LIHUE — Kauai High, Kapaa and Waimea each have six all stars as voted on by the Kauai Interscholastic Federation paddling coaches. “That list of kids, they’re all committed to having a good season this year. They all worked hard
LIHUE — Kauai High, Kapaa and Waimea each have six all stars as voted on by the Kauai Interscholastic Federation paddling coaches.
“That list of kids, they’re all committed to having a good season this year. They all worked hard since the beginning. That’s why I picked them,” said Kapaa paddling coach Micah Mokuahi. “I picked them off of their commitment to the team and their work ethic. That’s why I gave them the recognition.”
Waimea paddling coach Keith Castaneda said he made his choices based, not only on the paddlers’ accomplishments in the water, but in the classrooms as well.
“All of them demonstrated positive attitude and good sportsmanship. All of them were deserving in that they were students first and athlete second,” he said. “They’re all well-deserving. I wish all of them could be selected.”
“They met and exceed the standards for KIF,” Castaneda added.
Menehune sophomore Kaleohano Castoneda made the all star cut for the mixed crew.
“I enjoy paddling. As long as I get the chance to paddle and have fun, it’s the best joy — to have fun with my family, friends and community,” he said. “It’s really exciting to be on this list. I’m really happy about it. I hope it inspires the others around the island just as well.”
Kauai High paddling coach Lori Parraga couldn’t be reached for comment Thursday.
KIF paddling all stars
Girls Crew
Autumn Begley, senior, Kapaa
Pualilia Kahale, sophomore, Waimea
Kina Hensley, junior Waimea
Kiani Souza, junior, Kauai
Christina Carney, junior, Kauai
Nichole Carney, senior, Kauai
Boys Crew
Jordan Vesci, senior, Kauai
Cody Licayan, senior, Waimea
Cory Licayan, senior, Waimea
Keahi Tabura, senior, Kapaa
Shizuo Santos, senior, Kapaa
Keanu Saito, senior, Kapaa
Mixed Crew
Dane Muraoka, junior, Kauai
Rachel Medeiros, junior, Kauai
Kaleohano Castaneda, sophomore, Waimea
Taylor Santos-Balisacan, junior, Waimea
Johnny Levinthol, junior, Kapaa
Brylyn Aiwohi, junior, Kapaa
