June Jones planning on lengthy stay as UH coach
| • | Ferd Lewis: Warriors poised to take bite out of Bulldogs |
By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer
June Jones yesterday reaffirmed his intent to remain as the University of Hawai'i football team's head coach for several more years.
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Last February, Jones broke off talks on extending a contract that expires in January 2004. But yesterday, Jones said he was looking forward to the Warriors' future as well as the possibility of third-year sophomore Tim Chang breaking the NCAA career passing record.
Quarterback Tim Chang was a popular Warrior Saturday after setting school records in passing and total offense.
When asked if he still would be coaching the Warriors in 2004, when Chang is a senior, Jones said, "I'm planning on it right now."
He repeated that answer when asked about coaching the Warriors for at least several more years, including after the expiration of a contract he originally signed in December 1998.
Jones praised Chang, who took 20 games to break the UH career records for passing yards and total offense. After the Warriors' 37-14 victory over Tulsa on Saturday, Jones repeated his prediction that Chang eventually would break the NCAA career passing record.
"I didn't just say that (Saturday) night," Jones said. "I said that six months ago."
UH quarterbacks coach Dan Morrison said Chang has mastered the run-and-shoot offense at the same point in the season as Nick Rolovich did last year. The difference is Rolovich was a senior last year and Chang has 2 1/2 years remaining in his Warrior career.
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"It's an exciting time," Morrison said.
UH head coach June Jones said he was looking forward to the Warriors' future.
Jones said there are several players redshirting who will boost the offense in the future, including freshman slotback Ross Dickerson. "We came close to not redshirting him a couple of weeks ago," Jones said, referring to the numerous injuries at slotback.
For now, Jones said: "I don't worry about the future. I worry about putting out the best team for the seniors."
Still, Jones is concerned about Friday's nationally televised game at Fresno State. The Warriors are scheduled to leave Wednesday night for Ontario, Calif., where they will practice Thursday. They will not practice at all in Fresno.
The last time the Warriors played in Fresno, in 2000, they practiced near a fraternity house on the Bulldogs' campus. Members of the fraternity yelled taunts the entire practice.
"I don't want to practice in Fresno," Jones said, adding the last time was "a distraction. I don't want to deal with that."
But Jones praised the Bulldogs' rowdy fans, who line the ramp leading to the field. "Every home team wishes (it) had that crowd," Jones said.
Strong safety Hyrum Peters, who did not play in the second half against Tulsa because of a stinger, is expected to play Friday.
Safety Leonard Peters also will be available. He was sidelined in the second half because of an abdominal injury, but medical tests at the hospital showed the pain was not related to the spleen and kidney injuries he suffered in training camp.
Defensive end Houston Ala, who is recovering from a sore Achilles' heel, did not play against Tulsa, although he would have been available if needed. He will make the trip to Fresno.
