Track and Field programs often lose athletes to the glaring distinction of team sports. Many student-athletes rather play soccer, basketball or softball than commit to the psychological challenges involved in individual-based sports. But that’s not true for the Kapa’a Warrior
Track and Field programs often lose athletes to the glaring distinction of team sports.
Many student-athletes rather play soccer, basketball or softball than commit to the psychological challenges involved in individual-based sports.
But that’s not true for the Kapa’a Warrior girls team, who won the 2002 KIF Track and Field Title by more than 30 points over Waimea and Kaua’i this spring.
“Because of team sports, we actually get more girls coming out for the track team,” said Kapa’a head coach Calvin Paleka. “The athletes bring friends from their team sports and we normally have a lot to work with.”
Along with having numbers, Kapa’a’s team is young. The Warrior girls, who have won four championships in four years, are graduating only one runner and plan to snag a fifth title in 2003.
“At this point, we’re looking good,” said Paleka. “As long as our numbers stay strong, we will continue to remain in good standing.”
But more than numbers, Kapa’a has depth.
Sophomore Jackie Huttger took the Girls High Jump event with a jump of 5-foot, 1-inch, which not only qualified her for states but broke the 1992 KIF record of four-foot, eleven-inches. Her jump is currently the third best height at the State level.
Huttger also won the Long Jump, Triple Jump and was a part of the record-breaking 400-meter relay with teammates Sharlene Carillo, Tiana Laranio, and Elizabeth Kain.
Carillo smoked the 200-yard dash (27.70 – one of the top 10 times in States), took second in the 100 and third in the high jump along with her gold in the relay.
A senior, Laranio bid farewell to her KIF days with a second place finish in the long jump and third place finish in the 110-hurdles.
Kain topped two Red Raider sprinters for 200-meter top honors. Along with the clean-up role in the 400-relay, Kain also took gold in the Warrior’s 1600-yard relay, which consisted of Alicia Phillips, Danielle Williams and Kaona.
Not just limited to the girls aforementioned, the Warriors are sending 10 girls to the State Championships this year, and nine of them are underclassmen. Which can mean only one thing: Kapa’a may have numbers, but it’s still quality that counts.
“These girls have an incredible work ethic,” said Paleka of the Warrior Track and Field team. “If we ask them to do something, they do it. They know we are trying to help them develop and they listen. That’s why they’re successful.”
Paleka noted that the girls spend much of their off-season training in various sports, and it helps them stay conditioned for the Track and Field season.
Carillo plays volleyball, soccer, runs cross country and recently won a KIF title with the Warrior’s basketball team. Huttger plays for the soccer team with fellow speedster Kain, and Laranio plays softball, soccer and tennis when she’s not jumping over hurdles.
“All of these sports keep the girls active, and if come spring time they continue to participate in our Track and Field program, the Kapa’a girls team will continue to be successful during the spring season.”
The 2002 Island Movers State Track & Field Championships have begun at Mililani High School with qualifying rounds and will run through Saturday. Results of the meet will appear in future editions of the Garden Island Newspaper.
