Hawaii Prep World has not been invited to the seeding meeting for the Texaco state wrestling championships this year, but we will post the brackets as soon as they are released.
Until then, here is the list of state qualifiers as we know them along with major accomplishments.
One interesting twist to this year’s seeding meeting will be that they are going to seed all five league champions rather than have the KIF champ jump in wherever he can. Where this will make a difference is the possibility of two league runners up facing each other in the first round.
Previously the seeding committee could avoid that, now it might be impossible in some cases.
Let’s get to it. Who do you have?
97
Xiaolin Mai, Roosevelt: 2017 state second, 2016 state third, 2018 OIA champ, 2016 Officials champ, 2017 Paani champ, 2015 Paani champ
Zoe Omura, Iolani: 2018 ILH champ
Alea Davis, Molokai: 2018 MIL champ
Liliana Campbell, Hilo: 2018 BIIF champ
Allicia Mahoe, Kapolei: 2017 state fifth, 2016 state sixth, 2017 OIA champ, 2017 Officials champ
Krissana Anton, Baldwin
Sarah Obra Nakata, Punahou
Chloe Griffith, Kealakehe
Jazmyn Enriquez, Campbell
Kaycie Tanimoto, Kamehameha
Kylie Baromeo, Keaau
Prescious Tampos, Waipahu
Savannah Ramos, Leilehua
Princess Balasico, Farrington: 2017 state sixth
Brianna Funakoshi, Aiea
The KIF didn’t have a champion in this class, so the committee will probably seed only four. That spot will be filled by an alternate.
102
Anjelynn Baron, Roosevelt: 2017 state third, 2018 OIA champ
Kaitlin Ito, Pac-Five: 2017 state fifth, 2018 ILH champ
Ira Navarro, Lahainaluna: 2017 state champ, 2016 state second, three time MIL champ
Tayla Lee, Hilo: 2018 BIIF champ
Sarai Valdez, Kauai: 2018 KIF champ
Kennedy Javier, Mililani
Madison-Joy Kogachi, Punahou
Tianna Fernandez, Baldwin: 2017 state second, 2017 officials champ
Shanen Arellano, Kealakehe
Giana Ragudos, Aiea
Sydni Kim, Iolani
Regine Gusilatar, Moanalua
Shayna Miyasato Kawaguchi, KB
Clark Desarea, Leilehua
Caitlin Larkin, Kalaheo (alternate)
BIIF’s third spot still needs to be filled. Let’s have a moment to appreciate what Roosevelt’s Jaylina Tran accomplished at the OIA championships. She pinned Desarea in 55 seconds before getting stuck in the first period by top seed Kennedy Javier of Mililani. She won three matches after that, two by pin, to take third place but is ineligible for states because her teammate, Anjelynn Baron, went on to win the OIA title with a 2-1 win over Javier. A school can have only one wrestler in each weight class.
107
Shantelle Mangrobang, Leilehua: 2017 state sixth, 2018 OIA champ
Dania Furuya, Pac-Five: 2017 state sixth, 2018 ILH champ
Sami Saribay, Lahainaluna: 2017 state fifth, 2018 MIL champ
Ashley Falces, KS-Hawaii: 2018 BIIF champ, 2017 BIIF champ
Ashlyn Agena, Waimea: 2018 KIF champ
Haylee Fujioka, Roosevelt: 2017 state third, 2017 OIA champ
Kalai Tengan, Kamehameha
Madison Vierra, Baldwin
Kolbey Low, Kealakehe
Kristen Bareng, Aiea
Lindsey Ligsay, Damien
Zoe Medina, Hilo
Kelsie Caminos Freitas, Leilehua
Kayla Odo, Pearl City
Leilani Samoy, Kahuku
Jordyn Angelo, Mililani
112
Tiare Ikei, Kaiser: 2017 state third, 2016 state second, 2018 OIA champ, 2016 OIA champ, 2017 Officials champ, 2018 Paani champ
Ashley Gooman, Kamehameha: Two time state champ, three time ILH champ
McKenzie Acob, Baldwin: 2018 MIL champ
Pualani Louis, Kealakehe: 2018 BIIF champ
Jordyn Kahanenui, Kauai
Keely Oyadomari, Kapolei: 2017 state sixth
Robyn Yim, Iolani
MIchaelah Vasquez, Lahainaluna
Kanoelani Oblero, Hilo
Alexandria Nelson, Roosevelt
Kitana Heinicke, Konawaena
Rita Morales, Waianae
Tania Stovall, McKinley
Puuolena Sylva, Nanakuli
Valarie Sunajo, Campbell
There is one spot available here for the ILH 3.
