While the Vulcan athletic seasons and life in general offer plenty of unknowns going into the new school year, one entity that student-athletes can rely on is the Vulcan Booster Club.

The VBC will hold its first meeting of the 2020-21 year this Friday, and they will do so with a solid core of board members with a changing of the guard at the top. Joe Marsh has completed his two-year term as President, and Vice President Kapena Lum will slide into the top spot.

Both Lum and Marsh are former Vulcan basketball players and UH Hilo graduates. Lum was a member of the 1999 and 2000 squads, playing on the first team that Jeff Law coached. Marsh was a part of the 2005 UHH team (also coached by Law) that went 25-4 and won an NCAA tournament game for the first time in school history.

"Vulcan Athletics is fortunate to have a booster club and board that is supported and led by great people in our community," said UH Hilo athletic director Patrick Guillen. "Joe Marsh did an outstanding job during his two years leading this selfless group and now I am pleased to see Kapena Lum take the reigns as our incoming President. 

"Even in these uncertain times, I am excited for the upcoming year and beyond because of the leadership and commitment of our Vulcan Booster Club. The Board of Directors give so much of their time and talents to benefit our student-athletes and program.  I honestly cannot accurately put into words the gratitude I have for them and the impact they are making."

Lum is a Vice President and Financial Advisor at Morgan Stanley. He also serves (or has served) on the boards of numerous service organizations, including the Boys and Girls Club of the Big Island, KIAA and Hawai`i Island Chamber of Commerce. His commitment to UH Hilo is exemplified through his service on the UHH College of Business and Economics Advisory Board (Member) and the UHH Alumni and Friends Association (Director and former President).

Kapena and his wife Abby have three children and they live in Hilo. Abby played softball at UH Hilo for current head coach Callen Perriera.

"I am grateful for the tremendous team of supporters and community leaders who serve on our Vulcan Booster Club Board," Lum said. "It is our goal to work closely with the coaches and Vulcan athletic administrators in the coming year to face the challenges that lie ahead together.

"To our student-athletes, we look forward to a return to competition and encourage you to use the extra time you have been afforded to focus on your studies and individual athletic improvement. It is a perfect opportunity to refine your skills in and out of the classroom. Continue to work hard and know that we and the entire community are behind you. Most importantly, stay safe, stay healthy and stay hungry."

Marsh, the owner of Joe Marsh Insurance Services Hawai`i, served his two-year term as President but remains on the board.

"These past two years serving as the President was a great honor and an experience I will always cherish," he said. "Being able to give back my time and effort to the Vulcan Booster Club will be something I will always be proud of. I am so grateful for the board members and all their support with the various projects we wanted to get done. I am pleased that we were able to establish the Vulcan Legacy Award program and complete many other projects. I know that Kapena will continue to lead our club with the same passion and excitement I leave with. I look forward to supporting him in all of his efforts and want to personally thank all the team for their countless hours of unwavering support."

Accomplishments over the past two years for the VBC include the Vulcan Legacy Award banquet, Vulcan student-athlete reception, VBC internship opportunities, Senior Day plaques and receptions, and other sponsored events linking the community with Vulcan sports teams.

In addition to Lum's and Marsh's new appointments, Keene Fujinaka moves into the Vice-President's chair after serving as the Treasurer the past two years. Chris Schlueter remains as Secretary and past president Kona Moran becomes the Treasurer. Other board members include Kealii Beck, Russ Blunck, Jerry Chang, Kim Ciez, Cyanne Fernandez, Patrick Guillen, Gordon Inouye and Lincoln Ashida (legal counsel). 

"UH Hilo Athletics is fortunate to have such a committed and passionate booster club," Guillen reiterated.  "This dedicated group has increased community giving and added support that has greatly enhanced our student-athlete experience."