PUHI — Running into this year, Kaua’i’s Chelsea Smith-Wishard set a goal to finish in the top five at the HHSAA/Honolulu Marathon State Cross Country Championships. And the junior galloped to her goal with a third-place finish at the Kaua’i
PUHI — Running into this year, Kaua’i’s Chelsea Smith-Wishard set a goal to finish in the top five at the HHSAA/Honolulu Marathon State Cross Country Championships.
And the junior galloped to her goal with a third-place finish at the Kaua’i Community College (KCC) course, yesterday.
Smith-Wishard eclipsed the top 10 mark last season and has improved every year.
Kaua’i head coach Deb Engdahl mentioned that by Chelsea’s senior year, she’d be a state champion.
And it certainly looks like it, after a strong showing at this year’s state meet.
Hawai’i Baptist Academy’s Lauren Ho, the defending champion, won the gold medal with a time of 18:11.45. Hawai’i Prepatory Academy’s Lucy Pollard took the silver (18:39.25), and Smith-Wishard wasn’t too far behind with a 18:45.35 mark.
Punahou captured the girls’ team title, with KIF champion Kaua’i High School finishing in ninth-place.
Other top KIF runners included Kula’s Gillian Pickett (24th, 20:20.75), Waimea’s Rachel Martin (34th, 20:37.15), Kaua’i’s Andrianna Mendivil (51st, 21:00.45), and Kapa’a’s Alex Pond (72nd, 21:36.75).
Scott Martin medals again
After another great KIF season, Waimea’s Scott Martin capped off his prep career with a seventh-place finish in the boys’ race.
The senior ran under 17 minutes (16:17.85) once again, but came across a tough field of competition, including state champion, Jeremy Kamaka’ala of KamehamehaO’ahu (15:22.40).
Konawaena’s Patrick Stover took the silver with a time of (15:53.05) and Peter Deptula of Punahou won the bronze (16:01.20).
Iolani won the state boys crown and KIF champion Kapa’a took the 18th spot.
Other top KIF performers were Waimea’s Nathan Martin (13th, 16:43.10), Kapa’a’s Chance Bukoski (76th, 18:04.15), and Waimea’s Kaimana Girod (80th, 18:05.95).
The top 20 finishers received medals. The course conditions were soggy after some morning showers, but the sun poked through the clouds and dried up some of the wetness.
2001 was the last time the KIF hosted the state cross country championships.
. Duane Shimogawa Jr., sports editor, may be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 257) or kauaisports@kauaipubco.com
