Short Hops | March 24

Lavaman Weekend events

Lavaman Weekend events

The 19th annual Lavaman Waikoloa Triathlon Festival will be held March 27-29 at Waikoloa Beach Resort.

• March 27: The Lavaman 5K Sunset Run will be held at Queens’ Marketplace at 5:15 p.m. The event is a benefit for the PATH Bike Safety Education Program and the ALS Therapy Development Institute.

Registration is $20 for adults and $10 for ages 14 and under. Online registration can be found at pathhawaii.org, or register in-person at Bike Works in Kona or Bikeworks Beach &Sport in Waikoloa. Race day registration and check-in will open at 3:30 p.m.

• March 28: The 14th annual LavaKids Waikoloa Aquathon will be held March 28th at the Hilton Waikoloa Village Resort.

The race features a keiki beach dash for ages six and under which will be followed by a 100-meter swim and 1-kilometer run for 7-10 year olds and a 200-meter swim and 2-kilometer run for 11-14 year olds.

Registration begins at the bottom of the Hilton’s Grand Staircase at 7 a.m. T-shirts and medals will be awarded to all participants. For more information or to download an application, visit lavakids.org or call Susan Nixon, 936-1083.

• March 29: The weekend closes with the Olympic distance (1.5K Swim, 40K Bike and 10K Run) Lavaman Triathlon. The race starts at 7:20 a.m. with the Pro/Elite wave of athletes. First finishers are expected around 9:10 a.m.

Participants will swim at Anaehoomalu Bay, then bike out and back on the Queen Kaahumanu Hwy. and back into the resort. The run is through the Waikoloa Beach Resort and the grounds of the Hilton Waikoloa Village.

Race Day parking will be at Anaehoomalu Bay and the Queens’ MarketPlace. The road to Anaehoomalu Bay will be closed from 7 a.m. until 11 a.m. (no entrance or exit) during bike portion of the race.

The weekend will also be accompanied by the Lavaman expo at Hilton Waikoloa Village’s Grand Promenade on Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Keauhou Canoe Club practice times

Keauhou Canoe Club racing crews are practicing at the following times.

• Specials, ages 6-11, boys and girls: Tuesday and Wednesday from 3:30-4:30 p.m.

• Youth, ages 12-18, boys and girls: Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, 3:30-5 p.m.

•Women, all ages, Monday and Wednesday, 5-6:30 p.m. and Saturday mornings at 7:30 a.m.

•Men, all ages, Monday, OC-1, Tuesday and Thursday, 5-6:30 p.m.

Coaches may adjust practice times at a later date. Transportation to practice from Konawaena and Kealakehe Elementary/Middle schools starts Monday.

For more information contract Bill Armer 896-4535.

Mac-A-Thon set for April 4

Keoua Honaunau Canoe Club’s Mac-A-Thon is set for April 4. The race start is at 7 a.m.

The Mac-A-Thon offers distances of 5K or 10K on the old government road that extends from of Honaunau Bay to Napo‘opo‘o.

The entry form is available at the Keoua Honaunau Canoe Club website at keouacanoeclub.com. Entry fees are $35 until March 31st, and $40 in April and on race day. Juniors (14-and-under) are $10 preregistered, $15 on race day. Preregistered runners will receive a race T-shirt.

Mailed entries must be postmarked by March 28. After that, please hand-deliver your entry form and fee on race day before late registration closes at 6:30 a.m.

Flag football in Kohala

Registration for boys and girls ages 5-15 in Kohala for flag football will be April 13 and April 15 from 4-5 p.m at Hisaoka Gym.

Practices will start the first week of May. Registration is free and includes uniform.

For more information contact Kim at 895-1939.

Brantley Center golf tournament

The 37th annual Brantley Center golf tournament be held at the Big Island Country Club on April 26th. Check-in is at 7:15 a.m. Shotgun start will be at 8 a.m.

Format will be two-person best ball modified. Entry fee is $125 and includes: green fee, cart, prizes and luncheon. Hole in one contest for $10,000 will also be held.

For more information call Roland at 987-7712, or contact the Brantley Center at 775-7245 or bcenter2@hawaiiantel.net.

Golf For Kids tournament

The Golf For Kids Golf Tournament, presented by Hawaii Island Young Life, will be April 24th at the Big Island Country Club. Registration begins at 6:30 a.m. and Shotgun starts isat 7:30 a.m.

Format is a two-person scramble. Entry fee is $95 and includes: green fee, cart fee, snacks, prizes and awards luncheon. Young Life is a non-profit youth outreach program. For more information call Lane at 896-0622, Angel at 969-9074.

First Tee program starting up at BICC and Makalei

The First Tee Hawaii program will start a new session on March 28 at the Big Island Country Club and Makalei Hawaii on April 12.

At Big Island Country Club egistration begins at 2:30 p.m at the driving range. At Makalei, registration begins at 2 p.m. at the clubhouse.

Program is one hour and classes start at 3 p.m. Registration fee for the session is $25 per child. Ages are 7-18 years old.

