Kamehameha-Maui brings home koa trophy to Upcountry

Kamehameha-Maui brings home koa trophy to Upcountry

Dec 1, 2024

 

Members of the Kamehameha-Maui football team hold up the koa trophy after defeating Kaiser for the Division II state title. | Photo Credit: Brian Bautista

Kamehameha-Maui brings home koa trophy to Upcountry

BY MICHAEL LASQUERO | HSRN
PUBLISHED DECEMBER 1, 2024

Redemption.

History.

After falling short in two of the past three Division II state championship games, Kamehameha-Maui surged through for the first state title in its football program’s 20th season with a 37-14 win over Kaiser Saturday night at John Kauinana Stadium.

“It feels good to just finally pull it off,” said junior running back Zedekaiah Campbell, who rushed for 239 yards and a score in the win.

Coach Ulima Afoa, who took over the program in 2016, said it felt “awesome” for finally breaking through after suffering championship defeats to Kapa’a in 2021 and Waimea in 2023.

“I feel exhilarated,” said Afoa. “I feel happy for our kids. These are great young men that we get to coach. I’m so blessed with the staff that I have, so it wasn’t a one-man job, you know what I’m saying? They all worked their butts off to prepare these kids to play this game and basically tonight was a result of that.”

Quarterback Kolten Waikiki-Caldeira was also electric with three passing touchdowns on just eight completions while also adding another score on the ground.

Two of Waikiki-Caldeira’s scoring passes went to Tevyn Apo, including a 20-yard scoring grab early in the first quarter. All of Waikiki-Caldeira’s passing TDs came off of play-action.

“Our run game helps open up our pass game,” said Campbell. “It forces defenses to load up on the box and once they do that, we throw over the top, like that first one to Tevyn.”

Waikiki-Caldeira credited the coaching staff with helping to prepare the team for the moment.

“We’re reloading, not rebuilding, and it showed everywhere — in the weight room, on the field, conditioning, the coaches,” said Waikiki-Caldeira. “The coaches gave us the answers to the quiz and we just had to go out there and show them what we did was good.”

Waikiki-Caldeira scored his rushing TD on a bootleg with 16 seconds to go in the first quarter to give the Warriors (9-3) a 14-0 lead.

Apo scored again on a 11-yard reception 36 seconds into the second quarter to make it 20-0 game.

But Kaiser (10-3) fought back to get on the board.

Without any first down on its first five drives, the Cougars put together a 15-play, 80-yard drive that ended with a 27-yard pass scoring connection between Jesse Shinagawa to Caleb Hamasaki.

Kaiser then got the ensuing onside kick attempt and found the end zone again on another Shinagawa to Hamasaki connection. This made the score 20-14 at the half.

It was all KS-Maui after that however.

Jumpstarted by Campbell’s 35-yard scoring run in the third quarter, the Warriors closed out the game on a 17-0 run to seal the game.

On the drive where Campbell scored, he carried the ball five times on the series.

“I just don’t stop my feet, just keep running,” said Campbell of his mentality carrying the football. “I just tell myself don’t get tackled by one person, it should take the whole team to take me down.”

Defensively the Warriors had five TFLs, five pass breakups, two interceptions and a fumble recovery as they held the Cougars to just 185 yards of total offense.

“Our defense was able to get some big stops and big turnovers and got us some good field position too,” said Campbell.

Kaiser was seeking its first D2 crown since 2013.

Statement from Lois Manin, who will take over as UH AD on Dec. 2

Statement from Lois Manin, who will take over as UH AD on Dec. 2

Nov 20, 2024

 

University of Hawai’i Associate Athletics Director Lois Manin (right) poses for a photo in 2022 with Women’s basketball coach Laura Beeman (left) and Noella Kong (member of inaugural women’s team). | Photo Credit: Ku’ulei Agbayani/HSRN

Statement from Lois Manin, who will take over as UH AD on Dec. 2

BY HSRN STAFF
PUBLISHED NOVEMBER 20, 2024

Lois Manin, the Associate Athletics Director for Internal Operations and Senior Women Administrator at the University of Hawai’i, has released a statement a day after the news that Athletics Director Craig Angelos would be dismissed at the start of next month.

