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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Wednesday, August 15, 2001

UH football team ready to open training camp

 •  UH players use supplements, but not any banned by NCAA

By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer

The University of Hawai'i football team opens training camp tomorrow night. But don't ask the players about it.

UH coach June Jones has imposed a moratorium on media interviews with the players until the end of tomorrow night's first practice.

It is believed the moratorium will allow the players, especially the newcomers, to focus on orientation meetings and "getting situated," Jones said. "There are a lot of things they need to do."

About 30 newcomers reported to the team Monday. The returning players may begin reporting today, and all of them must check in by tomorrow.

Jones expects 103 players to compete in training camp. NCAA rules allow up to 105 players in training camp, but the Warriors are keeping two slots open in case of late additions. On Sept. 27, the first day of UH's fall semester, the roster may expand to 108.

Unlike previous seasons, UH does not have any player awaiting an eligibility ruling from the NCAA Clearinghouse. Jones said there are a few players who need to complete academic work, but those cases are "in-house matters" and should be resolved without problems.

While the newcomers submitted to mandatory drug testing Monday, the returning players will be tested randomly. After being fitted for uniforms and equipment, the returning players will be ready to compete tomorrow night.

"Things are going smoothly," Jones said.

The coaches already have declared that the Warriors are in better shape than in spring practice. Quarterback Tim Chang, who weighed 170 pounds as a high school senior and 190 as a true freshman last year, is up to 205.

Right guard Vincent Manuwai, who is being trumpeted as a candidate for the Outland Trophy as the nation's top lineman, is down to 284 pounds, 13 pounds lighter than eight months ago. His body fat was measured at 18 percent. Still, school officials say, Manuwai recently ran 40 yards in 5.0 seconds and bench pressed 225 pounds 32 times. He also benched 425 pounds four times.