Judging by best times and marks to date, Punahou and Iolani are favored to win the boys and girls titles, respectively, Saturday at the Island Movers State Track and Field Championships at Maui's War Memorial Stadium. ILH figures to dominate
Star-Bulletin staff
in state track and fieldGoing almost exclusively by best marks (slight alterations were made for injuries), Punahou's boys are projected to score 65 points. St. Louis would be second with 33.
"I think we're looking pretty strong," Punahou coach Louis Johnson said. "But there are always surprises at the state meet."
The Buffanblu distance runners, led by Todd Iacovelli, and the jumpers, paced by Derek Turbin and Charles Rania, are Punahou's strength, Johnson said.
"We had seven guys qualify in the 1,500 (meters) and six in the 800," the first-year head coach said. "Todd has had a great year and has really developed himself into a strong runner. And this is the first time we're that deep (in the jumps) in a long time."
Iolani's girls are projected to finish with 49 points. Kahuku (38), Punahou (35), Hilo (34) and Sacred Hearts (33) could also contend.
Kamehameha's boys and Punahou's girls are the defending champions.
Local girls qualify for world wrestling trials
Eight wrestlers with Hawaii ties have qualified to compete in the U.S. Women's World Team trials in Cincinnati on June 22-24.Clarissa Chun (Roosevelt, 101.25 pounds), Tanya Miyasaki (Castle, 101.25 pounds), Laura Obuhanych (Hawaii Baptist, 101.25 pounds), Shelley Ann Tomita (Moanalua, 112.25 pounds), Jill Remiticado (Iolani, 123.25 pounds), Lauwa'e Smith (Radford, 136.25 pounds), Stephanie Bolton (Radford, 149.75 pounds) and Donell Bradley (Radford, 165.25 pounds) will battle for spots on the national team, which will compete in the World Championships at New York's Madison Square Garden in September.
John Kerley of the Rainbow Wahine Wrestling Club said this is the first year the state has placed wrestlers in every weight group. The team is also preparing for the FILA Junior World Championships in Dayton, Ohio, scheduled for June 1-4.
Chun has the most international experience in the group as she won a gold medal at the Klippan Lady Open in Sweden in March.
McKinley looking to fill coaching vacancies
The McKinley athletic department is accepting resumes for those interested in coaching the school's track and field, boys volleyball and cheerleading teams.Applications can be sent to McKinley athletic director Neal Takamori at 1039 S. King St., Honolulu, HI 96814. The deadline is May 18.
Geary raises the bar
Punahou gymnast Erin Geary placed seventh in the uneven bars en route to finishing 29th in the Senior A Division of the Level 10 Junior Olympics National Championships on May 11 in Eugene, Ore.Geary, a sophomore who trains with Hawaiian Island Twisters, posted a score of 9.4 on the uneven bars and an all-around score of 36.5.
Elyse Wong of Kokokahi Gymnastics had an all-around score of 35.525. She recorded her best score on the uneven bars with a 9.025.
Athletes of the Week
>> Kamaile Santos, Kailua baseball: Struck out 11 Moanalua batters en route to a complete-game victory in the Oahu Interscholastic Association championship game Monday. He also earned the win in Kailua's quarterfinal win against Leilehua on Friday. Boys
>> Aritta Lane, Aiea girls basketball: Scored 32 points on 15-for-18 shooting and grabbed 20 rebounds against Kalani on Saturday. She also had an assist, two steals and two blocks. Girls
Honor Roll
Baseball
>> Ryan Kotani, Roosevelt: Went 10-for-10 at the plate in the Rough Riders' final three regular season games against Kailua, Kahuku and Kaiser.
>> Jarid Kawamoto, Kailua: Batted 4-for-4 with a home run and drove in seven runs against Pearl City on Saturday.
Girls basketball
>> Ashley Takata, Kalani: Scored an average of 32 points in the Falcons' final three regular season games, including 38 against Farrington.
>> Joelle Sugai, Aiea: Held Takata scoreless in the second half and recorded four steals in Saturday's OIA playoff game.
Golf
>> Jarett Hamamoto, Waiakea: Carded rounds of 69 and 72 Saturday to win the Hawaii High School Athletic Association boys individual championship, and helped lead the Warriors to the team title.
>> Rachel Kyono, Kauai: Shot rounds of 72 and 71 to win the girls state title, and spearheaded the Red Raiders' state title run.
Track and field
>> Natasha Kai, Kahuku: Finished first in five events (100-meter high hurdles, 300 low hurdles, long jump, triple jump and high jump) at Saturday's OIA Championships.
May 15, 1997 Back in the Day
>> Punahou's Kaione Crabb and Mike Souza break 30-year-old records during trials of the HHSAA track and field championships. Crabb sets a record in the shot put with a throw of 59 feet, 8 inches. Souza breaks the discus mark with a toss of 180 feet, 1 inch.
To nominate an athlete, contact the Star-Bulletin Sports Department by 11 p.m. Sunday: Athletes of the week
529-4782 (phone)
529-4787 (fax)
sports@starbulletin.com
Hawaii School Web Sites