Thursday, July 1, 1999

Vulcans’ WAC plans
ahead of schedule

By Al Chase
Star-Bulletin

The University of Hawaii at Hilo athletic department is starting its final push to raise the necessary funds for its baseball team to compete in the Western Athletic Conference next season.

Athletic director Bill Trumbo has dubbed July "Hack the WAC" month as phases II-IV of the drive to raise $75,000 begin.

"We're ahead of projections on the corporate level," Trumbo said.

When the drive started, Trumbo hoped to get five corporate donors at $5,000 each. So far six corporations, Island Movers, Hawaii Naniloa, Territorial Savings, the Kurisu Foundation, C. Brewer and Clear Air Technologies, have committed. Trumbo is waiting on three more proposals.

"We also have a transfer of stocks on behalf of baseball worth nearly $9,000 from Dr. Johnson Lau of Honolulu," Trumbo said.

With over $40,000 raised, the final phases including the following:

Phase II: a lifetime pass to Vulcan baseball for $250 that includes extra benefits.

Phase III: Charter Season Ticket Club for $50 with extra benefits.

Phase IV: Business Sponsor Block (businesses can purchase 25 season tickets for $1,000).

For further information, call 974-7700.

UHH joins five WAC schools that field baseball teams, Hawaii, Fresno State, San Jose State, Rice and Texas Christian, on the 2000 conference schedule. The Vulcans will compete as an affiliate member next season.

Besides playing home and home series with WAC opponents, the Vulcans also have nonconference opponents Arizona State, San Diego State and Tennessee on the 2000 schedule.

It isn't known how Nevada becoming a WAC member starting with the 2000-2001 school year will affect the UHH baseball team.

"They might get another affiliate to have eight teams or possibly we could be out. We're keeping our fingers crossed," UHH head baseball coach Joey Estrella said.