LAS VEGAS — No matter how much they might sizzle under the desert sun at practice, members of the University of Nevada-Las Vegas' offensive line know they have scant grounds to complain.

When their bodies ache and their uniforms drip with sweat, the offensive linemen understand there can be no whining or slacking.

Not when they look over at their coach, Keith Uperesa, as they invariably do with admiration these days.

To see the 54-year-old Punahou School graduate tenaciously take his place alongside them less than four months after surgery for thyroid cancer and weeks after his last radiation treatment is a lesson in perseverance that demands respect.

"We know what he's gone through just to be out there with us so we want to work that much harder for him," said senior guard Joe Hawley. "He's a hard worker and he struggles some days — and we know it. He really motivates us just by being here."

Hawley said the players and coaches, "really take it hard if (someone) is not working as hard as he (Uperesa). It upsets them."

Though Uperesa's body language suggested fatigue at the end of last night's practice as he stepped off a golf cart driven by his wife, Kaipo, his eyes reflected the indomitable spirit that stirs within. Especially this week when the hometown team, UH, comes calling Saturday at Sam Boyd Stadium.

This is a family game of sorts with one nephew, Dane, having played for UH (2003-06) and another, Drew, there now. "Wouldn't miss this week," Uperesa says with a chuckle.

But, then, he has missed surprisingly few practices through the end of fall camp, though the school has told him to take his time and work at his own pace. People in the athletic department marvel in telling the story about the day last month when it was 114 degrees and Uperesa was still doggedly on the job, three months after he underwent surgery in Los Angeles to remove cancerous nodules and lymph nodes.

Uperesa says, "I try to at least put in my full day at practice but it is pretty tough sometimes. The toughest thing is just to get my strength back." Then, he adds, "being out here is the best remedy that I can have. I just have to remember to pace myself. My body is in control."

For now, Uperesa says, the radiation treatments are finished and there are regular follow-up tests. "Things look good."

From where his players stand, they see, "someone who is a fighter and who doesn't want to show weakness to anybody," Hawley said. "We respect him for that."