The defending Kaua‘i Interscholastic Federation champions will have their work cut out for them when the air riflery season starts today from 3 p.m. Kaua‘i High School, who clinched the title, is anxious about the season after losing the majority
The defending Kaua‘i Interscholastic Federation champions will have their work cut out for them when the air riflery season starts today from 3 p.m.
Kaua‘i High School, who clinched the title, is anxious about the season after losing the majority of its top shooters to graduation.
But Douglas Nobriga, who returns as coach for the Red Raider squad, is eyeing a few students to step up.
“There’re a couple of freshmen shooters who have potential to develop,” Nobriga said. “Unfortunately, on the other side of the coin, we’ll have Rachel Hamamura for only one match before she leaves for Japan on a student exchange program.”
Although cuts for the opening match were not completed at the time Nobriga talked with TGI, Hamamura will probably be on the line this afternoon when the Red Raiders host Kapa‘a starting at 3 p.m.
Maureen Sibolboro, one of the strong girl shooters, returns to the firing line as does Jason Cabot for the boys.
Tyler Navarro has already experienced the competition of shooting on the line, as did Elliot Yamamoto when they were called on to supplement the line last year.
“We have a really young team,” Nobriga said. “This will be a hard season. The kids will have to focus.”
In addition to having a fresh crop of shooters, Nobriga is apprehensive about Waimea’s bid to reclaim the KIF title, noting they have some shooters who invested in new equipment.
Kapa‘a, under Bill Barchers’ coaching, also will enter the arena with new equipment arming their core of returning marksmen.
“We’ll just have to wait and see what happens,” Nobriga said.
Kaua‘i will host Kapa‘a while Island School travels to the Hanapepe Armory to face Waimea.
