LAHAINA — The unmatched success of Lahainaluna High School athletics is defined by the longevity and dedication of the coaching staffs of those programs. And with 27 years at the helm of the Lahainaluna High School swim team, Coach Tom Popdan truly manifests that quality.

Now, Coach Tom and veteran assistant Jen Wiseman persevere through COVID-19 chaos to lead the current Luna team. The 2022 roster is thin, but quality definitely resides in the eight student-athletes that make up the roster — most of whom have competed as youngsters with the Lahaina Swim Club that Popdan also coaches.

The Luna boys team is led by junior Maison Alexander, who recently broke the school 100-yard butterfly record set by Jack Pope over a decade ago, classmate Ryonosuke Hattori, senior Maxx Cherry and freshmen Jake McGill and Jacob Gorokhovsky.

The girls lineup includes sophomores Emily Hegrenes and Maia Kapanicas, and first-year swimmer Mia Kosianowski.

“They are all swimming at their best,” commented Coach Tom in describing the current campaign. “We’re just trying to stay healthy and bring the team back to normal. We are all competing at top levels and getting ready for the MIL Championships and the state meet.”

The MIL Championships will be held next week, while the Hawaii High School Athletic Association State Championships will take place in Hilo on March 4. Thus far, the Luna boys have qualified their 200 medley relay, 200 freestyle relay and 400 free teams for the state competition. Alexander has posted qualifying individual performances in the 200 free, 500 free, 100 butterfly, and 100 backstroke events.

“We are extremely fortunate to have not missed any practices,” added Coach Tom. “The facility (Lahaina Aquatic Center) is always available and in great shape. The facility is well run and always offers the team a top level training experience.”

“Thank you to all of the caretakers at the pool, and also to all of the parents and families that support the team, especially to Dave Wintermeyer and Bob DeZotell for their consistent assistance to the program.”