The Lahainaluna High School boys surfing team captured its first Maui Interscholastic League title at Hookipa Beach Park two weeks ago.

LAHAINA – Add another championship bar to the “L” at Pu’u Pa’u Pa’u (Mount Ball) above the Lahainaluna High School campus, as the Luna boys surfing team surprised the second year of officially sanctioned wave riding competition and captured its first Maui Interscholastic League title.

The Lunas, coached by Luke Adolfson, Bryce Jacinto, Alex Nunez, Aaron “Sharkey” Huish and Erin Emmerich, made a backdoor slash to the championship in the three-foot surf at Hookipa Beach Park two weeks ago.

Led by Kala Willard’s silver medal in the shortboard competition, Abraham Olea’s fourth place effort in bodyboard, and Cyan Clark and Justice Jacinto’s performance to reach the semifinals in the shortboard and bodyboard events, respectively, along with the effort of senior Mario Menze, the team scored enough points to win the unprecedented championship trophy.

“This was a total surprise, but good to know that all the hard work the team put into the season paid off,” explained Coach Luke last week.

“We really appreciate the support we receive from people like Kim Ball, Bud Clark, Rudy King, along with Hurley and Honolua Surf Co., and the West Side surf community, including Goofy Foot Surf School.”

“We also received a lot of guidance and insight from Andy Claydon and Athletic Director Scott Soldwisch that really helped us out throughout the year – including our team bonding trip to Hana for a meet down there. The other events were held at the harbor and at Flemings this year.”

“This win in the final meet was a real shocker for all of us. It was a great way to finish the season and made it really worthwhile for the kids,” Adolfson concluded.