West Hawaii squads perform well at Konawaena meet

KEALAKEKUA — The first all-schools Big Island Interscholastic Federation track and field meet of the season gave Kealakehe’s Avery Hardie-Jordan the chance to establish himself as the one to beat in the 100-meter dash.

In a race that featured defending BIIF champion Aukai Akau of Kamehameha-Hawaii as well as last year’s runner-up, Keaau’s Jesse Huihui, Hardie-Jordan prevailed in a blistering 11.07 seconds Saturday at Konawaena High.

“A lot of people asked me to come out for track this season, and I was hoping that it would help me become a better football and soccer athlete,” Hardie-Jordan said.

The multitalented junior competed in five events during the day, but the 100 was clearly his best performance until he took to the blocks and won the 200 in 22.62.

“I like the sprints, and I know I can get faster if I work on my form and my block starts,” Hardie-Jordan said. “I’m still working on learning the long and high jumps and on my passing in the (400) relay.”

The short-handed Waveriders also received standout performances from Jason Fowler and Caili Ebaniz.

“We have about 15 kids missing with prom, but we have a lot of depth,” coach Duke Hartfield said. “We entered this year with what we never had last year.”

Boasting one of their larger teams — 35 girls and 30 boys — Hartfield has high hopes for Kealakehe this season.

“Our boys team is a possible contender if everybody stays healthy. We have a legitimate chance at winning the BIIF team title,” he said.

Fowler, a senior, turned some heads winning the 400 in a time of 52.24 — before skipping the 1,600 relay so he could jet off to prom.

“I laid off track for the past two years in favor of canoe paddling,” Fowler said. “I initially just came out for the training and to work on my cardio conditioning and have found my event in the 400. I believe I can get my 400 time at 50 seconds flat and will work hard during the remainder of the season to reach that goal.”

Ebaniz, a junior, placed in the 100 and 200 and was part of a Lady Waveriders’ 400 relay team that finished second behind Kamehameha.

“My favorite is the 100,” Ebaniz said. “I like the short distances, and I know I can bring my 100 time down below 13 seconds. I come into the race nervous, and it gets me ready and it keeps me alert.”

Hawaii Prep’s Bri Vallente made it a true West Side Story, as the freshman claimed victory in the 200.

Trailing in the initial stages, Vallente ran down her opponents for her first all-schools victory.

“When I’m behind someone, I like it because it makes me push myself harder,” she said. “The older, more experienced girls make me work harder and help me get faster.”

Vallente was second in the 100 behind Kamehameha’s Chelsea Poe, third in the high jump, and she also ran in the 400 relay.

“I like the sprints a lot. It gets me faster and will help me when I play soccer,” Vallente said.

Hilo sophomore Carmen Garson-Shumway had a notable performance in the 1,500, finishing under 5 minutes for the first time.

“At states last year I ran 5 minutes flat,” Garson-Shumway said. “I have a new training partner in Maya Rosof who helps to push me in practice.”

She still sees room for improvement.

“I hope to eventually hit 4:50,” Garson-Shumway said. “I’m working on believing I can get there, and I want to run against Zoe (Sims of HPA).”

Three Hawaii High School Athletic Association state champions, Sims and Shane Brostek of HPA and Konawaena’s Ua Ruedy, as well as Wildcats standout Lia Galderia, won events Saturday at the Honolulu Marathon Invite on Kamehameha-Oahu.

Brostek showed he’s ready to defend his two crowns, reaching personal bests in the shot put (56 feet) and discus (168-11). Sims, the defending champion in 1,500, claimed that race in 4:50.86 as well as winning a photo finish in the 800. Ruedy won the 300 hurdles and Galdeira took the triple jump and the 100 hurdles.

The BIIF season continues with an all-school meet Saturday at Kamehameha. Field events start at 9 a.m., and running events go off at 10 a.m.