TGI New Sports Editor I knew very little about Kaua’i sports when I first stepped on the island one week ago. I learned I was filling the sports editor position only two days before I flew out here, and frankly
TGI New Sports Editor
I knew very little about Kaua’i sports when I first stepped on the island one week ago.
I learned I was filling the sports editor position only two days before I flew out here, and frankly I didn’t know what to expect.
At first, everything seemed pretty similar from what I was used to.
On Friday, I attended the Kaua’i/Kapa’a game at Vidinha Stadium and saw the traditional antics that light up almost every prep football game in the country: Crowds filled with students, loud cheerleaders and ranting alumnus.
I never actually attended a high school football game broadcast on both radio and television, but this wasn’t something I hadn’t heard of before.
High school sports rarely get heavy coverage where I come from in California. But while I was living in New York City there was an occasional prep basketball game aired on T.V. at the Madison Square Garden.
Other than learning that Kaua’i high school had air riflery teams, there wasn’t much of a difference between here, the Bay Area, and New York.
And then I attended a high school volleyball game.
Usually when I go to volleyball games elsewhere I walk into a virtually empty gym with bleacher seats stacked up against the walls and maybe three of four score-keepers seated on the far side of the net.
Not so on Kaua’i.
At the Kaua’i/Kapa’a volleyball game last Saturday, I nearly choked up when I saw the stands packed to the brim with cheering fans.
Hundreds of students came to cheer on their fellow classmates, and there were some instances when I felt my ears literally ring from the noise decibel that rocked the gymnasium that evening.
I was in awe.
But when I actually sat down and go to see why they were so spirited about the sport, it all made sense. Hawai’i kids can really play this sport.
This is something I am not used to.
I used to cover volleyball at local universities in New York City, and those teams weren’t up to par with what I witnessed last Saturday at Kapa’a’s gym.
Granted, those colleges weren’t Division 1 programs.
But these Hawai’i kids average only 16 years of age, and they are flying above the net like they have spikes under their heels.
Straight ballers, I’m not kidding.
Some people tell me the University of Hawai’i’s volleyball program has really boosted the desire for kids to play it here. They say that when their frequently nationally ranked program visits Kaua’i, it helps to amp up the island’s programs.
Also, the free clinics, the top notch coaching, and the availability of affordable programs helps establish this state-wide phenomenon.
If this is the main reason, can it work for other sports?
Is possible to being a top-of-the-line hockey program, a few free skates and a public rink to Kaua’i and create an island of Gretsky’s and Messier’s?
Maybe, Who knows?
