LIHU‘E — Members of both the Mites and PeeWee inline skating hockey teams need kokua. That was the message they brought to the county council meeting they attended where they were acknowledged for capturing the state inline hockey championships, the
LIHU‘E — Members of both the Mites and PeeWee inline skating hockey teams need kokua.
That was the message they brought to the county council meeting they attended where they were acknowledged for capturing the state inline hockey championships, the Mites, consisting of players 8 years and under, getting the title after defeating O‘ahu, 8-4, and the Pee- Wees, consisting of players 12 years and under, bringing home the gold by getting past O‘ahu, 5-2.
With the state championships under their belt, both teams now have aspirations of competing at the national level in Atlanta, Georgia later this month, and are looking for ways to help raise funds to get the teams there.
A Krispy Kreme fundraiser looms in the immediate future where afficionados of the Maui-made treat are able to get a dozen doughnuts for a $15 donation.
Pickup is scheduled for Saturday, July 16 at Wal-Mart in Lihu‘e, one parent noting that the fund-raising aspect of the retail giant has already made it possible for the group to at least pay for their registration fees.
Coach Todd Mayer explained to the council that an all-star team was formed from all the teams on the island, and following several weeks of training together, “They did what they had to do” to bring home the gold.
Council woman Jo Ann Yukimura acknowledged the teams’ accomplishments, “It was a good accomplishment considering the condition of the facility the program uses.” Todd Mayer said the county approved funds for materials in 1998, and through a massive volunteer effort, the inline skating facility was born. Yukimura gave the group an additional boost with her announcement that funds have been approved for the repaving of the facility in the next budget, that effort coming from a former hockey player who worked on getting the approval as a Boy Scout Eagle Project.
Yukimura also commented on how unusual it was to have coed teams, an aspect that Fuerte explained is possible because the league allows girls to “play down,” or allow older girls to play with younger boys.
“But, don’t let that fool you,” Fuerte said. “Our girls can hold their own (in their respective age divisions)!” Coach Fuerte added, “These teams will not only represent Kaua‘i, but the state of Hawai‘i when they compete in Atlanta.” “Hopefully, things will go our way,” Mayer added.
“Our teams will play hard, and play their positions.” Coaches for the inline skating teams include Todd Mayer, Todd Fuerte, Eric Fujikawa, and Jaime Pablo. The Mites’ members include Mathias Davis, Kamalu Hornos, Jacob Lewis, Cascade Mayer, Sierra Mayer, Trevor McCracken, Kawai Peahu, Marcus Punua, Cydney Sitzler, and Lean-Luc Tremblay.
PeeWee team members include Greg Balmores, Noa Chun, Keala Davis, Tyler Dora, Chad Dorman, Ikaika fuerte, Mike Fujikawa, Soane Latuniupuu, Zeb Leech-Kritchman, Amanda Mayer, Kirsten McCracken, Kaysie Ota, Maegan Pablo, and Tanner Shigeta.
Tickets for the fund-raisers are available through any of the players of the inline hockey teams, or by calling Lon Shimanuki at 245-3358.
