Sports

Treading Water

Wednesday, November 17th, 2010

Treading Water

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

MHS’ Adolpho Signs with Warriors

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.

A Paniolo Way of Life

Wednesday, November 10th, 2010

A Paniolo Way of Life

On any given day at the Kaunakakai arena, Chelsea Sakamoto is saddled up on a horse with rope in hand, heart pumping, and a gaze fixed on an all-too unpredictable steer.

As the steer is released from an adjacent chute, Sakamoto, 17, begins a quick and bold pursuit of the calf – lassoing its neck and fastening the rope to her saddle before she suddenly stops her horse. An immediate jerk of the rope brings the calf to the ground.

On this particular day, her coaches, Don Habon and Porky Dudoit, along with other spectators straddling the rail, bellow with excitement.

“Once you’re out there, the butterflies just go away,” Sakamoto said.



Since the age of 5, Sakamoto has spent much of her time on horseback, learning how to ride, tend to cattle and rope. Her dedication to the sport of rodeo has landed her spots in state and national level competitions since the sixth grade.

This year, Sakamoto is gearing up for her last high school rodeo series and has nothing but high expectations.

“I’m hoping to get No. 1 in state for goat tying,” she said. “It’s my best event and so addicting.”

A Unique Tradition
Getting to the top – and staying there – is not easy in the world of rodeo. It often takes years of practice and an exhausting discipline.

But before rodeo is learned as a sport, it is first taken in as a lifestyle.

“It’s not just about riding,” said Zhantell Dudoit, whose noteworthy rodeo experience dates back more than 30 years. “You learn about ranching, how to tend to cattle, and take care of the land.”

On Molokai, rodeo starts with family and the paniolo, or cowboy, heritage. Like hula and music, it is another way locals perpetuate Hawaiian culture.
 
“The whole purpose is to give strength to family ties,” she added. “Paniolo ranching is a big deal in Hawaiian culture. It’s a way of life here.”

Dudoit’s exposure to rodeo and ranching began when she was a child, watching and learning from a line of family members including her father, “big time cowboy” Clifford Dudoit.

Zhantell remembers when her brother, then seven, begged their father to put him on a horse. Clifford told the boy he had to rope a dummy 100 times in a row, before he could start riding.

After many months of practicing, Zhantell’s brother finally mastered the lasso and began to ride. By the age of 10, he was one of the best ropers in the state.

“He now competes at the national level in Nevada,” Zhantell added.

One Big Ohana

Clifford’s leadership extended beyond the boundaries of his own family’s rodeo pursuit.

In the early 1980s, Clifford, along with Vandale “Puggy” Dudoit and former Councilman Patrick Kawano, launched the Molokai Roping Club, later renamed the Molokai Junior Roping Club to include younger aspiring paniolo.

To this day, the club has trained hundreds of keiki, supplying them with rope and horse, and teaching them leadership, discipline and fundamental skills.

“We teach work ethic and how to respect and take care of everything,” Clifford said. “The No.1 priority is their attitude. You have to work hard to gain anything.

“We can’t give rewards just for participating. They have to earn it.”

A Wild Ride
The most telling marker of a sport’s future is the talent of its competitors. And on Molokai, there is no question that rodeo has yielded some of the island’s most adept athletes.

“The kids on Molokai, they’re great athletes,” Clifford said. “All they need is someone to point the way.”

The club has produced several rodeo contenders who have progressed to county and state finals, as well as nationals. The talent on Molokai, says Clifford, is just “natural.”

Today, many of these athletes can be seen competing in the weekend rodeo series hosted by the Kamakana `ohana at Molokai Ranch or in this weekend’s Molokai Stampede at Kapualei Ranch.

During last weekend’s rodeo in Maunaloa, riders tested their speed, agility and finesse of the rope in the team roping events. They also demonstrated their technique by navigating a horse through a weaving course of plastic tubs in the barrel races.

Other events found participants trying to remove a ribbon attached to a calf’s back during steer undecorating events, and displaying sheer grit while tackling a calf to the ground in the mugging events.

“This sport is all about unpredictability,” Zhantell said. “You never know what kind of steer you’re going to get.”

And just like a steer, life, too, can be unpredictable.

“My dad and Uncle Puggy would say once you get into the chute, it’s all about the luck of the draw. And in life, it’s about making the best of a bad draw. If you dwell on what junk your draw is, then you forget the fundamental lessons learned and you forget to use what you have.”

