2005 Edward K Hamada Award Winners
The following student athletes were recognized at the Edward K Hamada Award Program on Saturday, May 22, 2005.
The Edward K. Hamada Awards are presented to varsity team members who, regardless of individual ability, most inspired team achievement through selfless thoughts and deeds, thereby embodying the spirit of Iolani: One Team.
Girls Varsity 1 Basketball Alana Matayoshi Coach, Glenn Takara
Alana has given an outstanding attitude and effort to the Iolani Girls Basketball Program for two years. As a player, Alana consistently works hard to put forth her personal best. She never complains and will do anything to better herself so the team can compete at the highest level. Alana also assists young aspiring players at basketball clinics and workouts. All of these attributes combined with Alana’s love for the game have contributed to the success of Iolani Girls Basketball. Alana Matayoshi Exemplifies “Iolani One Team.”
Baseball Gregory Hackler Dean Yonamine
Greg’s diligence and perseverance on the baseball field are not the only characteristics that Greg brought to Iolani Baseball. He is a selfless person who leads by example; he brings out the best in everyone with whom he is associated. He is constantly volunteering his time, and demonstrating to the younger and future baseball players that student-athletes at Iolani can be intense competitors and compassionate people as well.
Boys Varsity 1 Basketball Kyle Pape Dr. Mark Mugiishi
Kyle Pape knows what it means to be patient and wait your turn. A three-year varsity letterman, he spent his first two years in the shadows of upperclassmen, doing whatever was necessary to bring the team success. The final year proved that he really could have complained, and asked for more recognition, and been bitter about his previous role, but he was not. A true model of "One Team", Kyle did as much, or as little, as the team needed to make it all work.
Boys Varsity 2 Basketball Kyson Morikuni Neil Tamabayashi
Kyson is the consummate leader and embodies the qualities of a true Iolani student athlete. Someone once said, "Make sure the team members know they're working with you, not for you." Kyson represents this statement well. He never demanded anything he wouldn't do himself. His tireless work ethic and fierce competitive spirit were contagious in setting the standard for our team. His courage to overcome setbacks from injury served as an inspiration for his teammates. Although Kyson will be missed for his great athleticism, the greater loss will be his character.
Girls Varsity 2 Basketball Kari Oki Reid Sagawa
If Mr. Hamada had a female clone, Kari Oki would be it! She is someone who I would want my daughter to emulate. Her character is flawless and her attitude is perfect. Enough said!
Boys Bowling Jayson Nip Naomi Martin
Over the years Jayson has proven himself as quiet, but effective leader. Jayson was especially effective in reminding everyone that we all were one team, and keeping positive in every situation. I expect to hear of great deeds from this young man. Congratulations Jayson!
Girls Bowling Jennifier Yoza Naomi Martin
Yoza provided the team with a sounding board, and helped all of her team mates to remember the commitment they made to the team, the one team. It is my greatest hope that Jennifer will go forward and conquer the world. I know she can do it.
Cheerleading Kristen Ota Barbara Hamocon
Kristen Ota exemplifies the term "leader." She unselfishly volunteered to help in the preparation prior to the start of our season. This entailed inventorying uniforms and equipment. More important, she helped me to transition into the Iolani Athletic community. She served as an excellent team captain, relating and assisting with the concerns of team members.
Boys Cross Country Antonio Baclig Jim Rubasch
Antonio epitomizes everything that a coach wants in an athlete. He prepares himself and his teammates to race to their best ability, while displaying humility to those around him. His willingness to guide and shape younger runners to be right young men will be missed. He is a "one team" runner!
Girls Cross Country Meliame Uyema Greg Char
Cross country is a unique sport in that there are no cuts and all three levels - Intermediate, Junior Varsity, and Varsity - practice together. There were 52 girls on the cross country team this year and Ame made a point to get to know all of them. She helped the new girls feel welcome and the less talented runners feel equally important. Ame is the consummate team player always cheering and supporting her fellow athletes, and her infectious personality and positive attitude makes her a joy to coach.
Football Kai Iwasaki Wendell Look
Kai Iwasaki prepared for each game as if he was the first string quarterback, slot back, and running back. He needed to because at any moment in the game, he could be called upon to fill in at any one, sometimes two, of those positions. Dependable and reliable are perfect words that describe Kai. From the very beginning of the season, Kai Iwasaki was our most valuable player. He didn't receive a lot of the glory, but he is well respected by his teammates and the coaching staff for his commitment and dedication the success of the team.
Boys Golf Shunsuke Aonuma Steven Shishido
Shun has been a member of our Varsity Golf team since his freshman year, and had his best year this year. His tireless efforts to improve has rewarded him with a #3 ranking for scoring average in the ILH, a 3rd place finish in the ILH Individual Championships, and a 5th place finish in the State Championships. Shun's accomplishments this year rates as one of the best performances for an Iolani golfer in recent history. Above all else, Shun is also one of the top students in his Junior Class, and is a worth recipient of the Edward K. Hamada Award for 2005.
