The Wildcat jumpers leaped into a new season with sweeping results on Saturday at the first BIIF meet of the season held at Konawaena High School.
The Konawaena boys dominated the competition, taking the top three spots in the long jump, the top two spots in the high jump, and the top spot in the triple jump.
The trio of Kamakana Ching, Hauoli Akau and Austin Aukai showed off the athleticism that has made each a multi-sport stars. To put on such a strong showing, though they were aided by a field that was missing several schools, including the team from Waiakea and most the the Hawaii Preparatory Academy squad.
Ching used his height to his advantage in the long jump, throwing his body forward for a first place distance of 21 feet and 4.75 inches. He was followed by Akau (20-07.00) and Aukai (20-02.25).
“I felt good in both the long jump and the high jump, but there were some teams missing today so I have to continue to work harder” Ching said. “We have three strong kids in the jumps with Akau, Aukai and myself, but we also have some younger talent coming up and the girls can jump as well.”
Akau, who finished first in the long jump and triple jump at the BIIF championships last year, struggled out of the gate, scratching on his first two attempts in the long jump. With one try remaining, he managed to take off successfully for his second place distance.
“I was starting out too fast and had to slow it down,” Akau said. “I think my second jump might have been over 22 feet but I was about two inches over.”
Akau went on to take first place in the triple jump with a distance of 42.0-1.75.
In the high jump, Aukai turned the table on his teammates, taking first place with a height of 5-10. Ching also cleared the same height but had more attempts.
The Konawaena boys weren’t the only ones to shine in the jumps. The Lady Wildcats also swept the long jump competition. Nanea Wall took first with a distance of 14-06.50. She was followed by Zane Garrigan (14-03.50) and Kiyomi Watanabe (13-07.75).
Long distance runner Lawrence Barrett also had a strong showing for the Wildcats. With Waiakea distance-expert Louie Ondo’s graduating, the field is open in the 800, 1500 and 3000 meter races. Konawaena is looking to fill the void.
Barrett claimed the 800 and 1500 on Saturday with a pair of dominant performances. His time of 2 minutes and 2.26 seconds in the 800 was faster than his time at the state tournament last year, which was good enough for third place.
For Barrett, eternal glory at the state meeting against top talent from Oahu is what he is aiming for.
“Cody (Ranfranz) and I compared our times to Oahu and we are really close,” Barrett said. “Maybe we can be gods like them. They are super fast.”
Barrett won the 1500 in a time of 4:24.24 and was also apart of the 4×400 relay team that took first place with a time of 3:33.37.
Cristobal focuses on track
Kealakehe’s Nicole Cristobal competed in five events on Saturday, placing first in the high jump (4-08.00) and the triple jump (33-06.00), while also finishing second in the 100-meter dash (13.19) and the 4×100 relay (55.05)
Cristobal is coming off an ankle injury during volleyball season and elected not to play basketball this year to let her ankle heal. She also recently verbally committed to Grand Canyon University on an academic scholarship, but she also has the potential to earn an athletic scholarship.
“I emailed the coach there and asked what the requirements were to join the team,” Cristobal said. “I was told I would be considered a walk-on, and to earn a scholarship I would need to jump in the mid 18-foot range for the long jump and mid 38-foot range for the triple on a regular basis.”
Cristobal is currently about a foot short in both events, but has a plan to achieve the goals.
“I will need to focus on jumping and getting my legs stronger,” she said. “I am working on my technique and studying video to help out.”
Cristobal is also taking on a senior leadership role this year which she is excited about.
“I feel honored that I am able to help my younger teammates,” Cristobal said. “I get to see them progress throughout the season.”
Team performance
Led by its jumpers, long distance runners and relay teams, the Konawaena boys took first as a team in Saturday’s meet with 128 points. They were followed by Hilo (125) and Kealakehe (75) rounded out the top three.
Cristobal led the Waveriders girls to a first place finish with 95 points. Hilo placed second (89) and Konawaena was third (82).