First Home Game Ends Football Season

Thursday, November 4th, 2010

First Home Game Ends Football Season

It was an idyllic sight: helmets clashing, lime green jerseys, spirited cheerleaders, coolers and lawn chairs lined up and down the field, accompanied by a bustling crowd of fans shrieking “Go Farmers!”

St. Anthony’s victory over Molokai didn’t phase the competitive spirit felt by dozens of Molokai supporters who turned out to watch the first high school football home game in 50 years.

“There was so much love and aloha out there,” said head coach Mike Kahale. “I just want them to feel so proud to be the first team to bring back football. I want them to cement that in their brains and hearts.”

was the eventual goal.”

Luckily, St. Anthony lent the Farmers helmets and gold jerseys that Molokai dyed green – which came out lime green – along with some blue jerseys.

But there was one who stood out among the rest, not only because of his distinct dark green jersey, but the talent he displayed on the field.

Freshman Noah Caparida was a highlight of the game, only playing sparingly because of an infection he had in his leg.

But he proved that a little goes a long way when he made several lengthy runs, including a 50-yard sprint that was called back due to an illegal block.

“He really stepped up,” Kahale said. “I was really proud.”

Despite the colors worn on their backs, the Farmers represented Molokai with pride and will continue to do so – except maybe next year, in Farmer green.



‘Another Year in the Books’

Thursday, November 4th, 2010

‘Another Year in the Books’

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.

.”

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

Shooting for Next Year

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.

Farmers Make History

Wednesday, November 3rd, 2010

Farmers Make History

You could say it was history in the making.

The Lady Farmers laid the foundation in years prior – clinching three consecutive Maui Interscholastic League (MIL) Division II titles and finishing third in last year’s state championships.

So when the Molokai High School girls volleyball team stepped out on the court last weekend as top contenders in the state tournament, they found themselves paving a road of gold – not only capturing their first D-II state title, but also the first by an MIL team.



“Fortunately I had a lot of kills,” Vaivai said. “But I really need to commend my teammates for getting my back.”

A strong team effort put forth by Molokai helped the Farmers overcome University, the Interscholastic League of Honolulu champions, in a 25-12, 25-10, 25-18 defeat at McKinley gym.

“This was a team we lost to in the pre-season,” Helm said. “It gave us another fire under our behinds to play even better.”

As the Farmers’ long emotional journey came to an end, many rushed to the floor in tears and celebration, embracing one another like family.

“We’re all like sisters because we went through so much together,” Vaivai said. “Our coach is also a huge part of this team. He always teaches life lessons and that there is no ‘I’ but ‘we.’

“We’re so proud we won this for him. He really deserves it.”

Helm said while he’s already pumped for next season, he’s going to enjoy this win for now.

“We’re still taking it all in… We’re so proud to bring home this trophy for everybody, for the community, for Molokai.”

Blast Off

Wednesday, November 3rd, 2010

Blast Off

Some donned pirate hats and Egyptian dresses and others wore their team uniforms – but all Master Blaster paddlers were dressed in aloha for the 25th anniversary of the canoe race, hosted by the Molokai Canoe Club.


Over two dozen crews turned out last Saturday. With a costume and beer in tow, both local and off-island paddlers navigated their way from Kamalo to the coveted after-party at the Canoe Shack in Kaunakakai.


Molokai sealed victory in the men’s division, while a first-time participating crew represented by paddlers from Oahu, Maui and Hawaii Island took first in the women’s division. “The best part is the camaraderie,” said Oahu paddler Bernie Tyrel.  “It’s just about having a blast with good company.”   

Cross Country Represent at State Championship

Thursday, October 28th, 2010

Cross Country Represent at State Championship

Molokai will be represented by four runners at this year’s state cross country meet, after both boys and girls Farmers placed 5th at the Maui Interscholastic League (MIL) championships last weekend.

The boys’ team, with 122 points, placed fifth out of eight schools, and are sending three runners to race in Oahu. Teams must place in the top two to send the entire team to the state meet.

Senior Kevin Dudoit led the pack, placing eighth with 18:05.21. On his heels was teammate Akona Adolpho at 18:45.94, who placed 17th, and Isreal Adolpho at 24th with 19:12.75.

All three boys qualified for states last year, bringing in a close 11th place finish.

“[This year] was a good season – hard training and practice,” Dudoit said, adding his goal for the state meet is to run in 18 minutes flat.


 “I think she had a great run,” said coach Kelly Go. “She has a few days to recover and get ready for her final run of the season.”

The Hawaii High School Athletic Association Cross Country championships will be held at Waipahu, Oahu, on Thursday, Oct. 28.

The Paniolo Way

Monday, October 25th, 2010

The Paniolo Way

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.