First Place for 3 Farmers

In the MIL’s regular season finale last weekend, Molokai won three different divisions. Kui Han beat out Lahainaluna’s Connor Mowat for the 285-pound title, while Saydee Makaiwi (127) and Cendall Manley (145) emerged as Molokai’s girls’ champions.

The battle between Han and Mowat has raged all season. The two have traded titles in the four meets they’ve competed, and each has come out with two victories against the other.

This weekend the Farmers will compete in the MIL championships. While Molokai has performed comparatively well in the field this season, with the third most titles out of the nine competing schools, Head Coach Randy Manley said that many wrestlers are still young and gaining experience.

“Only the top two from each weight class will qualify for the state tournament, so for most of our kids it will be tough,” said Coach Manley. “Our boys’ team is young with only one senior.”

All three champions from this past weekend are contenders for a place at states. While it’s Cendall Manley’s first title, she’s finished second in her weight class twice this season. Han and Makaiwi are consistent top finishers as well. Han has three titles to his name, while Makaiwi has hauled in four. Desiree Corpuz also has a shot for the girls, with a title and a second-place finish this season, as does Kailaoe Cabanting, who is a two-time champion and a three-time runner-up.

“Physically most of our wrestlers are close to their peak,” said Coach Manley. “For our freshmen and first-year wrestlers the toughest challenge will be mentally preparing themselves.”