honoluluadvertiser.com

Sponsored by:

Comment, blog & share photos

Log in | Become a member
The Honolulu Advertiser

Posted on: Wednesday, February 2, 2005

Crowds thinning at Warrior games

By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer

If the trend continues, the University of Hawai'i men's volleyball team is in danger of losing a coveted title.

MIKE WILTON

The Warriors have been the sport's most popular team, leading the nation in attendance in each of the 10 seasons since the Stan Sheriff Center opened during the 1994-95 academic year.

But through the first month of the 2005 season, Brigham Young University is the nation's biggest draw, averaging 4,765 fans for each of the four matches in the Smith Fieldhouse.

Despite Smith's seating capacity of 5,000, the Cougars drew crowds of 6,072 and 5,629 for matches against UCLA last week.

The Warriors, meanwhile, have distributed an average of 4,188 tickets for their five matches in the Stan Sheriff Center. With the turnstile average at 2,717, there are 1,471 no-shows per UH match.

The Warriors' largest crowd was 3,612 for the final night of the Outrigger Invitational.

"We're going to keep playing hard and let the chips fall where they do," UH coach Mike Wilton said. "Maybe times change."

The Warriors regularly played to capacity crowds during the mid-1990s. Last year, they averaged more than 4,000 per home match.

Wilton said he does not believe the dramatic dropoff was caused by the NCAA's decision to strip the Warriors of the 2002 national title and force the removal of the championship banner.

"I don't think people would come to an arena to look at a flag," Wilton said. "There are more things going on than that."

The Warriors charge the highest ticket prices in the nation. A reserve seat in the Sheriff Center's lower bowl costs $12 on weekdays and $14 on Fridays and Saturdays.

In contrast, Pepperdine's top ticket price is $8; UCLA does not charge more than $6.

UH season-ticket buyers also are assessed a premium-seat donation of $40.

BYU has built a following using the less-is-more approach. The top ticket price is $5. BYU students also may purchase an $85 All-Sports Pass allowing them admission to every home sporting event.

As one of the only four profitable UH sports, men's volleyball helps subsidize the other programs.

In 1995, the first year they played in the Sheriff Center, the Warriors charged $6 for a lower-bowl seat.

The price of that ticket jumped to $8 in 1996, $9 in 2000 and $12 in 2001.

The Warriors have sought different avenues to boost interest, including extending invitations to the band and cheerleaders. Both groups have not been able to make a commitment for this season because of scheduling conflicts.

Middle blocker becoming a force

Middle blocker Kyle Klinger's path to UH has been a Hollywood story.

Raised in Hollywood, Fla., Klinger joined the Air Force soon after high school graduation.

The base's volleyball coaches — both with Hawai'i ties — convinced the 6-foot-8 Klinger to give volleyball a shot.

Klinger grew to love the sport — and Hawai'i. "I really wanted to come and play here," he said.

After completing his military stint — he ascended to the rank of staff sergeant — Klinger sent the UH coaches a highlight videotape and asked for a tryout.

"I didn't see myself retiring in the Air Force," he said. "It gave me a lot of opportunities, and I was really thankful for that. I wanted to come here and play volleyball and get an education."

Slowed by an injury during fall training, Klinger worked his way into the 12-player active roster.

When Dionisio Dante aggravated a back injury during last week's road trip, Klinger started the first matches of his career. In the two-match sweep of UC Irvine, Klinger hit a combined .611 (13 kills in 18 swings) and had five blocks.

"I'm starting to feel more comfortable," he said.

Although Dante is expected to be available for tomorrow's match against Stanford, Klinger also will play.

Warriors ascend to No. 3 in poll

The Warriors moved up one spot, to No. 3, in this week's CSTV/USA Today top-15 poll.

UCLA remained No. 1 despite splitting two matches against Brigham Young last week.

Pepperdine moves to No. 2.

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