UH's Canadian libero a picture of cool

By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer

•	WHAT: UH men's volleyball intrasquad match WHEN: 9 a.m. today WHERE: Gym I, first floor of UH Athletic Complex ADMISSION: Free

No, as UH assistant Tino Reyes recalled, it was Muise's picture of coolness.

"When I saw that picture," Reyes said, "I knew he was tough."

Muise was photographed surfing in Canada's Lawrencetown Bay. There was an iceberg in the background.

"It was, like, minus-2 degrees Celsius," Reyes said. "When you surf in that kind of weather, you have to be pretty tough."

That summer of 2000, Muise committed to UH. He spent the next five semesters successfully weathering several obstacles. Now, according to Reyes, Muise is the leading contender to start at libero when the Warriors open their season against Lewis Wednesday night in the Stan Sheriff Center.

"I like his experience and enthusiasm," UH coach Mike Wilton said. "The most important component of being a libero, by far, is being able to pass the ball. He was up and down in the fall with his passing. But he's done a nice job in the last four days."

UH setter Kimo Tuyay said: "Jake likes being out there and playing. It shows. He talks a lot. Sometimes I have to tell him to shut up because he talks too much. But that's good. That's what we need. We need somebody to be vocal."

Muise was expected to start during the 2001 season. But Vernon Podlewski enrolled at UH in January of that year after earning an associate degree at Santa Barbara City College, then seized the libero job from Muise. Podlewski was a two-year starter before completing his NCAA eligibility last May.

"Vernon stepped in and did a great job," Muise said. "I appreciate him playing in front of me and teaching me some things. Hopefully, it's my turn."

Muise said he benefitted from playing on the Warriors' scout team the last two years. "That definitely made me better," he said. "I was playing against the national champions every single day."

Muise also has had to scramble off the court. The volleyball team must divide the equivalent of 4.5 scholarships among about 10 players. Muise's share was proportionate to his role as a backup.

This semester, he will work as a dormitory resident adviser, a position that provides both a stipend and free housing.

Muise, who is majoring in marketing, earned a 4.0 grade-point average on 18 credits last semester. As a result, International Student Services awarded Muise a tuition waiver for the spring semester.

Muise, who is 6 feet, also saves money by using a 5-foot-long skateboard as transportation.

"There have been a few bumps in the road," Muise said. "I've always made it financially possible to be back here any way I could because I knew it was a great experience. This is the best volleyball program in the country."

Thomas on hold: Middle blocker Delano Thomas' availability for Wednesday's season opener remains in question. Thomas still is awaiting approval on a class project from the fall semester. Once approval is granted, Thomas will be immediately eligible.

Wilton said approval could come as late as the day of the match. Without the approval, Thomas will not be allowed to play, Wilton said.

Upcoming matches

Hawai'i times

• Jan. 8 Lewis 7 p.m.
• Jan. 10 Lewis 7 p.m.

Outrigger Invitational (Jan. 16-18)

• Jan. 16 Ball State vs. Shanghai Oriental (China) 5 p.m.
• Jan. 16 Penn State 7:30 p.m.
• Jan. 17 Penn State vs. Shanghai Oriental 5 p.m.
• Jan. 17 Ball State 7:30 p.m.
• Jan. 18 Penn State vs. Ball State 5 p.m.
• Jan. 18 Shanghai Oriental 7:30 p.m.
• Jan .22 Stanford 7 p.m.
• Jan. 24 Stanford 7 p.m.