Wilton expects to finalize multi-year contract soon

By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer

University of Hawai'i men's volleyball coach Mike Wilton said he expects to reach an agreement on a multi-year contract by the end of the month.

Wilton has had preliminary discussions with UH president Evan Dobelle, vice-president Paul Costello and interim UH-Manoa chancellor Deane Neubauer.

"I don't anticipate any problems," Wilton said. "I won't say I'll get the moon handed to me, but they'll do the right thing for men's volleyball. I really think so."

Wilton has sought a multi-year deal since his three-year contract expired in May 2000. Since then, he agreed to successive one-year deals, both times after his contracts lapsed.

In a meeting with Neubauer last month, Wilton was assured of receiving at least a three-year contract. Wilton's current contract, which pays a base salary of about $80,000, expires Aug. 15.

Wilton said he wants a significant pay raise for long-time assistant Tino Reyes, who has four children, and to upgrade his son, Aaron, from a part-time coach to full-time status. Aaron Wilton, a former All-America volleyball player, moonlights as a teacher at the Loveland Academy in Honolulu. Wilton said he does not anticipate problems with either request.

In the last eight years, Wilton has led the Warriors to three appearances in the NCAA final four. Last month, the Warriors defeated Pepperdine in the championship match.

• Four honored: Middle blocker Dejan Miladinovic, outside hitter Costas Theocharidis, setter Kimo Tuyay and Zimet were named to the 2002 Mountain Pacific Sports Federation Academic team.

Miladinovic, who earned a bachelor's degree in finance last December, has a 3.5 cumulative grade-point average. Miladinovic, who completed his eligibility last month, is expected to sign with a professional team in Europe.

Theocharidis, who is training with Greece's national team, has a 3.67 GPA. Zimet's GPA is 3.26; Tuyay's 3.08.