The Maui Prep team has a strong connection with Lahaina Canoe Club.

NAPILI — The integrity and value of the culture of Hawaiian canoe paddling is manifested in programs provided for youths and adults of all ages here in the Islands. And at the interscholastic level, that exposure comes through brightly in the dedication of the coaches of those teams.

At Maui Preparatory Academy, Rose and Boi Crichton, as well as Carlito Wegner, guide the fledgling program at the Maui Interscholastic League’s newest member.

The Crichtons bring deep experience to canoe club leadership, as they head up the West Side’s senior paddling organization at Lahaina Canoe Club.

They lead an energetic Na Pueo roster into the upcoming season that has partnered up with LCC, particularly with the use of the canoes and equipment, for the last five years.

“We had a strong showing in the Junior Varsity divisions last year and hope to carry over that competitiveness into the varsity this year,” said Coach Boi last week.

“Our team has been putting in the time and effort and is eager to compete,” Crichton continued. “With an emphasis on the ‘We Win and We Learn’ motto, the student-athletes build a strong foundation as a team going into the MIL paddling season.”

The Maui Prep roster includes Gavin Ames, Mercedes Armstrong, Leah Burns, Hailey Chang, Kailee Da Proza, Lola Doherty, Stella Garnier, Johnnie Holland, Mohamed Jobran, Dillon Jonke, Calli Ligienza, Arshayah Marshall, Kira Newton, Arjun Patel, Isabelle Perchard, Jordynn Ratterman, Luseane Taufa, Zach Thomas, Maya Thompson, Thomas Tingle, Jonas Vasquez and Dalilah Winston.

“We are forever grateful for our school and community’s support, and strive to build a positive atmosphere upon the Hawaiian culture and values through canoe racing. We win and we learn. No matter the outcome, we show aloha and we continue to pursue success together, in and out of the canoe,” Crichton concluded.