JR. LIFEGUARD STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS

LIHU‘E — For the first time ever, the State Jr. Lifeguard Championships transpired on another island besides O‘ahu and the Kaua‘i Jr. Lifeguards took full advantage of their home beach at Kalapaki, by successfully defending their state title yesterday.

“It feels unreal and we definitely tried our best. We defended our title,” Kaua‘i County Lifeguard Kalani Vierra said.

But O‘ahu wasn’t far behind, just 16 points back of the Garden Isle squad. Maui finished in third with 45 points and the Big Island team netted 29 points in the fourth slot.

“We didn’t really do anything different this year, but I think that there are more kids who want to become lifeguards and another advantage is that the program is free,” Vierra noted.

Bay Roversi-Deal of Kilauea came away with a successful day at the beach in the boys’ 13-14 division.

“I really pushed myself, especially in the end. We did really good and I’m stoked that we won,” Roversi-Deal said.

Another star of the day for Kaua‘i was Sarah Faraola, who mentioned that she was just out there to have fun, but ended up with a pretty good showing.

Ben Baldwin also fared well, thanks in part to his background with Mokihana Aquatics.

Courtney Cabral helped the Kaua‘i contingent as well with a couple of top three finishes.

Jackie and Camille Brady of Hanalei didn’t disappoint the home crowd, as their dad, John, watched closely by the shore.

The Brady girls put up big points for Kaua‘i with multiple wins.

According to Vierra, a third-straight state title shouldn’t be out of reach for Kaua‘i.

“We have lots of 12-year-olds that will do great next year. We’ll have a strong squad, but we’ll have to see who comes out,” Vierra said.

Complete results of the State Jr. Lifeguard Championships will be published in an upcoming edition of The Garden Island.

• Duane Shimogawa Jr., sports editor, may be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 257) or kauaisports@kauaipubco.com.

Jr. Lifeguard Championship