Nicholson has fond
memories of teammate
Sandy Obra

Memories of Sandy Obra, the Farrington wrestling coach who died recently, are still fresh and vivid for at least one of his former teammates.

"He was always the kind of person who was willing to help and volunteer his time," said Jim Nicholson, the former standout football player who looked up to Obra on those Saint Louis Crusader teams of the mid-1960s.

"Sandy was captain of our team when I was a junior. Our team won the ILH title for the first time since 1949. That's 17 years, kind of like Castle beating Kahuku," Nicholson said.

"I bumped into Sandy from time to time. I'm shocked. He looked in good shape," Nicholson added. "Fifty-six was pretty young."

Growing pains, satisfaction: When math teacher Ross Mukai took over the Hawaii Baptist Academy cross-country program more than four years ago, he had no idea what lay in store.

The program was small, but not tiny. Among the eighth-graders lacing up the running shoes was Lauren Ho. Three years later, she is a state champion in two sports.

"It brings a lot of energy for me," Mukai said. "I've seen how they've grown, like seeing Lauren run for five years, the progress is always encouraging."

From varsity to intermediate, Mukai and assistant coach Derrick Coryell now have 95 harriers. That comes out to 17 percent of the school's enrollment in those grade levels. HBA's intermediate girls have won team titles in their last two meets.

"The week before Punahou (Invitational), we were at Kualoa and Iolani kicked the crud out of us. I just hoped our kids would run hard and do the best they can," Mukai said.

Winning at last weekend's Kaiser Invitational said more about HBA's seventh and eighth graders. Ninth graders were not permitted to compete in the intermediate races in that meet.

"We've got a strong group of kids below ninth grade," Mukai said.

Eagles seek coach: Hawaii Baptist Academy is accepting applications for the boys soccer coaching position.

Fax résumés to athletic director Deren Oshiro at 595-0296 or e-mail to doshiro@hba.net.

Help is on the way: Times Super Markets and Kraft Foods Hawaii have teamed up again to help local high school athletic departments.

The "Shop and Score" program allows shoppers to accumulate points for the participating high school of their choice.

Athletic equipment valued at $100,000 will be distributed to Oahu schools. Last year's top school was Castle, which received more than $20,000 in equipment.

Strange but true: Aiea amassed 19 yards in total offense, but still defeated Leilehua 14-13 on Friday.

Conversely, the host Mules totaled 319 total yards in defeat.

Athletes of the week

Aaron Nichols, Kamehameha football: Caught five passes for 233 yards, including touchdown passes of 90 and 80 yards, in a win over then-top ranked Punahou.

GIRLS

Lauren Ho, Hawaii Baptist Academy cross country: The senior returned from an off-season injury to win the Kaiser Invitational at Koko Head with a time of 18 minutes, 24 seconds.

Honor roll

Nicolas Fujita, Kalani: Tallied a 255 against Farrington.

Charles Grande, Campbell: Scored a 290 against Radford.

Heather Horn, Punahou: Shot a 274 in a win over Kamehameha.

Robert Siko, Punahou: Scored a 253 as the Buffanblu outpointed Kamehameha.

Travis Takeuchi, Mid-Pacific: Shot a 254 to lead the Owls over AOP/HBA.

Tricia Warashima, Kapolei: Scored a 252 in a win over Waianae.

BOWLING

Jennifer Boisselle, Leilehua: Rolled a 232 high game, 632 series against Campbell.

Shane Dagdag, Aiea: Totaled a 608 series against Campbell.

Shaun Hamamoto, Mililani: Tallied a 267 against Radford.

David Hancock, Radford: Rolled a 246 against Mililani.

Kean Hangai, Mililani: Scored a 236 against Waianae.

Justin Kanda, Roosevelt: Rolled a 243 high game, 681 series in the Rough Riders' win over Kahuku.

Christian Marquez, Radford: Amassed a 600 series against Mililani.

Jordan Ono, Pearl City: Posted a 235 against Waialua.

James Pirtle, Pearl City: Tallied a 600 series against Waialua.

Noemi Solano, Pearl City: Scored a 226 high game, 600 series against Waipahu.

Shane Sunada, Kapolei: Posted a 253 against Radford.

Ray Takara, Kalani: Had a 234 game against Kaimuki.

Chad Tanimoto, Waipahu: Rolled a 624 series against Campbell.

Jasmine Yoshimoto, Hanalani: Scored a 611 series against University.

FOOTBALL

Donovan Correia, Kalaheo: Caught three passes for 129 yards, including touchdowns of 54 and 35 yards, against Kalani.

Alex Daniels, Radford: Ran for 263 yards on 23 attempts, including touchdowns of 9, 78 and 23 yards against Moanalua.

Jeremiah Dela Pena, Kamehameha: Rushed for 127 yards on 16 attempts against Punahou.

Kekai Kealoha, Iolani: Scored on a touchdown pass of 34 yards and ran for a 4-yard score against Damien. Finished with seven receptions for 97 yards.

Kiran Kepo'o, Iolani: Completed 20 of 28 attempts for 257 yards, two touchdowns and one interception against Damien.

Miah Ostrowski, Punahou: Hauled in 11 passes for 129 yards, including a 59-yard touchdown, against Kamehameha.

Radford Raquedan, Kapolei: Ran for 107 yards on just three carries, including a 73-yard touchdown, against Pearl City.

Matthew Soueira, Kalaheo: Ran for 106 yards on nine carries, including a 50-yard score, against Kalani.

VOLLEYBALL

Wil Ehrman, Punahou: Seven kills against Maryknoll.

Kealii Frank, Punahou: Collected 11 kills against Iolani.

Spencer McLachlin, Punahou: Slammed 21 kills against Iolani.

Kawika Shoji, Iolani: Pounded 14 kills against Punahou.

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