UH's Rivers, Melson set for action
By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer
Wide receivers Jason Rivers and Rene Melson yesterday completed circuitous routes to the University of Hawai'i football team's practice field.
Rivers, a sophomore projected to start at left wideout, attended his first practice of this training camp. Rivers missed the first four practices while awaiting documents certifying his academic eligibility for this coming season. His NCAA-mandated orientation ends today, and he will be allowed to compete in contact drills tomorrow.
Melson also was cleared to practice yesterday, ending a two-season hiatus from football. Melson, a 2000 McKinley High graduate, played two years for a junior college and spent the next two years working and resolving "some family problems."
Both savored their returns, staying after practice to run sprints and pass patterns.
Although practice did not begin until 8:30 a.m. yesterday, Rivers said, "I was out here at 7 o'clock. I was so anxious. Even though I wasn't allowed to play yet, I was jumping up and down every play. I love this team."
Rivers blamed his academic problems during the past spring semester on "carelessness, not paying attention to things I really needed to pay attention to."
He recently completed work to earn credits in two summer school courses. "It was stressful, but a lot of people helped me out, and I'm thankful," he said.
While waiting for the confirmation of his passing grades, Rivers often was asked if he would return to the team. "That seemed to be the No. 1 question," he said. "It was just a waiting game. Everything was set to go. I was waiting for the 'all clear' from certain people."
Melson had waited two years for those words. Meanwhile, he said, "I went to school and worked."
Three days ago, he was cleared to play. Yesterday's practice was the first in which he was allowed to participate. "It feels good to be back on the field," he said.
Defensive line spot opens up for Harmon
The Warriors' misfortune on the defensive line — one player transferred and two recruits did not report — created an opening for defensive end Paul Harmon.
When Harmon, of Oakland, committed to UH in February, he agreed to "gray shirt," meaning he would delay enrolling until January 2005.
"I told him if we had some scholarships open, we'd bring him in early, and that's what happened," UH coach June Jones said.
Harmon said: "I guess somebody didn't make his grades, so I was able to come in. When coach called me, I was jumping for joy. It was exciting to come out in August, so I could be here with everybody else."
Kicker Ayat, punter Milne will be starters
Placekicker Justin Ayat and punter Kurt Milne apparently have secured starting jobs. What's more, Milne has earned a second job, as holder on placekicks.
Mouse Davis, who coordinates the special teams, said it is practical to use a punter as a holder. The punters and kickers usually hang out on the neighboring soccer field during football practices. With the addition of
Bryce Runge as a full-time snapper, the punters and kickers can work on their crafts.
"We're getting a lot of work done," Milne said. "We're not doing as much standing around as we used to."
Ayat said: "We don't have to wait until after practice to get a quarterback to hold or an offensive lineman to snap."
Milne, a third-year sophomore from Georgia, was awarded a football scholarship this week. "It's nice now," said Milne, who relied on financial aid and a student loan to cover his education the previous two years.
Ayat also is enjoying training camp, declaring himself "over" last season's kicking slump. He said even relatives asked him for updates.
"I say the same thing, 'It's over. There was a rough spot last year, but I'm over that already,'" Ayat said.
Ayat said he learned "kicker-specific exercises" at former NFL punter Ray Guy's football camp this summer. Most important, he said, "I learned not to overthink. I just want to go out there and kick, let it become a natural instinct."
Reach Stephen Tsai at stsai@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8051.
