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The Honolulu Advertiser

Posted on: Friday, June 11, 2004

UH Warrior volleyball secures two players

By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer

The University of Hawai'i men's volleyball team has secured commitments from versatile Jake Schkud, who will transfer from UC Santa Barbara, and outside hitter/primary passer Lauri Hakala of Finland.

MIKE WILTON
"Hawai'i is a great place to be," said Schkud, who can play middle blocker, left-side hitter and opposite.

Schkud, who is 6 feet 5, redshirted as a freshman last season. He will have four years to play four seasons at UH. Unlike most NCAA sports, men's volleyball does not require a player to sit out a season when transferring between Division I programs.

Schkud and UH setter Brian Beckwith were teammates at Loyola High in Los Angeles and on the U.S. Junior National team.

"Hawai'i was my first choice out of high school," Schkud said. "I went to Santa Barbara because I didn't know if I could handle the distance. I know I'm ready to handle it."

Schkud said he decided to transfer because "things just weren't working out at UCSB. When I got my release, I talked with Brian Beckwith. I'm best friends with him. He talked about his experiences in Hawai'i. I decided I wanted to go there. I think Hawai'i is just a great fit for me."

Schkud is the third UCSB volleyball player to transfer to UH in the past three years, following middle blocker Brian Nordberg and libero Alfred Reft. Nordberg played professionally in France last year. Reft is the Warriors' starting libero.

"He's very athletic," UH coach Mike Wilton said of Schkud. "He's got big hops. He's a nice player."

Hakala, who is 6 feet 3, is an accurate passer who is best suited to play outside hitter.

The NCAA has certified Hakala's eligibility and amateur status. Hakala also has passed the NCAA's entry examination for international players.

Hakala will have three years to play three seasons.

In related news, UH outside hitter Brock Hutchins will go on a two-year church mission.

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