Mokihana ready for state long course event The age-group swimming season officially begins Friday on Oahu. And for the first time in 10 years, Mokihana Aquatics will be in attendance. The 21st Annual Harry Mamizuka/Manoa Invitational begins Friday, April 20
Mokihana ready for state long course event
The age-group swimming season officially begins Friday on Oahu.
And for the first time in 10 years, Mokihana Aquatics will be in attendance.
The 21st Annual Harry Mamizuka/Manoa Invitational begins Friday, April 20 and runs through Sunday, April 22. What sets the meet apart from the others in which Mokihana has competed this year is the size of the pool.
“It’s long course,” Mokihana coach Orlando Anaya said. “Only America recognizes short-course yards, and, even internationally, short-course meters count only as the preseason.”
Where the short-course events go either 25 yards or meters, the Mamizuka Invitational will be swum in a 50-meter pool. That is the official standard of nearly all major swimming competition, and is the length used at the Olympic Games.
“I would say that what Mokihana has been able to do at short course has put us back on the scene,” Anaya said. “But this is the real exclamation point. Now we’ll be around for the official season.”
After experiencing a richly-successful period in the 1980’s, Mokihana slid out of the spotlight in the 90’s. Behind the leadership of Anaya, and the stellar swimming of his 12-year-old son, Keenan, Mokihana has re-entered the state swimming scene.
“I’ve got some of those anxious, nervous feelings,” Anaya said of his return to a long-course meet. “I’m looking forward to it and expect we’ll do well.”
Three swimmers will represent Mokihana at the meet, which is likely to draw all of the state’s best young talents.
Keenan, 13-year-old Danelle Yost and 13-year-old Katelyn Umetsu will don Mokihana Aquatic caps at the Manoa Parks and Recreation Pool in Honolulu.
Following this weekend’s meet, swimmers will have one month to prepare for the second long-course event of the season. The Coach Sakamoto Invitational, May 25-27, will be held on Maui.
Just two weeks after that, long-course championships will be held in Hilo, June 8-11.
“The season is fast,” Anaya said. “I’m hoping we have more representation at the Sakamoto in May.”
Sports editor Jason Gallic at 245-3681 or mailto:kauaisports@pulitzer.net
