Hawaii Beat

By Star-Bulletin Staff

Friday, June 20, 1997

Viloria suffers first loss

Star-Bulletin staff

---

Waipahu's Brian Viloria was nearly on the verge of doing what no other United States Junior Olympian has done in 26 years: win three gold medals in a row at the nationals.

But the 16-year-old Viloria suffered his first defeat in a 44-fight career yesterday when Eric Fagen of Coventry, R.I., pulled out a 3-2 split decision in the 112-pound semifinals to record the biggest upset of the Junior Olympic National Boxing Championships for 15-16-year-olds in Marquette, Michigan.

Viloria, who is also a 4.0 honors student at Waipahu High School, comes home tomorrow with the 112-pound bronze medal, his third medal in three years at the nationals.

He became the first Hawaii boxer ever to win a Junior Olympics title in 1995 when he took the 100-pound division. He captured the 106-pound gold last year and went on to add an international title.

Fagen was aggressive right from the opening bell yesterday, using his size advantage to limit the effectiveness of Viloria's notorious body blows.

Hawaii boxing coordinator Ray Saito said Fagen had a sound strategy and executed it well.

"He definitely won the match even though it was a split decision," said Saito. "He knew what he was doing coming into the match and did what he had to win.

"I talked with our coaches and we think this may be a blessing in disguise for Brian.

"After going so many bouts without a loss, now he knows he can be beaten and that he has to work even harder."

Fagen advanced to finals which will be held this afternoon at the Hedgcock Fieldhouse. He will face Gilberto Luque of Phoenix, who scored a 5-0 victory over Joe Gentile of Palm Beach, Fla.

"Brian is a great boxer and the defending world champion," said Fagen after the match.

"I knew coming into this I would have to box perfect because of how talented he is. I watched his earlier bouts and I knew it would have to be my best match ever."

Mike Fagen, Eric's father, said his son was excited about facing Viloria.

"He always wanted to go against the very best and there is no better than Brian," said the elder Fagen.

HSWGA match play
title to Umemura

Anna Umemura eagled the first hole, then fell behind at the turn as Kristal Kakugawa went 3-up at that point of the Hawaii State Women's Golf Association match play tournament championship match yesterday at the Oahu Country Club.

However, Umemura, the state girls' champion, rallied on the back nine to win the title, 1 up.

Umemura begins her college career this fall at the University of Tennessee.

TOMORI, LOVETT FARE WELL: At Center Square, Pa., Christel Tomori and Summerset Lovett, both of Honolulu, remained among the leaders after the second round of qualifying yesterday for the 1997 U.S. Women's Amateur Public Links Championship.

Heather Graff, Kennewick, Wash., is the leader at 144.

Tomori shot 75 yesterday for a 149 total, good for ninth place. Lovett had a 78 for a 152 total and is in a seven-way tie for 13th place.

MOVERS LOSE TWO: At Inha University, South Korea, the Hawaii Island Movers opened their Far East swing by losing two games earlier this week.

The Korean National Team rallied for four runs in the sixth inning to defeat the Movers, 5-2, Monday and Inha University beat the Movers, 10-4, Tuesday.

Jamie Aloy had two hits against the Korean National Team while Troy Yoshimasu and Chad Ohira paired hits against Inha.

SKATEBOARDING CONTEST: The Association of Skateboarders in Hawaii will be holding its second contest of the year tomorrow from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Aala Park.

For additional information, call Scot at 263-5603.

JUNIOR OLYMPIC TRACK: The Hawaii USA Track & Field Junior Olympic Program for boys and girls age 9-18 starts its season tomorrow at Punahou.

The first running event (3,000 meters) starts at 7:30 a.m. There is a one-time fee of $11. There also are open and masters events.

For information, call 262-7458.

POLO AT WAIMANALO: International Travel Service will tangle with Holo Lio Ranch in the Honolulu Polo Club match Sunday at the Waimanalo Polo Grounds.

The gates open at 12:30 p.m. with action starting at 2 p.m. General admission is $3 per person with children under 12 free.

For additional information, telephone 396-0494 or 732-9595.

HONOLULU MARATHON SPECIAL: Celebrating 25 years as a top international sporting event, the Honolulu Marathon Association's 1997 early entry $2 special is currently available to Hawaii residents and active-duty military stationed in Hawaii through July 12.

In addition to the early registration special, the first 4,000 who sign up before July 12 at the Running Room store (737-2422) will receive a free Honolulu Marathon event T-shirt.

For more information call the Marathon office at 734-7200.

WAHINE SURFING CLASSIC: China Uemura, a well known local surfer, is producing his first Wahine Surfing Classic as a benefit for the Kapiolani Hospital Sex Abuse Treatment Center.

The event is scheduled for June 28-28 at Queens in Waikiki.

The meet is open to women and girls with seven categories offered: Pee Wees (6 and under); Junior Pee Wees (7-10); Menehunes (11-13); Junior Girls (14-17); Girls (18-21); Adult (22-29); Senior Women (30-49), and Grand Masters (50 and over).

The entry fee is $25 which includes a T-shirt if fee is paid in advance. The on-site fee is $75. There is a limit of 200 entries.