Maui Preparatory Academy’s swim teams qualified for the state championships, and both finished in 11th place.

NAPILI — The unprecedented gold rush for Maui Preparatory Academy athletics continued into the winter season, as both the girls and boys swim teams captured Maui Interscholastic League championships. Na Pueo then went on to the Hawaii High School Athletic Association State Championships in Honolulu to finish 11th in both divisions.

Veteran Maui Prep coach Michael “Tex” Ritter has guided the program since its inception 16 years ago and described the 2022-23 season as “… a daunting, yet fun experience. It was a short turnaround from the MILs to the states, but we feel that the team really showed great poise and completed our goal by giving their all. They really gave of their heart and soul to the pinnacle of the season with a huge team effort.”

Coach Ritter was joined by Lindsey Masterson, Gabby Lindblad and Crosby Beam on the Maui Prep coaching staff.

The senior class was represented by girls team captain Mia Merrill and classmates Yuna Lee and Hana Gonzalez. The team also included juniors Danna Kupermann, Rebeka Ankney and Leah Peterson; and first-year swimmers Layla Merrill, Tehya Chumbley, Sacha Salem and Sadie Stafford.

Na Pueo boys were led by juniors Legend Storer and Carter Bozich; sophomores Avery Kirkham, Kyle Beam and Renner Chumbley; and freshmen TJ Hehemann, Jack Leone, Noah Richard and Noa Sheveland.

Outstanding performances were turned in at the MIL championships and at states by Noah Caiserman, Sacha Salem, Legend Storer, Yuna Lee, as well as the boys and girls medley relay and the 400 freestyle relay teams.

“Our appreciation goes out to the school administration, particularly Athletic Director Zach Bailey and Athletic Trainer Analisa Figueroa, all of the parents, and to Coach Tom Popdan of Lahaina Swim Club and Lahainaluna High School for his training expertise and input to all of the West Side. His positive energy overlaps to everyone to get them all to a higher level. We are fortunate to have these programs together to create this great energy here on the West Side and working so well together,” said Coach Ritter.