August 27 - PLNU Athletic Director Ethan Hamilton announced the hiring of Russ Blunck as associate athletic director on Thursday.

A former PLNU employee, Blunck was most recently the associate A.D. at Western Oregon University where he oversaw sports information and broadcasting, assisted with event management and hosting opportunities, worked on community engagement activities and was involved in student-athlete development programs. In addition, Blunck helped oversee the university’s transition from the NAIA to NCAA DII.
 
“We are extremely excited to have Russ returning to PLNU,” said Hamilton. “His numerous experiences will assist our department immediately in a variety of ways.  He is well-connected throughout the conference, the NAIA, and the NCAA.  He is very eager to return to a setting of Christian higher education.”

Prior to being appointed as WOU’s associate A.D., Blunck served 11 years as the university’s sports information director.  Before working at WOU, he was the sports information director at PLNU for six years.  During his first stint at PLNU, Blunck served as the president of the NAIA Sports Information Directors Association. He was presented with the NAIA’s Ike Pearson Hall of Fame award in 2001, and twice won the Gary Spitler award, the NAIA’s top honor for overall excellence in publications.
 
“On so many levels, this is a dream come true to return to Point Loma,” Blunck said. “My heart has always been here.  I am thrilled to be able to return to Christian higher education, and feel blessed to serve alongside Ethan and so many of the coaches and staff that I worked with before.”

Blunck also worked six years in San Diego as the director of communications for the Athletes in Action basketball team, and as the baseball director for Sports and Cultural Exchange, International.  Through those two roles, he has had the opportunity to travel all across the country and around the world.  He also worked in professional football with the Portland Breakers of the now-defunct United States Football League, and with Athletes in Action International in Colorado Springs. 

A 1982 graduate of Pacific University, Blunck served for two years as the school’s sports information director while still a student. An accomplished athlete, he was a two-time all-conference wide receiver in football and played baseball as well.
 
He has two sons - Brodie (16) and Brendan (13), who attend Santiam Christian Schools.  Russ is married to Maddie Liseblad, a former track and field standout and PLNU graduate.
 
Blunck will begin his duties at Point Loma on Sept. 14.