Manin will take over as acting AD starting Dec. 2 and will assume all of its duties until the university completes a job search to be made by incoming UH President Wendy Hensel after the new year.

Here is Manin’s statement in full:

The last 24 hours has been a challenging and emotional time for everyone within the UH Athletics ‘ohana including coaches, student-athletes, staff, fans, supporters and especially Craig Angelos. I’ve been assigned the responsibility to serve as Acting Athletics Director and my goal is to do everything I can to help in this transition and continue the momentum that Craig and the team has created during his time here. It is important that we keep our focus on supporting our student-athletes.
 
There has been a lot of chatter regarding my employment at UH Athletics. I would like to set the record straight with facts and not conjecture. 
First of all, let me be very clear. I will not be applying for the permanent position.
 
I applied for the UH Athletics Director job when David Matlin retired. I was a finalist. When David Lassner called to tell me that I did not get the job, I thanked him for the opportunity.  I was disappointed that I was not chosen, but not surprised. Later that day the announcement was made that Craig Angelos was hired. I called every person on the search advisory committee to thank them for their service. Within the first 30 seconds of meeting Craig, I told him that I wanted him to hear from me and not anyone else that I had applied for the job and that I was prepared to support him fully. I remained in my current job as Associate Athletics Director for Internal Operations and supported Craig as best I could with what knowledge I gained in my 25 years in collegiate athletics administration at UH. 
 
I have worked in different roles for many different leaders in my career and have always taken the same approach, whether the athletics director was Stan Sheriff, Hugh Yoshida, Herman Frazier, David Matlin or Craig Angelos. I fully understood that I take direction from my supervisor as we both work for the University, the Athletics Department, the student-athletes and the people of Hawaiʻi.
 
I have been both a union employee and an at-will employee. My effort does not change in any capacity or for any leader. It has always been my best effort. I have worked countless hours of nights, weekends and holidays for the department alongside so many others who love the program, our student-athletes, our coaches and our fans. 
 
I decided not long after I was not hired as Athletics Director last year, that I would not take another shot at the top job. I would end my athletics career in the second chair if allowed to do so. I have been asked to serve as Acting Athletics Director when Craig departs and until the next leader is chosen. I do not know the timeline and do not intend to apply for the job when it opens up. I view my role as getting the department through the transition. 
 
I do not intend to lead a department that is static or mediocre during this transition. Intercollegiate athletics nationally and our program are in the midst of a seismic shift and I will do everything possible to lead us with optimism and boldness as we continue to advance every aspect of the program into the new era of college athletics. My hope is that everyone can put personal feelings aside and work together for the greater good of our student-athletes, coaches, fans, and the staff behind the scenes who help make it all work.   
 
Go Bows!
 
Respectfully,
Lois Manin

University says Hawaii AD Craig Angelos let go due to performance

University says Hawaii AD Craig Angelos let go due to performance

Nov 19, 2024

 

Hawai’i Athletics Director Craig Angelos (right) poses for a picture with UH president David Lassner at Angelos’ introductory press conference. Now 18 months later, Lassner has dismissed Angelos of his duties.

University says Hawaii AD Craig Angelos let go due to performance

BY HSRN STAFF
PUBLISHED NOVEMBER 19, 2024

In an official statement put out by the University of Hawai’i Tuesday afternoon, athletics director Craig Angelos has been dismissed from his position due to performance reasons.

The statement was made at 4:02 p.m. following an all-staff meeting for the athletics department at 3 p.m. that Angelos was in attendance for.

Here is the statement in full:

“This is a confidential personnel matter. The University of Hawaiʻi confirms that Mr. Angelos’ final day as the UH Mānoa athletic director is December 1. Effective December 2, Associate Athletic Director Lois Manin will serve as the acting athletic director.  An announcement about a future search will be made by incoming UH President Wendy Hensel after the new year.

