KONA, Hawai`i--Former University of Hawai`i at Hilo athletic director Bill Trumbo has passed away at the age of 79.

Trumbo served as the leader of Vulcan athletic department from 1990 through 2000, helping usher in UH Hilo's transition from the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) to NCAA Division II. Most recently, he was the athletic director at Konawaena High School, retiring in 2016.

Trumbo's long career in college athletics included coaching (men's basketball) and administrative stops at Culver-Stockton (Mo.), Sonoma State, Cal State Monterey Bay, Santa Rosa Junior College and the University of Idaho.

The southern California native was inducted into the Vulcan Athletic Hall of Fame in 2014.

"I was saddened to learn of the passing of Bill Trumbo," said current UH Hilo athletic director Patrick Guillen. "I first met Bill when he was the athletic director and basketball coach at Cal State Monterey Bay.  He was an innovator, a leader and a great visionary. But even more importantly he was an educator, a mentor and coach to a countless number of people he touched during his life."

Trumbo was an accomplished athlete, starring at Chapman College in basketball and baseball. He helped lead the Panthers on the court to the NCAA title game. Later in life, he started the Big Island Sports Academy to help local high school athletes find a place to play on the mainland.

"Bill was the force that moved UH Hilo athletics from NAIA to NCAA Division II," Guillen continued. "His legacy lives on and continues to make an impact on our students and community to this day. He will truly be missed and my heartfelt condolences go to his wife Lori and the entire Trumbo Ohana."

Details for a memorial service will be announced soon by the Trumbo family.