Ilaoa probably out for season

By Dayton Morinaga
Advertiser Staff Writer

University of Hawai'i slotback Nate Ilaoa is expected to miss the remainder of the football season after undergoing surgery last week to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee.

Ilaoa, a 5-foot-9 sophomore, sustained the injury during UH's season-opening victory against Appalachian State on Aug. 30. He did not accompany the team on its recent two-game road trip.

"It will probably take him five to six months just to (recover)," said UH receivers coach Ron Lee. "It's a big loss ... a huge loss."

UH head trainer Eric Okasaki said Ilaoa underwent surgery last Wednesday.

Because Ilaoa sat out the 2001 season as a redshirt, he can not take another redshirt season.

However, he can apply for a medical hardship, which, if granted, would still allow him to play three more seasons after this one. The NCAA must review and approve all medical hardship cases.

Ilaoa finished fifth on the team last season with 46 receptions for 532 yards. He had secured the starting right slotback position prior to this season, and was described by head coach June Jones as "maybe our best football player."

Juniors Se'e Poumele and Gerald Welch rotated with the first team in place of Ilaoa during today's practice. Welch started the last two road games in place of Ilaoa.

"It's a tough situation; I've been in it before," said Welch, who underwent surgery to repair a torn ligament in his right knee last season. "We're thinking about Nate. We know we would be better with him in there, but we all just have to push through it."