For Monday’s opening of training camp, the University of Hawaii men’s volleyball team packed sheets, blankets, practice gear and equipment, and laundry detergent — everything, it seems, except cell phones.

"We’ll disconnect with everything else," UH coach Charlie Wade said, "and connect with the people around us."

Wade implemented the no-cell rule during last year’s training camp at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam.

"It was interesting, but it was fun," libero Kolby Kanetake said. "You don’t realize until (the cell is) not there how much you actually rely on it. When it’s not there, you actually have to hold up a conversation and interact with people. That’s a good thing."

Through late Wednesday afternoon, the Warriors will live at Camp Erdman on the North Shore. There were leadership and cultural sessions on Monday. Retired judge Thomas Kaulukukui Jr., a trustee of the Queen Lili‘uokalani Trust, was the featured speaker.

The Warriors are scheduled to practice Tuesday and Wednesday at Waialua High School ahead of Saturday’s opener against Stevens Institute of Technology in the Stan Sheriff Center.

"It’s not boot camp," Wade said, noting the Warriors already had team and small-group training for several weeks this past fall. "It’s training."

The Warriors insist this unit, Wade’s sixth as UH head coach, is deep in talent.

"It’s more of a team that’s mentally on the same page," opposite attacker Brook Sedore said.

Sedore, a prolific point-scorer the past two seasons, has not secured a starting job. Ryan Leung, who rejoined after a one-year hiatus, and Iain McKellar, a left-handed, third-year sophomore, are challenging for the opposite’s job. Leung is capable of touching 11 feet 9.

Siki Zarkovic has the edge at one of the left-side positions. Kupono Fey, Hendrik Mol and Scott Hartley are leading contenders for the other left-side hitter’s spot.

All-America middle Taylor Averill is the only assured starter. Davis Holt, a fifth-year senior, is ahead as the second middle.

There’s also tight competition at libero (Kanetake and Garrett Komisarek) and setter (Jennings Franciskovich and Alex Jones).

Kanetake said he has healed from a herniated disc suffered during fall training. He said his rehabilitation included core and lower-body exercises to strengthen his back.

Franciskovich and Jones bring different skill sets. Franciskovich has a 411⁄2-inch jump off an approach.

Jones earned a bachelor’s degree at Cal State Northridge before transferring to UH this summer. Jones has established himself as a leader. Jones, Averill, Hartley and Komisarek were selected as co-captains in team voting.