UH recruit should be eligible to play for the Warriors

By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer

•	UH SCHEDULE Yesterday — Newcomers reported. Thursday — Veterans report. Saturday — Practice from 9:30-11:30 a.m.; 3-5 p.m. Sunday — Morning practice. Practices at UH's grass field are open to the public. Admission is free.

Martinez is awaiting approval from the NCAA Clearinghouse before reporting to UH, which welcomed football newcomers yesterday.

Dave White, head football coach at Edison High in Huntington Beach, Calif., said a clerical error led to the NCAA's involvement. When the matter is resolved, White said, "he should be OK. I think everything should go smoothly."

White said Martinez took two English classes as an Edison High senior, although he already earned enough core credits in that subject. In a review of his transcripts, Martinez's college-prep credits were miscounted.

The NCAA decided to conduct its own review. Until he is deemed eligible, Martinez is not allowed to receive financial aid from UH. He also cannot participate in team meetings or practices.

Edison counselors "didn't put two and two together," White said. "He has all of his credits."

The Los Angeles Times and Orange County Register named Martinez as the 2001 Orange County Player of the Year. Martinez is projected to compete at defensive back for the Warriors.

Yesterday, the other newcomers reported to UH for orientation meetings and physical examinations. Three junior-college players who enrolled at UH in January — running back John West, quarterback Jason Whieldon and linebacker Marco Chavez — can report Thursday, the first day for veteran players.

UH coach June Jones said about 25 first-year players had reported.

Only invited players eligible to compete this season will participate in training camp. Quarterback Kainoa Akina, who is transferring from Eastern Michigan, will report Aug. 26, when rosters are allowed to expand. NCAA rules require transferring players to sit out a season.

Akina is the son of Duane Akina, an assistant coach at Texas. Duane Akina is a graduate of Punahou School. He served as a UH assistant after playing at the University of Washington.