Hungry to return

LIHUE — After a while, it was just like any other game.

Only it was for the championship, and played in a stadium normally reserved for major college athletes and the best NFL players.

A venue like that takes some getting used to.

“It was so big,” said Gregory Manintin, 9-year-old linebacker and tight end for the Koloa Mitey Mites, the team that played Pearl City Highlands at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu at the end of November. “Yeah, I was nervous.”

Gregory’s teammates were a bit nervous too from the gigantic stadium reserved for top-tier athletes. But after a few plays, a few tackles they settled down. It was just another game after that.

“I got used to it,” Gregory said. “It was awesome.”

A late charge in the second half wasn’t enough, as the Mitey Mites fell to Pearl City 22-11. But the experience, even though it was the team’s only loss this season (not to mention points allowed), was unforgettable.

“Just seeing the kids’ faces on the field,” Kealii Inouye, Mitey Mites coach, said about the highlight of the trip playing on the field that hosts the NFL Pro Bowl each year.

“All the kids realized the pros go through there. They were doing what the pros do.”

The team raised $23,000 to send 32 kids and families to the game thanks to support from parents and friends.

The team threw out a big mahalo to its supporters.

As far as the game being a once-and-a-lifetime experience, not so fast. The team has its sights set on next year.

“I really like it,” said Nathan Rego, 9, a defensive end and tight end. “I wish I could go and play again, it was fun. It was really fun to play a different team and I’m really thankful for the opportunity to go to Oahu … It just felt different.”

Part of the reason for a return trip would be to take care of unfinished business.

“They want to go back,” their coach said. “We didn’t lose the game, we just ran out of time.”