Pueo cross country runners want to qualify five student-athletes for the state meet, which will give the teams a shot at placing in the Division II championships.

NAPILI – With much anticipation for the opening of their on-campus multi-purpose facility in early 2020, Maui Preparatory Academy athletic programs continue to thrive at the independent school at the foothills above Napili.

Athletic Director/College Counselor Keenan Reader reported that construction of the Bozich Athletic and Performing Arts Center is well underway and on schedule for the opening next year.

“We are excited for the opening of the Bozich Athletic and Performing Arts Center. We will soon be hosting home games there,” said Reader last week.

“For now, we thank Maui County Parks and Recreation for the use of the Lahaina Civic Center for practices and to Scott Soldwisch and Trixie Ganer for hosting our home games at Lahainaluna High School.”

The Pueo girls volleyball team is coached by Benvon “Bula” Mahiai, now in his third year at the helm, and assisted by Kia Kenolio. The team managers are MJ Domingo, Ken Alba and Rowell Ventura.

The team roster is made up of Jolene Munch, Maile Adams, Emma Geng, Margaux Perchard, Keeana Villamar, Lily Bourland, Sydney Snyder, Natalie Smart and Luseana Taufa. The team captains are Bourland and Munch, and 2018 second team All-MIL selection Villamar returned for the current campaign.

Meanwhile, out on the cross country course, the Maui Prep long distance runners are putting up an impressive effort to qualify student-athletes for the state meet that will be held at Seabury Hall here on the Valley Isle next month.

Science teacher Rob Lloyd is into his second year as head coach. He is assisted by venerable veteran mentor Dennis Nakamura, now into his 13th year at the Napili campus.

The Pueo runners are making great strides to qualify five student-athletes for the state meet, which will give the teams a shot at placing in the Division II championships. That would be only the second state team medal in Maui Prep history.

The girls’ team is led by captains Olivia Bozich and Ava Merril, while the boys’ lineup is sparked by Ozzi Daugherty, Jonah Kirkham and Slater Fleck.

The Pueo roster includes Beatriz Aliaga, Cameron Burns, Harrison Cramond, Nadine Cunha, James Falk, Lily Hill, Mathew Iverson, Jacob Jerome, Nils Kleinschmidt, Eva Merril, Ashley Nielson, Jerone Samari, Sydney Snyder, Drew Triplett, Andrew Webber and Caden Wheeler.

Reader sent special thanks out to Sutee Nitakorn and Kaanapali Golf Courses for helping Maui Prep and Lahainaluna High School host the Westside Invitational meet this year.