Longtime athletic administrator Russ Blunck has been named the Sports Information Director at the University of Hawai`i Hilo.

Blunck comes to UHH with over 20 years of experience in college athletics. He spent ten years at Point Loma Nazarene University in two different stints, the first as the SID and the second as the associate athletic director.

He also held both roles at Western Oregon University for a total of 12 years. Most recently, he was the SID at Pacific University (Oregon).

"I am excited to add Russ to the Vulcan Athletics administrative team," said UHH Director of Athletics Patrick Guillen.  "We are very fortunate to be able to get someone with his experience and qualifications to join us at UH Hilo.  I have known Russ for many years.  He is a true professional in media and community relations and excellent at building and maintaining relationships both internally and externally.  Russ is a great fit and people will enjoy working with him as a key member of the staff here in Vulcan Athletics."

Blunck is only the second full-time SID in UHH history. He has filled the role of interim director since mid-August, when Kelly Leong left to become the school's New Student Programs Specialist. Leong had been UHH's sports information director since 1989.

At Point Loma, Blunck played a key role in helping the Sea Lions apply and transition to NCAA Division II and the Pacific West Conference. He oversaw the areas of sports information, game management, marketing/promotions, branding, broadcasting and outreach. Blunck secured PLNU's first radio contract with a major San Diego sports station (XTRA 1360, home of the San Diego Chargers) and also spearheaded Point Loma's logo and branding change.

At WOU, he was the play-by-play voice of the Wolves, teaming with his Dad (Bear), the color commentator for football. He also hosted a weekly television show called the Wolfpack Week in Sports. While at Western Oregon, Blunck served as the president of the NAIA SID's and was honored with the Ike Pearson Award, given to the nation's top sports information director. He helped publicize the ESPY award winning tale of Sara Tucholsky's dramatic home run that almost never was (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ttkBP2XDZvE) and the unlikely story of WOU alum and New York Giant tight end Kevin Boss' road to a starting position and Super Bowl trophy in his rookie season.

Last year at Pacific, he returned to his alma mater, where years before he had also been the SID as a student while also playing football and baseball for the Boxers.

"I have known Pat a long time, and the chance to work with him and the staff here was too good to pass up," Blunck said. "I love the PacWest and Division II. I think that Hawai`i Hilo is a hidden gem with great potential. The community here is special and I am grateful to play my part in serving and helping create a positive experience for our student-athletes."

The Stevenson, Wash. native has led and played on mission baseball teams to Mexico and Cuba. An avid tennis player, he also enjoys hiking and exploring his new home on the Big Island.

Blunck has two grown sons--Brodie, who lives in San Diego and Brendan who lives near Corvallis, Ore. Russ and his wife Shelly reside in Hilo.