Ex-Texas Tech athlete to join UH this season

By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer

Jose Delgado has had to adjusting to his new position, which requires more passing. Advertiser library photo

Austin Rester began attending classes at UH yesterday, the first day of the spring semester, and is awaiting medical clearance from athletic department officials. UH coaches are not allowed to comment on Rester until his eligibility screening is completed.

Rester, who is 6 feet 7, is projected to play outside hitter for the Warriors. He will have two volleyball seasons of eligibility. "If I'm good enough to play this spring, I won't have to sit out at all (this semester)," Rester said.

Rester, who was raised in Dallas, played in six football games as a tight end for Texas Tech in 2002. He was with the Red Raiders' basketball team during training camp before deciding to leave.

Rester said he has played "beach" volleyball in Texas. "Actually, there are a couple of places that have sand courts," he said.

He sent a highlight videotape to the UH coaches. After reviewing the video, the coaches invited Rester to join the team.

• Seems like old times: It will be a homecoming of sorts when the Warriors play at UC Santa Barbara this week.

Alfred Reft was the Gauchos' backup libero before transferring to UH in August. UH outside hitter Arri Jeschke was raised in Santa Barbara and attended Santa Barbara Community College for two years before enrolling at UH in August 2002.

"I'm so pumped, I can't wait to play," Reft said. "I'm more excited than nervous."

Reft said he left the Gauchos because he felt there were greater opportunities in Hawai'i. Reft is UH's starting libero this season.

"It was a personal move I had to make," Reft said. "There was nothing dirty about the move at all. I respect the coaches there, and I respect the program a lot."

As a high school senior, Jeschke was recruited by the Gauchos. He decided to attend the city's more affordable junior college. "It was like UCSB, but way cheaper," he said.

In fact, he recalled, "ever since high school, I wanted to go to Hawai'i, but I couldn't afford it. I always thought Hawai'i had spectacular teams. When I was growing up, (the Warriors) weren't the tallest, but they were so athletic. I thought I could fit in really well here."

Jeschke was a serving specialist last season. He opened this season as the backup to outside hitter Jose Delgado. But Delgado has struggled in his new role, and Jeschke now is competing for extended playing time.

"Jose is still the man," Jeschke said. "I think he had a bad night or two."

Delgado, who redshirted as a sophomore in 2003, suffered a back injury during fall camp. He was replaced by All-American Delano Thomas, who moved from middle blocker.

When Delgado returned two weeks ago, he was moved to second outside hitter, a position that requires him to become a primary passer. Thomas remained as the offensive-minded outside hitter.

"It's hard, but this is what the coach thinks is best for the team," Delgado said. "Right now, I have to concentrate on passing and hitting. It's a tough adjustment, but everything comes with time."

Wilton said Thomas needs to remain at outside hitter to improve.

"I'm committed to Delano playing where he is, good or bad," Wilton said. "He needs to spend time there. If it comes to a point where it seems counter-productive (to leave Thomas there), we'll address the situation."

• Moving on up: Wilton said he will explore earlier starting times for the Outrigger tournament. Each night, the matches were scheduled to start at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. But promotions and television timeouts lengthened the opening matches, and last Saturday's match between Lewis and Hawai'i did not start until after 8:30 p.m. It ended at 11:15 p.m.

Wilton said he would prefer a 4 p.m. start for the opening match of each doubleheader next year.

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