Championships are made by more than players on the field. That was the message brought to the table yesterday at the Kaua‘i High School Football Boosters’ annual football banquet where coaches, players and their families were able to celebrate their
Championships are made by more than players on the field.
That was the message brought to the table yesterday at the Kaua‘i High School Football Boosters’ annual football banquet where coaches, players and their families were able to celebrate their fifth Kaua‘i Interscholastic Federation football championship.
“I want to congratulate all who are here for our accomplishment,” said Derek Borrero, head football coach for the Red Raider football program. “We started on a rocky road, but once we had our coaches, I knew the season was going to be alright.”
Ralph Suniga, president of the KHS Football Boosters, said the season was a new beginning for both Borrero and JV coach Jon Takamura.
“We are here today because a lot of good people and athletes have come through the system,” Borrero said. “This is the reason why we can celebrate our fifth championship.”
Borrero said throughout his first season as coach of the Red Raiders, he tried to maintain a relationship with its former head coach.
“The program had a good system, and I was not going to change it because of my pride,” Borrero said.
In his search to build a coaching staff, Borrero said his primary concern was a staff who had loyalty to the program and cared for the kids in the program.
“I cared about their heart,” the coach said.
Drawing on a previous experience in Seattle, Borrero remembered what was told him about going to people who are successful.
That sent him to Jon Takamura, the JV head coach, whom Borrero said made an impression on him while coaching his daughter.
Suniga said the success of the football program extends to beyond the coaches and players on the field, noting the support received from the Boosters by the community during the organization’s athletic field restoration project that heralded “the new start.”
“This was truly a first of its kind in the history of Kaua‘i High School,” Suniga said. “The overwhelming support was mind-blowing and heartwarming.”
The extension of support for the football program was getting bigger as Borrero noted the support from Shawn Sakai; Johnny Pongasi who brought value to the team; Uncle Milton and Kelsey Yeoman who mentored the team’s managers.
“As we wrap up our year with the season banquet, we reflect on this past season and give thanks to the many friendships that were formed,” Suniga said. “We thank our players for an exciting and enjoyable season, and look ahead to the next.”
Suniga said the Boosters are proud of the players’ behavior both on and off the field and offered congratulations on being the KIF champions.
In addition to Suniga, the KHS Boosters’ leadership includes Raynard Ellis, Ron Victorino, Norman Parr, Lissa Machado, Tess Shimabukuro, Danel Iwasaki, Nadine Longboy and Lori Koga.
