Wilton 'great fit' for BYU, AD says
By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer
University of Hawai'i men's volleyball coach Mike Wilton had a successful meeting with Brigham Young University athletic director Val Hale yesterday in discussions over the Cougars' vacant head coaching job.
"He's very impressive," said Hale, who is seeking a successor to Carl McGown, who resigned at the end of the recently completed season.
Said Wilton: "I've met so many different people. We're taking it all in. ... It's their turn to talk and my turn to listen."
Wilton was scheduled to interview Wednesday, but his originally scheduled flight to Provo, Utah, was canceled. Wilton and his wife, Ku'ulei, did not arrive in Provo until Wednesday night.
"He's a great fit for BYU, I'll tell you that," Hale said. "He has an impressive resume. He has wonderful accomplishments as a coach, and he has all of the other things we require as a person."
Wilton is a high priest in the Mormon church, which administers BYU. That standing, Hale said, is a key factor in the interview process.
"Absolutely," Hale said. "At BYU, being a coach is more than Xs and Os. A coach has to represent the university. He fits all of the criteria perfectly."
Wilton is among several undisclosed candidates interviewed for the job. The application deadline is today.
"We hope to make a decision in the next week or two weeks," Hale said. "There are a number of very good candidates. We're grateful and honored that Coach Wilton agreed to be considered."
Hale first approached Wilton in January, soon after McGown announced his plans. At the time, Wilton did not have a signed agreement with UH. Since then, he agreed to a retroactive one-year contract that expires Aug. 15. Wilton agreed to discuss the BYU opening at the end of the season, which culminated with the Warriors winning the national championship.
Wilton said he will announce next week whether he will remain as a candidate for the BYU job. Last week, he met with high-ranking UH officials to discuss a multi-year contract.
