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The 20th Annual Pearl City Aquatics Invitational Swim Meet acknowledged the contributions of three of Hawaii's premier swimming coaches totalling well over 100 years of dedication to swimming. Al Minn of the Aulea Swim Club, Spencer Shiraishi of the Maui Swim Club, and Ken Suenaga of Pearl City Aquatics were honored during the opening ceremonies emceed by Molokai coach Lloyd Yonemura.
Ten-year old Ilia Reyes enjoyed the meet of his career held over the Thanksgiving break. He was entered in 10 events, finished in the top eight in all ten of the events (earning team points), attained qualifying times in all 10 events, attained personal bests in each event, and won four of the events. He also teamed with Brad Tamashiro, Ian Gerber, and Joshua Martin for second place in the 200 Y Medley Relay and third place in the 200 Y Freestyle Relay. Ilia was runner-up in the individual scoring for his age group.
Mahina Reyes also had an outstanding meet in the 11-12 division. She was entered in 11 events and attained qualifying times in all 11 events. She finished in the top eight in seven of the events and no lower than twelvth in any other event. She swam on three relays with Jenna Yadao, Emalia Suehiro, and Alicia Gerber. Together, they finished second in the 200 Y Medley Relay and third in both the 200 Y and 400 Y Free Relays.
Lenn Yonemura swam in seven events and scored in six of them. Most important to Lenn was a qualifying time in the 200 Y Backstroke where he placed eighth.
Leo Reyes picked up a gold medal in the 200 Y Medley Relay for Girls 13-14. She teamed with Nicole Okuna, Tiffany Bumatay, and Helena Suehiro for the win. The same foursome also placed second in the 200 Y Free Relay. Leo competed in eight individual events and placed eighth in the 100 Y Breaststroke event with a state qualifying time. She also earned a qualifying time in the 200 Y Breaststroke.
Loni Yonemura also swam eight individual events and two relays. She teamed with Nicole Spencer, Christine Yafuso, and Merceda Rivera for fourth in the 200 Y Free Relay. Loni, Nicole, Christine, and Chantley Moniz combined for fifth in the 200 Y Medley Relay. Both relays were in the Open Division.
The Hawaii Swimming Club (HSC) finished in second behind the Aulea Swim Club who overwhelmed the field in the only invitational meet of the short course season.
All five swimmers have qualified for the state championships from December 18-21 at the Duke Kahanamoku Aquatics Complex on the University of Hawaii-Manoa Campus. The team departs on the 17th to join their HSC teammates.
Ilia and Mahina are each entered in eight individual events. Lenn is entered in six events. Leo has qualified for two events and Loni has one event. All of the swimmers may be entered in relay events.
Following the completion of the championships, the age group competitive season will be on a two-month break while the high schools complete their season. The long course season will begin in March with the state championships slated for June on Maui. Training for swimmers will continue through the off-season. Registration for 2000 is currently in progress.
Much of the late season success of the team is attributed to the repair of the Cooke Pool. The breakdown of the facility in the first two months of the season, September and October, hindered early conditioning and long distance training. The facility was repaired by Molokai aquatics personnel, Kalani Johnston, Clare Pereira, Loni Caparida, and Rod Wong under the direction of Molokai Director Zach Helm and specialist Ken Nakua from Maui. Councilmen Pat Kawano and Dane Kane also played key roles in the expediting of repairs. Thanks to these people, the team was able to use the facility for their practice sessions and championship qualification. Mahalo!