Representing the Garden Isle

The state of Hawaii sent nine senior softball teams to the Huntsman Senior Games in St. George, Utah, which took place Oct. 9-21. Seven teams represented Kauai and two were from Oahu.

The Kauai Islanders, sponsored by Aloha Roofing — a mixed roster of players from Kauai, Hawaii, and California —was managed by Jeffrey Kimoto and garnered the bronze medal in the 55 AA division. Leading the team to the medal round were locals Al Banach, Steve Kaui, Kimoto, Donald Ouderkirk (Kauai/Hawaii), Mark Gomes (Hawaii), and Peter Ngringotel (Hawaii). Islanders lost to Nomad Xpress from Calgary, Alberta in the third round, 27-16.

Guy Ruiz’s Hanapa’a 60s won gold in the 60 B division. Hanapa’a beat Hewcore Legends from Ontario, Canada, 18-14.

Hanapa’a 65s, also managed by Ruiz, also won gold in the 65 A division. Hanapa’a defeated Reliant 65s from Beaverton, Oregon, 21-20.

Kauai 70s, managed by Frank Bukoski, made it to the championship round in the A+ Black division but lost to Pacific Group Advisors 21-10 and brought home the silver medal.

Ron Chittenden’s Hekili team garnered bronze medal in the 70 C division. They lost to Sequoia Bark Sales from Reedley, Calif., 21-16.

In the 74+ AAA Blue division, Ka Uila, managed by Lily Tamashiro, came up a game short of medal and finished in fourth place. After scoring 27 runs in the morning game, the team came up short and lost to Bull Dogs from Surrey, British Columbia, 16-12.

“Everyone had fun, and the main thing is no one got hurt,” said Tamashiro.

Kauaians Ruiz and Paul Silva played for the Oahu team Ho’o Ikaika, managed by Butch Tenn, and won gold in the 70 AA Red division. They beat Coyotes 70 from Oceanside, Calif., 21-16.

Kimoto and Kapaa’s Bully Balocan also played on a 50’s team, Woodlawn Hitting Club from St. Petersburg, Florida, who hobbled into the championship round but lost to Grand Slam Sports Card of Port St. Lucie, Florida to settle for silver in the 50 AAA Black division.