Although they didn’t qualify for the USA Track and Field National Junior Olympic Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Indianapolis, Indiana, later this month, Kapa‘a’s Joe Locey, Farrington’s Josh Villoria, and Waimea’s Troy Yamase and Kenny Estes made the most
Although they didn’t qualify for the USA Track and Field National Junior Olympic Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Indianapolis, Indiana, later this month, Kapa‘a’s Joe Locey, Farrington’s Josh Villoria, and Waimea’s Troy Yamase and Kenny Estes made the most of their golden experience with a first-place finish at the Hawai‘i qualifier.
“It’s certainly a tough loss, but we just need to move on and learn from this experience,” Waimea sprint coach Dave Walker said.
The 4×100 meter relay squad narrowly missed the qualifying time and according to Walker, needed more preparation time, which would’ve given the boys a better chance to compete in Indiana.
“It’s part of athletics and they’re good guys. If anything, they made new friends and built up existing relationships,” Walker said.
While practicing on Kaua‘i, Walker noted that they were a great team to work with.
“They got along really well and I’m just glad they tried their best,” Walker said.
Locey will be heading off to compete in track and field at Sacramento City College. After a year or two, the Kapa‘a graduate plans to make the move to UCLA.
Josh Villoria, a graduate of Farrington High School, will run for Azusa Pacific University.
Both Yamase and Estes have one more year to compete at the prep level and the two Menehune speedsters should challenge the rest of the state for numerous titles next season.
For Walker, well, he wants to improve the track and field scene on Kaua‘i by holding more events and fielding more opportunities for our youths.
