A new face and new duties are part of the expansion of the UW sports communications office.

 Justin Doherty, the UW assistant athletic director for communications, said interviews are underway to bring in someone to join the full-time staff. Among the duties for the new hire will be to serve as the main contact for men's basketball.

 Bringing in a sixth full-time employee was precipitated by two developments: 1) Doherty will focus on running the ever-in-demand department, thus relenquishing his duties as the No. 1 contact for football; 2) Tam Flarup, the most veteran member of the staff, will focus strictly on her role as director of website services.

 Doherty said he will continue to travel with football, but the day-to-day duties will fall to Brian Lucas, who previously handled men's basketball.

 Diane Nordstrom will continue to handle volleyball, but also will become the No. 1 contact for women's basketball.