WAIMEA — Coach Mac Pigott of the Westside Wrestling Club anticipates a good showing, Saturday when the Spring Season Wrestling gets underway at the Kapaa High School campus starting at 8 a.m.
“Wrestlers will be getting instruction from Ohio State alumnus Johnni DiJulius,” Pigott said. “Wrestlers are encouraged to arrive early so they can soak up as much as they can from DiJulius who knows what he is talking about as a three-time high school state champion in Ohio. We should have a good turnout, Saturday at Kapaa.”
During the spring season, Tournament No. 4, there was a good showing with several grapplers setting foot on the mat for the first time.
“Last Saturday at Waimea High School, we had several youth who stepped on the mat for their first tournament,” Pigott said. “They all did really good. The matches are geared for the wrestler’s skill level, beginners get more instruction on the rules as opposed to penalties. The experienced high schoolers and open division grapplers compete at a much higher level.”
Following four weeks of wrestling, Dane Jensen, 6, has set himself apart from the competition in the 6 to 8 year old, 45 to 70 pound division, nailing another division first place.
“Dane wrestles in the Jensen family tradition, led by big brother Braeden who graduates this year from Kapaa High School following a successful high school career,” Pigott said. “Dane has big shoes to fill, considering Braeden is one of only three Kauai Interscholastic Federation wrestlers to have ever placed in the Hawaii High School Athletic Association state championships. But before Dane even gets to high school, his three sisters will be looking to make their mark in the sport. Tessa is currently a Warrior wrestling, participating in the Kapaa High School program, and her younger sisters, Meah and Addi, are following her footsteps.”
This Saturday, the spring season wrestling continues with weigh-ins being held concurrent with the DeJulius clinic starting at 8 a.m. at the Kapaa High School cafeteria. Wrestling will start around 10 a.m.
Wrestling practices are held on the Eastside on Wednesdays and Fridays, and on the Westside, on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Call Coach Jess (634-1686), or Coach Mac (639-8858) for information.
Results
• Youth 40-50 pounds: Dane Jensen, Kaonohi Armitage, Massey Ritchie
• Youth 70-100 pounds: Rush Nikolas, Kaia Gampong, Jo Santos
• Youth 115-130 pounds: Herman Santos, Meah Jensen, Kula Miyashiro-Akau, Lincoln Miner-Ho
• High School 140-150 pounds: Makena Holt, Joji Miner-Ho, Olivia Kelekoma
• Open 150-170 pounds: Braeden Jensen, Paul Shindell