117
Macy Higa, Roosevelt: 2016 state champ, 2017 state second, 2015 state sixth, three time OIA champ, two time OIA champ,
Alana Vivas, Kamehameha: 2018 ILH champ
Emma Debrum, Lanai: 2018 MIL champ
Kiki Motta, KS-Hawaii: 2018 BIIF champ
Anna Malia Santos, Kapaa: 2018 KIF champ
Kira Borengasser, Moanalua: 2017 state fourth
Alexis Gibbs, Damien
Keeya Bicoy, Molokai
Ruby Jordan, Konawaena
Maraiah Spix, Leilehua
Ashley Terrell, Punahou
Izzy Tayo, Kealakehe: 2017 BIIF champ, 2016 BIIF champ
Tiare Carlson, Waianae
Kyara Tagami, Kalani
Shavelle Williams Espindola, Campbell
Precious Samuelu, McKinley
122
Makana Cooper, Pearl City: 2017 state fifth, 2018 OIA champ
Marisa Iha, Punahou: 2018 ILH champ
Nanea Estrella, Lahainaluna: 2017 state champ, 2018 MIL champ, 2017 MIL champ, 2017 Officials champ
Kuuipo Chan, KS-Hawaii: 2018 BIIF champ
Daniella Santos, Kapaa: 2018 KIF champ
Amanda Higa, Moanalua: 2017 state third, 2016 state fourth
Skye Realin, Kamehameha
Sierra Perryman, Maui
Thalia Lewi-Ohashi, Kealakehe
La Howard, Halau Ku Mana
Tiane Gomes, Kealakehe
Amber Jade Nagatani, Leilehua: 2017 state fifth
Phoebe Pineda Abaya, Kalani
Sadie Reyes, Waianae
Madison Stephenson, Kapolei
One spot open here for the ILH 3.
127
Charity Curran, Campbell: 2018 OIA champ
Alexis Nova Posiulai, Kamehameha: 2017 state third, 2018 ILH champ
Waipualani Estrella-Beauchamp, Baldwin: 2017 state third, 2018 MIL champ, 2017 Officials champ
Kanani Chan, KS-Hawaii: 2018 BIIF champ
Ini Marshall, Kapaa: 2018 KIF champ
Alizeih Villalpando, Moanalua
Rebecca Chan, Iolani
Kamahina Kanuha-Kaiama, Molokai
Cappi Winters, Keaau
Emily Paulino, Kalani
Jaycee Ichimura, Punahou
Shalea Desilva-Llangs, Kealakehe
Katie Reyes, Waianae
Chanel Hunter, Pearl City
Cassie Kunukau, Nanakuli
Juliette Dael, Radford
132
Roselani Ikei, Kaiser: 2017 state second, 2018 OIA champ, 2017 Officials champ
Paige Respicio, Kamehameha: 2017 state third, 2018 ILH champ, 2017 ILH champ, 2017 Officials champ
Kauanohi Keahi, Lahainaluna: 2017 state champ, 2016 state sixth, 2018 MIL champ, 2017 MIL champ
Tehya Caceres, KS-Hawaii: 2018 BIIF champ
Tessa Jensen, Kapaa: 2018 KIF champ
Gabrielle Perez, Moanalua
Isabella Wong, Punahou
Alysha Reinhardt, Baldwin
Zyrene Maeafan, Kelakehe
Kelly Spencer, Waianae
Mare Kitabayashi, Kapolei
Viviana Barcina, Kahuku 2016 state second, 2015 state fifth, 2016 OIA champ,
Destinee Ader, Farrington
Ile Prado Domingo, Campbell
Two spot available here, one for the ILH 3 and another for the BIIF 3.
138
Teniya Alo, Kahuku: 2017 state champ, 2016 state third, 2015 state champ, 2018 OIA champ, 2017 OIA champ, 2016 IILH champ, 2015 ILH champ, 2016 Officials champ, 2014 Officials champ
Krystal Puahala, Kamehameha: 2018 ILH champ
Daisha Kahoalii-Kalilikane, Molokai: 2016 state sixth, 2018 MIL champ, 2016 MIL champ, 2015 Paani champ
Waihula Kahookaulana, Keaau: 2018 BIIF champ
Olivia Kelekoma, Kapaa
Kamakana Hernandez-Waialae, Waianae: 2017 state fifth
Star Pactol, Damien
Tyeisha Takamori, Baldwin
Jojah Watson, Konawaena
Rebekah Garcia, Moanalua
Kitana Lowery, Hilo
Ariez Igafo, Castle
Kaylee Okada Wagner, Kapolei
Jaylyin Paaaina, Kaiser
Cherise Horita, Kalani
One empty spot here, for the ILH3
145
Sadie Antoque, Castle: 2017 state fourth, 2018 OIA champ
Zion Grace Vierra, Kamehameha: 2017 state third, 2016 state fifth, 2015 state third, Four time ILH champ, three time Officials champ,
Jahnei Miguel, Baldwin: 2017 state champ, 2018 MIL champ, 2017 MIL champ, 2016 Paani champ
Chynesty Acia, Keaau: 2018 BIIF champ
Halle Sakai, Kauai: 2018 KIF champ
Kaleinani Makuaole, Waianae
Tayler Pelegrino-Hayase, Lahainaluna: 2017 state fourth, 2016 state fifth, 2017 MIL champ, 2016 MIL champ, 2017 Officials champ
Janell Chang, Pahoa
Iwi Kinimaka, Campbell: 2017 state second, 2016 Paani champ
Brooke Camero, Waiakea
Faith Joy Okubo, Moanalua: 2017 state fifth, 2016 state fourth, 2016 Officials champ,
Jamie Grilho, Aiea
Jennifer Tongi, Kahuku: 2017 state fifth
Ine Howard, Pearl City
Two spots here, one for the ILH2 and another for the ILH3. Even with that, seven state placers should make for a good show.
