HONOLULU (KHON2) — Of all the things in our lives that give us pleasure, the world of sports is at the top of the list. Free of politics and economics, sports gives us the platform to bond with nearly anyone, regardless of differing backgrounds.
In Hawaiʻi, the University of Hawaiʻi’s athletics is at the top of the list. Who doesn’t love the Rainbow Warriors? After 100 years of entertainment, these teams are beloved by most locals.
But to love the Bows, you have to know who the athletic directors are since these are the people who make our state university’s teams the powerhouse they are today.
So, KHON2.com decided to take a look back at UH’s rise in sports and their past athletic directors.
When Hawaiʻi had no athletics
During World War II, UH dropped their athletics programs to accommodate for wartime life. Between 1942 and 1946 (spring semester), there was no Athletic Director or programs.
But in 1946’s fall semester, UH came back with a big move forward in Hawaii athletics.
Post-WW2 led to a surge
UH is the only NCAA Division I school in Hawai‘i, with 21 teams for men, women and coed athletes. The teams mainly compete in the Big West Conference, but football is in the Mountain West. However, in 2025, all UH teams will join the Mountain West full-time.
UH Athletics started in 1946 and has won several national championships. The goal of UH sports is to help student-athletes do their best in both school and sports. The program supports fairness, teamwork, and respect. It also helps Hawai‘i by bringing in fans, supporting businesses, and sharing the Aloha Spirit across the world through TV and media.
UH wants student-athletes to grow not just physically but also mentally and emotionally. The program works hard to give all athletes equal chances to succeed and become leaders—both during college and in life. Locals are proud of their teams and cheer them on with lots of love and excitement.
The standouts
There have been 25 Athletic Directors to date at UH, but some of them have really stood out amongst fans.
In doing a bit of internet research, KHON2.com found that David Maitlin who served from 2015 to 2023 was a fan favorite. Maitlin was considered steady and effective, and he provided much needed stability in the athletics programs during the COVID pandemic.
Craig Angelos served from 2023-2024 and was a more controversial AD. Much swirled around both his tenure and his leaving of the program.
A new direction
Matt Elliott has been chosen as the new athletics director UH, following a nationwide search. His appointment was officially approved on June 16, and he will begin on June 30.
Elliott brings more than a decade of experience in college sports from UCLA, where he led big projects like conference changes and helped create a Master’s program for athletes. He also helped secure a record-breaking $280 million deal for sports gear.
Elliott and his family moved back to Hawaiʻi in 2022. He has deep ties to the islands and said Hawaiʻi feels like home. He’s excited to lead UH Athletics and work with student-athletes, coaches and fans. Many local and national leaders believe he’s the perfect person for the job.
Fans are especially excited because UH sports, including the Rainbow Warriors and Rainbow Wāhine, are loved across the islands. Elliott’s leadership comes at an important time as UH prepares to join the Mountain West Conference full-time.
Athletics directors past
- 1921-38 Otto “Proc” Klum.
- 1938-40 None (under Board of Athletic Control headed by Chairman Walter Knox).
- 1940-41 Eugene “Luke” Gill.
- 1941-42 Theodore “Pump” Searle.
- 1942-45 None (BAC dropped).
- 1945-46 None (BAC reestablished under Chairman Hubert Brown).
- 1946-47 Dr. Francois d’Eliscu.
- 1947-49 Iwao Miyake (acting).
- 1949-51 Thomas Kaulukukui.
- 1951-52 Archie Kodros.
- 1952-60 Henry Vasconcellos.
- 1960-61 Dr. Frederick Haehnlen, Jr.
- 1961-62 Dr. Edward Chui.
- 1962-66 Young Suk Ko.
- 1966-67 Phil Sarboe.
- 1967-68 Robert Martin.
- 1968-75 Paul Durham.
- 1975-76 Dr. Edward Chui (acting).
- 1976-83 Ray Nagel.
- 1983-93 Stan Sheriff.
- 1993-2002 Hugh Yoshida.
- 2002-08 Herman Frazier.
- 2008 Carl Clapp (interim).
- 2008-12 Jim Donovan.
- 2012-13 Rockne Freitas (acting).
- 2013-15 Ben Jay.
- 2015-23 David Matlin.
- 2023-24 Craig Angelos.
- 2024-25 Lois Manin (acting).
You can click here learn more about Elliott, and you can click here to learn more about UH’s athletics programs and departments.
The fall semester is scheduled to begin soon. We’ll all have a chance to see the dynamic power of UH’s new AD. This includes a fun sports season for across the islands.