Members of the Lahainaluna High School track and field team look to qualify for the state championships here on Maui in May.

LAHAINA — Despite setbacks and obstacles, the Lahainaluna High School track and field program strides on under the leadership of one of the West Side’s dynamic duos: Cynthia and Zane Monteleone. Parents, business entrepreneurs and world-class athletes in their own right, the Monteleones still find the time and energy to mentor the Luna program.

Now entering their fifth year in guiding the student-athletes, they maintain the positive energy in the face of numerous hurdles.

“We have had a challenging year recruiting track team members this year due to the administration/state Department of Education of ripping up the track (on the Lahainaluna campus) in the middle of the season. The decision has discouraged the kids from even joining because they have heard they would not have a track,” said Coach Cynthia last week.

The Lahaina News has since learned that Athletic Director Jon Conrad has arranged for the team to practice at tiny Ikena Park along Lahainaluna Road.

The program will thus have to make do with a severely limited practice facility with a grass surface, no running lanes or specific distance designations, and no jump pits. The Monteleones and coaching assistants Chris Meares and Anis Bell have their work cut out for them.

Despite the setbacks, ever-optimistic Coach Cynthia — herself a world-class age group middle distance competitor — describes her charges as “… a solid team of inherent West Side talent and, most importantly, hard workers. Senior captains in returnees Dylan Sagon (Hurdles), Timothy Helle (400/200), Camden Fulgate (400/Sprints), and Margaret O’Neal (Hurdles) will lead the way. The three boys plus returning jumper, sprinter Thomas Borges are all looking forward to qualifying for the state championship meet again as they did last year. Margaret was a state finalist in the 300 hurdles and is working hard to earn a spot on the podium once again.”

Also returning for the Lunas are Jaden Jones, the team’s warmup captain, in the 1,500- and 3,000-meter races, and pole vaulter Jeremiah Baybayan — both of whom continue to set personal bests week to week. On the girls side, Candace Ako returns to compete in the long jump and sprints.

Newcomers to the team include Elijah Cabrera and James Lukela Kobata, both in the triple jump and long jump; Avery Baybayan (sprints, jumps); Joseph Arcangel (sprints); Jaeden Ian Pascua (sprints, jumps); Xander Domingo (throws); Kamaehu Corpuz (throws, jumps); Hoken Hironaka (sprints, jumps); and Jack Prestage (middle distance).

With War Memorial Satoki Yamamoto Stadium in Wailuku closed for renovation and repairs, the Maui Interscholastic League is competing Upcountry at King Kekaulike High School and at Kamehameha Maui Schools.

The stadium is expected to be ready in time for the MIL and Hawaii High School Athletic Association State Championships in May.

Coach Cynthia concluded in saying, “We would like, above all, to thank the community and parents for supporting the Lahainaluna kids in participating in sports, because sports teach valuable life lessons to our youth.”