Blare Silva-Viela (left) competes in the 100-meter dash.

LAHAINA – Across the board, the Lahainaluna High School spring sports programs were primed and poised for breakthrough seasons in the 2020 campaign. COVID-19 put an abrupt end to those aspirations, including those of the Luna track and field team.

Led by co-head coaches Cynthia Monteleone, a world class middle distance runner in the 40-44 age group, and her husband, Zane Monteleone, who is also a stalwart mentor for youth wrestling here on the West Side, the Luna track and field program had consistently been making progressive strides over recent seasons to climb the Maui Interscholastic League standings.

The 2020 effort continued the climb until the catastrophic pandemic brought the curtain down on the promising season.

According to Coach Cynthia, team captains Isabella Theobold, Chiarra Clark, Justice Perreira Aquino and Johann Flores led the Lunas in their champion mentality this year.

“The throwers (shot put, discus, javelin) had a particularly strong leadership role this year in bringing the team together,” said Coach Cynthia.

Team captains Isabella Theobold, Chiarra Clark (right), Justice Perreira Aquino and Johann Flores led the Lunas in their champion mentality this year.

“Senior standouts included jumpers Sirrany Lopez and Kasey Toulze, who were coached by Bob Dezotell and Chris Meares. These jumpers were making personal best improvements by the week. All-American rugby player Filimone Manu and fellow junior Blare Silva Viela looked to dominate the short and long sprints for the Lunas this year, and next with freshman Noah Arase in a close race with them to do the same.

“Hurdlers Arabella Silao, Donovan Lopez, Roger Luna, Dylan Sagon and strong newcomer Camden Fugate had a firm start to the season under alumni hurdles/vault coach Maygan Patch. Many others had great performances in the first meet. All of the coaches are wishing the best for the seniors in their abrupt abbreviated season, and we look forward to continuing to build the program in the next year with these wonderful kids with great attitudes.”

“These student-athletes were eager to learn and go above and beyond what they were asked with a positive attitude. This is the mark of a true champion,” said Coach Cynthia.

“We also give special thanks to coach Tenya Jawayuk for special Thursday yoga sessions to get the kids mentally focused and mobile for their Friday meets.”

The 2020 roster also included Teani Aipa, Lanz Aguinaldo, Ami Asakawa, Karlenia Bettencourt, Sharmaiynne Buduan, Hailey Cardon, Samara Cook, Tepua Ho, Angelina Lai, Emely Lopez, Julliet Martinez, Asiale McKenzie, Alexa Mupas, Alexis Nordblum, Marie Pineda, Vai Pua, Allison Rante, Arabella Silao and Lokilani Smith, as well as team manager Tiare Arista.

The Luna boys roster included Victor Flores Ramos, Camden Fulgate, Hanalei Hartman Ricklon, Auki Hokoana, Aedrian Ingan, Keoni Jimenez, Nixon Moffett and Antonio Paulino.