Tiger judoka earn historic wins

It was a night for the record books as Michael Fujiuchi and Lianne Tomishima, both McKinley Tigers, won their third consecutive state titles last night at the fourth annual HHSAA Judo State Championships at the University of Hawaii's Stan Sheriff Center.

Fujiuchi won his third consecutive state title in the 132-pound weight division, becoming the first boy in history to accomplish the feat.

"It feels wonderful," he said. "I was very nervous because I played Myles (Mitsunaga of Punahou) last year for the title too, and he was tough.

"I'm a little overwhelmed but it's sad to know that I'll never have the chance to do it again. I'm grateful for everything I'm blessed with."

Tomishima accomplished the three-peat as well by claiming her third straight title in the 120-pound division. She was quick to praise Fujiuchi and teammate Patrick Eglington -- winner of the boys title in the 145-pound division -- as sources of inspiration.

"They're my motivation because I'm younger and I look up to them a lot," Tomishima said. "I just have to thank all my teammates for coming to practice and working so hard, because without their help, I wouldn't have been out here tonight."

Just a junior, Tomishima has a chance next year to become the first judoka to win four consecutive state championships.

"Every year is a new one, so nothing is guaranteed," she said. "But I'll try my best to have another opportunity (to win the title)."

Interscholastic League of Honolulu champion Punahou ran away with the boys team title after collecting 90 points. Finishing a distant second was Pearl City, last year's overall state champion, with 51 points followed by Mililani in third with 40.

"We set this as our goal at the beginning of the season, so we trained all season to perform well today," said Buffanblu head coach Greg Chow. "The ILH season wasn't too difficult, so we felt we still had something to prove, not just against (teams from) our league, but from the entire state as well."

Punahou was anchored by the performances of three individual champions: Reid Oshiro (114 pounds), Arnold Toriumi (121 pounds), and Daniel Chow (161 pounds).

"It's a collective effort, and all of our state champions are underclassmen, so that's great for our future," Chow said.

Christian Pavo of Pearl City claimed his second straight championship at 178 pounds.

The other individual boys champions were: Justin Osumi of Moanalua (108 pounds); Makaio Primacio of Kahuku (198 pounds); Kalani Rios of Castle (220 pounds); and Dylan Rush of Kau (275 pounds).

Farrington took the girls championship with 72 points. Oahu Interscholastic Association champion McKinley finished second with 60 points, followed by ILH champion Iolani and Kahuku which tied for third place with 53 points apiece.

"We have a great team this year, and we had a really good season," said Governor head coach Brandon Teshima. "I really appreciate the effort of our returning players and the community support we have received."

Taylor Ibera (98 pounds), Samantha Batoon (109) and Tani Ader (115 pounds) each won individual titles for Farrington. Ader and Kanoe Tani of Kahuku (220 pounds) won titles in their respective divisions for the second straight year.

Rounding out the champions for the girls were: Megan Morisada of Iolani (103 pounds); Danica Kamakana of Moanalua (122 pounds); Jillian Fontanilla of Pearl City (139 pounds); Relle Sato of Hilo (154 pounds); and Marlene Suckel of Kahuku (172 pounds).

The tournament field included 160 competitors for both the boys and girls competitions. The tournament started with 16 judoka in each of the 10 weight classes ranging from 108 to 275 pounds in the boys competition, and 98 to 220 pounds for the girls. Overall, 297 matches were completed in both the boys and girls competitions.

Judoka competed in one round per match, ranging in length from 3 to 5 minutes depending on the round of the tournament (championship rounds lasted 5 minutes). The players tried to score by throwing the opponent and earning "points" in the form of Koka, Yuko, Wazari and Ippon. An Ippon, similar to a pin in wrestling, results in an automatic win for the judoka, as do two Wazari. In the result of a tie, the three judges who rule over each match determine the winner.