Sadler to stay;
Griz get O’Day

UH’s associate AD misses out
on career upgrade at Montana

Tom Sadler won't be saddling up for Montana.

The Hawaii associate athletic director learned early yesterday morning that the Griz chose Jim O'Day to become their new athletic director. Sadler was among five finalists (of 60 applicants) who interviewed last month in Missoula.

"Obviously, there's disappointment, but it's disappointment without regret. I was treated very well in Montana and enjoyed it," said Sadler, 44, who has been UH athletic director Herman Frazier's right-hand man at Manoa since January 2003. "I think the fact that someone from our department made it to the final five there reaffirms that we're doing things right here."

Sadler said he was told his name was one of three that the selection committee forwarded to the Montana administration.

"But I can't confirm that," he said.

Sadler said even if he'd been selected he might not have left UH.

"As I was telling some other people, I was a long way from being offered the job and a long way from accepting it," he said. "It still would've been a tough decision."

Sadler's responsibilities at UH include day-to-day operations. He was acting athletic director for several weeks last summer when Frazier was in Athens, Greece, as chef de mission of the U.S. Olympic team.

"I also feel somewhat like a utility player that can be put in different positions and get a positive outcome," said Sadler, who previously worked with Frazier at Arizona State.

He said he's eager to help Frazier take on some upcoming big tasks, including plans for a $25-million facilities project and a continuing effort for rent relief at Aloha Stadium.

"I'm happy the process is over," Sadler said. "Herman said, 'Hang in there.' I told him, 'Let's roll up our sleeves and get back at it.' I'm not job hunting, but sometimes opportunities come to you."