KEALAKEKUA — They dominated in league and state wrestling together, so why not wrestle collegiately together?
Wednesday’s signing day at Konawaena High School featured three senior superstars inking letters of intent to wrestle next season at Northwest College in Powell, Wyo. — Akea Cariaga, Sunny Espinoza and Race Moxley.
The Trappers are recognized as a National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division I program.
“I’m so proud of them,” Wildcats wrestling coach Fredrico Ventenilla said. “Coming from the Big Island and getting this recognition that they can compete at a national level … this is what it’s all about.”
The trio’s commitment comes as no surprise, as all three concluded their high school wrestling careers on a high note. In the Big Island Interscholastic Federation (BIIF) Wrestling Championships in February, Cariaga won in the 144-pound class, Espinoza the 150 class and Moxley the 175 class. During the following week at the state meet on Oahu, Cariaga and Moxley earned fourth overall in their respective classes. Their efforts helped the Kona boys team log a ninth-place finish at states.
“They will definitely bring that work ethic that we’ve tried to provide for them at Konawaena (to Northwest College wrestling),” Ventenilla continued. “It’s going to be a new experience for them, but we know that they will take the spirit of Aloha with them.”
The boys noted that it wasn’t too difficult of a choice, especially considering that the trio will be headed to the mainland together.
“I really enjoyed the scenery and people over there, and the work ethic was very similar to here in Hawaii,” Espinoza said of his visit, which helped shape his decision. “I’m planning to bring my full intensity, and I know (Cariaga and Moxley) will do the same.”
“Having my two boys come there with me made me feel more comfortable,” Cariaga added. “I’ve never been in this situation before, but I really wanted to do something different. I really like the place … I think I can bring medals to the program.”
Regardless of what Cariaga, Espinoza and Moxley will accomplish at the next stage, the school community’s support will always be in their back pocket — and the three are grateful for all Konawaena has done to not only help shape them into the wrestlers they are today, but the great human beings they’ve turned into.
“Everyone at Konawaena just wants to get better, we all have a similar character,” Espinoza said. “I enjoyed the intensity (over my four years).”
“Konawaena made me a very independent person,” Cariaga explained. “I tried a lot of new things for the first time … I also helped a lot of the younger wrestlers, which I think they were very appreciative for.”
“Our success (as a team) is from the community’s efforts, and we are very thankful,” Ventenilla said.
Please see the paper next week for Kona girls wrestling star Shakira Ortiz Strauss’ collegiate decision.