KAPA’A — Everyone waited. This type of finish had been long overdue. Because of the manner in which high school swimming is scored, the KIF swim teams did not have to wait until after the meet to know who won.
KAPA’A — Everyone waited.
This type of finish had been long overdue.
Because of the manner in which high school swimming is scored, the KIF swim teams did not have to wait until after the meet to know who won.
For more than 10 years we knew who the champions were before the final meet, and in some cases at the beginning of the season.
It was the same way again this year with the girls. At the preseason invitational it seemed that Kaua’i’s hold on the girls’ championship would remain tight.
Lead by Kalaheo High School-transfer Amanda Scheppers, the Red Raiders were dominant in their march to a ninth consecutive KIF title.
Scheppers broke the KIF record in the 500-yard freestyle, raising the standard set by Malia Olds of Kapa’a back in 1989.
Scheppers was able to call on 10 years of experience and a trip to last year’s state tournament.
“The biggest difference I see about swimming on Kaua’i compared to Oahu is self discipline,” Scheppers said. “It’s probably because of competition,” noting that on Oahu you can compete regularly with people you don’t know.
Also a “facility with no blocks and/or targets, that’s a major thing,” Scheppers said.
Amanda also came within a half-second of breaking a 15-year-old mark in the 200 free. Her coach, Malissa Hall, is convinced that if she had a block to start from she would have broken it.
Scheppers was also part of Kaua’i’s record-breaking and state-qualifying 400 free relay team.
Other relay members Kim Black, who was also a double winner in the 50 and 100 free, Soyna Balmores, and Lianne Williams will comprise Kaua’i’s lone girls’ entry at the state championship this year.
Kapa’a, Waimea, Kula and Island School had some great swims but not enough depth to challenge Kaua’i High.
Final score for girls. Kaua’i 89, Kapa’a 70, Waimea 41, Island School 11, and Kula 8.
