Yoshida to help UH-Hilo athletics

Advertiser Staff

The financially strapped University of Hawai'i-Hilo athletic department is turning to retiring UH-Manoa athletic director Hugh Yoshida for help.

UHH athletic director Kathleen McNally yesterday announced Yoshida has accepted her invitation to be a consultant for the Vulcan programs until the end of this year when he retires.

McNally said Yoshida, 62, is someone who can give her ideas and advice "on a wide range of areas, including strategic planning, Title IX equity implementation, building community relations and advancing fund-raising."

UHH lost its chief support group in April when the UHH Athletics Booster Club voted to dissolve because of conflicts with McNally and concerns over what leaders said was inadequate school support compared to what UH-Manoa has been provided.

"In a period of rapid change and scarce resources, I have sought the assistance of the expert to share his wisdom from a lifetime experience in athletic leadership," McNally said.

Yoshida said, "I want to talk to the people there, visit with the administration and the various constituencies and see how we can get all this to come together in regards to the resources available."

He said he will study, "what can be done to reach out into the community."

UHH Chancellor Rose Tseng said she welcomes Yoshida's help. "Hugh is a giant in the field of collegiate athletics," she said. "We welcome his advice and counsel and thank him for giving generously of his time and expertise."

Yoshida has been at UH-Manoa for a decade, the last nine years as athletic director until Herman Frazier took over Aug. 1. Yoshida will retire when his contract expires in December.