President David Lassner met regularly with AD Angelos since he was hired, as he does with all his direct reports. Lassner made the decision to part ways with Angelos based on performance. This action is taking place now following the completion of the search for the new UH president.

Lassner is appreciative that Angelos is remaining through December 1 to assist with the transition. The University remains grateful for his efforts and his dedication to UH Mānoa athletics, and wishes him the very best in the future.”

News of Angelos’ termination was first reported by Brett McMurphy of the Action Network at 3:29 a.m. HST. Per McMurphy’s sources, Angelos was dismissed by outgoing university president David Lassner, but McMurphy writes no reasons were provided by Lassner.

Angelos released a statement regarding the situation at 4:39 p.m.

“When I said it would be a dream to serve as the Athletics Director at the University of Hawai’i—I  truly meant it. I thoroughly enjoyed my time here, I loved the people and this community. That’s why I was completely blindsided when I learned of the outgoing President’s decision to part ways. When I asked for the reason, he cited my performance—a response that absolutely shocked me because I thought things had been going pretty well for our athletics department.

In a short amount of time, I believe we accomplished so much like creating new revenue streams, hiring a ticket sales team, revamping fundraising efforts, focusing on NIL initiatives, navigating the effects of the NCAA House settlement, securing a place in the Mountain West Conference while eliminating travel subsidies, arranging charter flights for the football team, negotiating a record-breaking apparel deal, developing a facilities master plan, collaborating with the stadium authority on the new Aloha Stadium project, and balancing the budget for the past two years.

There is still much more to be done, but I thought we were on the right track.

I understand some may wonder if there were other factors contributing to the separation, especially if my performance seemed to be going well. I want to assure everyone that there is no “smoking gun” here—no hint of impropriety or malfeasance, either personally or professionally. I have always treated people with kindness and respect and have done what is best for the athletic department at all times.

While my record speaks for itself, I remain grateful to the President for hiring me and giving me the opportunity to serve as the Athletic Director at the University of Hawai’i. It was truly an honor.

As I move forward, I want to sincerely thank everyone for their support. I am especially grateful to the student-athletes, head and assistant coaches, staff, tremendous donors, the Board of Regents, legislators, and all the friends of the program. Throughout my time here, I always felt a tremendous amount of support from them.

I loved being here and am truly saddened to be leaving. Nevertheless, I depart with my head held high, grateful for the opportunity to have been part of this community. I take pride in knowing we did things the right way and achieved meaningful results. Now, it’s time to move forward and seek the next great opportunity in intercollegiate athletics—a career I have loved for 30 years.

So for the last time….Go Bows!!!!”

Rainbow Wahine send off Ikenaga, Lang with sweep on senior night

Rainbow Wahine send off Ikenaga, Lang with sweep on senior night

Nov 16, 2024

RAINBOW WAHINE SEND OFF IKENAGA, LANG WITH SWEEP ON SENIOR NIGHT

BY MICHAEL LASQUERO | HSRN
PUBLISHED NOVEMBER 16, 2024

HONOLULU – There were tears before.

There were tears after.

But it wasn’t a night for a memorial.

It was a celebration of two stellar careers at the University of Hawai’i.

The Rainbow Wahine women’s volleyball team sent off seniors Tayli Ikenaga and Kate Lang with a straight set sweep of UC San Diego, 25-16, 25-13, 25-19, Saturday night at SimpliFi Arena at Stan Sheriff Center.

Ikenaga, who graduated from Moanalua in 2021, was emotional before the match during the starting lineup introductions. Because of COVID-19 restrictions in the state, she was not able to enjoy a senior night moment to wrap up her prep career.

“I don’t really cry like that but I was just trying to be in the moment,” said Ikenaga. “I told myself I wasn’t going to cry but I ended up crying and just seeing so much love and support… I’m just so grateful for everybody that supported me and Kate today.”

Lang echoed Ikenaga’s statements about the support system that is unique to Hawai’i.

“This university is a special institution and Hawai’i is a special place,” Lang said. “I’m just going to remember the support from the fans, the support from my coaching staff and the support that I have from my teammates and lastly the support I have from my family the past five years.”

