UH happy for holiday at home
By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer
University of Hawai'i football coach June Jones said he has no regrets that his team accepted an early invitation to play in the inaugural ConAgra Foods Hawai'i Bowl on Christmas Day.
What's more, he said his first preference would be to always play a bowl game in Hawai'i.
"Totally," Jones said after yesterday's practice.
With an 8-2 record and No. 25 national ranking, the Warriors probably could have negotiated to play in a bowl in either Seattle or San Francisco.
But Jones said the nationally televised Hawai'i Bowl is a suitable match for the Warriors. The Hawai'i Bowl is the only postseason game played on Christmas Day. It will be shown in prime time on the East Coast.
"It's perfect for us," Jones said. "I like the time slot. The whole country will be watching us. The only reason I'm glad to go to a bowl game is to try and get exposure."
With the exception of a berth in a Bowl Championship Series game, Jones said, "I would prefer to stay home for every game."
• Hold everything: Outside linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa said he will wait until after the Hawai'i Bowl to decide whether to apply for the National Football League draft.
Because he entered UH as a partial academic qualifier in 1999 — he met the SAT and grade-point average requirements, but was a credit short in his core curriculum — Tinoisamoa is eligible to play next season if he earns a bachelor's degree within four years. According to his eligibility clock, Tinoisamoa's graduation deadline is next August.
"I have to do what's best for myself and, right now, I'm not sure what that is," he said.
NFL scouts, who were in Houston for last weekend's game between UH and Rice, interviewed Tinoisamoa, middle linebacker Chris Brown, right guard Vince Manuwai, center Lui Fuata, left wideout Justin Colbert, running back Thero Mitchell and punter Mat McBriar.
"I don't worry about that," Tinoisamoa said of his pro prospects. "I'm going to sit down after the season and see what my chances are (in the NFL draft)."
• Holding pattern: Right slotback Nate Ilaoa also said he will wait until after the season to decide if he will begin a two-year mission for the Mormon Church next year.
If he decides to apply, he would like to delay the start of his mission until the summer, allowing him to complete his fourth semester of school and participate in spring practice.
Ilaoa said he has wanted to go on a mission "for as long as I can remember." His commitment was revitalized by an older brother's recently completed mission.
Ilaoa, who has overcome shoulder and hamstring injuries this season, has shown his elusiveness after making catches. He said he developed that skill playing backyard football.
"It was two-hand touch, basically, and I never wanted to get touched," he said.
With his leg strength and shifty running style, Ilaoa appears to be made for running back, a position he played until joining UH last year.
"It's always crossed my mind about being a running back, especially if you're thinking about the next level," he said. "But right now, with the offense we're in, receiver is probably the best spot for me. Being a receiver is kind of fun in the run-and-shoot."
The Warriors are five-deep at the lone running back position, and Thero Mitchell and Josh Galeai are the only seniors. Jones said it is unlikely Ilaoa will change positions.
"We've got a lot of running backs," Jones said.
• Health report: Starting left guard Shayne Kajioka, who suffered a bruised sternum when he was struck on the chest by a Rice player last Saturday, practiced yesterday and is expected to play against Cincinnati.
Defensive end Travis Laboy, who missed the Rice game because of a sprained left ankle, also practiced with the second team yesterday.
But slotback Chad Owens, who is recovering from sprained knee ligaments, is not expected to return until the Nov. 30 game against Alabama, at the earliest.
