Upper school students gathered in the gym Thursday to celebrate the athletic achievements of the year just past.
Distinguished guests and presenters of awards included Dr. Val Iwashita, '67, Headmaster of Iolani School, Mr. Walter Goo, '42, for whom the Walter Goo trophy is named, Mr. Ben Almadova, '51 who played for Father Bray, Mr. Edward K. Hamada, '46, former Athletic Director, and Mr. Mel Kaneshige, Chief Operating Officer of Outrigger Hotels.
In addition to making the awards listed below, members of the I Club also noted the artistic achievement of Lani Kim who, with the assistance of Mr. Dave Roberts, crafted the statue of Father Bray that will form the centerpiece the Bray Memorial in the athletic courtyard.
I-Club speakers also applauded the efforts of the pep band, that so loyally came to games and played rousing music in support of Iolani athletes.
This year 935 students, or 72% of the student body participated in the athletic program. If one counts the multiple sport athletes for every sport they played, Iolani supported over 1600 athletes.
This year Raider teams captured nine varsity ILH titles in football, boys and girls cross country, boys and girls swimming, boys water polo, boys golf, boys soccer and boys basketball.
Four teams went on to claim State championships: The boys’ basketball team became the first team in Hawaii history to win four consecutive state titles.
The boys swimming team also captured their fourth consecutive State title.
The girls swim team captured their second consecutive State title.
The girls wrestling team captured by a single point their first ever State championship.
Individual honors included the following:
The Walter Goo Trophy is awarded to those members of the graduating class who combine the qualities of outstanding athletic ability and high academic achievement:
Nicole Anderson and Aaron Ishikawa
In addition to being an excellent student, Nicole is a dedicated athlete. She gives 100% in practice and then works out on her own. Her efforts have made her the most proficient female runner in Iolani history. She is a four-time ILH and State All-Star in Cross Country and track and the winner of multiple individual championships. She shows sportsmanship and good will to team mates and opponents alike. She is a living example of the Iolani spirit.
Nicole will continue her career at Amherst College next year.
Aaron, a three-time ILH champion and a two-time State champion, is the backbone of the Raider wrestling team. Always at his best in the big matches he displays an amazing ability to perform under pressure. A strong student with a competitive heart, he excels as both a scholar and an athlete.
He will be attending the University of Southern California.
The James H. Pott Award goes to the student athletes who best exemplify the highest standards of personal excellence and sportsmanship for team mates and school:
Kiani Wong and Daniel Lim
Kiani’s determination to succeed brought her out to practice early every day and kept her working late. A four-year varsity letter winner, an ILH first-team soccer goalie, and the kind of person team mates look to for leadership, Kiani success in the past is exceeded only by the brilliance of her future.
The University of New Mexico will be adding a quality person to their team in the fall
Daniel contributed vital points that helped the Raiders capture four ILH and four State championship swimming titles. His leadership set the tone not only for the swim team, but also on the Water Polo team. He has earned the respect of team mates, coaches and teachers.
He will be attending the University of Southern California in the fall.
The Tokuo Kaneshige Award goes those seniors who best exemplify the combined qualities of leadership, scholarship, and athletic ability as determined by the Headmaster:
Kari Oki and Kirtis Adams
Kari’s initiative, work ethic, and drive to do her best in all of her endeavors set her apart. Contributing to her athletic accomplishments in basketball are Kari’s humbleness, sincerity, and concern for others. Her moral character is steadfast, and her consistency in all aspects of her life make her a great individual.
Scripps College is lucky to have Kari coming to campus in the Fall
Kirtis served as team captain on the soccer team and led by deed as well as word. Kirtis never gives up. His considerable skill is complemented by his tenacity and a resolute attitude that led to his being selected as the ILH defensive player of the year.
He will be attending Gonzaga in the Fall.
