Injuries begin to take toll on UH football team

By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer

University of Hawai'i coach June Jones expressed concern over the health of his football team after his top pass-rusher and three of four starting receivers failed to participate in yesterday's practice.

University of Hawai'i defensive end Travis LaBoy aggravated a groin injury during Monday's practice and may miss Saturday's game against Southern California in Los Angeles. Eugene Tanner • The Honolulu Advertiser

Right slotback Nate Ilaoa will miss at least the next two games because of a partially torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee. Right wideout Jeremiah Cockheran has a strained right ACL, and left slotback Chad Owens has a badly infected left ankle.

For nearly a year, LaBoy has suffered from osteitis pubis, a stress injury to the pubic bone in front of the pelvis. LaBoy believes it is a genetic injury; his father and brother also suffered from the ailment, which makes it difficult to run.

LaBoy said he aggravated the injury midway through Monday's afternoon practice.

"I can walk fine," he said, "but anything more than that is pretty bad, to the point where you can't really perform. It hurts your mentality. It's better for me not to even go than have me out there making mistakes and hurting the team."

LaBoy said his availability is "iffy" for the USC game.

UH coach June Jones said he will likely include LaBoy on the 60-player travel roster. The 10-day trip concludes with the Sept. 19 game against Nevada-Las Vegas.

"We'll take him, and if he can't play this week, hopefully he can play against Vegas," Jones said.

Jones said losing Cockheran would be a "big blow because we're really thin outside."

Cockheran

LaBoy

Owens

Ilaoa

"Jason got a lot of reps this week and he's getting better every day," Jones said.

Cockheran said he suffered the injury Sunday when "I cut it wrong and I tried to plant on it. It has been hurting ever since."

Cockheran predicted Monday he would practice by today. Yesterday, he said: "Things don't look real good right now. I'll take it day by day and see what happens."

Owens also was hopeful of a speedy recovery from the infection to the outside portion of his left ankle. Owens suffered the infection a week ago. He admitted he made a mistake by not completing the 10-day cycle of antibiotics, leading to the recurrence.

"It's just one of those things where you have to rest," he said. "It's getting better, but if I try to push through it, it could get to the point where it will wear on my bone and I could be out for a while."

On Owens' status, Jones said: "I don't like to play guys who don't practice. I'm not saying he won't get into the game, but he's real iffy."

Second-year freshman Ross Dickerson has replaced Owens at left slotback and kick returner.

Clifton Herbert and Gerald Welch are the backups to Ilaoa, although Herbert did not participate in 11-on-11 drills yesterday. Herbert said he is not injured.

"I can't wait for the USC game," said Herbert, who was raised in Palmdale, Calif., and has reserved tickets for 30 family members and friends. "I'm anxious to get to L.A. and smell that California air and hear (the USC marching) band."

Welch is eager to play a featured role after losing 25 pounds in two years and successfully recovering from a torn ACL in March 2002.

"I didn't have the best of luck," he said. "But to be out here, I feel blessed to get my chance."

This summer, Welch made the daily drive from Kahuku. He worked as a plasterer, then spent the afternoons lifting weights, running and participating in seven-on-seven drills with teammates.

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