UH lineman Fruean will return to team
By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer
Defensive lineman Renolds Fruean said he will rejoin the University of Hawai'i football team for next week's start of training camp.
Fruean, who started three games last season, was permitted to skip spring practice to take care of financial obligations. Fruean, who is not on scholarship, is the father of a 10-month-old son. During the spring semester, he attended school and worked in a warehouse.
There were concerns about Fruean's availability when he did not participate in the Warriors' offseason conditioning program or unsupervised workouts with teammates.
"I've been working," said Fruean, who lives on the Leeward Coast. "I didn't have time to condition with the team."
He said keeps fit by working and running on the beach.
Fruean, a senior, has been told he might be placed on scholarship. He said he has earned enough money to pay for tuition and school expenses.
"You've got to love the guy who doesn't have a scholarship but keeps coming back," UH defensive coordinator Jerry Glanville said. "He's really going to help us this season."
Fruean was an All-State tight end at Waipahu High School. He was a member of the Washington State team for two years before transferring to UH in 2004.
Last season, he started the first two games at nose tackle before suffering a severely sprained right ankle. He played in five more games the rest of the season.
He opted not to undergo surgery during the offseason.
"It's better," he said.
"He can play," Glanville said. "He's a little crazy. If (season-opening opponent) Alabama knew he's coming, they'd go, 'Oh, my gosh.' He was playing winning football when he got hurt."
Fruean is projected to split time between nose tackle and left end. "It's important when a guy can help you at two places," Glanville said. "If (the defensive linemen) can do their job, we can blitz more. Our plan is to blitz more. We're going to blitz coming off the bus."
FINAL SPEED CLINICS SET
The year's final Hawai'i Speed and Quickness sessions are tomorrow and Sunday at the UH athletic complex.
Former and current UH athletes will serve as guest instructors.
Sessions are 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. for ages 7 to 12, and 10:30 a.m. to noon for ages 13 and older.
The $10 fee includes instruction in plyometrics and quickness-enhancing techniques, as well as coupons from Jamba Juice, Subway and Papa John's Pizza.
Call 739-5444 or log on to www.hawaiispeedandquickness.com for information.
A free soccer clinic is tomorrow at Kea'au High School on the Big Island. Sessions are 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. for ages 7 to 12, and 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. for ages 13 and older. Call Billy Kenoi at (808) 961-8508.
Reach Stephen Tsai at stsai@honoluluadvertiser.com.