KAPAA — The Kauai Interscholastic Federation wrestling tournament hosted its first regular-season event Saturday at Kapaa High School.
Kauai High School Mason Stoll-Tolentino, weighing at 126 pounds, and Kapaa’s Tessa Jensen were voted the outstanding wrestlers of the tournament and earned the Sammy Smith singlets from the U.S. Senior Nationals.
“It’s always fun, and it’s great going out there and watching the wrestlers,” Kauai High School wrestling coach Paul Shindell said. “Everyone fought hard, no injuries, and there were a lot of nice close matches, and some good comebacks, and an upset or two.”
Waimea High School’s C.J. Threat said he was pleased.
“You know I think the first meet went pretty well,” Threat said. “There is a lot of things that we still need to work, and that is why it is nice to get our season started in a routine finally. We were a little bit flat today, and it’s still a work in progress, our kids fought their hearts out.”
Shindell said he was impressed with the performance of Red Raiders’ Alanna Takata, who placed second in the 155-pound match. She lost to Kapaa’s Tessa Jensen, who captured the 155-pound division.
He also praised the performance of Walker Turpin, who finished second in the 138-pound bracket. Turpin, who battled Kapaa’s Kaimana Lopez, showed determination and grit, Shindell said.
“That was the best match I’ve ever seen as a coach,” Shindell said. “He showed so much heart, determination, and courage.”
KIF organizer Mac Pigott said he thought there were a lot of upsets.
“The wrestlers will be hungry for their next redemption in Waimea, and a lot of these wrestlers will be able to be hungry to maintain their status as a winner.”
The next KIF boys-girls’ wrestling event is scheduled for Saturday at Waimea High School.
Boys winners
126-pound: Kylen Aana, Waimea High
132-pound: Mason Stoll-Tolentino, Kauai High
138-pound: Kris Ragudo, Kauai High
147-pound: Lester Garcia, Kapaa High
182-pound: Kauila Kaneapua, Waimea High
Girls winners
114-pound: Ashlyn Agena, Waimea High
127-pound: Meah Jensen, Kapaa High
138-pound: Meleana Rita, Kauai High
155-pound: Tessa Jensen, Kapaa High
184-pound: Kayana Niheu-Kamaka, Waimea High
