Hawaii Beat
Star-Bulletin staff
|
Akpan heads north
Former Hawaii defensive lineman Nkeruwem "Tony" Akpan is in training camp with the Canadian Football League's Montreal Alouettes. Akpan, who began his UH athletic career as a basketball player, played in 12 games last season and was in on five tackles and a blocked kick. The 6-foot-6, 290-pound Nigeria native had never competed in football before joining the Warriors in spring 2003. He played in 34 games over three seasons, making 24 tackles and blocking three kicks.
Kahuku's Tutor earns scholarship from club
Kahuku track and field standout Redmond Tutor will receive the first John Cummings Scholar/Athlete Award of $500 at a dinner next Wednesday sponsored by the Ko'olauloa Track & Field Club.
Cummings, the founder and president of the club, died in February. Tutor, who led the Red Raiders to their first boys state championship two weeks ago, credited Cummings for sparking his interest in the sport.
Summer registration for the Ko'olauloa Track & Field Club is still being accepted, said Lei Cummings, John's wife and the club's new president. The cost is $25. The first practice is Tuesday at 4 p.m. at Kahuku District Park.
The Renegades Track Club, based in Honolulu, is also accepting new members. For more information, e-mail coach Walt Thompson at coacht@hawaii.rr.com.
Iolani's Marciel gets Gatorade baseball honor
Wally Marciel, a senior pitcher/first baseman for Iolani School, has been named the Gatorade State Baseball Player of the Year for Hawaii.
At the time of his selection, Marciel was 5-1 with an ERA of 2.34 and 22 strikeouts. The Puma Preseason All-American also had a .450 batting average.
Marciel, who plans to play for Kansas next season, is eligible for the national honor, which will be announced in the next few weeks.
Irons to meet Munro in fourth round
Three-time world champion Andy Irons of Kauai beat Peter Mendia today in the third round of the Globe WCT Fiji at Cloudbreak on Tavarua island.
Irons faces Australia's Trent Munro in the upcoming fourth round of the Association of Surfing Professionals' World Championship Tour event.
In other third-round heats today, Kauai's Bruce Irons lost to Tim Reyes and Hawaii's Fred Patacchia Jr. was beaten by Australia's Nathan Hedge in 5-7 foot surf.
3 Wahine to NCAA regional track meet
Three member of the Hawaii women's track and field team will compete at the NCAA West Regionals, Friday and Saturday, at the BYU campus in Provo, Utah.
Junior Patricia Gauthier (pole vault), sophomore Meghan Weaver (shot put, discus, hammer) and freshman Emily Sheppard (high jump) are competing. The three need a top-five finish in their respective events to qualify for the NCAA Championships, June 7-10.
Sophomore Annett Wichmann has likely secured a spot at the NCAA Championships after winning the heptathlon at the Western Athletic Conference Championships two weeks ago. Wichmann's 5,374 points ranks her 17th nationally; traditionally, the top 20 advance to the championship.
Team Hawaii to Junior Olympic baseball
Team Hawaii, a group of 17 players selected by coaches from the Oahu Interscholastic Association and the Interscholastic League of Honolulu, will compete in the USA Baseball Junior Olympics, June 21 to July 3 in Peoria, Ariz.
This will be the first time an All-Oahu team has competed in the tournament, according to coach Dean Sato. Last year, Na Hoku O Maui finished 42nd with a 3-4 record.
Team members are: Dustin Antolin, Joseph Aquino, Kylen Cadiam and Richie Mariano of Mililani; J.R. Bunda, Kela Marciel, Brennan Nacario and Reyn Nagamine from Iolani; Robert Dittrick, Aaron Fujiki, Matthew McDaniel, Michael Nagamine and Wade Tamaro of Mid-Pacific; Reece Kiriu, Paul Snieder and Matt Suiter of Punahou; and Ross Yamato of Pac-Five.
The team is soliciting donations to help defray travel costs. Checks can be sent to Sports Career Opportunity, 744 Kohou Street, Honolulu, 96817.
Trampoline athletes successful in Canada
Hawaii's Nani Vercruyssen, a member of the USA Trampoline junior national team, took gold in the 17-and-under trampoline and placed third in the double mini-trampoline at the Canadian National Gymnastics Championships in Quebec City earlier this month.
Hawaii's Kelsen Onigama placed second in the 10-14 novice boys double mini-tramp and 15th in the trampoline.