His name, when pronounced properly, sounds like “;payola.”;

Saint Louis science teacher Ed Paola is ready to give the school's athletic department something beyond monetary rewards.

Paola, hired as athletic director on Sunday, replaces Ulima Afoa, who was released from the position after two years.

For four seasons, Paola was a volunteer equipment manager for the Crusaders football team. Before that, he coached junior varsity baseball and intermediate golf.

“;Sports, if done right, can make any school stronger, everywhere,”; Paola said. “;But what's important is the boys, making them men, and athletics being part of that education. Athletics can teach kids to be assertive and work hard.”;

Paola was athletic director at Assembly Christian School in New Iberia, La., for more than a decade. He was also a vice principal.

Paola spent eight years stationed at Schofield Barracks in the Army and married a local girl. He returned to the islands five years ago, first teaching science at Saint Louis and eventually ascending to a dean's position.

Of the four finalists, he was the lone remaining candidate with extensive administrative experience — a major factor for Saint Louis president Walter Kirimitsu and principal Pat Hamamoto.

The dynasty that once was Saint Louis football during the Prep Bowl era is no more, though the program has continued to rank in the Star-Bulletin Top 10 in the state annually.

John Hao led Saint Louis to a 15-6 overall record over two years. Like the other coaches on campus, he was asked by the new administration to submit a letter of resignation.

Hao said he didn't turn in a letter, though he understands the reasoning behind hiring a new AD and clearing the slate.

“;Whatever his decision is, I have no problem. The AD must feel comfortable with whoever he hires,”; said Hao, a foreman at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard. “;When you're in management, you're not going to make everybody happy. I know what that's like.”;

Hao, a former quarterback and assistant coach at Saint Louis, likes the change in leadership.

“;(Paola) was one of the top four candidates. I would've been happy with any of them,”; he said. “;Hamamoto has done a wonderful job for the school. Her decision-making is what's right for the school. Hiring her was the best thing.”;

By not submitting a letter of resignation, even as a courtesy, Hao was trying to make a point.

“;I don't give up on these kids. A lot of people have been bailing on these kids,”; he said.