Viloria wins fourth pro bout

NEW YORK >> The idea was to use violent means to help heal the consequences of unimaginable violence. Last night at the Roseland Ballroom in Midtown Manhattan, 18 boxers, including three former Olympians, took and delivered their share of hard punches to raise money for the rebuilding of New York after the Sept. 11 attacks.

The fighters exchanged blows for charity rather than glory. For the three Olympians, all of whom fought in the 2000 Summer Games, it was another chance to represent their country, and they did so while remaining unbeaten as professionals.

All of them, including Waipahu's Brian Viloria, agreed to donate their purses to the Twin Towers Fund. More than 1,000 tickets were sold for $50 to $200 each, and those proceeds were also donated to the fund.

The first Olympian into the ring was Viloria, a flyweight who did not earn an Olympic medal after a controversial loss. More than 500 New York police officers, firefighters and rescue workers who had been admitted free watched quietly as he stepped into his corner wearing red, white and blue trunks.

Viloria (4-0) chased his opponent, Mike Thomas (4-3-1) of Baltimore, around the ring for the entire four rounds. In the second round, Viloria landed a couple of body blows, then swung at Thomas' face with a left that staggered him. Thomas stayed on his feet, only to take another left.

"I saw him stagger and he clinched real hard," Viloria said. "It was hard to fight against a guy like that, who's on the protected and defensive end."

Thomas was reprimanded by the referee in the next round when he grabbed Viloria around the thighs. But Viloria staggered Thomas again. The judges awarded him a unanimous decision.

"I love New York, I love the people," Viloria said. "I'm proud to help a little like this for the victims. It's my way to fight for my country. I want everyone to go out and live life."

Clarence Vinson (5-0), a bantamweight bronze medalist in 2000, and Jermain Taylor (7-0), a middleweight bronze medalist, both also won last night.

Seasiders close tourney with 15-point victory

The Brigham Young-Hawaii men's basketball team defeated Metro State in Laie last night 85-70 to finish its Thanksgiving Tournament at 1-1.

The Seasiders (3-2) were led by Alexus Foyle's 20 points. Scott Salisbury added 19 points and eight rebounds and Yuta Tabuse 12 points and nine assists with just one turnover.

Mike Buggs topped the Roadrunners with 20 points.

The tournament concludes tonight at 7:30 with a game between Metro State and Cal State San Bernardino, which is ranked No. 6 in NCAA Division II.

Leilehua's Ishitani steps down from football post

Cass Ishitani has decided to step down as head football coach at Leilehua High School, the school announced earlier this week.

Ishitani cited a need to spend more time with his family and a desire to pursue personal interests as reasons for his decision.

Ishitani was 22-41-2 in seven seasons with the Mules. Leilehua went 0-8 in the Oahu Interscholastic Association's Red Conference this season.

Kimball named to WCC first team

Kealani Kimball, a sophomore middle blocker for Loyola Marymount, is a first-team All-West Coast Conference selection.

A resident of Kaunakakai, Molokai, and a Kamehameha Schools graduate, she led the Lions in blocks per game (0.66) and averaged 3.03 kills per game.

Maui High graduate earns WCC soccer honor

Gonzaga's Zach Scott, a Maui High School graduate, has been named to the All-West Coast Conference men's soccer first team.

The senior defender helped the Bulldogs to seven shutouts, and was also the team's second-leading scorer.

Iolani's coach Kang to speak at QB Club

Ann Kang, who coached the Iolani girls volleyball team to its first state championship last week, is the headline speaker at Monday's Quarterback Club luncheon at the Pagoda's International Ballroom.

Hawaii offensive line coach Mike Cavanaugh and defensive line coach Vantz Singletary will also speak. Lunch starts at 11:30 a.m. and the program begins at noon. For more information, call Al Minn at 261-5143.