HONOLULU – The University of Hawai'i Foundation in partnership with 'Ahahui Koa Anuenue and the University of Hawai'i Athletics Department, have created the new position of Executive Director for the school's football booster club, Na Koa. Former Letterwinners Club President Dr. Don Weir will assume the position beginning on Monday, March 2.

 

Weir, a two-year letterwinner in football in the 1970s, has served as the volunteer booster president for the UH Letterwinners Club since 2008. As executive director of Na Koa, Weir will coordinate the booster club's fundraising campaign that supports the annual operational needs of the Warrior football program.

 

“We are very pleased and excited that Don Weir has agreed to take on this critical responsibility for Na Koa and the University of Hawai'i football program,” Na Koa President Rick Blangiardi said. “We are confident that Don's passion and commitment to Warrior football will create unprecedented success for our coaches and team.”

 

“Don will do a great job as our new Na Koa Executive Director,” head coach Greg McMackin said. “He has an excellent work ethic, is a great person, cares about the University of Hawai'i, the state of Hawai'i and our program. He is the final piece of the puzzle to take Na Koa to a higher level.”

 

“Having seen firsthand Don's work as president of UH Letterwinners Club, I am confident of his abilities and leadership,” athletics director Jim Donovan said. “In addition, from a personal level, I am excited that Don, as a former UH football player, has made a commitment to come home and give back to his team and university.”

 

Na Koa was founded in 1987 by Alec Waterhouse, Ed Wong, and Ben Yee. The Na Koa board consists of Blangiardi, Chairman Emeritus Ben Yee and other community leaders who govern and manage the operations of the organization.

 

 

The University of Hawai'i Foundation Mission: To unite our donors' passions with the University of Hawai'i's aspirations to benefit the people of Hawai'i and beyond. We do this by raising private philanthropic support, managing private investments and nurturing donor and alumni relationships. Please visit www.uhf.hawaii.edu.

 

Na Koa (the Warrior) Football Club is the UH Manoa football booster club.  It provides support for players and coaches by providing equipment, dietary assistance and funds for scholarships, academic support and tutoring.  Na Noa is a leading booster club of all UH Manoa sports programs coordinated through 'Ahahui Koa Anuenue, non-profit affiliate to the UH Foundation for UH Manoa athletics.

 

'Ahahui Koa Anuenue is the University of Hawai'i Athletics Department's primary fundraising organization. Established in 1967, AKA manages the preferred seating program and athletic booster club programs for Manoa Athletics, and works in partnership with the UH Foundation for major and planned giving opportunities which benefit all athletic programs at UH Manoa. For more information on the preferred seating program or to learn more about AKA's other programs, please visit our website at www.KoaAnuenue.org.