Two Hawai'i middles commit to Warriors

By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer

The University of Hawai'i men's volleyball team has secured commitments from two 6-foot-8 middle blockers from Hawai'i.

Shawn Frederick, a Wai'anae High graduate who played at Long Beach City College the past two seasons, and Dio Dante of Maui High indicated they will play for the Warriors next year. Frederick grew four inches in the last two years. Dante was named to the 2001 All-State volleyball team.

The Warriors are losing two middle blockers from their national championship team. Dejan Miladinovic completed his eligibility and is expected to sign with a professional team in Bulgaria. Rob Drew, who did not play the past two seasons after undergoing colon surgery, might have exhausted his college eligibility. The NCAA is ruling on Drew's final appeal.

The Warriors return three middle blockers — 6-7 Delano Thomas, 6-6 Geronimo "JoJo" Chala and 6-5 Brian Nordberg. Last week, 6-10 Josh Stanhiser, who was a redshirt on the UH basketball team last season, signed a scholarship agreement with the volleyball Warriors.

Meanwhile, UH coach Mike Wilton said he does not anticipate any problems in negotiations over a long-term contract. Wednesday morning, Wilton withdrew as a candidate for the head coaching job at Brigham Young University. His contract with UH expires Aug. 15. UH athletic director Hugh Yoshida said he is seeking a multi-year deal for Wilton.

Wilton is a high priest in the Mormon church, which administers BYU, and said it was a difficulty choice to end his candidacy for the Cougar job. He did not rule out the possibility of one day working at BYU in a non-volleyball capacity.

"Maybe a church school will want me to be who-knows-what," he said. "If we're talking men's volleyball, I'm a Warrior. If I'm going to coach men's volleyball, I'm only going to coach the Warriors."