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Wednesday, February 9, 2000
Chargers get big
jolt from Calpo
The sophomore striker from
Pearl City leads the OIA
in goals scoredBy Tim Crouse PREP EXTRA
Special to the Star-BulletinEvery Saturday she's on the soccer field at 7:30 in the morning. For Carmen Calpo, there is no such thing as sleeping in or watching television like most teen-agers.
Calpo, a sophomore starter for the Pearl City High's varsity soccer squad, and her teammates also practice in the afternoons, Monday through Friday. They have made their work pay off.
"The whole team worked hard this year," Calpo said. "We've been running a lot to get in shape and (we were) prepared for the season."
The Chargers blitzed through the regular season with a 8-1-1 record and advanced to the Oahu Interscholastic Association Tournament championship game last Saturday, falling in penalty kicks to Moanalua.
If the Chargers want to make a run in the upcoming state tournament, they'll need the continued production of Calpo, who led the OIA in scoring this season.
From her striker position, Calpo scored 20 goals in the regular season, and twice more in the OIA Tournament.
Even though the Chargers usually played late games on Friday nights, and despite being sore and tired the next morning, Calpo said she hasn't minded getting up that early on a Saturday morning, because she loves playing the game."Once you get into practice, it's alright ," said Calpo, who has been playing soccer since she was four years old. "I love the game, and (being on) the team."
Calpo also runs track and field, which has helped her become a better soccer player.
"Cross country helps you with your endurance and you work on speed for track," she said.
Pearl City head coach Archie Chung said one of her biggest assets on offense is her speed, which he said has been improved by her participation in track.
"That definitely helps with her speed and her skills," said Chung.
Calpo has proven that she has the skill to score goals, but said when she is in position to take a shot in front of the net, she still hopes she can make a good scoring opportunity.
"I just hope I don't hit the ball right to the goalie or kick it out of bounds!" Calpo said. "I've had my share (of those) this year.
"When I score I'm just happy because I know I helped the team out. It's a team thing."
Chung said Calpo reminds him of former Charger and University of Hawaii Wahine player Nicki Arakawa. Arakawa, who is at or near the top of nearly every UH offensive category, also started for Pearl City as a freshman and sophomore.
When praise comes her way for her achievements though, Calpo is quick to downplay her achievements and pass on the credit to her teammates.
"This year we're really close as a team," she said. "Without everyone else and without the assists I wouldn't be the leading scorer."
Fellow striker Pamela Fong appreciates how Calpo plays the game.
"She's a real good team player," said the senior. "On the field she's aggressive and she plays hard every single game."
Calpo was good when she started playing for Pearl City as a freshman, said Fong, and she's picked up her game even more.
Even with all of the impressive numbers she has put up, Chung said Calpo has room to get even better.
"She's very conscientious, trying to learn. She gets upset when she knows she could have scored a goal but missed. At times, I think she tries too hard. She has the potential to improve more.
"She has to keep learning and keep her skills up," he said.
Chung said he thinks she could be a very good college player when she graduates in a couple of years.
Until then though, she'll continue to work hard and strike fear in the hearts of opposing goalies.
