Martins, Tachibana lead Kaua‘i runners at states

Waimea High School’s Scott Martin was the first Kaua‘i runner to cross the line for the boys’ cross country contingent as the Honolulu Marathon HHSAA State Cross Country Championships wrapped up on Maui Saturday.

Scott, who normally led the pack during the KIF season, finished 9th overall, crossing at 17:41. Top finisher for the boys was Jeremy Kamaka‘ala of Kamehameha Schools who tripped the clock at 16:30 for the three-mile course.

Island School’s Mario Rosa, who was always dogged by the Martin boys, was 33rd overall with a time of 18.32 and led the Island School team, the KIF champions, to a 12th finish with 301 points.

The Iolani Red Raider boys and girls teams swept the standings with the boys taking the top slot with 56 points and the girls tallying 61 points.

Nathan Martin, Scott’s brother, followed Rosa in 38th place overall on an 18:37 time with Kaua‘i High School’s Chad Naganºuma finishing 56th overall on a 19:04 time.

Chris Marsh was the second Island School runner to finish, crossing 84th overall at 19:43 followed by William Ajates in 93rd at 19:53, and Chris Hoffman who crossed 97th overall at 20:00.

Shauna Tachibana was the first Kaua‘i runner to finish the girls’ race, the Kaua‘i High School speedster coming in 24th overall at 13:42. Top finisher for the girls’ race was Tia Ferguson of Seabury Hall who tripped the clock at 11:46 for the two-mile course.

Rachel Martin, Nathan and Scott’s sister from Waimea High School, followed Tachibana at 41st overall on a 14:11 time followed three seconds later by Kaua‘i’s Kassy Morishige who finished 45th at 14:14.

Kristy Nagahisa of Kapa‘a High School tripped the clock at 14:23 for a 54th finish overall, and Kula School’s Alexandra Pond clocked in at 14:25 for 61st place in the individual standings.

Kaua‘i High School girls team finished the event 13th overall with 337 points compared with top finishing Iolani’s 61 points.