Luna bowlers finish fun season
LAHAINA – Despite the lack of a bowling alley on the West Side and only one day of practice per week, the Lahainaluna High School bowling team carried on through the 2013 season to what coach Erik Jennings called a fun and successful year.
Now into his fourth year coaching the team, Lahainaluna Special Education Department head and teacher Jennings said, “It was a really good year for us. The games were fairly evenly matched, and the kids competed. Most of all, they had fun!”
The girls team was led by four-year competitor and senior Kaili Ann Tuipulotu and classmate Alisha Costen-Chung. They were joined by freshman Brianne Tuipulotu to round out the roster.
The boys team was led by senior returnee Tyler Ihu. He was joined by sophomore Shawn Takahashi and senior Michael Hogstett.
Unfortunately, Hogstett suffered a season-ending knee injury that hampered the boys’ effort – the minimum is three bowlers to form an official team.
Ihu and Takahashi carried on and reached personal bests to improve throughout the season.
The MIL bowling season ran from the beginning of August to Oct. 19 and included matches on Wednesdays and Saturdays, with practices on Thursdays for the Luna teams.
“We had a good time this year, and the kids gave 110 percent all the time. Our thanks goes out to all the coaches for their support and guidance for us, and to the people at the Maui Bowling Center for their continuing support of the program. Thanks also to all of the parents for their help, and I congratulate all of the kids for always giving their best effort in striving for their personal best and having fun while they’re at it,” said Coach Jennings.