He wasn’t in Kansas anymore.

Jerry Kukuruda was at Olomana Golf Links in Waimanalo, ready to tee it up in yesterday’s Warrior Volleyball Golf Tournament. The event kicked off Alumni Appreciation Weekend for the Hawaii men’s volleyball program and Kukuruda traveled from Wichita, Kansas, to be here.

"I played at Hawaii 30 years ago, so it’s a good milestone to return," said Kukuruda, who played for then men’s coach Dave Shoji in 1980 and ’81. "I was here 10 years ago and enjoyed it. it’s a lot of fun.

"I’m glad they changed the timing of it. It used to be in November and we’re not in playing shape then."

Kukuruda, who still holds two UH career blocking records, has definitely stayed in shape. He’s been part of a number of gold-medal teams at the USA open nationals as well as on the successful U.S. team at the annual Global Cup Senior Volleyball Championships.

Kukuruda is one of some 20 former players who will be on the Stan Sheriff Center court tomorrow for the alumni matches. The first is an alumni vs. alumni contest at 5 p.m., followed by the varsity vs. the alumni at 7 p.m.

Also committed to playing are Pedro Azenha, Brian Beckwith, Sean Carney, Sivan Leoni, Vernon Podlewski, Joshua Stanhiser, Kimo Tuyay, Curt Vaughan and Eyal Zimet.

Eric Kalima (2006-07) said he won’t be on the court tomorrow, but he was out on the course yesterday with his father, Wayne.

"It’s always good to see old friends and support the fundraiser," Kalima said.

The golf event was a sellout, with monies raised to help fund summer school for the players, as well as pay other expenses. One of those will be new volleyballs, according to Warriors head coach Charlie Wade.

"I just saw that the NCAA is changing the balls for next year," Wade said. "They’re going to retail for $80. I’m sure we’ll get a discount from (sponsor) Molten, but even if it’s $30 a ball, we’re still buying 100. That’s a lot of money."

The alumni weekend continues tonight with a practice and a social. The team banquet is Sunday.

Warriors seeded fifth

Hawaii took a day off from practice yesterday and helped out with the golf function. The Warriors also learned their postseason itinerary last night.

By virtue of UC Santa Barbara losing at Pepperdine, Hawaii has locked up the fifth seed and will travel to UC Irvine for a Mountain Pacific Sports Federation quarterfinal on April 23.