Wilton wants to retain fan interaction

By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer

University of Hawai'i men's volleyball coach Mike Wilton has asked athletic department officials not to end one of the program's most beloved traditions.

For more than two decades, the UH players remained on the court after matches to interact with fans. The players signed autographs, posed for pictures and thanked the fans for attending. In turn, the fans gave the players — and even opponents — lei or baked goods.

"They're guests in our house, and we want to thank them," Wilton said. "That's part of the deal."

But last month, the athletic department announced plans to force the players to go to the locker room immediately after the match for a 10-minute "cooling-off period," after which selected players would report to the "green room" for television interviews. The green room, located near the locker room, is off limits to fans. That post-event policy is enforced for UH's three other arena teams.

In an e-mail to athletic department officials, Wilton asked for an exemption for his program.

"It's a tradition," Wilton said. "It's just one more thing that the fans won't like. I understand why they want to do it. They want to have something that's uniform, and we may end up doing it. It's their call. We'll be obedient. But that's my take. I like how we do it now: shake hands with the opposition, 30-second meeting (on the court), thank the fans."

John McNamara, the associate athletic director for external affairs, did not respond to an e-mail query from The Advertiser.

Meanwhile, Wilton said opposite hitter Pedro Azenha and middle blocker Dionisio Dante were reinstated to the team and will practice when the Warriors open training camp tomorrow. Last month, Azenha and Dante were suspended for violating team rules.

Wilton said middle blocker Delano Thomas has been cleared to practice. Thomas was held out of last month's series of exhibition matches to complete academic work.

The Warriors play Alberta Wednesday and Friday in exhibitions at the Stan Sheriff Center.

Entering training camp, Wilton said, sophomore Brian Beckwith is "slightly ahead" of senior Daniel Rasay at setter.

Eric Kalima is tentatively ahead of Alfred Reft, last year's starting libero.

Wilton said Jose Jose Delgado has won one of the two starting jobs at left-side hitter. Matt Carere and Lauri Hakala are competing for the other left-side position.

Matt Bender is listed as the starting opposite hitter, Wilton said, "and, of course, Pedro will be back to enter that mix. We know what a good player he is."

If the season were to open today, Wilton said, Mauli'a LaBarre and Jake Schkud would start in the middle.

Although Thomas, an All-America middle blocker in 2003, is allowed to practice, he is awaiting clearance to play in matches.

"We had a good fall," Wilton said. "We have a real hard-working bunch of guys. We accomplished a lot."

Wilton said Alberta should provide a good test. During the fall, Alberta swept defending national champion Brigham Young.

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