WARRIOR NOTEBOOK
Rolovich says Chang can't let critics get to him
By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer
Former University of Hawai'i quarterback Nick Rolovich said Warrior fans need to be supportive of starting quarterback Tim Chang.
Despite throwing for 360 yards in a 58-31 loss to Boise State last week, Chang was the subject of the majority of calls to the postgame Fan Phone radio show.
Rolovich acknowledged UH football is "the biggest show in town and there's a lot of pride there. ... They have a right to say what they want to say. But they're not there everyday working with the team. There are only a few people whose thoughts and feelings have a bearing on the team, and those are by the coaches and leaders of the team."
Rolovich recalled how he was booed in his UH debut against Portland State in 2000.
"I wanted to redeem myself," he said. "I didn't want to be known as the guy who always got booed."
Rolovich regained the starting job when Chang suffered a wrist injury in the third game last season. Rolovich led the Warriors to victories in eight of the final nine games.
"It's all how Timmy takes it and deals with it," Rolovich said. "There's always going to be somebody who doesn't like you. You have to go out and make sure your main objective is to be the best you can be and maybe prove some people wrong."
Rolovich returned to his family's home in the Bay Area after being released by the Denver Broncos in training camp in August. He said he plans to return to Hawai'i next week, and will enroll in school in January.
Rolovich also has not ruled out a future in pro football. The San Jose SaberCats, the defending Arena Football League champions, have expressed an interest in Rolovich.
Health report: UH slotback Nate Ilaoa is scheduled to undergo a magnetic resonance imaging to determine the damage to his dislocated right shoulder. An MRI uses magnetic fields to create an image of the body's interior.
UH officials yesterday said Ilaoa is expected to miss a minimum of four weeks because of the injury suffered against Boise State. Ilaoa, a second-year freshman, was the starting right slotback.
Ilaoa's right arm was in a sling during yesterday's one-hour conditioning drill at UH's grass practice field.
UH coach June Jones has said Clifton Herbert, who platooned with Ilaoa, will start against Nevada Saturday at Aloha Stadium.
Running backs Thero Mitchell, who suffered a sprained right shoulder against Boise State, and John West, who entered that game with a sprained ankle, should be available against Nevada.
Cornerback Abraham Elimimian, who missed the past two games because of a pulled right hamstring, is expected to start Saturday.
