Waimea freshmen compete at Kahuku tournament

Four Waimea High School freshhmen competed in the Kahuku Invitational Tournament, junior varsity division, last Saturday, January 14. Cole Burton, Evan Hurd, and Chris Kaiakapu were all eliminated in the second round.

Daniel Quinlan made it to the championship round where he met his match and ended the day in second place. Daniel competed in the 140 lbs. weight class in an 8-man bracket. Quinlan represented Waimea High School against wrestlers from: Kalani, Castle, Kapolei, Kalaheo, Kahuku, Aiea and Moanalua. Daniel Quinlan’s only loss was to Kainoa Terukina of Moanalua.

The four wrestlers were escorted to O’ahu by thier Westside Wrestling Club coaches: Jojo and Mac. Coach Mac was approached all day by referees, coaches, and parents who were delighted to finally see wrestlers from Kaua’i in high school tournaments, and offered to help in any way to get the sport going on Kaua’i. Coach Mac says the Aloha was overwhelming, “we were invited to practice with the Iolani team, the Farrington team, and the Waianae coach offered his home as a place to stay next time we come over.”

Coach Mullen of Leilehula got down on the mat and worked with the westside boys, even though they would be competing against his school.

Coach Mac continues to encourage the KIF to adopt the sport of wrestling so more Kaua’i students will have an opportunity to compete and excel in this exciting sport.

The wrestlers have been invited to another OIA tournament February 4. Westside Wrestling Club will help any high school student wrestlers who would like to go to the Feb. 4 tournament.

Westside Wrestling practices three days a week in Waimea or Hanapepe. Contact coach Mac at westsidewrestling@hawaii.rr.com.