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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Thursday, April 24, 2003

Spring game could be revived in '04

By Brandon Masuoka
Advertiser Staff Writer

Hawai'i coach June Jones yesterday said the spring scrimmage that was canceled this year could be played next season at Aloha Stadium if the state facility is available.

Jones canceled the popular "Spring Challenge" because he said there was no venue available. In January, Jones said he didn't want his team to play on the AstroTurf at Cooke Field because it could lead to injuries, and added that the UH grass practice field is not large enough to accommodate the 3,000 fans who usually attend.

"If we have a place to do it, then we'll do it," Jones said of the Spring Challenge. "If (Aloha Stadium is) available when we want to do it, then it would be an option that we would pursue."

Work crews at Aloha Stadium are installing FieldTurf, a surface in which blade-like material is placed over a sand-and-rubber base. The installation is scheduled to be completed by mid-May, according to FieldTurf officials.

"We would welcome the University of Hawai'i here (for the Spring Challenge)," Aloha Stadium manager Eddie Hayashi said. "This is their home field."

• Chang on Saint Louis: Hawai'i starting quarterback and Saint Louis School graduate Tim Chang yesterday said he hoped the new Saint Louis School football coach would not make drastic changes to the defending state champions.

On Tuesday, Delbert Tengan announced his resignation as Saint Louis School head football coach. Tengan, 42, succeeded Cal Lee in March 2002 and served as head coach for one season. Tengan said he did not know who will succeed him.

"When you're winning, you don't want to change anything," Chang said. "I don't think they should change anything. Maybe bring somebody else in that runs the similar schemes, or somebody that's already there should take over. But who am I? I'm just a young adult. My opinion really doesn't mean nothing when hiring a coach."

Tengan coached defense when Chang attended Saint Louis School. Chang also said Tengan taught a couple of physical education classes that he attended.

Chang said he hoped that the new coach could maintain the relationship with the University of Hawai'i and coach June Jones.

"It all depends on who they bring in now," Chang said. "If coach Delbert doesn't want it, then they're going to need somebody else to come in and follow the ways of coach Cal and coach Delbert and continue the winning ways.

"If they continue the winning ways and they still have the connection and tie with UH, things will stay the same," Chang continued. "If they go elsewhere, and they find somebody that doesn't run the same kind of offensive system or the same defensive scheme, I guess the program is going to change. Hopefully for the better."