Blangiardi won’t pursue UH AD job

Rick Blangiardi, considered by many a strong contender to become the next University of Hawaii athletic director, has chosen not to apply for the job.

"I've always had an interest in it, but I've decided I'm not going to apply," the KGMB general manager and senior vice president told the Star-Bulletin yesterday. "It's not for lack of interest in UH or its future. But my commitment is to KGMB and continuing to build on what we've done here the past five years. We have a lot of potential."

The one-week job posting period for applicants to replace Herman Frazier (fired last month) ends today. UH expects to announce a selection committee shortly, and have a new AD in place within a month.

Keith Amemiya, head of the Hawaii High School Athletic Association, said he intended to hand in an application today.

Bob Wagner, a former UH football coach and now the athletic director at Kamehameha-Hawaii, said yesterday he also would try for the job.

"I plan to apply," Wagner said.

Hilo Community College chancellor Rockne Freitas said earlier this week he hadn't decided if he would apply.

Another former UH football coach, Dick Tomey, did not return a call placed to his office at San Jose State, where he is now football coach.

UH associate athletic director Marilyn Moniz-Kaho'ohanohano declined comment when asked yesterday if she had applied, but is believed to have done so.

Interim athletic director Carl Clapp filed an application Monday.