Experience, confidence, constant training and desire are just some of the keys to success for the Mid-Pacific outrigger canoe paddling team in its bid to win the Interscholastic League of Honolulu title.

The Owls have worked their way into contention by placing first, second and third in the three league meets so far.

The team has a very experienced leader in steersman Kaleo Kaho'okele.

“;I've been paddling for about nine years. I love it,”; Kaho'okele said. “;My family is real big in paddling. I've traveled all around to places like New Zealand and Tahiti to participate in races.”;

During the ILH kayak season last fall, Kaho'okele went undefeated and won the individual league title.

Other MPI team members are Taylor Thompson, Noa Bryan, Ian Cintron, Tanner Whyte and Matthew Kuh.

Thompson has tremendous confidence in the Owls' ability to win.

“;Last year, we finished fourth at states,”; Thompson said. “;This is my senior year, so I'm going to do all that I can to help our team win. If we can stay focused, I believe we can compete with any team in the state.”;

Constant training has helped Bryan maintain his stamina for the long open-ocean races.

“;This has been a good season for us so far,”; Bryan said. “;We've been training really hard. Myself, I like to do a lot of running, pull-ups and sit-ups to try to stay in good condition. This training has helped me a great deal in giving me the strength I need to power the canoe.”;

Stamina is important because the races get longer each week.

“;The first race is around 23 minutes and the last race is about an hour,”; Bryan added. “;You tend to get more tired at the end of the longer races.”;

Whyte and Cintron are in it for the fun and excitement.

“;This season has been really great. I go on trips during the summer months, so the school year is the only chance I get to participate in team paddling,”; Whyte said. “;The night before the race, I try to prepare myself as best as I can. On race day, I feel the excitement of being able to compete against some of the best high school paddlers in the state.”;

“;Paddling is a lot of fun,”; Cintron said. “;It's out in the ocean and gives you that feeling of paradise. It's different from a lot of other school activities. It's just great fun to be out there competing.”;

Desire is a word Kuh likes to use when he describes what it's like to paddle for Mid-Pacific.

“;Our team has a lot of desire and heart,”; Kuh said. “;If we keep our desire, I feel our team could win the league title. Since I started paddling, I've made great improvements and that has come from my desire to do well.”;

Three meets remain in the ILH season leading up to the state championships set for Feb. 5 at Keehi Lagoon, and the Owls hope to be able to break away from two of the league's other top contenders, Punahou and Kamehameha.

“;On any given day in ILH paddling, any team can win,”; Owls coach Mark Hines said.