Island Keiki Medal at State Competition

Wrestlers debut at the Aloha State Games.

Molokai wrestlers (from left top) Chevy Augustiro, Kaila’oe Cabanting, Zeff Dudoit, Jesse “Fatty” Dudoit, and Ichiro Asano all took home medals at the 2008 Aloha State Games.

By Uncle Pono

Smile’n with Freestyli’n when our wrestlers all became medalist at this year’s Aloha State Games.  On June 21, 2008, five of our young wrestlers not including the three MHS competitors, made way to Radford High School Gym in Honolulu to compete against Hawaii’s best in freestyle wrestling.  This is not the normal folk style wrestling performed throughout the high school season. Freestyle is only introduced in high school, but heavily competed at the college and Olympic level.  What an exposure for our children! 

Who do you find at off season competitions?  Champions!  All the familiar faces we’ve seen at this event were those who took home the Gold at the 2008 AAU Hawaii Wrestling Championships held on Maui.  Some of these competitors practice year round and earned their spot as a National Wrestling Champion.  This is most definitely a clue.
With over a hundred wrestlers at this once a year event, we were prepared to face off against elite competitors.  After the completion of our state tournament our wrestlers practiced everyday in preparation.

Throughout the competition, our four Molokai families filled the gym with excitement.
With cheers, hugs, tears and laughter, our wrestlers placed as follows;

Ichiro Asano,            Division:  Bantam, weight class: 42.4 lbs. – 47.3 lbs.  Silver Medalist
Zeff Dudoit,              Division:  Bantam, weight class: 47.4 lbs. – 54.9 lbs.  Silver Medalist
Jess Dudoit,               Division:  Bantam, weight class: 47.4 lbs. – 54.9 lbs.  Bronze Medalist
Chevy Augustiro       Division:  Bantam, weight class: 55.0 lbs. – 58.9 lbs.  Bronze Medalist
Kaila’oe Cabanting   Division:  Novice, weight class: 69.4 lbs. – 75.9 lbs.  Silver Medalist

Congratulations to all our wrestlers.  It’s because of your dedication, hard work, and desire day in and day out, you’ve earned your spot at the top.  Stick to practicing just a little everyday and you will all be Gold Medalist in a matter of time.

Special thanks to all the coaches, teammates, and parents who helped prepare our wrestlers for this event.  A “Super Shaka” to Coach Randy Manley for providing access to the opportunity for all in becoming an awesome wrestler.