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Sports

Farmers Downed in MIL Championship

Monday, February 7th, 2011

The Molokai boys’ basketball team ended their regular season 4-2 and placing second at last week’s Maui Interscholastic League (MIL) Division II tournament. The came up short of the championship, but coach Lester Delos Reyes said he is satisfied his team left everything on the court.

Last Thursday, at the tournament on Maui, the Molokai Farmers matched up against St. Anthony High School in a close match. The Farmers bested the Trojans 46-37.

That game sent the Farmers to the winner’s bracket on Friday night with a match against undefeated Seabury Hall.

They were plagued once again by the acrobatic skills of Dylan King. Down by eight points at the end of the first quarter, Molokai came back and the score was 25-22.

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Stand Up Paddling Going Big in 2011

Thursday, February 3rd, 2011

Stand Up Paddling Going Big in 2011

SUPAM News Release

Those of you enjoying the new and exciting sport of stand-up paddling (SUP) have lot to look forward to in the coming year. Local supporters of the sport have formed Stand Up Paddle Association of Molokai (SUPAM) to support Molokai residents who want to participate in local races. Super serious about your stand-up paddling? At least two of Molokai’s planned races will be sanctioned by the World Paddling Association (WPA) earning you points toward national rankings.


Winds of Change
Makani Ikaika o Molokai, or the Strong Wind of Molokai, is the name of the new race series. Given the green light by local kupuna, the name reflects Molokai’s persistent east-to-west tradewinds – perfect conditions for competitive SUP racing.

The five-race series includes divisions for beginners, intermediates and advanced paddlers and feature categories for various ages, genders and boards.

The purpose of the series is “to allow Molokai paddlers to become champions in their divisions,” according to Clare Mawae, event coordinator and director of Youth in Motion.

The eight mile advanced course will start from Kamalo; a four mile intermediate course begins at Rice Patch; and the two mile beginner’s course starts at Ali`i Fishpond. All races end at Hotel Molokai.

Dates for the spring series are as follows:  March 5 – 1 p.m. registration, 2 p.m. start; March 19 – 12 p.m. registration, 1 p.m. start; April 2 – 12 p.m. registration, 1 p.m. start; April 16 – 12 p.m. registration, 1 p.m. start; April 30 – 12 p.m. registration, 1 p.m. start. WPA sanctioning to be announced.

Molokai Holokai
After a great turnout in 2010, the Molokai Holokai SUP race will return this year to serve as the grand finale of Makani Ikaika o Molokai series.  This combined race will take place on May 28, 12 p.m. registration, 1 p.m. start.

Save Some $$$
Thanks to SUPAM, it’s just $25 for individuals to join the association, giving them access to all Makani Ikaika o Molokai events at no additional charge. Membership is $10 for youths under 18, and a flat rate of $50 for families.
 
For more information about joining SUPAM, please contact Clare Seeger Mawae from Youth in Motion at clare@youthinmotion.org or (808)336-0946.

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Girls Grab Paddling Firsts

Thursday, February 3rd, 2011

Girls Grab Paddling Firsts

Not only did the Molokai High School girls’ paddling team win Maui Interscholastic League (MIL) championships last weekend at Kahului Harbor, they began the season with their first regatta win ever. Now the girls head to Oahu to represent Molokai for the first time at the state paddling meet next weekend.

“They did everything perfect that day,” said coach Tania Kaholoa`a. “The girls just wanted it so bad.”

They won the half-mile race ahead of main rivals Seabury Hall – who in the spirit of competition donated money for their travel – at 4:17.66, also their best time of the season. Paddlers Kailana Ritte-Camara, Natalia Levi, Leenell Hernandez, Crystal Puaoi-Kawai, Keaka Kaiama and Jasmine Borden made up the winning crew.

“They trained so hard these past couple weeks, knowing [the win was] just in front of them to grab,” Kaholoa`a said. “They paddled from their hearts.”


The state meet will host 16 teams from around the state, with Seabury and Kamehameha Maui joining Molokai to represent the MIL. The crews will be split into two preliminary heats, with the first and second place teams heading into the final race. There will also be what Kaholoa`a called a double elimination – the third and fourth place teams will go into a semi-final race. With Molokai seeded first in the MIL, Kaholoa`a said their goal is to make it to that final race.

