For the Hawai'i men's volleyball team, building begins with the block.

The Warriors have secured written commitments from middle blockers Shane Popelka of Great Bridge High in Chesapeake, Va., and Shane Welch of Douglas High in Parkland, Fla.

They are the first 2010-2011 recruits for Charlie Wade, who was hired as UH's head coach in May.

Finding successors to senior middle blockers Matt "Dragon" Rawson and Steven Grgas "was our biggest need in terms of recruiting," Wade said.

Popelka, who is 6 feet 8, also is an accomplished basketball player.

Popelka is a member of UH outside hitter Joshua Walker's former volleyball club. UH assistant coach Dan Fisher is a former teammate of the club's head coach.

"(Fisher) had a pretty quick in with him," Wade said.

UH scouted Popelka heavily at the Junior Olympic tournaments.

"He's a legit 6-8 guy," Wade said "I think he's going to be a good player."

Welch, who is 6 feet 9, also can play outside hitter and opposite attacker.

Welch turned down offers from several Mountain Pacific Sports Federation teams.

"That's always nice to beat teams in your league for top players," Wade said.

Welch was named to the 2009 Junior Olympic all-tournament team

Welch is a multisport athlete who also is a skilled skateboarder.