Girls Golf Stacie Nishimoto Shawn Tanoue
Stacie had a great regular season. She ended the 2005 ILH regular season in third place with a 76.2 scoring average. Although she did not have the post-season results that she wanted, she truly shined as an individual at the State High School Tournament. I was very proud of her sportsmanship as she held her head high and congratulated everyone and proceeded to reward other ILH participants with leis for their season long efforts and friendships. She will be attending Stanford University in the fall, and we can be assured that she will share the Iolani Spirit with others as she everyone else.
Boys Judo Emmanuel Zakalam Roxanne Shimokawa
Some teachers will say that this nominee is the perfect example of someone who “grows old” but never “grows up.” A fixture of this team for the past four years, this young man was given the authority and responsibility to be one of the leaders of the team this year. As a result, to the surprise of many, but not to us, we witnessed the emergence of a wonderful leader, one with a natural ease and grace, infectious confidence and sincere effort that earned the respect of his teammates, his coaches and parents. Vince Lombardi once said that “Leadership is based on a spiritual quality; the power to inspire, the power to inspire others to follow.” Emmanuel Zibakalam inspired and led this team like no other. It is now no big secret, he is a true leader.
Girls Judo Kira Tamashiro Roxanne Shimokawa
This 4 year team member is a true leader. She leads by example, with an unprecedented commitment to hard work, giving 100% all the time, never a complaint, tremendously focused and disciplined on attaining her goals, with the intensity and desire that sets a standard that will be difficult for anyone to attain. Yet she wins with grace and humility, and faces her defeats with class and character that far exceeds her years. She does all of this, while also being the consummate team player—always there to encourage and support her teammates, and to work with them so that they can become the best that they can be. There is no question that Kira Tamashiro is the heartbeat of this team, and the essence of this award.
Boys Kayaking Ryan Kamo Eric Chun
Ryan began kayaking with an eager-to-learn attitude. He impressed the coaches right away his readiness and ability to learn a new sport. He has quickly improved over the years and is an inspiring example for the other athletes. Above all, his humble, yet confident attitude is what makes him a mature individual and a deserving recipient of the Hamada Award.
Boys Paddling Ryan Kamo Brian Yee
Ryan always lifted his teammates and coaches with his infectious, Cheshire Cat grin. Faced with a challenging mixed crew, Ryan and his teammates forged with solid performances this season. Ryan trained hard and helped his teammates through all their ups and downs. Always pleasant and eager to learn, he has set the standards for others to follow.
Girls Kayaking Lauren Tuthill Eric Chun
Lauren has been an example of positive commitment to the girls kayaking program this past season. Lauren has bettered herself throughout her kayaking career, with humility and hard work, as well as good humor. She gives her best effort at practice, and is always ready to help with putting equipment away and going the extra mile to see that everything is done. Lauren exemplifies the Hamada spirit.
Girls Paddling Charlene Hoi Brian Yee
With her positive attitude and energy, she has helped the team throughout the season. Always dependable, Charlene attended all practices and races for both the boys and girls division. Ever the conscientious person, Charlene would often become the designated canoe watcher between races while the rest of the team re-grouped or celebrated. An ultimate team player and paddler, Charlene gives her all to the sport.
Sailing Eunice Ko Peter Webb
Eunice is a remarkable young woman. She came to sailing two years ago with no previous experience at all; she graduates as the top varsity crew. Eunice has combined determination with a terrific attitude. She has inspired her teammates with her work ethic and her obvious joy in the sport. Whether it be filling in for sick teammates, taking outside lessons and working out off-season to improve her skills, or a word of encouragement and a smile, Eunice has been a delight to coach and a real asset to the Iolani Sailing Team.
Boys Soccer Matthew Imada Chris Lee
Despite receiving minimal playing time, Matt always gave his best effort in practice and pushed his teammates to be better players. Matt always encouraged his teammates and quick to accept any task which would make things easier for his teammates. Matt's support of his teammates and willingness to set aside his personal goals for the team truly represents the "One Team" spirit.
Girls Soccer Dayna Omiya Kari Morioka
What doctors would deem a career ending injury, Dayna considered a temporary setback. Her desire to return outweighed all the odds against her. This season she epitomized the competitive spirit and truly has been an inspiration to all who witnessed her journey.