The girls’ paddling state championship race will take place at Ke`ehi Lagoon on Oahu, on Friday, Feb. 11.

Boys
For racing with a novice crew, boys’ paddling coach Dave Gilliland is equally proud of how the boys placed at the MIL championships. The Farmers came in fifth at 4:04.56 – their best time of the season.

“The boys did a good job taking the girls’ energy into the boat,” Gilliland said. “We got where we wanted to be this season.”

Seniors Dustin Bishaw, David Gomes and Eric Gilliland were recognized at the meet, and Coach Gilliland said he is excited to have a crew of strong paddlers to “build a base” for next season.

The boys were also trained by MHS teacher  Ric Ornellas, and 2010 MHS graduate Mahi Kan-Hai, whom Coach Gilliland said he is grateful for.

The boys ended the regular MIL season tied for fifth place with Maui High.

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Molokai Swimmers End Strong

Thursday, February 3rd, 2011

Molokai Swimmers End Strong

Despite a number of obstacles, the Molokai High School swim team made an impressive show at last weekend’s Maui Interscholastic League (MIL) championships at Kihei Aquatic Center.

Junior Lawaia Aalona raced a state consideration time of 23.76 in the 50-yard freestyle, a one second drop from his season debut two weeks ago. It remains to be seen if he will qualify for the state championship meet – which take qualifying times first, and consideration times if there is room – but coach Jessie Ford said the swimmer’s fourth-place finish was impressive.

During Friday’s qualifying meet, Aalona swam at 23.98.

“To do repeat performances, where he improves on a substantial personal best the day after in the finals, is a very good indicator of what he’s capable of,” Ford said. Aalona also dropped three seconds in his 100-yard freestyle during the meet, also earning fourth place at 53.31.


Veteran swimmers Chelsea Simon and Michael Kikukawa joined Aalona in the finals. Simon had a five-second drop to qualify her in the 100-yard freestyle, and Kikukawa dropped one second in his 100-yard breaststroke.

Novice swimmers Kala Helm, Rendy Jacobs and Michael Onofrio, and veteran swimmer Moriah Jenkins remained consistent with personal bests in nearly every race, Ford said.

She added that despite only seven weeks training in the water, using a private pool on the west end, the championship meet was full of “pleasant surprises.”

“Ending the season on such an incredibly positive note made every effort worthwhile,” she said. “It’s a really, really good start to next year.”

Ford plans to start a USA Swimming Club team, hopefully to begin in the summer, so current swimmers can “compete more successfully with year round training.” The off-season team would “grow slowly but surely get a great foundation,” and eventually include athletes of all ages.

Ford thanked her assistant coach, as well as supporter Lloyd Yonemura for their help.

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Grappling for Glory

Wednesday, February 2nd, 2011

Grappling for Glory

It is the most anticipated Saturday night of the decade, where nearly a quarter of the island’s population has turned out.  Energetic music vibrates off the bleachers as an overflow crowd bellows for the arrival of local stars. In a cramped and sweltering locker-room above Molokai High School gym, affectionately called The Barn, wrestlers, boxers and amateur fighters get into the zone. The fuse for an explosive and dynamic night has been lit.

“I felt like we had the greatest fans in the world right here in my hometown,” Sproat said. “The fans were more respectful to both the local fighters and off-island guys compared to any other crowds I have fought in. They were well behaved and impressed X1 to bring them back for a few more fights this year.”

Topping off the slew of Molokai wins was the main event, between Torres-Umi and Gerald Casteneto. Keeping fans on their feet, the three-round fight was a display of technical skills, ultimate strength and agility. After the judge’s unanimous decision, Torres-Umi accepted his prize belt and acknowledged the motivation behind his win.

 “Thank you, Molokai. This one’s for you.” 

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Molokai Ballers Not Close Enough

Monday, January 31st, 2011

 

 

The Farmers suffered two tough losses this past weekend at Seabury Hall, but not without putting up a fight. The Farmers were without a key player, Kamakana Duvauchelle-Andrade, who suffered a  sprained ankle earlier in the week.

