Nakoa and Edwards Shine In HHSAA Track & Field

It was a shining HHSAA meet for BIIF Track & Field qualifiers this past 2009 HHSAA Championships. Ku’uipo Nakoa and Jacob Edwards captured gold for their schools and the BIIF.

The BIIF captured over 34 individual and team medals (1st-6th place). Nakoa captured the Girls Long Jump gold, while Edwards won two golds in the Boys 110 & 300 Hurdle Events. With Nakoa and Edwards returning next year, the future looks bright for the BIIF. Having a familiar bed to rest and home cooked meals always is an advantage as most BIIF track and field athletes found out.

It is always harder to win an HHSAA event on the road. Nakoa and Edwards are multi sport talented athletes, Nakoa also participates in soccer for HPA and Edwards has participated for the Ka’u football team. Also both have entered several events including the triple jump, and sprinting events. Let us congratulate all the BIIF Track and Field Athletes for their tremendous efforts and accomplishments. For list of HHSAA medalists from BIIF go to: HSP Track

UHH vs. HPU Ignites Hitting Fireworks

Former BIIF players Cheyene Hirota and Blake Amaral feasted on the Vulcan pitching in last weekends six game series between the HPU and UHH. Hirota a former Waiakea high standout and All BIIF Amaral were recognized for their recent accomplishments.

Amaral leads the HPU baseball team (as of 04/27) with 38 RBI’s an impressive feat as a freshman. He collected a total 15 RBI’s in the six game series. Amaral broke an HPU record for most RBI’s in a game with 10 in game three. He had one of those special days at the plate going 4 for 5 with a grand slam and triple. He also went 4 for 5 in game five with another two RBI’s.

Hirota was not to be outdone by his Big Island team mate as he outdid Amaral with 17 RBI’s. Hirota went 12 for 20 for the series posting five RBI’s in game 2. He also went 4 for 4 in game six with another 3 RBI’s. For batting over 600% he was chosen as PAC West Baseball Player Of The Week. Hirota also hit a homerun in the same game Amaral hit his. Hirota also had eight runs scored on top of his other impressive weeks accomplishments.

UHH’s Keoni Manago also had a great series as he batted over 652% going 15 for 23 with seven RBI’s. He went 4 for 5 in game two and a pair of 3 for 4 games and hitting 4 for 4 in the fifth game. Manago got serious consideration for PacWest player of the Week honors.

Also of pitching note, Vulcan pitcher Kekoa Lee was honored as PacWest pitcher of the week for his complete game in game 3 giving up no earned runs and seven strikouts. Against the potent bats of HPU, that is an accomplishment. Although HPU won the series 4-2, we can’t wait till next year for these home and home challenges.

Above Photo: HPU's Blake Amaral with Friend Ryan Fukunaga (Hilo High 09) at a Football Game at Aloha Stadium in October 2008