Two UH players honored

By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — University of Hawai'i volleyball players Costas Theocharidis and Dejan Miladinovic yesterday were named to the American Volleyball Coaches Association All-America team.

"It feels good. Wow. Big deal," said Theocharidis, a 6-foot-3 outside hitter who was the AVCA's Player of the Year in 2001. "We came here not for the individual awards but for the big thing. That's what matters."

Miladinovic led the nation with 1.90 blocks per game. He said the honor makes up for not being selected to the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation all-star team.

"It's flattering," said Miladinovic, a 6-foot-7 middle blocker. "It's also recognition for the whole team. The rest of the guys made it possible."

UH coach Mike Wilton said selecting both players was a "righteous" decision.

"It should be that way," Wilton said.

Pepperdine middle blocker Brad Keenan was named the AVCA's Player of the Year. His teammate, outside hitter Sean Rooney, was chosen Newcomer of the Year.