Before Friday’s game, both the teams were undefeated – but with the help of the Spartans’ Dylan King, Seabury stayed that way.

“Dylan King is an awesome player,very talented,” said assistant coach Rick Schonely”[But]our boys played well. They learned a lot.” 

The Farmers went down on Friday night 58-38. 

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Wrestling Makes Steady Progress

Monday, January 31st, 2011

The Molokai wrestling team again dominated their latest Maui Interscholastic League (MIL) meet at Maui High last weekend, with three girls and three boys winning first place in their weight classes.

Paul Valdez (125A lbs), Stanley Kamalii (135B) and Jordan Hao (285) won their individual matches, and Lady Farmers Mikayla Pico (98), Rizpah Torres-Umi (120) and Charisse Manley (130) earned first in their matches.

Other Molokai placers at last Saturday’s tournament:

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New Molokai Swimmers Compete

Monday, January 31st, 2011

The Molokai High School swim team sent three of their novice swimmers to alst weekend’s meets, all of whom started their swimming career strong.

Michael Onofrio was the only one to have swum at a previous meet, and dropped four seconds off his 100-yard freestyle.

“It’s showing how much he’s learning,” said coach Jessie Ford. “Swimming takes a while to put all the…fine tuning together.”

Kala Helm and Randy Jacobs also swam at the meet, setting their individual “benchmark” times.

“It’s really exciting, [and] fun to see all the work they’ve done this season,” Ford said. “I thought they looked great and raced well.”

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Sabers Down the Farmers

Monday, January 31st, 2011

The Lady Farmers soccer team was again bested by a Maui team, as the Maui High Sabers defeated Molokai in both of last weekend’s games.

Friday’s match wasn’t easy for the Lady Farmers as they suffered seven goals from the Sabers. The final score of 0-7 marked the eleventh loss of the season.

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Battle at the Barn

Tuesday, January 25th, 2011

Battle at the Barn

In a 30-foot enclosed octagon, local Molokai fighters will spar, punch, wrestle and chokehold opponents for victory and pride.  And you don’t have to sit in front of the TV to see it.

In a 15-fight event, 13 Molokai fighters will go head-to-head with competitors from Maui and Oahu at the first ever mixed martial arts (MMA) event hosted on Molokai this Saturday, Jan. 29 at The Barn.

Competitors are not only battling for pride, they are fighting for you.
 “Molokai has a lot of raw talent and when they travel to other islands they always bring a huge fan base,” said Maui event promoter and MMA trainer Kiha Kaina. “We want to give back to the people, to the fans, and have Molokai fighters battle on Molokai land.”

Giving fans an opportunity to experience the intensity of live fights and support favorite local talent, Kaina and local MMA professional champion Sale Sporat joined together and invited X-1 World Events to host the battle.


The event, dubbed Battle at the Barn, will be the MMA debut for many of the fighters from Molokai Madness and Southside Boxing Club.
“I’m expecting big things from my fighters,” Sproat said. “This is their chance to showcase their talent and give MMA a reason to keep coming back to Molokai.”

The main event will feature 19-year-old Jireh Torres-Umi, one of the youngest MMA fighters who trains under Sproat at Molokai Madness.

Local competitors featured in the fights include: Randen Abafo, Rocci Villa, James Blair,Jireh Torres-Umi, Marlon Lavoi, Kelii Lima, Michael “Baba” Dudoit, Dane Dudoit, Casey Duvachelle, Justin Cook, Mark Ballocanag, Koa Corpuz and Nape Lopes.

Off island fighters include: Gerald Casteneto, Alioune Diop, Aasin Torricer, Damian Niumata, Jon Lucius, Jair Rocha, Micah Ige, Kala Sapala, Marvelous Tevaga, TJ Akima, Eder Valdez, Julius Amisone, and Olo Faamau.

Presale tickets are available at Mana`e Goods and Grindz and NAPA Auto Parts for $20. Tickets will also be sold at the door for $35. Doors open at 4 p.m., and  fights begin at 5 p.m.

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