The team placed third in the Maui Interscholastic League opener at Kahului Harbor.

LAHAINA – Despite the setbacks of the COVID-19 pandemic – resulting in the postponement of the 2020 season – the Lahainaluna High School surfing team charges on.

Led by head coach Luke Adolfson and assistants Jason Runyon, Dustin and Megan Barton, Bryce Jacinto and Lara Claydon, the Luna rippers started the year with a third place finish at the Maui Interscholastic League opener at Kahului Harbor before the turmoil of the emergency wrecked havoc on the season.

That effort was propelled by senior co-captains Madison Runyon, last year’s shortboard and bodyboard MIL champion, and Nalu Ho. Also shining at Kahului were George Rocha and Kai Claydon in the bodyboard and shortboard events, respectively.

“George Rocha has exhibited amazing leadership and discipline this year, and is pushing himself to improve upon last year’s finish. When he puts it all together, his surfing is amongst the best in his field,” Adolfson commented.

The senior veterans on the Lahainaluna team for 2020 included Mark David, Beanna Higgs, Sierra Shaw, Madison Runyon and Nalu Ho, as well as juniors Jacob Compton and George Rocha Islas.

Sophomores on the roster were Cyrus Cook, Cattibrie Dickie, Asa Howard, James Johnson, Tayden Medeiros Maielua, Colton West and Kai Claydon.

Rounding out the 2020 team were first-year competitors Makoa Akana, Aiden Brown, Aaron Diaz, Kalea Higgs, Ensen Hurdman, Jackson Jackman, Kai Maiorino, Noah Milton, Cruz Norton and Justice Spence.

“As a coach looking at previous seasons, every year gets better and better. A huge achievement this year was having 23 of our 24 student-athletes way above the 2.0 grade point average and no F’s. Seven years ago, when the league was introduced, it was quite the opposite.”

Added Coach Luke, “Our special thanks goes out to Hurley Lahaina for donating our team uniforms, and Moku Roots and Down the Hatch restaurants for helping cater events. Mahalo also to the Lahainaluna administration and staff, and the families of the student-athletes and the community for their support of the team.”