Moanalua Na Menehune - 2013 OIA Relay Championship - Oahu, Hawaii

What a beautiful morning at Kalani High School for the 2013 OIA Relay Championships.  Covering this event brings back fond memories of my days in competitive swimming, going back to those years when the legend Keo Nakama was the head coach at Kaimuki High School.  His swimming career included a world record 20:29 in the mile swim.  Nakama is best known for swimming the Molokai Channel to Oahu on September 1961 in 15 1/2 hours.  I also ran into McKinley Head Coach Larry Oshiro, who started at Palama Settlement under the legendary coach Harry Mamizuka, who was also my swim coach back in the 60's.

I spoke with Moanalua Na Menehune swim team Head Coach Mark Mikami and asked if they were prepared for today's event.  "So far the season is shaping up pretty good and we have a great bunch of freshman that have been pulling us ahead.  The team is kind of growing together and it looks like a great season.  As for today's event, I expect the team to do a great job and everything looks really good.  I'm happy with the turnout that we have, and the kids work really hard and deserve to be part of this event."

The results of today's 19th events were, Kaiser with 242 points, Mililani 228, Roosevelt 148, Kalani 112, Kahuku 92, Kapolei 90, Moanalua 84, James Campbell 76, Castle 66, Leilehua 38, Farrington 34, Waialua 30, Radford 16 and McKinley 2 points. Moanalua Na Menehune (boys) placed 3rd in the 200 Freestyle: C. Nishimura, C. Bay, K. Aukai, H. Lee; (girls) placed 1st in the 800 Freestyle: E. Voss, J. Luong, A. Don, A. Iwamoto. (girls) placed 1st in the 200 Butterfly: E.Voss, J. Luong, A. Don, A. Iwamoto. (girls) placed 2nd in the 400 Medley Relay: J. Luong, A. Iwamoto, A. Don, E.Voss.

Congratulations to the Na Menehune and all the participating schools.  For the over all stats, "click here." For candid photos "click here." "Special thanks" to the Iwamoto's, Ron and Andrea for their assist and stats.