KAPA‘A — Four Kaua‘i Pop Warner Football League cheer squads earned eligibility for national competition during the recent KPWFL Regional Cheer Competition that was held before no spectators at a Kapahi location.
Because of the existing COVID-19 rules, judges were in-person, but no other spectators save the participating teams were allowed. Each participating association had their squads in a holding area and shuttled to the competition facility when it was time for the competition. There were no post-competition gatherings, and results were announced in a drive-in movie format at Puhi Park through a video performance done on competition day.
All of the cheer participants needed to pass temperature checks, and hand sanitizing routines before hitting the mats.
The four winning KPWFL squads earned advancement rights to the Pop Warner Super Bowl and National Cheer and Dance Championships that will take place in Orlando, Florida in conjunction with Florida Citrus Sports and Universal Orlando. The national competition starts on Dec. 4 and continues through Dec. 11.
Roseanna Jerves, the KPWFL cheer coordinator, said none of the KPWFL teams will participate in the national event this year due to the State of Hawai‘i travel requirements on returning to the Islands.
Coached by Jaylynn Boyer, Jerves, and Team Parent Lianne Taniguchi, the Kapa‘a Eagles captured First Place on a score of 73.87 points in the Pee Wee Division, Level PW2, Medium competition. Its members include Skye Kamanuwai, Kau‘ikeolani Kanani Kanahele, Audrey Kaona-Sarsona, Walyan Kupihea, Waileia Malina, Kaeleigh Matsushima, Kala Melchor, Jayla Kauanoe Miyashiro, Elliana Nakano, Jasmine Naeoyakawa Pablo, Alea Pigao-Mundon, Teja Rita, Harmynie Sarsona, Kiarah Strickland, Brylee Sugai-Salvador, Keani Taniguchi, Alexis Telles, Ashlei Thompson, and Chloe-Ann Vicoy.
The Hanapepe Colts took First Place with a score of 74.17 points in the Junior Varsity Division, Level PW3, Small with coaches Harvette Acosta and Shai Rose Acosta. Its performers included Aleiya Acosta-Batis, Alyssa Agena, Daizee Carineo, Tiernie-Marie Clagett, Nakilianaokala Kauwe, Xaira-Lyric Rivera, Kelani Tarn, and Ihilani Vea.
The Kekaha Titans accumulated dual First Place finishes – the Junior Pee Wee Division squad accumulating 87.80 points in Level PW1, Small competition, and the Junior Varsity squad nailing 84.57 points in Level PW1, Small competition.
Daleann Kealoha, Momilani Martins, and Anya Kaohi coach the Kekaha Junior Varsity squad that includes members Maile Brun, Hilina‘iikalani Martins, Kamaya Navarro, Milana Schaefer, and Tajayah Smith.
Elain Ku‘uleimomi Keamoai, Momilani Martins, Anya Kaohi, and Jelacia Freitas-San Agustin coach the Jr. Pee Wee squad that includes Makena Cabral, Noah Gomes, Kailye Kahalekomo Schmidt, Sophia San Agustin, Lily Santiago, and Nylana Smith.
