Mid-Pacific takes state paddling championship

The Mid-pacific boys varsity canoe paddling team won The First Hawaiian Bank State Canoe Paddling Championships in Hilo Saturday. The winning teams all set state meet records. The Mid-Pacific boys won its first state title in 3 minutes, 37 seconds. The ILH champion Mid-Pacific girls placed second in 4:13.34.

Photo by Tom Kualii (www.extremeimageology.com) for HHSAA

The members of the crew were Sammy Agsen, Jon-Michael Grindle, Ryan Harrison, David Markle, Travis Niederhauser, Arthur Simpson, Reyn Halford and Kody Rieh.

"They worked hard to peak at the right time," Hines said

Sara McKay-Hines: "Paul 'Bear' Bryant said, 'It is not the will to win, but the will to prepare to win that makes the difference.' This team had that will, and then some. Every run, biathlon, every 4040 sprint when the coach would yell, "again!" This team would lead with their best effort, every time."

"Preparation, planning, and perseverance led this team to the State Championship. Every team member did their job; they followed the plan and it was their hard work and mental toughness that helped them execute that plan. There was a palpable excitement and tension in the air at Hilo Bay, but the team did not allow anything to distract them from their goal of doing what they had prepared for: doing their best."

“This team shared a dream. We knew the secret, but it was only in winning that final race that it was there for everyone else to see, and what a dream it was!”

Mark Hines: “Finishing first was a testimony to focus, setting goals and working hard. The boys had set a goal back in November to push themselves to try and win the state championship. We set up workout schedules that could give them the strength and fitness they needed, but ultimately THEY chose to sacrifice, work hard and work together to achieve the goal. All nine paddlers were part of the winning season and our depth became one of our strengths."

"We often worked with the boys on how you lay a foundation and you plan and execute so that on race day, nothing is left to chance. They continued to improve all season and that allowed them to smash the state record. The had great support from their families, the school administration and athletic department and the M Club in attaining this championship."

"One of our refrains this year was the question: Who is your competition? And the answer was "we are own competition." The race was always about attaining personal best, not 'beating' other crews. They understood that distinction and it made all the difference!”

BOYS
1, Mid-Pacific (Sammy Agsen, Jon-Michael Grindle, Ryan Harrison, David Markle, Travis Niederhauser, Arthur Simpson, Reyn Halford, Kody Riehl) 3:37.00. 2, Maryknoll 3:37.78. 3, Kamehameha 3:40.11. 4, Kula 3:47.99. 5, 'Anuenue 3:49.70. 6, Baldwin 3:50.93. 7, Kalaheo 3:54.23. 8, Kealakehe 3:54.94.

GIRLS
1, Kamehameha 4:12.90. 2, Mid-Pacific 4:13.34. 3, Punahou 4:15.90. 4, Baldwin 4:18.29. 5, Konawaena 4:23.17. 6, McKinley 4:27.10. 7, King Kekaulike 4:28.16. 8, Mililani 4:13.07.

Posted on March 5, 2007 8:25 AM | Permalink