Theocharidis is best of MPSF

By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer

Opposite hitter Costas Theocharidis led the nation in hitting for UH coach Mike Wilton's volleyball team. Advertiser library photo • March 3, 2003

"It's nice, but who cares about it?" said Theocharidis, a 6-foot-3 senior from Greece. "Nobody cares about individual goals or awards. That's not why we came here."

The Warriors, who arrived in Los Angeles last night, meet Brigham Young tomorrow night in the semifinals of the MPSF Tournament.

The Warriors seek to win the tournament and earn the league's automatic berth in next week's final four, or advance to the NCAA tournament as the at-large team. They have never won the MPSF Tournament.

"We have one goal, and that's to win another national championship," Theocharidis said. "We set some priorities. First, we have to focus on BYU. We don't want to look too far ahead."

Theocharidis, who has a chance to become the school's first four-time first-team All-American when the national awards are announced next week, won the MPSF's top honor for the second time in his career.

He was named Player of the Year in 2001.

Theocharidis led the nation in hitting this season. He also became the first Warrior to amass 2,000 career kills.

Theocharidis, who will earn his bachelor's degree in December, will rejoin Greece's national team next spring. As host, Greece's volleyball team is assured a berth in the 2004 Olympics.

"Right now," Theocharidis said, "all I'm thinking about is my next match. I can't think about that other stuff now."

UH middle blocker Delano Thomas of Sacramento and outside hitter Tony Ching, a Kamehameha Schools graduate, were named to the second team.

Outside hitter Eyal Zimet, a senior from Israel, was selected to the third team.

"We're fortunate to have so many go-to players," UH coach Mike Wilton said. "Costas is in the hunt for the Player of the Year award every year, and Tony has emerged as another go-to player. That's a pretty good deal."

Wilton also praised Zimet, the team captain. Zimet is the Warriors' most accurate passer, as well as a reliable server and active defensive player.

During the team's mid-season slump, Zimet, despite suffering from back spasms, volunteered to play libero for the first time in his collegiate career.

"Eyal doesn't always get a lot of recognition, but people who really know volleyball can appreciate his game and what he does for us," Wilton said.

UH setter Kimo Tuyay, a junior from San Diego, received honorable mention.

"I fully expected all of those guys to gain some kind of honors," Wilton said. "They all contributed. It's been a team effort."

Middle blocker Brian Nordberg, who missed the first third of the season while recovering from surgery on his right shoulder, and libero Jake Muise, who regained his starting job Feb. 21, probably did not earn enough playing time to receive consideration.

The 12 MPSF head coaches chose the all-star teams.

A head coach was not allowed to vote for any of his players.

Top-ranked Pepperdine placed three players on the first team, led by middle blocker Brad Keenan, last year's national Player of the Year.

Jeff Campbell of Cal State Northridge, Tom Peterson of BYU and Joe Wortmann of Pacific shared Coach of the Year honors.

Setter Tyler Hildebrand of Long Beach State was chosen Freshman of the Year.