PUA LOKE — Rich Jasper teamed with Steven Kyono and Glen Kyono to win the first-ever Coach Greg McMackin golf tournament, yesterday. The trio carded a total 52, chased by two teams that finished just .8 back. Sean Jardin, Jason
PUA LOKE — Rich Jasper teamed with Steven Kyono and Glen Kyono to win the first-ever Coach Greg McMackin golf tournament, yesterday.
The trio carded a total 52, chased by two teams that finished just .8 back.
Sean Jardin, Jason Miyazaki and William Pavao made up one team that tied with the trio of Ron Kouchi, Tony Melchor and Paul Ganaden with scores of 52.8,
But more than the golf competition, the tournament benefited Na Koa football boosters for the University of Hawai‘i football program, said Dickie Chang of Wala‘au Productions who teamed with Mark Lewis of The Garden Island newspaper to spearhead the tournament.
“The UH Warriors wrap up everything this week, and from next week, they get down to serious business,” Chang said. “This was a nice way for them to wrap up the summer — spending a weekend on Kaua‘i.”
Coach Greg McMackin was able to get his family together and participate in the annual Koloa Plantation Days parade, Saturday, before joining his staff in a banquet at the Sheraton Kaua‘i Resort for “those who prefer not to golf,” according to Chang.
McMackin said his staff already likes to come to Kaua‘i, but had to thank them for sacrificing their final weekend with their families before getting down to the season ahead.
Beyond the golf, Chang spearheaded a weekend filled with honor and tribute as he led a moment of silence in honor of the late Bryan Baptiste, noting the two empty chairs, one with a lei draped over it.
“That’s where Mayor Bryan and Annette would be sitting,” Chang said.
On the golf course, Paul Ito of the Puakea Golf Course had his staff replace the hole flags with special American flags.
“This is not about the war and whether or not you support it,” Chang said. “It’s about respect for our flag and country.”
Chang said he picked up the flags about five, or six years ago and has used them at all the tournaments he’s hosted, noting that he also always uses former state Rep. Ezra Kanoho to offer the pule before the caravan of golf carts depart for the scramble.
Third place in the fund-raising tournament for Na Koa went to the team of Joel Pahukula, local sports announcer for KQNG Am570, and his trio which included Justin Thomase and Joel Whitney. They finished with 55.8 followed by the team of Jim Gancos, Brett Lee and Jacob Vogelesang finishing with 57.2.
The University of Hawai‘i Warriors open its season on Aug. 30 with an away game at Florida. The Warriors’ first home game is on Sept. 6 against Weber State at Aloha Stadium.
• Dennis Fujimoto, photographer and staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 253) or dfujimoto@kauaipubco.com
