Warriors plan not to disappear into thin air

By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer

The University of Hawai'i men's volleyball is prepared to take its game to the next level.

At 4,553 feet above sea level, Smith Fieldhouse in Provo, Utah, is the highest court in NCAA men's volleyball.

"It's going to be a challenge to get used to the thin air," UH outside hitter Jose Jose Delgado said of matches against Brigham Young tomorrow and Saturday.

The high altitude's thin air has a twofold effect. With less resistance, serves and attacks sail longer. Also, the high altitude is a breathtaking experience, with visiting players easily suffering from fatigue.

BYU makes sure the side effects are publicized.

"Sure, we play it up," BYU coach Tom Peterson said, laughing. "We want to make people aware of it. We'll take anything."

The Warriors usually arrive the day before a road match. To prepare for Provo's conditions, they arrived yesterday morning, allowing them to schedule practices last night and today.

"We should have ample time to get used to it," UH libero Alfred Reft said.

"It's true the ball floats a little more, but you get used to it. There are always going to be adjustments whenever you're on the road. In Utah, it's the air."

UH middle blocker Kyle Klinger said he worked out in high altitude for a month when his Air Force volleyball team stayed at the U.S. Olympic Training Facility in Colorado.

"The ball travels differently because of the air, but you can't let it bother you," Klinger said. "You can't let it get into your head, like, 'Oh, I wonder if the ball is going to travel farther.' I think you have to make the little adjustment and stick with it."

The Warriors have worked on bending their wrists to finish attacks, a technique that will increase the ball rotation and drive shots downward.

"That can make a difference (in high altitude)," UH coach Mike Wilton said.

Wilton said he believes the offseason conditioning program — which includes sprints and distance runs — will help the Warriors conquer fatigue.

"The air is a little thinner, for sure," Wilton said. "But it's as big a deal as BYU likes to make it."

The Cougars' popularity also will help the Warriors. Because the game will be televised in Utah, a media timeout will be called when the first team scores its 15th point in each game.

"We'll have some chances to catch our breath," UH setter Brian Beckwith said.

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