HILO – On calm water with minimal resistance from the Wailoa River current, the Waiakea boys canoe paddlers pulled the surprise of the day.
HILO – On calm water with minimal resistance from the Wailoa River current, the Waiakea boys canoe paddlers pulled the surprise of the day.
The Warriors won the half-mile race at the first all-schools BIIF regatta at Hilo Bay, showing the ability to produce a strong turn and finishing kick.
Saturday’s race was basically a preview for the BIIF championship, which will be held Jan. 23 back at Hilo Bay.
Unfortunately, there were no heats for the boys and girls events, only the mixed race. Heats always test a team’s depth and a coach’s strategy.
For the boys and girls races, there are three alternatives each behind the six starters. For the mixed race, there are four backups.
The Kamehameha girls, the defending BIIF champion, won in 4:25.07, and proved they’re still the team to beat.
In the closest race of the day, Kealakehe displayed its depth to take the mixed race in 4:08.68, just ahead of Keaau (4:09.94).
It wasn’t really that close in the boys race.
Waiakea finished in 3:54.91, beating Kealakehe (3:59.47) and three-time defending BIIF champion Keaau (4:03.12).
The Cougars came off the starting line first, charged into the turn first, but came out third. The Warriors went into the turn second and came out first.
The Wailoa River current took it easy on a perfect day for paddling with clear skies, little wind and a competitive atmosphere soaking the all-schools meet.
The Waveriders went into the turn third and came out second. When they looked up, it must have been a surprise that Waiakea was ahead of everyone.
The Warriors finished third last season at the BIIF championships and qualified for the HHSAA state meet.
They’re competitive, but not really on anyone’s short list of being considered a BIIF contender.
Waiakea coach Mahea Stanley couldn’t remember the last time the school won a BIIF title, if ever, for any event.
There are no points earned for winning a regular-season regatta. The best reward is a boost of confidence for the BIIF championships.
“Hard work pays off,” said Stanley, emphasizing any sport’s most popular mantra. “We’ve worked hard at practice, so it comes naturally in the races.
“We’ve got a lot of newcomers. We had to bring a couple up from the junior varsity. Everybody works together. The win gives us confidence for the next race, knowing there’s a target on our back, and we have to push harder.”
Kamehameha’s roll
The Warriors had to rally to win. They went into the turn first, but Parker, on the outside lane, emerged with the lead at the halfway point in the home stretch.
About a football field or 100 yards away, Kamehameha surged ahead, relying on their straight-line power strokes.
“I’m pleased with how we did, but we still have