Campbell's Lane Watanuki has seen many changes in Hawaii baseball during his 20 years as head coach. Campbell coach
sees reduction in
team-oriented playersBy Nick Abramo
nabramo@starbulletinOne of the biggest differences between now and when he first started is athletes' "me-first" attitude.
"There are a lot more distractions now," Watanuki said. "The team concept has diminished. It used to be important, more than the individual. Players today are asking, 'What can I get out of your program?' instead of 'What can the team get out of it?'
"It's sad, but it's like that with everything. Society has changed."
Watanuki's most rewarding moments occur when his former players come back to coach the Sabers or other programs.
"Rory Pico, an assistant now, and Daven Hermosura, who was an assistant for us a few years ago, are good examples," he said. "They both played for UH, got their degrees and are successful people. They make me feel proud."
Watanuki's wife, Ann, summed up her husband's demeanor as Campbell's coach this way: "He's hard core and wants to win, but he loses graciously."
The couple married the same year Watanuki took over as the Sabers coach.
Ann has been by Lane's side, helping out the team in many ways, ever since.
Campbell won its season opener 7-0 over Waipahu on Monday.
Key hoops showdown: Defending state champion Kamehameha (5-0) hosts Punahou (5-0) for first place in ILH girls basketball Friday at 7:30 p.m.
A year ago, the Warriors beat the Buffanblu in the state championship game.
The Warriors had a hard time shaking Mid-Pacific last Saturday.
"We don't take any team for granted," Kamehameha coach Clay Cockett said after the 51-36 victory over the Owls, who trailed by just five points after three quarters.
"We're an aggressive team, but we're undisciplined. We work on it every day, but whenever we come out at the beginning of games, we're still not as disciplined as we should be."
Owls face front-runners: The defending state champion Mid-Pacific baseball team, off to a 2-2-1 start in the Interscholastic League of Honolulu, faces the league's two fastest starters this week.
After meeting second-place Kamehameha (4-1) yesterday, the Owls host first-place Iolani (5-0) tomorrow at 3:45 p.m.
Stubborn Mules: The Leilehua baseball team doesn't go down easy. The Mules are 0-2, but have only been outscored by a total of 6-3 in the losses to Pearl City and Mililani.
Mustangs set deadline: Kalaheo has varsity head coaching openings for football and basketball.
The deadline to apply is April 10.
Interested applicants can send a resume to Kalaheo High School, c/o Lee Cashman, 730 Iliaina St., Kailua, HI, 96734.
Athletes of the Week
BOYS
>> Kaimi Mead, Roosevelt baseball: Pitched a no-hitter and struck out 13 batters in the Rough Riders' 8-0 victory over Kalani.
GIRLS
>> Ashlee Vea, Waimea basketball: Notched 27 points for the Menehunes in a rout of Kapaa.
Honor Roll
Baseball
>> Clayton Uyechi, Waianae: Pitched a complete-game two-hitter in the Seariders' win over Radford.>> Christopher Balatico, Mililani: Outdueled Leilehua pitcher Ryan Basco in a 4-2 victory.
>> Kepa Wong, Aiea: Went 4-for-4 with a home run, a double and four RBIs in a win over Radford.
>> Donovan Souza, Moanalua: Drove in the winning run in extra innings against Castle.
>> Grant Yamaguchi, Mid-Pacific: Pitched a one-hitter in a victory over Maryknoll.
Basketball
>> Dalia Solia, Kaimuki: Scored 17 points to lead the Bulldogs in a 50-37 loss.>> Jalen Garcia, Campbell: Scored 20 points in a win over Kapolei.
>> Pikake Nutter-Gaudet, Leilehua: Notched 21 points in a win over Waialua.
>> Tereva Moore, Radford: Collected 20 points as the Rams defeated Nanakuli.
>> Hennasea Tokumura, Iolani: Scored 11 points, including three 3-pointers, and added five assists in a win over University.
>> Sandy Tsui, Sacred Hearts: Scored six of her eight points in the fourth quarter to break open a close game in a win over St. Francis. She also had six rebounds in the game.
>> Becky Hogue, Punahou: Scored 18 points in the Buffanblu's victory over Iolani. She shot 72.7 percent and added five rebounds and three blocked shots.
>> Mounia Nihipali, Kamehameha: Helped the Warriors pull away from Mid-Pacific with 12 second-half points, including nine in the fourth quarter.
Track and Field
>> Carly Killam, Punahou: Won the 200-meter dash and was part of three winning relay teams at the Rainbow Relay meet.
Cheerleading
>> Radford squad: Won the Americheer nationals in Florida in the small varsity division.
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