Softball Chelsey Keola Chris Shimabukuro
Chesley is tall. From her pitcher position on the softball diamond, Chelsey is an intimidating presence. Don't be fooled by her playful smile, she is a bulldog on the field. On a team with no seniors, Chelsey stepped up and became our leader. A fierce competitor, she led by example. Through her strong work ethic and love for softball, she was able to rally her teammates toward a common goal. From organizing off season conditioning to bringing out equipment, Chelsey did it all, and all with that infectious smile.
Boys Swimming Daniel Lim Brian Lee
Daniel emerged as a leader on a senior dominated team. He gained the respect of both swimmers and coaches with his effort and focus. Daniel was a member and contributor of the varsity swim team for four years. During those years, the team won four ILH and four state championships.
Boys Water Polo Daniel Lim Mark Cornish
Daniel Lim came a long way this year. He made Eddie Hamada proud by grasping the values of honor, respect, and leadership through example. He is the first to practice, and the last to leave. He holds the respect of all peers, coaches and teachers. In short, he is a great kid with a great future.
Girls Swimming April Woo Brian Lee
April was the only senior on a very young team. Her leadership was a major factor in keeping the team focused on achieving its goals. She made everyone on the team feel special and important. She was also named ILH swimmer of the year for 2005.
Boys Tennis Joshua Wong Mike Burger
Joshua worked extremely hard this season. He was always early to practice and never complained when the practices got tough. Joshua would always volunteer to take stats during the matches even though most players dreaded taking stats. Even though Joshua only got to participate to two regular season matches he was very appreciative of just being on the team.
With only 12 entries into the State Tournament, Joshua chose to give his spot to an underclassman because he felt that it would benefit the team.
Girls Tennis Kelli Shiroma Mark Skillicorn
It was easy to pick Kelli for this award. Her work ethic, determination, unselfishness, coachability, support of teammates, enthusiasm...were all exceptional. When Kelli's season ended early because of an injury, she still continued to support the team and encourage her teammates. Kelli really understands the one team concept. Congratulations, Kelli.
Boys Track Thomas Raymond Grant Muroda
Tommy has always been a dependable leader and has a great work ethic. He is always shouting encouragement to his other teammates, even if he has just finished a race. We can always count on him to run a great second leg of the 4 by 400 meter relay. It is a privilege for coaches, peers and teachers to associate with him.
Girls Track Whitney Torigoe Earl Hedani
Whitney Torigoe was a friend, athlete and a person that every member of the track team admired and adored. She helped her fellow athletes to new heights and consoled them when they needed help. Her personality made practice enjoyable for everyone. She was that athlete on the track team that made the track team One Team.
Boys Volleyball Kawika Shoji Luis Ramirez
Kawika is an exemplary player, and it has truly been a great experience to have coached him for three years. He is a true leader on an off the court. He is always thinking of others. He cares about his team and his teammates. It is with great pleasure and pride that I am a part of honoring Kawika Shoji today.
Girls Volleyball Chelsea Ching Rona Kekauoha
Rena Winchester
Chelsea Ching is a great example of a “One-Team” athlete. At 5’10” her physical stature gives her an advantage in the game of volleyball. More than just long legs with solid volleyball skills, Chelsea is an excellent team player. She comes to practice on time, with a smile on her face, ready to work hard and encourage her teammates. She never complains and always has a positive attitude. She started all season long, yet was willing and excited to give up playing time for her second or third string teammates. She is a fantastic representative of the girls’ volleyball team.
Girls Water Polo Varsity 2 ChelseaChing Randy Bart
Soft-spoken and humble she wanted to be a field player but their team needed a goalie and so she stepped up to the challenge.
Girls Water Polo Varsity 1 Tobi Takata Linda Look
Tobi is the most unselfish person in the world. She would do whatever that was needed to help out the team, whether it was being manager, cheerleader or substitute. She never complained about her role, and everybody could count on her to be ready to go into the water at any time. She was a great example for the others about the makings of a true team player.
Boys Wrestling Evan Nakatsuka Yoshi Honda
Over Evan Nakatsuka’s wrestling career he has placed in the state tournament, helped the team to a state championship, and more importantly was an outstanding team captain. He consistant performance has made him a valuable asset to the program. Evan has provided countless hours of sweat to help improve the technique and conditioning of himself and his teammates. He is humble, respectful, and giving of himself for the betterment of others. This year, he was key to the morale of the team. His spirit and presence on and off the mat next year will be missed.
Girls Wrestling Brandee Toyama Yoshi Honda
On the mat, Brandee more closely resembles Godzilla than Cinderella for her competitive temperament. The team would not have achieved its success if had Brandee not been on it. Serving her team as a co-captain this year, Brandee propagated the team first attitude. With uncompromising integrity and dedication she pushed, inspired and focused all of the girls on the team. She was the kind of captain who made sure everyone finished. She was the kind of captain who always stayed to help clean up. She is a great example of the “One Team” spirit.
