---

Ramos left HHSAA
in good shape

The job description was far from alluring, which makes it all the more impressive that the right individual was there in the role for a decade.

When Anthony Ramos steps down as Hawaii High School Athletic Association and Interscholastic League of Honolulu president in July, the state's high schools lose a unique leader.

"He always had time to talk to me when I needed help, even when he was engulfed in many Kamehameha issues," HHSAA executive director Keith Amemiya recalled. "I was able to talk to him at night, on weekends, to discuss HHSAA issues."

Those issues and concerns for the present and future are outlined in the HHSAA's strategic plan.

"We're a private organization. We're bottom-line thinking all the time, what's best for the kids," Ramos said. "We have to be wise and frugal to carry out our fiscal responsibilities. Meeting our goals and not micro-managing. That's why the strategic plan helps give a direction for the organization."

Communication between leagues has never been more important in an age of expansion and escalating travel costs.

"It's important that there's trust between people, compromise on issues," Ramos said. "We're all in this for the same reason. The bottom line is we're here for kids and students throughout the state, not just our leagues. When we come to the HHSAA board or ILH board, we leave our loyalties behind and give them to all the students. Focus on the stability and success of the organization."

As he steps away, the challenges of the present and future weigh heavily.

"We have bright, experienced, good, kind people who support kids. The financial part is important. Going forward, finding and working with the community and corporate sponsors is important," he said. "You know, corporate sponsors should support high school athletics. It's a real plus, plus the exposure they get by sponsoring a state tournament is really a lot of value for their investment."

When Ramos stresses the importance of supporting youth, he thinks of all the islands.

"Success in life is correlated very positively with school activities and athletics. For us in Hawaii, the challenge is interisland," he said.

Safe and fun: When the Safe and Drug-free Summit began three years ago, Bill Arakaki had a vision that was ambitious. With the third summit last week, the Waimea principal had reason to smile.

With help from the Department of Education, Kauai mayor's office and Roy Nishida, the summit drew 100 students to the Kauai Marriott Beach Resort. Guest speakers included University of Hawaii student-athletes Chad Owens, Kenny Patton, Leonard Peters, Bobby Nash and Amy Sanders.

Arakaki, a former coach, has also helped coordinate coaching clinics throughout the year.

The next project is the Kauai Interscholastic Federation Appreciation and Recognition Ceremony luncheon.

In case you missed it: The March 30 issue of Sports Illustrated included a familiar face to local high school basketball fans.

On page 29, in the Faces in the Crowd section is Iolani senior Kyle Pape. The magazine recognized the 6-foot-1 guard for his performance during the boys basketball state championships. For those who may have forgotten, Pape averaged 31 points per game as Iolani captured its fourth state title in a row.

BACK TO TOP
|

Athletes of the week

BOYS

Kevin Matsumoto, Kailua baseball: Fired a five-hit shutout, struck out five and walked one against Kaiser.

GIRLS

Shawna-Lei Kuehu, Punahou basketball: The freshman amassed 36 points, 16 rebounds, seven assists and six steals in wins over Maryknoll and Kamehameha.

Honor roll

BASEBALL

Jeff Akamine, Castle: Hurled a one-hit shutout vs. Farrington.
Mark Alejo, Aiea: Went 3-for-3 with a triple at Leilehua.
Scott Argue, Castle: Went 3-for-3 against Kalaheo.
Chance Daskauskas, Moanalua: Struck out nine in four innings at Kaimuki.
Willy Dueseigner, Waianae: Went 3-for-5 at Waipahu.
Shane Duidasco, Castle: Fired a four-hit shutout against Kalaheo.
Kevin Fujii, Roosevelt: Hit a three-run homer against Kahuku.
Derek Grace, Aiea: Threw a five-inning no-hitter, hit two triples and drove in six runs against Waialua.
Carl Graves, Punahou: Fired a four-hitter vs. St. Louis.
Ande Kuakini, Waianae: Threw five shutout innings and allowed three hits against Radford. Went 3-for-4 at Waipahu.
Keoni Manago, Roosevelt: Went 3-for-4 with a triple against McKinley.
Reid Matsumura, Kalani: Went 3-for-4 with a double, three RBIs and three runs scored vs. Kahuku.
Chaz Miyashiro, Mililani: Fired a three-hit shutout and went 3-for-4 against Radford.
John Munoz, Waianae: Hit a grand slam at Waipahu.
Ian Pantorilla, Campbell: Hurled four perfect innings against Waialua.
David Parrow, Kamehameha: Scattered four hits as the Warriors edged then-No. 1 Punahou 4-3.
Ikaika Reppuhn, Castle: Homered and doubled with two RBIs against Farrington.
Jon Santiago, Kapolei: Doubled and hit an inside-the-park homer against Waipahu.
Ryan Sasaki, St. Louis: Went 3-for-5 with three runs scored and earned the win against Iolani.
Scott Talaesea, Damien: Went 3-for-4 against Pac-Five.
Kendall Tanigawa, Pac-Five: Went 3-for-5 with two triples and five RBIs against Damien.
Ronel Trias, Pac-Five: Went 3-for-3 with a double and three RBIs vs. Maryknoll.
Nicholas Wong, Roosevelt: Went 4-for-5 with a triple against McKinley.

GIRLS BASKETBALL

Shanadee Canon, Kalaheo: Scored 21 points and had five steals at Kaiser.
Shanna-Lei Dacanay, Punahou: Tallied 33 points in wins over Maryknoll and Kamehameha.
Courtney Gaddis, La Pietra: Scored 21 points against Iolani.
Jodi Kamemoto, Hawaii Baptist: Scored 22 points vs. St. Andrew's Priory.
Rayna Kitaguchi, Hawaii Baptist: Scored 24 points vs. Hanalani.
Christina Korodan, Mililani: Scored 24 points, including five treys, at Campbell.
Ashley Metcalf, Christian Academy: Scored 25 points against Word of Life.
Paige Moi, Kaimuki: Scored 22 points vs. Thompson.
Jazmin Pahukoa-Malia, Pearl City: Scored 22 points at Nanakuli.
Holly Saito, St. Andrew's Priory: Scored 25 points vs. HBA.
Jerrell Taituave, Kapolei: Scored 22 points at Leilehua.

GOLF

Sean Abreu, Pearl City: Shot a 73 to win the OIA West boys tournament.
Britney Choy, Leilehua: Shot a 77 to share first place at the OIA West girls tourney.
Chan Kim, Kaimuki: Shot a 75 to win the OIA East boys tournament.
Randi Ono, Pearl City: Shot a 77 to share first place at the OIA West girls tourney.

WATER POLO

Gina Ahue, Kahuku: Scored five goals against Leilehua.
Jayleen Hadley, Kaimuki: Scored six goals against Castle.
Emily King, Moanalua: Scored six goals against Aiea.
Tiare Nobrega, Kamehameha: Scored seven goals against Punahou.
Marissa Schroeder, Mililani: Scored four times vs. Kapolei.

To nominate ... To nominate an athlete of the week, contact the Star-Bulletin Sports Department by 11 p.m. Sunday: Phone: 529-4782 Fax: 529-4787 E-mail: sports@starbulletin.com