Five out of seven isn’t bad at all. Westside Wrestling sent seven athletes to the AAU State Championships on Maui and five swooped up medals on Saturday, May 20. Teshya and Teniya Alo brought home the gold, Latisha Alo earned
Five out of seven isn’t bad at all.
Westside Wrestling sent seven athletes to the AAU State Championships on Maui and five swooped up medals on Saturday, May 20.
Teshya and Teniya Alo brought home the gold, Latisha Alo earned silver, Bulla Alo and Daniel Quinlan came away with bronze. Wilcox Elementary School student Latisha Alo wrestled four hard matches in what tournament directors called, “one of the toughest divisions.” Latisha’s only loss was to Bree Rapoza of Farrington.
It was the Farrington girl who dealt Latisha her only loss last winter in the O‘ahu Police Activities League tournaments. Waimea High School freshman Daniel Quinlan fell in a close match for second place to Jaysen Patao of Central Maui Style Club.
In the battle for third place, Quinlan made quick work of Kaua‘i Police Activities League’s Matthew Jimenez, pinning him in about 40 seconds into the first round.
It was the only match of the day between the two Kaua‘i clubs. Teshya and Teniya Alo dominated their respective divisions, pinning their way to the gold.
Westside Wrestling travels to Punahou next Saturday and Kane‘ohe the following Saturday for U.S.A. Wrestling-sanctioned tournaments. The big events for the club this year are June 9-10. On Friday, June 9, Westside Wrestling will host an all-day clinic taught by U.S. Olympic Freestyle Wrestling Champion Brandon Slay.
On Saturday, June 10, the club hosts its second annual U.S.A.W.-sanctioned tournament. Both events will be held at Waimea High School’s gym.
“Several off-island teams, coaches, and individual wrestlers have signed up for the two days of wrestling in Waimea. The clinic and tournament are open to wrestlers of all ages and both genders. A 2006 U.S.A. Wrestling membership card is required,” Westside Wrestling coach Mac Pigott said.
Cards can be purchased online at themat.com or at the door the day of the clinic or tournament. Wrestlers under the age of 18 need the signature of a parent or guardian on the membership application. For more information contact coach Mac at westsidewrestling@hawaii.rr.com or 639-8858.
• Duane Shimogawa Jr., sports editor, may be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 257) or kauaisports@kauaipubco.com.
