In nearly a decade since starting Pacific Islands Athletic Alliance, Doris Sullivan helped hundreds of local student-athletes secure scholarships at the college level. She never charged a cent and often dipped into her own wallet to keep the whole complex process of connecting student-athletes with colleges going.

Yesterday, "Auntie Doris," as she became known to many families, stepped down as director of PIAA.

"I have been wanting to do this for a couple of years now, but there was never a good time," said Sullivan, a Baltimore, Md., native whose children graduated locally (Damien, Saint Louis). "Right now is not a good time, but it’s just something I had to do for my family."

Her longtime assistant, T.J. Cuaresma, has been named new director of the nonprofit organization.

"T.J. has been with me since 2003 and understands how things work with recruiting. She understands NCAA rules and regulations. She has helped me run the PIAA combine along with Coach Darnell (Arceneaux) and Coach Eddie (Klaneski) for seven years," Sullivan said.

Sullivan isn’t quite done yet. She will attend the annual AFCA conference in January with Cuaresma where videos of local players are distributed to universities.

Football coaches stay close

Leilehua football coach Nolan Tokuda wasn’t shocked by the news of Sean Saturnio’s retirement from coaching.

"No, I had a feeling he was going to take a leap of faith," Tokuda said of his peer at Waipahu. "I’m sad someone who’s like a brother to me. He’s helped me become a better coach and person, but at the same time, I’m excited for him."

Saturnio announced his decision on Friday after nine years as a head coach.

"There’s gotta be something great in store for him," Tokuda said.

OC 16 tourney nears

OC 16’s third annual Senior Invitational exhibition tournament, a two-day volleyball event featuring seniors from across the island, will be held Nov. 10-11 at McKinley Student Council Gym.

Doubleheaders will begin each day at 5 p.m. Proceeds will benefit Ronald McDonald House Hawaii.