Warriors may receive help at net

By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer

For the University of Hawai'i men's volleyball team, an extensive search for a middle blocker appears to have ended two freeway exits away.

Pending financial arrangements, the Warriors believe they found their answer in Joshua Stanhiser, a 6-foot-10 student teacher at Hawaiian Mission Academy in Makiki.

"We're trying to work those things out," said Stanhiser, a California resident who is serving a student mission in Hawai'i through June.

It is hoped Stanhiser can enroll at UH in August in order to participate in the Warriors' fall conditioning program.

Stanhiser, who is a Seventh-day Adventist, attended Columbia University College in Maryland before applying for a student mission.

Religious beliefs

Last month, Stanhiser contacted the UH coaches, who were impressed with his quickness, agility and easy swing. He played basketball and volleyball at Columbia, an Adventist college.

UH coaches are willing to accommodate Stanhiser's beliefs. As an Adventist, he observes the Sabbath from sundown Friday to sundown Saturday, and will not practice or play during that time.

During his student mission, Stanhiser monitors the HMA dormitories and teaches physics, pre-algebra, money management and anatomy. Among HMA's alumni are former Gov. John Waihee and surfer/international model Malia Jones.

Stanhiser said he chose Hawai'i because he eventually wants to live on an island, and that HMA had expressed a need for student teachers, also known as task-force college students, in a church bulletin.

"There was a position available here, and I couldn't beat going to Hawai'i," he said. "There's no better opportunity."

Not just an athlete

HMA principal Josue Rosado said Stanhiser "has been a real asset to us. We're always looking for mature people with good interpersonal skills, and he's really pulled a load for us on a shoe-string budget."

Rosado said Stanhiser, who is a pre-med student, scored more than 1,500 on the SAT. Stanhiser's math score on the SAT was in the top 98 percentile, Rosado said.

"He's a sharp thinker as far as analysis of issues," Rosado said. "And he's a good athlete who doesn't lose his temper. He knows how to control the emotional element."

Stanhiser said he attended three UH volleyball matches and watched the Warriors several times on television. He also plays volleyball with several players who are friends with UH assistant coach Tino Reyes. The UH coaches watched Stanhiser play in several local tournaments.