The University of Hawaii's sports community has been blindsided by the sudden dismissal of Athletics Director Craig Angelos. Despite only a year and a half in the position, Angelos has been widely recognized for his notable contributions, including securing Hawaii's full-time membership in the Mountain West Conference and improving travel logistics for the football team. Appointed by UH President David Lassner, Angelos' termination is slated for December 1.
Amidst the turmoil, Angelos' dismissal has rallied students and athletes to his defense, exemplified by a petition initiated by UH volleyball player Kurt Nusterer. Nusterer pointed to Angelos' efforts in leveraging Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities for athletes, a significant support given the financial constraints they face. "When he came in and NIL became a thing, he really helped our team out," Nusterer told KITV. Thousands have already joined the petition, reflecting the support within the university's sporting circle.
Lassner's decision to oust Angelos has been criticized by not only student athletes but also by state lawmakers and sports industry professionals. Echoing the collective surprise, Senator Glenn Wakai expressed dismay at the dismissal of an AD who was "putting up championship teams, saving money, bringing in money then poof, that all disappeared this morning," as reported by Hawaii News Now. The abrupt decision has caused ripples of shock and uncertainty even among influential supporters, with Jeff Wagoner, CEO of Outrigger hospitality, acknowledging Angelos' proactive stance in engaging with challenges unique to college athletics.
As interim Athletic Director, Lois Manin is set to take over in December, the UH community and its supporters are closely watching, seeking clarity on the future direction of the athletics program. Lawmakers like Rep. Andrew Takuya Garrett have articulated concerns about Angelos' removal and its implications for potential future candidates considering a role at UH. Craig Angelos himself was negotiating an apparel deal with Nike and had managed to decrease UH's subsidies for visiting teams, leading many to question the grounds of his termination weeks before Lassner's own retirement.
