Clues to solving the riddle of the University of Hawai'i men's volleyball team should be found in this weekend's exhibition matches against UC Santa Barbara.

"The cauldron system is in effect," said coach Mike Wilton, referring to his method of placing players in equal situations and then using statistical performances in practices and matches to determine playing time. "The cauldron will be stilled soon."

Wilton opened the competition at every position, including setter, where returning starter Brian Beckwith and second-year freshman Sean Carney are battling.

Alfee Reft, who was named the Asics/Volley Magazine's Defensive Player of the Year for 2005, has the widest edge. His top competitor is freshman Cory Enriques of Waiakea High. Wilton said Brian Villaroman, a libero who redshirted last season, has "retired."

Eric Kalima, a backup libero last season, has gained strength, forcing a position change.

"He's so physically strong, we're making an outside hitter of him," Wilton said.

There are seven players competing for the three outside positions — at opposite and on the left side (primary passer and attacker).

Matt Bender and Lauri Hakala are the top contenders at opposite, a position that hits mostly from the right side and requires the least amount of passing. Hakala, who is from Finland, resolved his financial concerns, allowing him to return for his second UH season.

Seniors José José Delgado and Matt Carere, sophomores Jake Schkud and Kalima, and second-year freshman Jim Clar are competing for the two left-side positions.

Clar, who is 6 feet 1, was listed as the top outside hitter before aggravating a back injury a few weeks ago. "He made a huge quantum leap," Wilton said. Clar has resumed practicing.

Schkud, who shuffled between the outside and middle last season, also was playing well before aggravating a back injury during exhibition matches in Canada two weeks ago. Schkud also is practicing again.

Wilton said three players who have experience as starters — Mauli'a LaBarre, Dionisio Dante and Kyle Klinger — will rotate at the two middle positions.

Wilton said Matt Rawson, a 6-foot-8 middle blocker from Mira Costa High School in Manhattan Beach, Calif., and Steven Grgas, a 6-7 opposite hitter from Los Alamitos (Calif.) High, will redshirt this season.

Rawson was named the Torrance Daily Breeze's Male Volleyball Player of the Year. By redshirting this season, Rawson will not be able to display his theatrical side. Nicknamed "Dragon," Rawson induced fans to flap their arms after he made a big play.

Wilton said outside hitter James O. Wilkes, who started six matches as a freshman for Lewis University last season, did not report to UH. Wilkes is the son of former NBA player James R. Wilkes.

RISE AND SHINE

The Warriors will have an early start this season. Wilton said he plans to schedule practices at 7 a.m. — or earlier. In past years, the Warriors practiced in the morning during fall training and in the afternoon during the season.

"We've had 13 years in a row of afternoon practices, and every year during the season, I'm asking myself, 'Why do we do it like this?' " Wilton said. "When they come to (an afternoon practice), they're wasted from a day in school. It's just crummy. I don't like it. In the fall, when we practice in the morning, we get a lot of work done. Once we get them awake, they have wonderful practices."

SATURDAY BLACKOUT

There will be one public viewing of the Warriors this weekend. Friday's match against UC Santa Barbara is open to the public, but Saturday's is closed. Because of the Warriors' afternoon football game at Aloha Stadium, there are not enough available workers to staff Saturday's volleyball match.

The Warriors had hoped to play the second match at Kahuku High, but the school's facilities already were booked.

Wilton also said he was unsuccessful in scheduling the match on the Brigham Young-Hawai'i campus.

Reach Stephen Tsai at stsai@honoluluadvertiser.com.