BIIF Cross Country: Childers makes it six straight, wins at Waikii Ranch

WAIMEA – Saturday’s meet at Waikii Ranch marked the latest in a long line of battles between Kealakehe’s Levi Childers and Waiakea’s Shane Tominaga. Once again, the Waverider senior had the upper hand, edging out Tominaga by four seconds to win his sixth straight BIIF race in a time of 20:34.05.

“To lead by yourself is kind of lonesome; it doesn’t have the entertainment that you like,” said Childers. “I like it when I have a rival to fight with… He put on a really good race today. I think I just had it in the end.”

The Kealakehe and Waiakea boys teams tied for first place, both scoring 58 team points. Finishing behind Childers for Kealakehe were Aiden Ankrum in fourth (21:29.72) and Archer Ankrum in seventh (21:42.68), while Waiakea’s Rogelio Doratt finished in fifth (21:36.65).

Konawaena’s Issac Keanaaina took third in a time of 21:23.90.

On the girls’ side, there was much less drama.

Hilo’s Hulali Halpern quickly pulled away from the pack, ultimately winning by nearly three and a half minutes in a time of 23:11.40. The Viking sophomore enjoyed the course at Waikii Ranch: a location making its debut as a BIIF race venue.

“I think it’s a really good race,” said Halpern. “This is an actual cross country course; it was pretty fun.”

Second-place finisher Bella Dadzie (26:40.64) was one of four Hawaii Prep runners to crack the top 10 in team scoring, allowing Ka Makani to edge Hilo in the team score, 42 to 46.

Makua Lani’s Sofia Mattix finished in third place (27:07.60), followed by Hilo’s Kekaimalino Halpern in fourth (27:10.91) and a pair of Waiakea runners: Nova Stickley in fifth (27:20.81) and Sri Butz in sixth (27:28.62).

BIIF runners will be off next weekend, but will return to competition on Friday, Oct. 14 at Hawaii Prep.