First Tee teaches about the game, including rules, skills and life values on and off the course.

For more information email Peggy at peggyciriako@gmail.com or call 937-2380 for more information.

Special Olympics Torch Run

First Hawaiian Bank and Hawaii Police Department are partnering to sponsor the 30th annual Troy Barboza Law Enforcement Torch Run/Walk on April 11th. It is a benefit for Special Olympics West Hawaii.

The Troy Barboza Law Enforcement Torch Run is a noncompetitive run/walk, and the purpose is to raise awareness and funds for the athletes of Special Olympics Hawaii. The event is named after fallen Honolulu Police Officer Troy Barboza, who volunteered as a Special Olympics coach and participated in the first Torch Run in Hawaii held in 1985.

The event begins at 8:30 a.m. on April 11th at First Hawaiian Bank in Kailua-Kona.

Donations of $30 are requested and donors will receive a 2015 commemorative Torch Run shirt. Sizes and styles are limited. Interested participants should call Sharon Yong at 756-2186 for entry form, or email sowhdenise@gmail.com.

Kai Opua regatta season practice schedules

Regatta season practice has started for Kai Opua keiki. Girls practices are on Mondays and Wednesdays, boys practices are on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Paddling practice starts at 4 p.m. Dues for 18-and-under paddlers is $10.

Novice women paddling practice are held Mondays 4:30 p.m. A meeting for all Kai Opua women will be held at 5:30 p.m. on March 30 at the KOCC halau at Kona Old Airport Park. Open and age division women will start practice at 5:30 p.m. April 1. Women’s practices are on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Kai Opua’s men practice is on Tuesday and Thursdays. Novice B and 60+ division men start at 4:30 p.m., all others at 5:30 p.m. The 50-plus division men have started practice. A meeting for all men will be at the KOCC halau on Tuesday at 5 p.m. All men’s divisions will have paddling practice at the Kailua Pier commencing on March 26.

For more information about Kai Opua Canoe Club, go to kaiopua.org.

Kai Opua Businessmen’s Regatta and Dog Paddle

The Kai Opua 16th annual Businessmen’s Regatta is April 19. Participants are invited to join the fun for a day on the water and show their company’s team spirit.

Early registration is $110 per six-person crew. Race day registration is $120 entry fee per six-person crew. Double-hull entry fees are discounted if also entering six-person events. Entry fee includes a lunch and awards sponsored by Huggo’s and Corona.

New this year is the inaugural Dog Paddle. One dog, one human and one stand-up paddle board. Dog paddle is at 9 a.m. and it is a $15 entry.

For early online registration, go to kaiopua.org/bizregatta.asp. For more information, call 938-8577.

Hawaii Cycling Club Century ride

The Hawaii Cycling Club’s second annual Hawaii Century is taking place on April 12th starting and ending at Spencer Beach Park.

With three routes — 110 miles, 64 miles and 30 miles — the Century is an opportunity for novice and intermediate athletes as well as experienced cyclists to ride a different route or a longer distance.

Cyclists ride at their own pace: as individuals, with friends, in groups, in pace lines, etc. The Century rides are not timed.

All net proceeds are donated to the organizations charity partner, North Hawaii Hospice. The Century raised $2,498 in 2014.

Registration starts at 6 a.m. on race day. The 110-mile riders begin their Century Ride at 6:30 a.m. The Metric Century, 64-mile group, rolls out at 7:30 a.m. Cyclists riding the 30 mile route start at 8 a.m.

Aid Stations will be approximately every 20 miles and a lunch is provided at the end. Participants will receive a t-shirt to commemorate their participation.

Additional details including fees, maps and registration can be found at active.com (event name Hawaii Century; location Kawaihae). The fee is $50 until March 23, then $60 thereafter.

Visit hawaiicyclingclub.com for information on all of HCC’s events.

Pueo Kupuna softball team golf tourney

The Pueo Kupuna softball team with host its sixth annual golf tournament fundraiser March 29 at Big Island Country Club.

The tee time is 8 a.m. and the play of the day is two-man scramble, modified best ball.

For more information contact Jan Pakele at 895-3535.

West Side Hawaii Little League opens registration

West Side Hawaii Little League has opened up registration for Minors (ages 9-10) Majors (11-12) and Juniors (13-14) for Kona and Waikoloa.

For more information, call Kristi at 960-8042 or email kgacayan@hawaii.rr.com.

Big Island Running Company training program

Big Island Running Company is offering a free training progam for runners waiting to participate for the Kona Marathon, Half Marathon, Quarter Marathon and 5K, which will be held this year at Waikoloa Beach Resort.

The program will start with an introductory meeting at 5 p.m. on March 31 at the Alii Drive location in the Coconut Grove Marketplace. A short run will follow. Runs will be scheduled to coincide with group runs at 5 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday, and a long run at 6:30 a.m. on Saturday.

Each participant will also have additional running days on their own. The Kona Marathon will take place on June 28. For more information contact Melissa@bigislandrunningcompany.com or call 327-9333.

