Chang could still redshirt

By Ferd Lewis
Advertiser Staff Writer

The University of Hawai'i could apply to have a year of eligibility restored for sophomore quarterback Tim Chang if he does not play again this season, a Western Athletic Conference official said yesterday.

Tim Hairston, assistant commissioner of the WAC for NCAA compliance, said UH would not have to petition for the waiver until after the season is completed, meaning the Warriors can keep the option available to them until then.

A medical hardship, if granted by the WAC office, would give Chang three years of remaining eligibility.

Chang, the Warriors' starter until being sidelined by a wrist injury, has not played since UH's third game of the season when he was injured in the third quarter against Rice on Sept. 29.

Head coach June Jones said Nick Rolovich, who has taken Chang's place and guided the Warriors to three consecutive victories and a 4-2 record, will get the start tomorrow against 18th-ranked Fresno State at Aloha Stadium.

Once Chang plays in a fourth game, he would lose the medical hardship option, Hairston said.

Hairston said the criteria for a medical hardship include: Not playing more than three games (in a 12-game season), not playing in the second half of the season and having a documented injury as certified by team doctors.