HPU to announce new director of athletics

Vince Baldemor, president of the University of Hawaii’s athletic department fundraising organization, is expected to be named the new executive director of athletics at Hawaii Pacific today, the Star-Advertiser has learned.

HPU scheduled a press conference for this morning at the school’s downtown campus to announce that Baldemor, president of ‘Ahahui Koa Anuenue, will become the ninth athletic director in the history of HPU. He will replace Sea Warriors men’s basketball coach Darren Vorderbrugge, who has held both positions since 2006.

Vorderbrugge will remain the coach for men’s basketball. In announcing its recent search to replace Vonderbrugge, the school said the focus would be on enhancing facilities and fundraising.

Earlier this year, the Alpha Tower Development Corp. approved HPU’s $30 million plan to transform Aloha Tower Marketplace into a mixed-use property that would include a sports complex and student housing.

HPU currently rents Blaisdell Arena for its men’s and women’s basketball games and St. Andrew’s Priory gym for women’s volleyball. The only sports with permanent on-campus venues are softball, and men’s and women’s soccer; all are at HPU’s Hawaii Loa Campus in Kaneohe.

The men’s and women’s tennis teams consider Central Oahu Regional Park their home courts. Baseball uses Hans L’Orange Park.

Chaminade sweeps in PacWest volleyball

Chaminade snapped a five-match losing streak Thursday with a 25-15, 25-21, 25-21 victory over Academy of Art in Pacific West Conference women’s volleyball at McCabe Gym.

The Silverswords improved to 6-12 overall and 3-10 in the PacWest, while the Urban Knights fell to 5-8 and 9-12.