Kauai High School programs took the lead in Kauai Interscholastic Federation wrestling, which opened its season with the inaugural tournament at the Clem Gomes Gym in Waimea. Coach Mac Pigott, director, said 36 wrestlers spread over four KIF member schools
Kauai High School programs took the lead in Kauai Interscholastic Federation wrestling, which opened its season with the inaugural tournament at the Clem Gomes Gym in Waimea.
Coach Mac Pigott, director, said 36 wrestlers spread over four KIF member schools participated in the first tourney of the season.
Kauai girls reaped two gold medals, two silver and two bronze medals to lead the female division.
The Red Raider boys also jumped on the leaderboard with four gold medals, two silver and a bronze medal followed by Waimea earning three gold, two silver and a pair of bronze medals.
Kapaa finished with three silver medals and three bronze medals.
“KIF wrestling is on another level from where we were last year, and we will continue to get tougher and tougher as we grow,” said Kauai High School coach Matt Ballard. “Any student-athlete with dedication and willingness to work hard will find this sport fun and rewarding.”
Pigott said the KIF second wrestling season is similar to last year’s inaugural season.
“Kapaa graduated a couple of champions last year and is re-building,” Pigott said “Waimea has small numbers, but some real talent, and Island School continues to impress. Considering the size of the school, the Voyagers have a great program.”
Island School coach Erin Cobb-Adams said it was good to see their athletes competing at a higher level for more exciting matches.
Kauai High School freshman Madison Leanio upset the top-seeded and defending KIF champion Nikolay Cariffe of Waimea to win the gold medal in the 145-pound class. Elia Leona finished third in that class.
Waimea freshman Andrew Evans, while not earning a gold medal, caught the eye of Pigott who said Evans “finished a respectful third in a tough 182-pound class.”
Javan Torres of Waimea topped that class followed by Kapaa’s Jeremy Manibog earning the silver medal.
“The Gabriel brothers, Michael and Nicholas, continue to lead the Kauai team, both winning their divisions and bringing gold medals home,” Pigott said. “Menehune C.J. Kahepuu continues to look good, but has his work cut out for him if he plans to place at the state championships.”
Pigott said Kahepuu is ranked No. 10 in the state at 195 pounds.
He is joined by a pair of Kauai High School girls, Nika Tapucol and Kaisa Ishikawa, based on their pre-season performance on Oahu. Tapucol holds a seventh place ranking with Ishikawa placing ninth.
Nicholas Gabriel topped the Boys 160-pound class over Kala Dusenberry-Lee and Athens Acosta while Michael Gabriel topped the Boys 152-pound class over Ronnie Perono and Kainalu Gandia.
Kahepuu topped the Boys 220-pound class over Hanale Reynolds and Jimmy Guerrero.
“Sanoe Kalama may be the most underrated at this point in the season,” Pigott said. “She beat her teammate Nika and is looking real smooth.”
Courtney Brock finished third in the Girls 121-pound class.
Jessica Dinnie topped the Girls 175-pound class over Kalalei Rogers and Kalea McGurn.
Kohana Rapozo topped the Boys 285-pound class over Patelo Paseka and Abe Rivera.
Pigott said Kapaa is quietly rebuilding the Warrior squad.
“I just want to let all the KIF wrestlers know they did a great job on the first tournament of the year,” said Kapaa coach Tesai Seamster. “To my Kapaa Warrior team, ‘Hang in there and fight.’ Next week is a new tournament and a chance to get better for everyone.”
The KIF wrestling tournament moves to the Kauai High School gym Saturday with the first match getting underway at 10 a.m.
