Island Youth

Treading Water

Wednesday, November 17th, 2010

Construction at Cooke Memorial Pool in Kaunakakai could not have come at a worse time for the Molokai High School (MHS) swim team.

The team normally practices at Cooke, which closed early last month for renovations to the facilities’ roof, surrounding walkways and locker rooms. Now, more than two weeks into the season, swimmers still haven’t been in a pool.

The team didn’t hear about the pool closing until late September when the county announced the construction. With limited options, coach Jessie Ford went looking for a private pool large enough – regulation size is 25 yards long – for the team to practice in.

After a month of searching, she found a resident on the west end with a two-lane 50 meter-long lap pool wiling to help out.

Problem solved? Not so fast.

Practicing on property not owned by the county or school carries too many risks, said MHS Athletic Director Camie Kimball.

“We run into liabilities issues with that,” she said, adding that the offer – though generous – probably won’t work.

Kimball said she is talking with the county about the team’s options, which could include getting into Cooke before construction is complete. The pool’s concrete perimeter was recently torn up to install new plumbing for the locker rooms.

“Right now, it’s not really safe to have anyone up there,” said Mike Mangca, recreation leader at Cooke.

The pool could reopen before construction is complete as soon as the area is cleared of “hazardous conditions,” according to Stephen Grogan, a Parks and Recreation planner. This could be as early as Thanksgiving, he added optimistically. 

Grogan said the county tried to schedule the construction to have “the least amount of impact.”

“There’s no time that has no impact,” he said. The pool’s busy season is the summer and swimming lessons are in the fall, so October to December was a rare “window of opportunity.” Construction is expected to be complete by the end of next month.

Despite the lack of pool time, Ford said she has not written the season off, instead filling practices with running, weigh lifting and yoga to improve the swimmers’ balance.

“A lot of that stuff is really good preparation for getting into the water… I’ll just keep them sweating,” she added.

Still, at some point they have to start swimming. If they’re not in the pool by mid-December, Ford said she would be “hesitant” to compete.

Many Maui swimmers they face in competition train year round, so MHS swimmers are already at a disadvantage. Still, the team is trying to stay positive.

This is junior Gyson Aalona’s third year on the team. As frustrating as the situation is, he said he doesn’t think a few weeks without swimming will be a detriment to the season. 

“We’ve always been at a disadvantage, and we did good last year…I think we have a pretty good chance,” he said.

“All we can do is stay optimistic and do the best with we’ve got,” Ford added.

MHS’ Adolpho Signs with Warriors

Wednesday, November 17th, 2010

Molokai High School senior Kalei Adolpho signed with the University of Hawaii (UH) last week, formally accepting a full scholarship to play for the Warriors women’s basketball team next year.

The six-foot-one-inch Adolpho said she felt “excited, honored, nervous” about playing for UH. She had been in talks with recruiters since her freshman year and made a verbal commitment to the school last year.

Finally, last Wednesday, surrounded by her Farmers coaches, classmates and family, Adolpho signed a national letter of intent, making her commitment official.

“University of Hawaii should be very proud of what they’re getting… A kid like Kalei doesn’t come around very much,” said basketball coach Mike Hooper.

Adolpho will also play for the UH volleyball team next year.

During her career at MHS, Adolpho lettered in basketball, volleyball and track and field. As a junior, she was named the league’s Female Athlete of the Year.

Last month, she helped the girls’ volleyball team capture its first state title, capping off a 12-0 season.

Adolpho’s mom, Vesta, said it is a relief to have the commitment on paper.

“There was never really any question of where she was going to go,” she said.

Adolpho will be attending UH Manoa and has not declared her major.

‘Another Year in the Books’

Thursday, November 4th, 2010

The three-mile course was muddy and hilly, and the weather was hot. But the Molokai cross county runners held their own at the high school cross country state championships last Thursday in Waipahu, Oahu.

The boys’ team sent two of their three qualified runners – Akona Adolpho didn’t attend due to illness. Senior Kevin Dudoit, a third-year state qualifier, ran 18:38.75 to place 57th overall, and sophomore and second-year qualifier Isreal Adolpho ran 21:07.85 for 151st place.

“They did good – kind of what I expected,” said boys’ coach Mahinahou Ross. “A good experience for Kevin – he was really steady and consistent throughout the season.”

Last year, Dudoit got 82nd. He credits his higher place this year to more miles ran at practice.

“I think I just ran harder [at states] because this year’s my last year,” he said.

Ross said after graduating some of his best runners over the past few years, he hopes to qualify as a team again with five runners returning next year.

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The girls’ coach Kelly Go said this was a good season, and a learning experience “for us both” – this was her first season coaching and she had a few first-time runners.

“Another year in the books,” Ross summed up.

Shooting for Next Year

Wednesday, November 3rd, 2010

Molokai sent four girls to compete at the air riflery state championships last week in Honolulu – and they’re already planning a return trip next year.

“The girls out there, they were a lot higher, but at least we know what to aim for,” said junior Kayla Matson. “We want to place next year.”

The Lady Farmers placed seventh in the team competition. Matson, who was the top female shooter at the Maui Interscholastic League championships last month, came in 33rd in the individual competition with a score of 467 out of 600. (For the championships, shooters did one round of prone, standing and kneeling each.) 

Junior Chelsea Simon finished 35th with 463, junior Nika Mendija finished 40th with 418 and freshman Mia Mendija finished 41st with 413.

“Their experience at the states gave them more of an appreciation of where they’re at and where they need to be,” said coach David Kalani, adding that all the girls plan on returning to the team next year.

The Paniolo Way

Monday, October 25th, 2010

Kapua Lee casts a firm grip around a calf’s neck as it wildly bucks for freedom during the mugging portion of Saturday’s rodeo at Molokai Ranch Arena.

Dozens of keiki, young adults, women and men tightened their buckles and slipped on their boots to participate in a rodeo put on by the Kamakana family. For some, it was their first time barrel racing, calf mugging or navigating a horse through weaving poles.

The next rodeo is scheduled for Nov. 13 and is open to anyone.