Koa Marzo brings speed to the outfield for Hawaii baseball
Mililani senior Koa Marzo Jr. made his commitment to the University of Hawai’i official Wednesday morning. | Photo: Michael Lasquero, HSRN
WAIKIKI — Koa Marzo Jr. is one step closer to living out his childhood dreams.
The Mililani senior made his commitment to play for the University of Hawai’i baseball team official when he put pen to paper at a signing day event at the Sheraton Waikiki Beach Resort Wednesday morning.
“It feels good. The process came a long way,” Marzo said.
Marzo said he is being recruited to play outfield for the Rainbow Warriors. He brings speed at the position and was recently clocked in the 60-yard dash with a time of 6.7 seconds.
“It came a long way,” Marzo said of his speed. “Started off like everybody else, (running) like 7.9, 7.8 seconds, but I just put in the hard work during workouts day and night.”
He praised the environment and the culture of the Rainbow Warriors in making his decision.
“Nothing is like home,” said Marzo. “Coach is very welcoming. It was a very nice time seeing them and having my tour over there. I’ve been dreaming of going there since I was a little kid too so it’s a big thing for me.”
Originally from Hilo, Marzo is eager to be an inspiration to the next generation of ball players.
“It feels good because I’ve been motivating these younger kids like my brother over here. Everything’s been good. Home town, I have a lot of supporters that support me back home and it feels good. I love it.”
In the spring, the 6-foot outfielder helped the Trojans claim the OIA Division I baseball championship with a key bunt single that set him up to score the go-ahead run in a 2-1 win over Kaiser. Marzo finished the year batting .278 with 10 hits and 11 runs scored while earning All-OIA Division-I West second team honors.
“KJ has been a positive influence in our program,” Mililani coach Mark Hirayama said of Marzo. “He lead by example, works hard and is a great teammate. I look forward to seeing him continue to develop one and off the field.”
Also making their commitment official to the Hawai’i baseball team at the signing day event was Pac-Five’s Colten Amai Nakagawa out of University Lab.
Sterling Carvalho returns to high school sidelines as new Saint Louis head football coach
Sterling Carvalho is returning to the high school football sidelines, this time taking over one of Hawai‘i's most storied programs. The former Kahuku head coach, who guided the Red Raiders to three consecutive HHSAA Open Division state...
Kapolei hits Mililani with perfect storm to snatch OIA Open crown
MILILANI – The recipe for success never changed for the Kapolei Hurricanes. Suffocate opposing offenses with the best defense in the state and play smashmouth football offensively with the top running game in the entire Open Division. That...
Waipahu smashes Aiea to roll to OIA Division I title
PEARL CITY – For the 15th time in program history, the Waipahu Marauders stand atop the OIA football ranks. Behind a four-touchdown showing from star sophomore quarterback Jake Garcia, the Waipahu varsity football team cruised to a dominant 42-7...
Massive second half from Mellor delivers Kalaheo to first-ever OIA crown
KALIHI – Leave it to the kid going into the Air Force to take a program to new heights. Behind senior tailback Marquez Mellor’s seventh game of the season with 100 or more rushing yards, the Kalaheo varsity football team claimed the first league...
Punahou flies up to No. 7 in Lasquero’s High School Football Power Rankings
Michael Lasquero gives his Top 25 best teams in the state heading into the final weekend before the Hawai'i High School Football state tournament.1. Kapolei (8-1) Previous rank: 1 Last week: beat No. 4 Campbell, 30-0 This week: at No. 2 Mililani...