The senior setter finished with 36 assists in the straight set win and pass her coach Robyn Ah Mow for third-most assists in program history.

“I didn’t say anything to her because I think volleyball is a lot more than statistics,” Lang said of the achievement.

“Does it mean a lot? Yeah, of course, but at the same time I’m just so lucky to have her as my coach. She’s the reason that I was able to get those assists. I have her to thank for my entire career.”

Leading the offense was Caylen Alexander with a match-high 14 kills, Stella Adeyemi with 12 kills and Tali Hakas with nine kills for a Rainbow Warriors squad that hit .340 for the match.

“It was definitely a good team win and everybody contributed in the best way possible,” said Ikenaga, who finished with a match-high 17 digs.

“We just had each other’s back and we played for each other. We just came with the right mindset that this is our last week in the Stan and we’re going to make the most of it.”

Hawaii Freshman DT Alvin Puefua ready for homecoming at Utah State

Hawaii Freshman DT Alvin Puefua ready for homecoming at Utah State

Nov 15, 2024

 

Hawai’i freshman DT Alvin Puefua gets off the ball on a snap against UNLV in a Mountain West game. | Michael Lasquero/HSRN.

Hawaii Freshman DT Alvin Puefua ready for homecoming at Utah State

BY MICHAEL LASQUERO | HSRN
PUBLISHED NOVEMBER 15, 2024

They call him “Big Al.”

At 6-foot-4, 335-pounds, it’s easy to see why.

Hawai’i freshman defensive tackle Alvin Puefua will enjoy a homecoming in front of friends and family when the Rainbow Warriors take on Utah State at Merlin Olsen Field at Maverik Stadium Saturday. Kickoff is slated for 10 a.m. HST.

Puefua, a 2024 graduate of West High School in Salt Lake City, saw his first game action of the year last week against UNLV.

He was rated as the No. 1 defensive lineman in Utah and the No. 16 player overall in the state according to 247Sports before joining the Rainbow Warriors (4-6) in June.

Born in Pago Pago, American Samoa, Puefua said the island vibes drew him to play collegiate football in Hawai’i.

“Coming to Hawai’i, I felt a connection to the islands the same I feel a connection to American Samoa,” said Puefua. “The program, the boys, the braddahs continued to love on me and it just made me want to come out here and be with them.”

With one game under his belt, Puefua is ready to make an impact in the Rainbow Warriors’ final road game of the year.

“I’m just really grateful and thankful for this opportunity to go back home and play in front of my family. This whole week has just been working hard, focusing on that mission, getting ready to go against Utah State.”

Injuries to starting defensive tackles Ezra Evaimalo and Jamar Sekona has thrusted Puefua into the rotation, but the constant desire to improve was always there, even when opportunity wasn’t available for most of the season.

“That’s an indication of the kind of people that we have,” said defensive tackles coach Jeff Reinebold. “When you have quality people that will continue to work when it’s not their turn, will continue to try and get better when it’s not there. (But) at some point in this game, because it’s a violent game, you’re going to get tapped on the shoulder and when the tap on the shoulder comes, you better be ready.”

Reinebold added: “I think our guys have done a great job being attentive, working on their craft and doing everything that we ask them to do.”

Puefua alluded to not being satisfied with where he’s at in his development.

“I’m just continuing to learn,” he said. “I’m just a young buck. The older guys have been just helping me get my technique down, getting my plays down, just me being locked in, tuned in, following in the steps of the guys before me and my coaches being there with me guiding me all the way through.”

Weather in Logan, Utah was reported as 28 degrees Fahrenheit on Friday. It is expected to be in the upper 30s around kickoff.

Puefua had some advice for how his fellow teammates should prepare for the elements.

“Double up on the tights and the sleeves. It’s 39 degrees. I think it’s going to drizzle, snow. I hope these boys are ready for that. I’ve kind of adjusted to this humidity out in Hawai’i, but I think I’ll be good when I go back.”