The University of Hawaii football team’s kicking competition took a turn with the departure of Kekoa Sasaoka.

Sasaoka, a 2016 Kahuku High graduate, transferred from Snow College in Utah a few days before the start of the Rainbow Warriors’ training camp. But after splitting the reps with Ryan Meskell in scrimmage-like sessions, Sasaoka decided to return to junior college.

“I wish everyone the best who has been part of this,” special teams coordinator Michael Ghobrial said.

Ghobrial said he is not ready to name a No. 1 place-kicker from among Meskell, Alex Trifonovitch, Michael Boyle and Nino Alibegic.

“But we’re getting awfully close,” Ghobrial said. “I think any of those guys, if their name is called, will be ready to go.”

In 2017, the Warriors converted four of nine field-goal attempts. There were five games in which they did not attempt a three-pointer. Sasaoka, Boyle and Alibegic were expected to fuel the competition this training camp.

Meskell, an Australian native, has improved significantly. Before joining the Warriors in July 2017, he had never played in an American football game. He converted a 29-yard field goal in the 2017 opener, then missed his next three attempts. After that, he was used mostly as a kickoff specialist.

“I tried to find a balance between a soccer kick and an American football kick,” Meskell said. “At times last year, I was changing throughout the season. I committed to one certain style over the summer.”

Meskell said he has learned to focus on his role and not get distracted with the emotions of the game. “I just have to be ready,” he said. “I have to worry about what I have to do.”

Trifonovitch, who was initially recruited as a punter, converted three field goals against UNLV last year. He was sick at the start of training camp. “As soon as he came back, he didn’t skip a beat,” Ghobrial said. “He’s much improved from last year.”

Boyle, who redshirted in 2017, is skilled in place-kicking and punting.

“He works on his craft,” Ghobrial said. “He definitely dedicated himself to the weight room. He gained some weight, which is good. That ultimately will help him be a strong-legged kicker.”

Aligebic was featured in the third season of Netflix’s “Last Chance U.” Ghobrial said Aligebic has “a good work ethic. He wants to be the best he can be.”

Meanwhile, UH coach Nick Rolovich announced Kamuela Borden has moved from offensive tackle to defensive end. Borden is a 2015 ‘Iolani graduate who joined the Warriors in January after serving a church mission. Borden has been held out of contact drills while recovering from an ailment. He is expected to receive medical clearance on Monday.

“We have to bring him along slowly,” defensive line coach Ricky Logo said. “If there’s a situation where he’s needed, hopefully he can develop where he can help us defensively.”