Kamalani Brun, Ryan Valenciano and Ethan Austin-Elbaz paced the Mokihana Aquatics swimmers at the Charles “Sparky” Kawamoto A/B/C Swim Meet held last weekend on the Big Island. The three swimmers, aged 12, 14 and 13, respectively, led the contingent of
Kamalani Brun, Ryan Valenciano and Ethan Austin-Elbaz paced the Mokihana Aquatics swimmers at the Charles “Sparky” Kawamoto A/B/C Swim Meet held last weekend on the Big Island.
The three swimmers, aged 12, 14 and 13, respectively, led the contingent of nine swimmers by posting improvements in five of the six events they competed in.
Mokihana Aquatics coach Orlando Anaya said “While swims were great at Sparky’s with 38 of 54 best times, counting first time swims, believe it or not, that was not the highlight. It was the fun factor that made our annual trip to Hilo a great success.”
Brun, as one of the leaders, finished by earning HI-B times in two of her events: the 50 Back (44.59) and the 50 Free (37.52) where she trimmed .67 and 1.05 off her previous swims in the event, respectively. Brun’s finish in the 50 Back was a first finish. Her best swim came in the 100 Back where she stopped the clocks at 1:40.18 for an improvement of 4.10 over her previous performance.
Valenciano’s best swim during the two-day event came in the 100 Fly (1:21.53) where he trimmed 10.96 over his previous swim and earned a HI-B rating, one of two he came home with. He also finished with a HIAA rating in the 100 Breast (1:24.07) for a 4.25 improvement, getting his first AA rating as a teenager, Anaya said. He also finished the event with two first finishes, one coming in the 100 Fly (1:21.53) and the other coming in the 100 Breast (1:24.07).
Ethan Austin-Elbaz had his best swim in the 100 Back (1:25.36) where he shaved 11.05 off his previous time while earning a HI-B rating, one of four he finished with.
He also cut 1.563 off his 50 Free swim (31.17) for a HI-A rating and finished with three first finishes in the 100 Free (1:10.11), the 200 Individual Medley (2:59.33) and the 100 Back (1:25.36).
Anaya said, on the team’s return to practice here following the the Big Island meet, Aeryn Austin-Elbaz was annnounced as Mokihana’s Swimmer of the Meet.
“It wasn’t just because of her fast swimming,” Anaya said in an e-mail. “But rather, it was the sportsmanship she demonstrated.”
Aeryn was swimming the C division of the 50 Free on the final day in her last event with seven other young girls in her heat, Anaya said.
During the race, six of the seven girls had finished the race while one little girl had just made the turn at 25 yards.
Anaya said everyone got out of the water except Aeryn.
“She waited for the last swimmer to finish,” the coach said. “She was even requested by an official to get out of the pool, but Aeryn respectfully declined, saying she was waiting for the last swimmer to finish.”
Anaya explained that an official cannot make a swimmer leave the pool while a race is in progress. He noted that this is one of the meet protocol points they teach the Mokihana swimmers.
“When the last swimmer, who was only 5 years old, touched the wall nearly 30 seconds behind the field, no one was in the water except Aeryn,” Anaya said. “She then reached over to shake the little girl’s hand to congratulate her on a great swim.”
At the meet, Aeryn’s best swim came in the 100 Free (2:02.28) where she cut 13.19 off her previous swim. The 50 Free event referred to by Anaya saw the 9-year-old post a 50.59 time for a 4.62 improvement over her previous posting.
Anaya said other ribbon winners included Alex Croydon, Jaycie Murata, Makana Waiamau, Linea Koehler, and Junior.
Junior Soltren finished with three first finishes in the 100 Fly (1:51.56), the 100 Free (1:16.18) and the 50 Free (32.42). He finished in second place in two of his six events.
Yasmine Ware served as the team’s manager for the meet.
In a related story, due to an overwhelming response to the Learn to Swim program offered by Mokihana Aquatics, Anaya announced that they have opened up one more Tiny Tot class.
The long waiting list led to the decision to open up one more class for the 3- to 4-year-old beginning swimmers. To sign up or for more information on the Learn to Swim or the league, call 821-0587.
For more information on the Learn to Swim program, visit www.mokihanaaquatics.com
