Just For Kicks
THE Hawaii Wahine soccer team could be playing on its third "home" field in three years next season if the Waipio Peninsula Soccer Park is completed on schedule in August. Waipio park will be
a boost for Wahine"We're looking forward to going out to the mayor's new soccer stadium," said UH assistant athletic director Marilyn Moniz-Kaho'ohanohano.
"It's a better venue than last year. It gives us a chance to cultivate our audience back. The field should be better and there will be seats for our fans."
Ground was broken in April for the initial phase of the $11-million project. Included in this phase is a 4,000-seat stadium expandable to 18,000 seats in the future, 18 other regulation soccer fields (two lighted) and 700 parking stalls.
The City and County of Honolulu is requesting information and recommendations from private sector organizations to join the City as a financial partner in the development and operation of the park.
The information and recommendations must be submitted to the Department of Parks and Recreation by Nov. 15. A Request for Proposals is intended to be issued by Dec. 1, which would lead to the selection of a management contractor.
BUT Moniz-Kaho'ohanohano knows there are drawbacks.
"It will require more upfront preparation. There will be traffic and I don't know when we would have to leave campus to ensure being there for a 7 p.m. match.
"But, it gives us a chance for revenue generation and we would be eligible to host postseason playoffs."
And, Moniz-Kaho'ohanohano made it clear that a move to Waipio next season in no way lessens her desire to see Cooke Field on campus remodeled into a 5,000-seat soccer, track and field stadium.
Max Sword, AYSO president for Hawaii, knows the additional fields will be a boost to AYSO's two big tournaments.
"The Kirk Banks Tournament (during spring break) is limited to 180 teams. We have to limit the Rainbow AYSO tournament (July 4th week) because we can't start games early in the day with summer school is session," Sword said.
Alan Heu, who has coached AYSO teams for 20 years, is the new varsity girls' soccer coach at Kalaheo High School.
The Southern Colorado men's soccer team (10-4-1) is tied for first place in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference
Jason Efhan, a sophomore striker from Kapaa, leads the Thunderwolves with eight goals, including three game winners.
Three Mililani graduates, all midfielders, also play for the Division II school. Junior Tony Deocares has one goal, sophomore Marc Hasegawa has a goal and Ian Hasegawa, a freshman, has one assist.
Kathy Sadayasu (Waiakea), a junior striker, leads the Thunderwolves' women with five goals and one assist. Senior Alana Cabatu (Hawaii Prep) has a goal and an assist.
Freshman Janalee Ortiz (Waiakea) is redshirting this year.
Jessica Catekista, a sophomore defender from Kamehameha, is playing for Regis (11-4-0), currently ranked No. 10 in the National Soccer Coaches Association of America Division II poll. She was a first-team, All-RMAC pick in 1998, the only freshman to earn that honor.
Starr Johnson (Punahou), who started all 18 games as a freshman for Oregon in 1998, a year that ended with a broken ankle, has recovered. She is joined on defense for the Ducks by senior Carrie McLanahan (University).
Allison Hamada (Punahou) is in her junior season at Oregon State. She is a defender.
