UH will use QB tandem

By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer

University of Hawai'i football coach June Jones yesterday reaffirmed that quarterbacks Tim Chang and Jason Whieldon will both play against Houston in the Sheraton Hawai'i Bowl on Christmas Day.

Although Chang, a fourth-year junior, is expected to start for the 12th time this season, both passers took an equal number of snaps during the two-hour practice yesterday afternoon.

"Both of them looked pretty sharp," Jones said. "Both have a pretty good grasp (of the game plan). The more reps Jason gets, the more confidence he's going to get. And I think Timmy knows (the offense). He's just staying sharp."

Jones has said he will not announce the starter until Christmas Day. Jones said he has not determined how he'll divide the playing time.

"We'll see how the game goes," Jones said.

Whieldon, a senior, started the season opener against Appalachian State and regular-season finale against Boise State.

SOPOAGA

KELI'IKIPI

"He was still messed up," Jones said. "He has it pretty ugly. I don't want him around catching the other guys sick."

Running back West Keli'ikipi, who has missed the past three games while recovering from a torn meniscus in his left knee, did not practice after irritating the injury.

"We think he'll be able to play (in the bowl game), but (his availability is) day to day," Jones said.

Slotback Chad Owens and wideout Jason Rivers did not practice because of final examinations. But Jones said it was unlikely Owens would have competed because of a sprained big toe and gout in his left foot.

Jones also said he would use cornerback Kenny Patton on an emergency basis. Patton, a second-year player who is expected to apply for a medical hardship, is recovering from a hamstring injury.

When asked if he was concerned about risking Patton's planned petition for a medical hardship, Jones said: "Nope. I owe it to the seniors to win the game."

But Jones said he would try to withhold Patton "unless we need him."

• X marks the spot: As part of the prize package for qualifying for a postseason bowl, every UH football player will receive an XBox video-game system from the school, athletic director Herman Frazier announced yesterday.

Teams participating in bowl games are allowed to spend up to $300 in gifts for their players. Frazier said the school wanted to include a gift that was different from the usual menu of watches and rings.

"I'm stoked," UH linebacker Ikaika Curnan said. "I wanted an XBox. My girlfriend was going to get me one for Christmas. I'm really happy about this. We're always playing video games."

The Warriors will check into the Sheraton Moana Surfrider Friday afternoon, spending six nights in Waikiki in preparation for the Hawai'i Bowl.

"An XBox is going to come in real handy," Curnan said.

UH also is expected to allow the players to keep their black game jerseys.

In addition, each Warrior will receive $300 worth of gifts from bowl officials, as well as an allowance. The players do not have to use the stipend to pay for lodging and meals.

The Western Athletic Conference, of which UH is a member, is co-sponsor of the Sheraton Hawai'i Bowl. According to a distribution agreement, if UH earns the minimum $750,000 participation fee, it will keep $350,000, with the balance used to subsidize the two other WAC-sponsored bowls, the Silicon Valley Football Classic in San Jose and Humanitarian Bowl in Boise.

UH is responsible for paying for hotel expenses and all meals not covered by the bowl. UH's $350,000 share also pays for the school's $300 gift packages to the players and the allowances.

It is not known if the UH share pays for the post-season bonuses for the nine assistant coaches. By qualifying for a bowl, UH coaches are entitled to the equivalent of one month's salary. In the past, UH pooled the bonus money, then gave each assistant coach an equal share.

Reach Stephen Tsai at stsai@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8051.