IT will be an interesting study in product identity. Rainbows are ready
to show their colorsAlong with a roster, University of Hawaii men's volleyball fans should ask for an atlas and a library of language tapes.
The 1998 Rainbows are exactly that: a rainbow of nationalities wearing the Green and White and carrying green cards. During the next five months, Hawaii stages its own Olympics with players from three foreign countries, four U.S. states and a U.S. commonwealth fighting it out for six starting positions.
And you thought Nagano was going to be competitive.
What the 2,320 in attendance at last Saturday's Block Party saw wasn't just an intrasquad scrimmage. It was more like the preview of coming attractions at a movie theater.
Hopefully, the fans didn't become too attached to the likes of Gabe Ring, Jorge Alifonso, Caleb Fetui and Eli Neverdon. Out of the 14 players who saw action, the aforementioned four are among those who will be red-shirted.
Three probable starters didn't break a sweat - in fact, two of them aren't even in school yet. The Rainbows are waiting for setter Jorge Perez (Puerto Rico) and outside hitter Chris Kosty (California) to arrive on campus and 6-foot-7 swing hitter Ole Kaven (Germany) to recuperate from knee surgery.
SO just who are these guys?
There were almost as many familiar faces in the stands - former players Aaron Wilton, Rick Tune, Kai Kahele and Curt Vaughan - as there were returnees on the court from last year's 18-11 team.
"We're definitely a work in progress," said Rainbow coach Mike Wilton, after the Green prevailed, 15-11, 9-15, 15-7, 8-15, 15-10, over the White.
It's doubtful Hawaii will have to work on fan appeal. This is the only men's volleyball program to ever draw over 100,000 at home in a season. In comparison, San Diego State hasn't drawn 100,000 in its combined 25-year history.
During the past few seasons, the Rainbow players became matinee idols for the PG-13 crowd. It's been "Babe Watch" nightly at the Special Events Arena, where even the hint of a smile from Tune, Jason Ring, Jason Olive and Aaron Wilton has elicited rock concert-like screams.
It remains to be seen whether this Rainbow team will have the charisma and charm of the past squads. And along with the change in personnel, the fans will also have to adjust to a change in playing style.
THE Hawaii team of 1998 is going to be big. And powerful.
How do you say, "large and in charge" in German? Try Andre Breuer, a 6-foot-9 middle from Berlin, who dented the arena court with 27 kills, 9 blocks and 9 digs.
"I think we offered a nice performance and I hope all the people who came enjoyed it," said Dejan Miladinovic, a 6-7 Serb who had 17 kills for the White team. "I know there are many new players and I want to thank all the people who came to support us."
Breuer and Miladinovic literally will be a huge force in the middle. Mike Wilton, who has never been timid about predictions, says they are as good a pair of blockers as there are in the country and "the best pair of middle blockers to have ever worn the Green and White," he said.
The two will be critical to Hawaii's hopes of playing in its third final four in four years. With the national championship at the Special Events Arena in six month, THE quest has begun.
"We have a good team, with players who are experienced and know the game," said senior hitter Naveh Milo, who may be the only returning starter in the lineup. "I think the people of Hawaii will like this team. Our goal is to be there (in the national final) Anything less than that will be a disappointment."
Winning never loses anything in the translation.
Cindy Luis is a Star-Bulletin sportswriter.
Her column appears weekly.