WARRIORS NOTEBOOK
Charter flights for 4 of 5 road trips will be approved

By Stephen Tsai and Ferd Lewis
Advertiser Staff Writers

Jason Whieldon will likely get the starting nod Aug. 31 against Eastern Illinois if projected starter Tim Chang is not fully recovered from a fractured pinkie on his throwing hand. Eugene Tanner • The Honolulu Advertiser

During a 90-minute briefing yesterday, Frazier, who has reviewed the football program's budget, said, "I think we will end up chartering."

Last week, Frazier approved reserving a charter flight for UH's game against Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. The cost of the roundtrip between Honolulu and Salt Lake City is $96,000, at least $20,000 more than what UH usually pays to fly commercial.

But Frazier said UH coach June Jones has kept expenses within his budget the past three years, and the athletic department can afford additional charter flights for road games against Texas-El Paso, Boise State and Fresno State. Frazier said UH can fly commercial for the game against Rice because Continental Airlines has nonstop flights between Houston and Honolulu.

"I don't know if you realize it, even last year football didn't even spend all the money in its budget," Frazier said. "I think June is a very good fiscal manager. I don't think he spends money foolishly. And so as I look at the amount of money he turned back last year, he could have (booked charter flights) last year within his budget numbers. In that regard, once you give them their numbers — I'm not going to micro-manage — I think they should be able to live within those numbers."

Another misstep: Punter Greg Kleidon suffered another setback recently when he underwent hernia surgery.

As a junior-college transfer in 2000, Kleidon was projected to be the Warriors' punter. But two days before the season opener, he severely sprained his ankle while tripping on his way to class. Mat McBriar took his place and went on to become an all-conference player.

It is not known when, or if, Kleidon will be able to punt this season.

Mission complete: For the past two years, Anipati Mailo adhered to the strict standards of the missionary life, limiting communication with his family to weekly letters and remaining in Guatemala even after his younger brother suffered a paralyzing injury.

"It was hard for me," said Mailo, who rejoined the Warriors this year. "I didn't get to see him until I was done with my mission. But I had faith, and I knew my family was there to support him."

Mailo, a Kahuku High graduate, played for UH in 1999, then embarked on the two-year church mission. "It was a real different experience living in a third-world country," he said.

He went door-to-door, trying to share his Mormon faith, and volunteered by doing chores for underprivileged families.

"I love the people there," he said. "They're very humble, especially because of their circumstances, but they have a lot of love."

The 6-foot-2 Mailo lost 30 pounds, and now weighs 215. He is expected to redshirt this season.