Posted on: Thursday, March 20, 2003

Warriors' thoughts on conflict in Iraq

By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer

Sometimes, they refer to themselves as the "Men of War," a description of their gritty play on the volleyball court.

But while watching CNN's updates of the Iraqi conflict, the members of the University of Hawai'i men's volleyball team reflected on the other "Warriors."

"It puts things in some sort of perspective," said UH middle blocker Brian Nordberg, whose second-ranked team hosts Pacific tomorrow and Saturday. "It kind of minimizes the significance of volleyball and athletics."

UH outside hitter Tony Ching said: "Before every match, we always say, 'We're going to war.' But what we do is nothing like a real war. ... Right now, it's a strange time for me. I have a lot of friends who are in the military. This is hitting close to home. It's awkward to be talking about a game when our country is on the brink of war, if not already engaging in war. Volleyball doesn't seem to mean as much in comparison to people's lives."

For now, the matches will go on. The Pacific volleyball team was scheduled to leave California this morning and arrive in Honolulu this afternoon.

"Everything is conjecture at the moment," Pacific coach Joe Wortmann said. "I haven't received word from any administrator or NCAA official other than we're going to play. It's not something I'm worried about at the moment."

Nordberg said it is important for the matches to be played.

"After 9/11, people have to continue with their daily lives," he said. If not, "it's almost like they got the better of you. You have to realize the significance (of the Iraqi conflict), but to a certain extent, you have to block some of it out."

UH coach Mike Wilton, an ex-Marine, said: "I'm hoping for the best for all who are representing our country in Iraq and around the world. In the meantime, it's important to keep that in mind and keep taking care of business here."

That has been difficult for UH outside hitter Eyal Zimet, who was raised in Israel. His mother is American and father is Israeli, and Zimet has dual citizenship in both countries.

Tension "is an ongoing situation in Israel," Zimet said. "Israel is going to be an obvious target for Iraq. I hope (the war) ends up quickly and relatively painless."