Club Wrestling Battles at Home

Eight wrestling clubs from around the state gathered last weekend at The Barn for a showdown of strength and agility. The Molokai Wrestling Club was represented at its only home tournament of the season by 70 of its 80-some athletes. With the state club wrestling tournament coming up next weekend, the stakes were high and a roaring crowd cheered on the battling keiki.

“The kids are showing a lot of heart and respect,” said coach Benny Venenciano. “We’re in a good position for states,” he said, adding that at the first tournament of the season two weeks ago, Molokai came home with 10 gold medals, 11 silver medals, and quite a few bronze.

Coach Randy Manley agreed. “We’re doing well,” he said. “We lost states last year by two points, and this year, we’re hoping to come out on top.”