William Moeava is the new McKinley High School varsity football head coach, according to athletic director Neal Takamori. McKinley looks to Moeava
to lead football programMoeava, 27, coached the Tigers' junior varsity team for the past three years, and he takes over for departed 10-year head coach David Tanuvasa.
"It'll be an easier transition, because he knows the kids well," Takamori said. "He takes care of the boys in and out of school, and he'll be using the same system that he's already well acquainted with."
Moeava was an offensive lineman for McKinley and graduated in 1993.
The McKinley assistant coaches will remain mostly the same, except for a few open spots due to coaches who have relocated to the mainland.
Tanuvasa led the Tigers to a 9-5 record and the school's first appearance in the state tournament a year ago. McKinley advanced to the state semifinals, but lost in triple overtime to Castle.
"I'm looking forward to coaching this group of kids again. I had them when they were freshmen on the JV, and it's a real good crop of kids," Moeava said. "It's going to be hard following in the footsteps of David and I'll be trying to carry on what he built."
The Tigers return several starters, including Gatorade State Player of the Year Abel Werner at quarterback and all-state offensive lineman Randy Faletoi.
Moeava said he'll emphasize scholastic success and a focus on education after high school.
"Beyond that, our goal is to win the OIA championship, if possible," he said.
Wahine finish 13th at Spartan Invitational
Rene Krause carded an 84 in the final round, but the Hawaii women's golf team finished 13th at the Spartan Invitational at Salinas, Calif., yesterday.Krause came down from the 77 and 79 she shot in the first two rounds, shooting an 83 for a 240 total to tie for 58th individually.
Bobbie Arakawa was Hawaii's next best finisher, shooting a 248, while Tara Chappell was a stroke behind. Pepperdine won the tournament with an 846.
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