After a four-week break, the BIIF wrestling mats got rolled out again Saturday morning at Waiakea.
However, some schools, such as Hilo, Kealakehe, Kamehameha and Waiakea, were busy during the holidays on Oahu.
The Vikings girls had two wrestlers claim championships last weekend at Punahou’s Paani Challenge, including Ashley Lavarias.
Lavarias, coach Ryan Taniguchi said, claimed the 112-pound title at the highly competitive girls-only tournament and was named most outstanding wrestler for 127-pounders and below.
Meanwhile, Hilo’s Leona Toledo captured the 225 division. According to Hawaii Prep World, Toledo pinned Nanakuli’s Shannlynne Mahoe near the end of the first period.
Was Taniguchi surprised by either development?
“I can humbly say no,” he said. “They both put in the work. Both always spend countless hours before (and) after practice improving.”
Taniguchi said Toledo’s division included two state tournament placers from 2018, including Mahoe (fifth).
Finishing third in their division from Hilo were Diamond Gouviea (107), Tia Leao (145), Kitana Lowery (155) and Lilliane Toledo (184).
“Great news for lady Vikings wrestling,” Taniguchi said.
Kealakehe’s Roxie Umu (184), the defending state champ, failed to defend her Paani title, losing to Lahainaluna’s Shannon Jaramillo 5-3 in the quarterfinals. Jaramillo went on to fall in the final to Baldwin’s Siera Vida 5-0.
The Waveriders’ Pualani Louis was second at 117, and Kamehameha’s Kanani Chan (138) wrestled her way into the semifinals
Hilo’s success came on the heels of its fine showing at the Officials Tournament, held the weekend before Christmas. Waiakea’s boys also did well.
Also held last weekend was the Moanalua Duals, an event in which Kealakehe’s boys finished fourth place in the gold bracket.
Kamehameha coach Cary Masuko called the trip invaluable for his boys travel squad of 12. Some Warriors were able to wrestle up to eight times in a charged atmosphere.
“The dual format creates excitement,” Masuko said. “The crowd goes wild on every move. It creates an intense environment.
“We’ll take this experience and continue to prepare for league play. We became closer as a team and as coaches.”
Thanks to an expanded schedule this season, the meet at Waiakea is the first of five before the BIIF championships at Keaau High on Feb. 9.