason training with a roster featuring six players 6-foot-5 and taller. One, 6-6 sophomore Torry Tukuafu (BYU transfer), would be starting at opposite if the season began tomorrow.
"We are very big and very athletic," Hawaii coach Mike Wilton said yesterday. "With our core of returning players and the new guys, I think we're on to a real good thing here.
"The fans will get a real treat Monday. Block Party III will be fun and the teams will be real competitive."
Monday's intrasquad scrimmage begins at 7 p.m. Admission is $5 and goes to the UH athletic department scholarship fund.
Nine players return from the 23-6 team the closed the season with an 11-1 run, falling to Pepperdine in the conference semifinal. In addition to the six newcomers is 6-9 Clay Stanley, who redshirted last season.
Old is new and new is old. Senior Mason Kuo is back at his former position as outside hitter and could see time also in the middle.
Replacing Kuo at setter is the familiar last name of Katz. Noam Katz, a 6-2 freshman, is the younger brother of two-time Rainbow All-American Yuval.
"Noam is good," Kuo said. "Coming from Israel, he's having to adjust to the American style of play but he's adjusting very well. He's very vocal and very competitive.
"For me, I'll play wherever I'm needed and do as much as I can. We're working on the chemistry with the new guys.
"Monday will be a real battle. Everyone is competing for a spot. There's a lot of pride on the line. It's against ourselves but each team wants to have the bragging rights."
Kuo's team is being set by sophomore Jorge Perez. Katz is setting the other team.
"It takes time for people to get used to each other but the team has talent," Katz said. "We need to work on our mental strength. It takes time to be a team but I think we can have a great season.
"I'm looking forward to Monday. My brother told me a lot and I have to mention that Naveh (Milo) helped me prepare to come here. I'm looking forward to the big crowds, having a very good time and having a lot of wins."
The Rainbows will be adding some height when the regular season opens in January. Wilton said a 6-7 blocker from the mainland will be in school as well as Cory Kamana'o, a 6-6, 275-pound middle from Salt Lake City.
Hawaii's preseason schedule is a four-island tour against Brigham Young during Thanksgiving week. The Rainbows and Cougars meet at Klum Gym on Nov. 25, at the Hilo Civic Nov. 26, at Maui's Seabury Hall on Nov. 27 and at Kapaa High on Kauai on Nov. 28.
Block Party III
Monday: Hawaii men's volleyball intrasquad scrimmage, 7 p.m.
Rainbow Roster
Pos Ht. Yr. Jorge Alifonso OH 6-2 So. Andre Breuer MB 6-9 Jr. Brenton Davis OH 6-4 So. Hunter Haliniak OH 6-0 Fr. Imai Karratti OH 6-2 Fr. Noam Katz S 6-2 Fr. Ole Kaven OH 6-7 Jr. Chris Kosty OH 6-3 Sr. Keoni Kowalski MB 6-5 Fr. Mason Kuo S/H 6-2 Sr. Russell Lockwood OH 6-0 Jr. Dejan Miladinovic MB 6-2 So. Jorge Perez S 5-10 So. Clay Stanley B/H 6-9 So. Torry Tukuafu OH 6-6 So.
http://uhathletics.hawaii.edu
