UH football
Warriors picked fourth; Fresno St. WAC favorite

By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer

RENO, Nev. — The University of Hawai'i football team is projected to finish fourth in the Western Athletic Conference, according to a polling of 24 media members who cover the 10-school league.

The Warriors, who were 3-9 last season, did not receive any No. 1 votes. The poll was announced at yesterday's WAC Media Preview.

When told of the results, UH coach June Jones said in a telephone interview, "I don't really believe in polls. You have to play the games."

Jones said the media predicted the Warriors would finish last in 1999. Instead, they finished in a three-way tie for the league championship.

Wide receiver Ashley Lelie, who is representing UH at these meetings, also said preseason polls carry little weight.

"I wish they picked us to finish last," Lelie said. "That would give us more motivation to prove people wrong."

Fresno State was picked No. 1, earning 18 first-place votes and 223 points. Texas-El Paso was second (four No. 1 votes, 190 points), followed by Boise State (one and 151) and Hawai'i (128).

No. 6 Tulsa also received a first-place vote.

"That's a nice house-warming present," Boise State offensive tackle Matt Hill said of his team's predicted finish. The Broncos joined the WAC last month.

Fresno State quarterback David Carr said his team embraces the No. 1 spot.

"We'd love to finish that way, too," he said. "But football isn't that easy. We draw up little circles on paper, but the plans don't always turn out that way."