The Brigham Young-Hawaii men's basketball team, riding a 17-game home winning streak, moved up a spot to No. 2 in the final regular-season NCAA II West Regional poll released yesterday. BYUH No. 2 in West Regional
The Seasiders (17-3), ranked 17th nationally, have already clinched an automatic berth in next week's regional tournament as the Pacific West Conference champion. BYUH is ranked behind CCAA champ Cal State San Bernardino (21-4) in the region; Hawaii-Hilo (16-9) is No. 10.
Both teams are seeking to become the host of the March 14-17 tournament. The winner advances to the NCAA II Elite Eight, March 26-29, in Orlando, Fla.
The Seasiders, undefeated this year at the Cannon Activities Center, host Chaminade tonight and Saturday.
Akiu steps down as Mustangs coach
Mike Akiu has resigned as head varsity football coach at Kalaheo High School.Akiu, a former Kalaheo, University of Hawaii and NFL player, coached the Mustangs for three years. Kalaheo posted records of 5-4, 6-2 and 0-8 during his tenure. Kalaheo missed the playoffs by one game in 2001.
Akiu said work conflicts caused him to step down.
"I'll miss the kids. The camaraderie of the coaches, game days and practice times, I'll miss all that," Akiu said. "I'm going to try to help fill in the new coach."
Kalaheo athletic director Lee Cashman said the fact that Akiu made it to football's highest level inspired his players.
"Especially with him being a former Kalaheo player, the kids had tremendous respect for him," Cashman said.
"We're going to miss him," he added.
"He did a good job for us and we're sad he's leaving, but his work obligations as a stevedore keep him very busy."
Cashman said those interested in the position of Kalaheo football head coach should send resumes to him at 730 Iliaina Street, Kailua HI, 96734.
In another matter, Cashman said he has not decided yet if he will retire at the end of this school year.
If he does, longtime Kalaheo basketball coach Pete Smith is considered his likely successor.
2 Hawaii surfers eliminated at Roxy
SNAPPER ROCKS, Australia >> Sofia Mulanovich of Peru upset Hawaii's Keala Kennelly to reach the quarterfinals of the Roxy Pro.Another local surfer, Rochelle Ballard, lost to Samantha Cornish, who posted the highest scores for the second straight day.
Five-time world champion Layne Beachley and defending Roxy Pro champion Lynette MacKenzie also advanced.
Pearl Harbor 10K set for Sunday
The annual Pearl Harbor Bike Path 10-Kilometer Run is scheduled for 7 a.m. Sunday.Registration for the 6.2-mile race will be held at Lehua Elementary School beginning at 6 a.m. Fees are $2 for Mid-Pacific Road Runners Club members, $5 for non-members. For information, call 295-6777.