Posted on: Monday, October 7, 2002

UH's Ilaoa may delay church mission

By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer

For the University of Hawai'i football team, the bad news is slotback Nate Ilaoa will miss at least one game because of a dislocated right shoulder.

The good news is Ilaoa has not ruled out delaying plans to go on a church mission. Ilaoa, who is a member of the Mormon church, has said he wanted to begin his two-year mission at the end of this football season. But after Saturday's 58-31 loss to Boise State, Ilaoa said a decision is not finalized, and he would consider playing for the Warriors next season.

That would be a boost for the Warriors, who have watched the often-injured Ilaoa develop into a reliable receiver with elusive running ability. Ilaoa, a second-year freshman who redshirted last season, made his first collegiate start against Boise State.

"That's his decision," UH coach June Jones said of Ilaoa's church plans. "I don't really get into those things."

Jones said Ilaoa, who missed most of training camp because of a pulled hamstring, has played well in recent weeks.

"It's too bad for him," Jones said of Ilaoa's injury. "I wish it didn't happen, for sure, but there's nothing we can do about it for now."

Jones said Clifton Herbert, who platooned with Ilaoa at right slotback, will start Saturday's home game against Nevada. "We're not thin yet," Jones said. "We're four deep at every spot at receiver."

If running back Michael Bass, who is recovering from a partially torn knee ligament, is unavailable, Michael Brewster will play extensively. Brewster, who transferred from Tennessee last year, scored two touchdowns against Boise State.

"We kind of knew he was a player," Jones said. "He's worked really hard. Every time we put him in, he's done something pretty good."

Jones had hoped to use running back John West more. But Jones said West still is bothered by a sprained ankle suffered against Southern Methodist Sept. 28.

Left cornerback Abraham Elimimian is expected to be declared fit this week after missing the last two games because of a pulled right hamstring. UH defensive coordinator Kevin Lempa said if Elimimian is healthy, he will regain his starting job from freshman Kenny Patton.

Although the Warriors had difficulty slowing Boise State's running game, Lempa said, "everything's correctable." He also acknowledged "that was a good team we played."

The outcome dropped the Warriors from first place in the Western Athletic Conference. They are 3-2 overall and 2-1 in the WAC. But Jones said, "I don't pay attention to (the standings) until the end of the year."

Jones said the main focus is "to get everybody healthy and play better. That's what I'm concerned about."