Kaliko Oligo says playing baseball for Waimea High School is the highlight of his career. Working out late in the batting cage of Waimea’s diamond, watching the sun meet the horizon just as his head lifts to the sky in
Kaliko Oligo says playing baseball for Waimea High School is the highlight of his career.
Working out late in the batting cage of Waimea’s diamond, watching the sun meet the horizon just as his head lifts to the sky in full swing, Oligo never felt more complete.
For a moment – one simple twinkling in time – the baseball disappears, blinded by the setting sun. Just as it hits the ground in the outfield, he cocks the bat again. And again and again. He’d keep swinging until long after the lights from the sun were replaced by stadium brights and the stars above.
Hard work was never a struggle for Oligo. He thrived on it. And although the University of Hilo Vulcans repayed him with a lead-off spot and a four-year education, nothing was sweeter than when Joyce Evens – the teacher, the fan, the supporter – brought him pizza and commended his work ethic.
“I love that woman,” said Oligo. “She was so supportive and I will never forget that.”
To Oligo, whom one collegiate anouncer called “the best lead-off hitter he’d ever seen,” Evens represented everything that made his high school years the highlight of his career.
Although those were his teen years, with his baseball buddies, and the run for the KIF hitting title with Lewis & Clark’s Mika Furtado, it was the combination of coaches, the work ethic they preached and constant support from high school that he treasures most in his memories.
“Waimea preaches hard work and hard play, and I took that with me to college,” said Oligo. “My coaches were supportive, they stressed team cohesion, and they gave me the work ethic that I have today.”
And where has it brought him?
“All over Hawaii, all over Texas, all over California…places like that all over the country,” said Oligo. “That’s what is great about playing college ball. Not only do you get all the opportunities that open to you with higher education, you get to experience a lot with traveling and being a part of a collegiate team.”
Oligo leads the Vulcans in batting average, hitting .337 in 83 at bats, and has eight runs and seven RBI’s on 28 hits.
He wants to try to play baseball at the professional level, but doesn’t think scouts will want a 5’5″ ball player.
Asked if he is satisfied with how he has been playing, Oligo sighs.
“People may say I’m playing well, but I’m not satisfied. Our team isn’t doing so well…we haven’t put hitting and pitching together.”
Currently, the Hilo Vulcans have a 3-22-1 record with one tie.
