Three Warriors on bench because of numbers game

By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer

BASS

FIASEU

KAJIOKA

The surprise is that those outings did not come from Shayne Kajioka, Pesefea Fiaseu Jr. and Michael Bass.

Kajioka and Bass are on the bench after starting last season and Fiaseu is in limbo after incurring academic problems.

"It's hard, but as long as we're winning, I'm happy with that," said Kajioka, a left guard who was positioned between left tackle Wayne Hunter and center Lui Fuata last season.

Hunter and Fuata completed their NCAA eligibility last December, and Kajioka, a fifth-year senior, was expected to anchor this season's offensive line. Instead, he has been set adrift, playing behind second-year freshman Samson Satele.

During the offseason, "I thought I trained hard enough," Kajioka said. He started the opener against Appalachian State, then ceded left guard to Satele.

"This is a real letdown for me," said Kajioka, who had pro football aspirations before the demotion. "It's part of life and I have to deal with it. I'm taking it one day at a time."

For now, Kajioka helps tutor Satele and second-year freshman Tala Esera, a converted defensive lineman who starts at left tackle. "I'm trying to share some of the experiences I've learned."

Kajioka said he looks forward to earning his bachelor's degree in December. He is majoring in English.

"Ever since I came here, my mom told me that no matter what happens in football, make sure I get the degree," he said. "I knew this wasn't going to last forever. At least I'll have something that will take me further."

Bass was the 155-pound jewel of the 2001 recruiting class. He was a starter the last two years, although he suffered a torn knee ligament last year. He also has overcome a hernia injury.

The 5-foot-6 Bass, who now weighs 180, was expected to benefit from the newly installed FieldTurf at Aloha Stadium. But fourth-year junior Michael Brewster opened the season at running back and, in the past two weeks, has emerged as the speed back who turns screens and shovel passes into long gains.

"It's hard to stay motivated, but you have to do what you have to do," Bass said. "I have to work hard, and hopefully I'll get back out there sometime."

Fiaseu, a third-year sophomore, just wants to be eligible to compete in games. At 5 feet 10 and 255 pounds, he was projected as the power runner in short-yardage situations.

But academic and personal problems forced Fiaseu to withdraw from school last semester. He attended summer session, and apparently earned enough credits to be eligible to practice with the team. He is awaiting final approval from the school to play in games. In the meantime, West Keli'ikipi has emerged as UH's power back.

"It is kind of frustrating," Fiaseu said. "You have to think that for every action you have, there's a consequence."

Fiaseu said his problems began shortly after graduating from Saint Louis School in June 2001. He said he was distracted by family and financial problems.

"I was trying to make sure everyone was taken care of before I could even think about myself," he said. "That's what led to it. I forgot about what my needs are. I was thinking about everyone before me."

• Health report: Starting wideouts Britton Komine and Jeremiah Cockheran did not practice yesterday because of injuries.

Komine has a partially torn tendon or muscle in his left calf. "I wanted to rest it to see if it would get better," said Komine, who promises to play in Saturday's road game against San Jose State.

Cockheran has been resting his chronically sprained right ankle. He was limping noticeably in the final minutes of Saturday's 31-15 victory over Texas-El Paso.

"I was trying to walk," he recalled.

Cockheran is expected to play Saturday, then will not run for the next two weeks. UH has a bye Nov. 8.

Defensive end Houston Ala has a sore left heel, although he will play against San Jose State. He suffered the injury two weeks ago. Melila Purcell III, who usually backs up right end Travis LaBoy, will play extensively on the left side.

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