WAIMEA — The 2022 Kaua‘i Interscholastic Federation fall clinic for wrestling was well attended on Saturday at the Clem Gomes Gym at Waimea High.
“The fall clinic went very well,” said Coach Matt Pigot, the KIF wrestling tournament director. “Wrestlers and coaches from all three KIF schools received some intense technique training from former Ohio State wrestler Johnni DiJulius and an excellent review of National Federation of High Schools (Association) rules for the coming season.”
The four-hour clinic wrapped up with some of the high school participants getting in some live wrestling, allowing the student athletes a preview of potential rivals when the KIF season starts in January.
“From what I have seen and heard from other school coaches, it appears that participation in KIF wrestling has increased significantly from last year,” Pigott said. I am encouraged that the sport is in a growth spurt.”
“Several KIF wrestlers are training hard for their first big preseason tournament that comes up on Maui in about three weeks,” Pigot said. “The Garner Ivey Maui Invitational Tournament taking place on Dec. 9 and 10 is the 52nd tournament, keeping the tradition of the first big tournament of the year, and Tournament Director Kim Ball is anticipating a big turnout.”
Following the Maui tournament, other December preseason wrestling tournaments include the Officials Scholarship Tournament on Dec. 16 and 17 on O‘ahu.
The Pa‘ani Girls Tournament takes place on Dec. 22 and 23, also on O‘ahu, and the Moanalua Duals on Dec. 29 and 30 closes the month.
Although not confirmed by the KIF, Pigot said the KIF league tournaments start Jan. 14, 2023, with events on five consecutive Saturdays. The individual and team championship tournament is scheduled for Feb. 11 at Kapa‘a High School.
The Hawai‘i High School Athletic Association state championship is scheduled for Feb. 24 and 25 at the Blaisdell Arena on O‘ahu.
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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 808-245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
