Former University of Hawai'i quarterback Inoke Funaki will serve as a graduate assistant during the 2010 season, head coach Greg McMackin announced yesterday.

"Inoke is a perfect example of an outstanding student-athlete," McMackin said. "He was a great player in our program and consistently earned a 4.0 grade point average. He is currently pursuing his master's degree and I'm really excited the he's joining our staff as a graduate assistant. He is a great example to our players both academically and athletically."

Funaki, a Kahuku High alum who recently completed his eligibility and earned his bachelor's degree, is one of 30 student-athletes selected to attend the NCAA Football Coaches Academy in Orlando, Fla., this weekend.

TENNIS

JOBE, BODE TO DUEL

Ikaika Jobe and Hendrik Bode will play today for a wild-card berth into the main draw of the Honolulu Challenger at the Patsy T. Mink Central O'ahu Regional Park Tennis Complex.

The Honolulu Challenger is Jan. 24 to 31 at CORP.

Jobe, the No. 1 seed, overcame three set points yesterday to beat No. 4 seed Nikola Petrov, 2-6, 7-6 (4), 6-3.

Bode, the No. 3 seed, beat Mikael Maatta, 6-2, 6-4, in the other semifinal.

Jobe and Bode will play today at 9 a.m.

In doubles yesterday, Jeffery Fitch and Daniel Llarenas beat Jobe and Bradlee Lum-Tucker, the No. 1 seeds, 6-3, 2-6, 6-4.

In the other semifinal, Daniel Luedi and Petrov, the No. 2 seeds, defeated Maatta and Bode, 6-3, 3-6, 6-3.

The doubles final will be at 11 a.m. today. The winning team will receive a wild-card berth into the main draw of the Honolulu Challenger.