Whieldon completes solid spring practice

By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer

With only today's practice remaining in the University of Hawai'i football team's spring training camp, Jason Whieldon has emerged as the top backup to starting quarterback Tim Chang.

WHIELDON

"He's been the most consistent of the players out there," UH coach June Jones said.

If the season were to start today, Jones said: "He would be No. 2. He's done a nice job this spring with all of the reps."

While Whieldon has moved ahead of the other contenders, Dan Morrison, who coaches the quarterbacks, said: "As a group, they're all doing better, and that was the main goal this spring. We're happy with all of them. But I think right now Jason would be the guy who would go in behind Timmy. Jason has done well. We're happy with his progress."

Whieldon was the No. 2 quarterback last fall before leaving the team for a week in September to tend to a family problem. When he returned, he had dropped to No. 3, behind Chang and Shawn Withy-Allen, and received few snaps in practices.

But Whieldon said he remained involved by taking "mental reps" — standing behind the quarterback in practice while envisioning what play should be called — and spending hours each week in the film room.

"Watching films is just as important as practicing," Whieldon said.

He said he improved his strength and quickness by participating in an off-season conditioning program. "When you're in the weight room, you can see who's improving," Whieldon said. "Some of these guys are getting pretty big. I'm glad they're on my side."

Chang praised Whieldon's development, saying, "The reps he's had this spring have really advanced his game. I think he's real accurate, probably more accurate than me. He does a good job of finding the receivers. I do see him at the No. 2 spot right now. He's been that guy."

• Snap to it: Chad Kahale has a message for those who doubted he could lose more than 30 pounds in three months: Pay up.

"I made a few wages," said the 6-foot-3, 305-pound Kahale, who lost 32 pounds since the end of the 2002 season.

Kahale, who will be a third-year junior in the fall, credited a special plan.

"It's called the no-food diet," he said, laughing. "I've got to lose about 15 more pounds. But I feel good, and I'm running a lot better."

Kahale, who is working out at guard and center, is regarded as the No. 1 snapper on field-goal attempts and extra-point kicks. Tanuvasa Moe will snap on punts.

Not only does Kahale provide strong blocking and accurate snaps, he also is a calming presence. It is quite a personality transformation for the usually fun-loving Kahale.

"When I'm snapping, I clear my thoughts," he said. "Maybe I sing a song to myself, or something like that, to distract me. Whenever the d-linemen are talking trash, I can focus on what I want to do."

• Speed thrills: The Hawai'i Speed and Quickness Clinic has sessions scheduled for Saturday and Sunday at UH's grass field. Sessions are from 10 a.m.-noon for ages 8-12 and from 2:30-4:30 p.m. for those 13 and older. Each session is $10. Additional clinics are on May 3 and 4, May 10 and 11.

For details, call 671-3812.