Ailing Tuyay set to come off bench
By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer
As the University of Hawai'i men's volleyball team's starting setter for three seasons, Kimo Tuyay has amassed 3,968 assists.
But his most significant contribution is adjusting to his new role as backup to freshman Brian Beckwith.
Tuyay, a senior from San Diego, ceded the starting job after suffering a severely sprained left ankle during fall camp. The 6-foot-6 Beckwith's dazzling play in four exhibition matches in November and last Friday's alumni match will keep Tuyay on the sideline for Thursday's season opener against Penn State.
"Brian is just doing the best job," said UH coach Mike Wilton, adding Tuyay has not fully recovered from the ankle injury. What's more, Tuyay has been bothered by soreness in his left knee.
"It's still kind of tight," Tuyay said of the ankle injury near his left Achilles' heel. "I'm constantly trying to get it warm and loosened up. It hinders me in practice. I'm trying to work through it."
Tuyay said he is supportive of Wilton's decision to start Beckwith. Wilton will use two setters each match, leaving Tuyay and junior Daniel Rasay to battle for a berth on the 12-player active roster.
"When you come back from injuries, you don't expect to be put back (in the lineup) right away," Tuyay said. "In three weeks, a lot goes on. There are three guys fighting for a spot. You have to earn your keep. If somebody is playing better than you, you just have to accept it. I wouldn't have me go in there just because I was a starter. That just affects the team. You can't go out there and be pouting about it. Of course, it's tough, but you have to understand the coach's position. You have to have the best players out there. If you don't, you're bringing the whole team down."
During practices, Tuyay offers tips to Beckwith. Both get along off the court, as well.
"Volleyball is volleyball," Tuyay said. "It's just a game. Whatever you can do to help your friends, your teammates, you have to do it. There's no reason not to do it."
After a polling of players, Tuyay and backup libero Jake Muise were selected as team captains. It is a position Tuyay has embraced.
"Even if I'm not playing, I have a duty to help guys," he said. "I'm kind of like another person on the coaching staff. If I have some tips, I'm going to give them. I'm not going to hold back."
Because of the ankle injury, which limits his mobility and jumping, Tuyay probably would be a candidate for a medical hardship for this season. For now, Tuyay said, redshirting is not a consideration.
"I'm graduating this semester," said Tuyay, a marketing major. "I don't think I'm going to come back for grad school. It's always been my goal to graduate in four years. To do that would fulfill one of my highest goals."
Reach Stephen Tsai at stsai@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8051.
