LIHUE — Kauai High School athlete Mia Takekuma, armed with a handful of state qualifying marks, had a goal Thursday in the cold, rain and wind that blanketed Vidinha Stadium during the Kauai Interscholastic Federation qualifying track and field meet.
“I want the girls 4×100 relay,” the petite runner said. “I should be able to do this even in the rain. The rain doesn’t really affect my runs.”
Takekuma, running the opening leg of the relay, finished by making her state time, the team crossing on a 51.35-second run around the 400-meter track that saw puddles collect in the first two lanes from the wind-driven rain.
The event was just one of a dozen state qualifying events posted by athletes from Kauai, Kapaa and Island School at the meet that resumed following the cancellation of this year’s Rotary Meet due to athletes and officials being drawn away on spring break.
Takekuma made state marks in the 100 dash (13.04), the 200 dash (27.00) and the 4×100 relay (51.35).
She was joined by fellow Raider Kaleonahe Bukoski, who posted marks in the long jump (16 feet, 1.5 inches) for second place, and the triple jump (34 feet, 2 inches), where she finished first after just returning from a trip to Japan for volleyball play.
Kapaa athlete Jaliyah Casem mixed the bag, getting a state mark in the girls high jump (4-8) with her second-place finish to Kauai’s Waileia Edwards (4-10).
Kapaa’s Jai Alapai topped the 200 dash (24.43), and Island School’s Joshua Graves finished the 800 run (2:02.70) to make state standards for the boys.
The next qualifying track and field meet, the fifth of the KIF season, will get underway at 4:30 p.m. Thursday at Vidinha Stadium.
Qualifying athletes – females
Mia Takekuma (Kau) 100 dash 13:04
Mia Takekuma (Kau) 200 dash 27.00
Jayden DeSouza (IS) 400 dash 1:00.95
Kauai girls 4×100 relay 51.35
Waileia Edwards (Kau) high jump 4-10
Jaliyah Casem (Kap) high jump 4-08
Jenna Takeuchi (Kau) long jump 16-4.5
Kaleonahe Bukoski (Kau) long jump 16-1.5
Kaleonahe Bukoski (Kau) triple jump 34-2
Lilia Unutoa (Kap) discus throw 99
Qualifying athletes – males
Jai Alapai (Kap) 200 dash 24.43
Joshua Graves (IS) 800 run 2:02.70
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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
