LAHAINA — The true grit determination of the Lahainaluna High School wrestling team shone through brightly once again as the Lunas battled through the pandemic roadblocks to top finishes in the return to competition following the cancellation of the 2020 and 2021 seasons.

Despite the high level of COVID-19 restrictions in high-contact wrestling, the Hawaii High School Athletic Association carried through the 2022 season. Lahainaluna Head Coach Todd Hayase said, “It was definitely a challenge from beginning to end. There were changes, unique situations and things were in doubt the whole time. We never had a day where we had 100 percent of the team healthy.”

But Coach Todd (who will step down as head coach) carried on assisted by long-time staffers Zane Monteleone, Conrad Bolor, Shane Cunanan, Donovan Seno and Christian Balagso, as well as a long list of perennial volunteers led by Kim Ball, Neal Nakata, Terry Shibao, Robert Kudlich and several more.

The Lady Lunas captured the Maui Interscholastic League championship and went on to a bronze medal finish at the state level in Honolulu, while the boys’ team finished second in the MIL and tenth at states.

The Lady Lunas’ effort was led by team captains Alicia Frank and Kolinaise Latu, and state champions Teani Medeiros Maielua at 132 pounds and Catherine Asami at 184.

Also earning points for Lahainaluna were silver medalists Naiomi Kulukulualani Sales (107) and Keawe Kane Keahi (182); bronze medalists Crystin Dior Treu (122), Alohilani Dudoit (102) and Alicia Frank (127); fifth place finisher Sanalio Vehikite (220) and sixth place finisher Kolinaise Latu (285).

“We had some key injuries — to Chase Yasutake and Kiva Caballero — but the team really came through. And it was nice to be there again after two years washed out. Overall, the team is in a good place with the club teams — Napili Surfriders and Lahaina Roughnecks — and the intermediate school programs in good shape,” Coach Todd said.

“We send a big mahalo to Athletic Director Jon Conrad for all of his steady work this year in this COVID time, and to the West Side wrestling ohana; their support is always huge for us.”