The Tim Scott Award is awarded to those seniors, who through exemplary personal effort within their God-given abilities, have achieved distinction in both athletics and academics, thereby perpetuating the memory of Tim Scott for whom this award in named:
Whitney Torigoe and Matt Nakatsuka
Whitney has developed her gifts from God and excelled in both athletics and academics. Her second place finish in the state for the 100 meter high hurdles testifies to her athletic ability. The way she embraces life and the people in her life, testifies to the kind of person she is. Her track teammates adore and respect her for her willingness unselfishly to serve the team.
She will be attending the University of Hawaii in the Fall
Matt has been an outstanding member of the cross country team and the division II basketball team. He is a tireless worker and team player. If he is not in the game or if he has finished his race Matt can always be heard cheering for his teammates. Matt is a shining example of what can be achieved through hard work and dedication.
He will be traveling to Philadelphia to attend the University of Pennsylvania.
The "I" Club Award goes to those senior athletes of superior athletic ability who unselfishly and sincerely helped to promote good sportsmanship and fair play:
Kyle Pape and Joleen Oshiro
Joleen won two ILH and two State wrestling titles and placed second in the National wrestling tournament. She is also a three-time ILH all star as a runner, placing 5th this year at the state cross country meet. Her work ethic is legendary. Her dedication and determination inspire all who know her. She is a huge presence wrapped in a small package.
She will be attending Stanford University in the fall.
Kyle was named the ILH and State player of the year for basketball, but it was his leadership that helped to bring another ILH and State championship to Iolani. Thriving under pressure of the biggest games, Kyle won every accolade associated with the sport. His greatest accomplishment, however, is the way he won the unanimous respect of his teammates, coaches and opponents.
Next year he will attend the Colorado School of Mines.
The Raider Award goes to the underclass athletes whose unselfishness, determination, courage and desire exemplify the best qualities of good sportsmanship and fair play:
Carla Watase and Kawika Shoji
Carla is a two-time ILH and State champion in wrestling. Dedicated, intense, humble, and hard working she is a team player in an individual sport. She also participated in Cross Country and, except for surgery on her shoulder, would have competed on the Judo team. We look for continued success for Carla in the future.
Kawika was named ILH and State player of the year for volleyball. He was also named to the ILH All Star second team for basketball. He also made the ILH second team for golf. He contributes wherever he goes. He is an athlete whose skill, leadership, character and attitude make him exceptional by any standard.
The Father Bray Award goes to these seniors who best exemplify the "Iolani Spirit:"
Kyle Pape, Kyson, Morikuni and Kira Tamashiro
What more can be said of Kyle? …Superior athlete, intense competitor, go-to guy in tough situations, and not bad looking. But the Father Bray Award is not for those attributes. It is for those who exemplify the “One-Team” Spirit. All one had to do was listen to Kyle during one of the many times he was interviewed for television. He said it was the team that achieved, the team that came first, and that he was just another player on a team with a common sense of purpose. Clearly, it is the character of Kyle Pape that earned him this award, not just his athletic prowess.
Kyson, a two sport athlete in basketball and baseball embodies the qualities of the Iolani “One-Team” spirit. He puts his team and teammates in front of own accomplishments with a positive energy and tremendous work ethic. His calm demeanor under adversity helped to make the people around him better. Kyson pushed through injuries, carried a heavy academic course load, and displayed leadership on and off the field and court. Highly respected by teammates, coaches and teacher, Kyson is a class act.
He is off to Claremont McKenna College next year.
To name all of Kira’s accomplishments and to quantify her service to the Iolani community would take too long. Quickly, though, Kira has been class president for four years, team captain and the heart and soul of the cross country team, ILH and State champion in wrestling, ILH and State champion in Judo, and member of the executive committee of the I-Club. Coaches say she was a key factor in team unity in everything from warming up to competing. They also say she was more concerned about her teammates than herself. She achieves greatness with a smile.
She will be attending Claremont McKenna college in the Fall.