Waimea Athletics hosting “Super Sunday Slam”

Waimea Athletics will host a free youth clinic featuring the University of Hawaii at Hilo baseball and softball programs on April 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Waimea Park.

Players 9-14 will participate in advanced hitting, pitching-catching, batting and fielding stations. Deadline to order optional clinic t-shirts is April 17. For more information contact waimeaathletics@gmail.com or call 640-5519.

Waimea Athletics hosting Classic Movie Nights

Waimea Athletics is sponsoring a series of classic movies. This alcohol/drug free community family event will start at 7 p.m. at Thelma Parker Gym on the first Friday of each month beginning April 3. Beach chairs are welcome. Free popcorn and concession items will be available.

For more info, contact Waimea Athletics at 640-5519 or email: waimeaathletics@gmail.com.

Emily T Gail Show

Rich Bell of Bikeworks Beach and Sports in Queens Marketplace will be on the show this week to talk about the Lavaman Waikoloa. Bell also has information on the Hawaii Cycling Club activities. Bikeworks Beach and Sports hosts Community Bike Rides every Tuesday at 8:30 am from Queens Marketplace.

Carl “Gecko” Ko’omoa of teammangoraces.com (since 1992) will also be on to talk about success of the Team Mango races being attended by all levels of athletes and the community support he gets for Team Mango events including the upcoming Captain Cook Challenge. The Captain Cook Challenge on Sunday April 26 is at Kealekekua Bay and is a one-mile swim, two-mile trail run, 28-mile bike ride, followed by a four-mile run.

Emily has updates on events and sports news in the community.

Emily T Gail Shows are available at espnhawaii.com under the lineup tab. There is a free iTunes podcast and Emily T Gail Talk Story on facebook. Contact Gail at 896-6780 or emilytgail@gmail.com.

Kealakehe H.S. looking for coaches

Kealakehe High School is looking for coaches. There are openings for Girls Soccer head coach and Boys Varsity Basketball head coach. If you are interested in applying, please contact the Athletic Director by phone 313-3774 or by email alan_vogt@notes.k12.hi.us

Weekly golf results

BICC Members Ohana Tournament

March 18

Format: 4-person team, scramble, 2 low nets and shambles

1. Garland Lowe, Kelly Lowe, Don Wood, Nozomi Kishimoto (-22); 2. Tom Johnson, Eddie Salas, Steve Rickard, Jim Stafford (-19); 3. Al Akana, Shirley Akana, Mike McKay, Ron Nelson (-19); 4. Gary Biesemeier, Grant Wilson, Marv Hasting, Walt Schmale (-16)

March 21

Format: 4-person team, Irish rumble

Blind Draw: Bob Raatz

1. Al Akana, Shirley Akana, Don Wood, Nozomi Kishimoto (-30); 2. Gary Biesemeier, Marv Hasting, Walt Schmale, Blind Draw (-22); 3. Reed Bender, Harry McMillen, Frank Jung, Cindy Loo (-19)

Low Net: 1. Nozomi Kishimoto (61); Al Akana (64)

Closest to the pin: Ron Ahlers (5); Gary Biesemeier (8); Shirley Akana (13); Eddie Salas (17)

Keauhou Kona Men’s Golf Club

March 21

Low Gross: Duke Condon (78)

A flight: 1. JC Carlton (66; 2. Doug Sandall (68); 3. Peter Callahan, Sid Yanabu (69)

B flight: 1. BJ Bjornton (64); 2. John Karwoski, Bob Currier (66)

Closest to the Pin: Bill Olafson (5); Bill Andrews (8); Jim Geiser (13); Jim Payne (17)

Makalei Kolepa Hui

March 21

A flight: 1. Artie Gueriu (64); 2. Keone Johnson (68); 3. John Kiaha (70)

B flight: 1. Chuck wells (65); 2. Joel Sperhs (67); Larry Leedom (71)

Closest to the pin: Keone Johnson (2); Eddie Nakaya (5); Ralph Sallee (12); John Kiaha (15)

Na Wahine O Waikoloa

March 19

Format: Two team blind draw

1. Mary Vandamme/Robyn Bergstrom (133); 2. Noriko Kato/Kay Bryant, Willie Ryan/Trish Kimball, Shirley Clark/Carole Abarcar (148); 3. Margaret Dewers, extra blind draw (80)

Chip ins: Noriko Kato (2); Mary Desisto (11); Audry Hamilton (14)

Birdies: Mary Desisto (6); Kay Brant (12); Margaret Dewers (12); Dee Dee Kosa (15)

Closest to the pin: Robyn Bergstrom (3); Margaret Dewers (6); Dee Dee Kosa (15)

M&M Golf Club

March 20

Format: Blind draw, combined low net

1. Diane Butler, Linda Takai (147); 2. Judy Pettersen, Linda Nauman (152)

Low putts: Butchie Hayward, Janis Walker (33)

Chip ins: Linda Takai (5)

Have an event or results for Short Hops? Email J.R. De Groote at jdegroote@westhawaiitoday.com or sports@westhawaiitoday.com with Short Hops in the subject line.