Molokai Wrestlers Compete in Garner Ivey Invitational

Photo by Rozlyn “Nohea” Morris-DePonte

The Molokai High School Boys and Girls wrestling teams competed in the Garner Ivey Invitational last weekend at War Memorial Gymnasium in Kahului, Maui. This prestigious tournament has wrestlers from all over the state, and is a preview for many wrestlers who will compete in the state tournament in February.

“Overall the team did well. It was a great opportunity early in the season to see the areas that we need to work on,” Head Coach Randy Manley said. “We had five wrestlers enter the finals and two came out as champions. Seniors Caele Manley and Diego Deponte performed exceptionally well and are looking forward to competing on Oahu in the upcoming Officials Tournament at Leileihua High School on the 22^nd and 23^rd.”

Molokai will take 8 boys to the Officials Tournament later this month and will start MIL competition on Jan. 6 at Baldwin HS. The Molokai community will get to see a home match this season. Farmer Wrestling will be hosting a tournament Jan. 26 and 27. This two-day battle at The Barn will include teams from Lahainaluna, Maui High, Baldwin, King K, Hana, Lanai and Kamehameha Maui.

Top finishers for Molokai:

Popo Lalim-Rillon 106 lbs – 4^th place

Caele Manley 152 lbs – 1^st place

Diego Deponte 170 lbs – 1^st place

Rayden Dekneef 170 lbs. – 4^th place

Kamahina Kaiama-Kanuha 127 lbs – 6^th place

Katylin Naeole 127 lbs – 5^th place

Kelsey Bicoy-Juario – 132 lbs – 2^nd place

Taye Mowat – 145 lbs – 6^th place

Sunni Chow – 155 lbs – 2^nd place

Luhi Pedro – 225 lbs – 4^th place

Martika English – 225 lbs – 2^nd place