The wheels are in motion at Saint Louis.

“;I can reaffirm that we are in the process of making changes in the athletic department,”; school president Walter Kirimitsu said yesterday.

The school will announce the openings and begin accepting applicants “;hopefully this week,”; Kirimitsu said.

“;Because it's a personnel issue, any specifics, I'm not at liberty to comment,”; he added. “;None of the present coaches have been relieved.”;

As the Star-Bulletin reported two weeks ago, athletic director Ulima Afoa is out, and football coach John Hao's job is also in danger. Both have been in their positions for two years; Hao was hired by Afoa, an alumnus who previously was at Kamehameha-Hawaii as football coach and assistant AD.

“;Oh yeah, I want to coach,”; Hao said. “;I'm used to getting the questions because of the rumors, but I haven't heard anything from the horse's mouth.”;

Hao led the Crusaders to a 15-6 record in two seasons.

“;I can't go on hiatus; we're not quitting on the kids. It's a long process getting ready for the season, so we keep on track,”; he said.

Hao, a former standout quarterback and assistant coach at the school, met with Kirimitsu “;two Saturdays ago,”; he said.

“;We talked about situational things about the kids. It's part of the evaluation,”; Hao said. “;I had some questions and we didn't finalize anything. It was open-ended.”;

Balding hired at Punahou

Former boys coach Peter Balding is the new girls volleyball coach at Punahou, according to a source close to the Punahou girls volleyball team.

Balding has been an assistant boys coach in recent seasons after a long stint as the head coach. He was selected by a committee yesterday.

Punahou officials could not confirm his hiring until all candidates were notified of the decision.

Balding follows Jim Iams, who stepped down after last season. Punahou was the state-tournament runner-up.