Thomas makes plans to play football, too

By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer

LOS ANGELES — University of Hawai'i volleyball player Delano Thomas has indicated to school officials he will compete in football training camp in August and try to play both sports this coming academic year.

Thomas, a 6-foot-7 middle blocker in volleyball, is envisioned as a short-yardage receiver and kick blocker in football, according to UH volleyball coach Mike Wilton.

The men's volleyball team spreads the financial equivalent of 4.5 scholarships among 10 or so players. Thomas, one of the nation's best middle blockers, receives a partial scholarship.

If all goes according to plan, Thomas, in accordance with NCAA rules, would receive a full scholarship from the football team. NCAA rules require the so-called "dominant" sport — in this case, football — to assume full scholarship payments for a two-sport athlete.

Wilton, who has discussed the situation with Thomas and football coach June Jones, said he has been assured Thomas still will be able to participate in the majority of volleyball's fall conditioning program.

"June told me (Thomas) would practice with us all fall; he only needs him Friday afternoons," Wilton said. "As June explained it to me, they would really minimize his clear-and-present-danger situations. They want him to be a 5-yard-line, run-into-the-end-zone, be-6-7 guy. I'm sure there's inherent danger. But he should be able to make choices."

Wilton said such a situation would be favorable to the volleyball program.

"If I can get the scholarship back, I'm OK with it," Wilton said.

Clearing room under the scholarship cap would allow the Warriors to pursue a middle blocker. People close to the program said the Warriors have a chance to sign a 6-foot-8 middle blocker from Serbia. The 20-year-old prospect, who is a friend of former UH middle blocker Dejan Miladinovic, has not signed a pro contract and probably would be eligible to compete as a college freshman.

Last fall, UH signed 6-foot-6 setter Bryan Beckwith from Los Angeles. Beckwith, rated as a Fab 50 player, is a member of the Junior National team. Wilton said Beckwith would challenge three-year starter Kimo Tuyay and top backup Daniel Rasay in the fall.

"We're giving him a shot," Wilton said. "It's not like, 'You're a senior, the ball is yours.' No way. It's wide open, and I think it's only right. ... To say, 'this guy is going to play, no matter what,' isn't very wise. Whoever makes the team and plays the best is going to play."

UH also reportedly received a verbal commitment from Matt Carrerre, a 6-foot-5 outside hitter from Canada. Carrerre, who will be a junior in the fall and has three years to play two seasons, is skilled enough to hit out of the back row.

Brian Villaroman, the brother of Wahine volleyball player Melissa Villaroman, is expected to join the Warriors as a libero. He will compete against starter Jake Muise and Arri Jaschke.

With the Warriors' stunning exit from the postseason following Thursday night's loss to Brigham Young in the league tournament semifinals, Wilton began looking ahead to next season. The Warriors lose three starting outside hitters — Costas Theocharidis, the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation's Player of the Year; Tony Ching, the go-to hitter during the last month, and team captain Eyal Zimet — and middle blocker Brian Nordberg.

Jose Delgado, the Warriors' third-leading hitter, redshirted this season and will be a sophomore in the fall. Pedro Azenha and Matt Bender also will compete at outside hitter.

Wilton said 6-foot-10 Joshua Stanhiser, who started the first third of the season, has improved his block reads in recent weeks. Then, of course, Thomas will be back. Wilton said Thomas has the potential to play for the national team.

"I'm very grateful to our four seniors," Wilton said. "I'll miss them."

But to the doomsayers, Wilton said, "We're going to be very good next year. ... Stay tuned."

NOTES: At next week's MPSF meetings, UH is proposing to serve as host for the league's postseason tournament. The current format has the highest remaining seed hosting the semifinals and finals. But Pepperdine, this year's host, drew about 500 for Thursday's semifinals. The Warriors average eight times that amount for a home match.