Longtime athletics administrator Russ Blunck was named Sports Information Director in fall 2016.
In his first four years at Hawai‘i Hilo, Blunck oversaw the athletics website, social media and the addition of video streaming for seven Vulcans sports teams. He also served as the play-by-play voice and was a member of the senior administrative team.
Blunck left Hawai‘i Hilo in Sept. 2021 and eventually moved into a role with the Pacific West Conference as sports communications director.
CAREER
» 2022 College Sports Communicators (CoSIDA) Lifetime Achievement Award
» Helped Point Loma Nazarene University apply and transition to the NCAA Division II and the Pacific West Conference while also spearheading athletics logo and branding change
» Publicized ESPY Award-winning tale of Western Oregon University softball's Sara Tucholsky and her dramatic home run that almost never was
» Promoted story of WOU alum Kevin Boss, rookie starting tight end for the Super Bowl-winning New York Giants
» Served two-year term as president of National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Sports Information Directors
» 2001 Ike Pearson Award (NAIA Sports Information Director of the Year)
PLAYING CAREER
» Four-year letterman in football and baseball at Pacific University
» Two-time All-Conference selection in football
ALMA MATER
» Stevenson High School (Washington) 1977
» Pacific University (Oregon) 1982 - B.A. Communications
PERSONAL
» Hometown: Stevenson, Washington
» Has two children with his wife in addition to three grandchildren
PREVIOUS
2016-2021: University of Hawai‘i at Hilo
2015-2016: Pacific University (Sports Information Director)
2009-2013: Point Loma Nazarene University (Associate Athletic Director)
1997-2009: Western Oregon University (Associate Athletic Director)
1985-1985: Portland Breakers (Assistant Director of Media Relations)
1983-1989: Athletes In Action (Director of Media Relations)
1981-1982: Pacific University (Student Sports Information Director)
