MEDIA RELEASE

University of Hawaii at Hilo men’s basketball assistant coach Hamilton Manley died in an apparent drowning on Wednesday at the Wai Opae tidepools near Kapoho, Hawaii.

According to an article in the Hawaii Tribune-Herald, Manley was with his family and was found floating in the water about 10 minutes after going snorkeling.

“Coach Ham touched the lives of countless college athletes and aspiring youth basketball players during his time with UH Hilo,” said Dr. Luoluo Hong, acting athletic director and vice chancellor of student affairs. “When we lose a coach and an educator like this, it is truly a grievous loss, but the ripple effects of Coach Ham’s influence will continue. Our hearts and prayers go out to his family and friends during this time.”

Manley was named an assistant basketball coach at the University of Hawaii at Hilo on September 16, 2003. He also is an instructor at various state-wide basketball camps and clinics as well as the Vulcans-Hawaii Basketball Summer Youth Camp.

[www.hawaiitribune-herald.com/articles/2009/07/02/sports/sports01.txt]