155
Kelani Corbett, Leilehua: 2017 state champ, 2016 state champ, 2018 OIA champ, 2017 OIA champ, 2017 Officials champ, 2016 Officials champ, 2016 Paani champ
Amy Sotoa, Kamehameha: 2018 ILH champ
Fayanne Rosario, Lahainaluna: 2018 MIL champ
Leiohu Tong, Kamehameha: 2018 BIIF champ
Joji Miner-Ho, Kapaa: 2018 KIF champ
Nina Seoane, Pearl City: 2017 state third, 2016 state fourth, 2017 Officials champ
Hiilani Kaaloa, Damien
Sunni Chow, Molokai: 2017 state sixth,
Nahoni Chaul, Kealakehe
Alexis Tupuola, Moanalua
Malentina Holika, Hilo
Katherine Heim, Kaiser
Saelor Taumua, Farrington
Grace Tanuvasa, Waipahu
Jazaria Hall, Radford
Brandi Kealanahele, Farrington placed at OIAs but behind Taumua so she is ineligible. One spot available for an alternate at ILH 3.
168
Jennie Fuamatu, Pearl City: 2017 state champ, 2016 state second, 2018 OIA champ, 2017 OIA champ, 2016 OIA champ, 2016 Officials champ, 2016 Paani champ
Chynna Ancheta, Pac-Five: 2018 ILH champ, 2017 ILH champ
Shayna Kamaka, Baldwin: 2018 MIL champ
Kapoina Bailey, Konawaena: 2017 state second, 2018 BIIF champ
Alyandina Bushe, Kapolei: 2015 state sixth
Jaydin Huesing-Ammasi, Baldwin
Jaye Lee-Kaiwi, Keaau
Kyara Velez, Radford: 2017 state fourth
Hunter Kalima, Kealakehe
Patricia Ching, Moanalua
Mele Pamela Lua, Castle
Luana Kanongataa, Kahuku
Hulita Ahonima, Leilehua
Three spots available here, two from the ILH and one from Kauai. The OIA has seven waiting on its alternate list, led by Jayda Toleafoa of Aiea, so she has an excellent chance of getting in.
184
Michelle Tanuvasa, Pearl City: 2017 state fifth, 2018 OIA champ, 2017 OIA champ
Dylan Huddy, Pac-Five: 2018 ILH champ
Siera Vida, Baldwin: 2017 MIL champ
Roxie Umu, Kealakehe: 2017 state third, 2016 state fourth, 2018 BIIF champ, 2017 BIIF champ, 2016 BIIF champ
Alana Dela Pena, Moanalua
Valerie Ramos, Damien
Martika English, Molokai: 2017 MIL champ
Taylor Chan, Keaau
Natasha Paleafei, Farrington
Anela Kahuli Apo, Kamehameha: 2017 state fourth, 2017 ILH champ
Izabella Francisco, Honokaa
Corrine Yamashita-Potts, Kaimuki
Taraina Kamakawiwoole, Kalani
Kayla Antolin, Moanalua
Antonia Thomas, Leilehua
One empty spot here, the KIF didn’t have a champion.
225
Tangiteina Niupuivaha, Kahuku: 2017 state fifth, 2018 OIA champ, 2017 Officials champ
Tenielle Ellis, Punahou: 2018 ILH champ
Celine Gomes, Baldwin: 2017 state sixth, 2018 MIL champ
Myra Liufau, Kealakehe: 2018 BIIF champ
Shannlynne Mahoe, Nanakuli
Luhiehua Pedro, Molokai
Leona Toldeo, Hilo
Kehani Siuta, Aiea
Jamie Ohia, Honokaa
Kailani Badajos-Hawelu, Leilehua
Elizabeth Sesepasara Jennings, Mililani
Jane Hironaka, Kaiser
Chloe Yuen, Moanalua
Three empty spots here, one from the KIF and two from the ILH.
Got to have a better way to determine the number of qualifiers per league and a better way for seeding. If Kauai and the Big Island want to be seeded they should have their wrestlers compete in some of the open tournaments. History says their leagues are weak and around 8% of their qualifiers actually medal. Every once in a great while they will have a legitimate contender but rarely as a freshman so the other leagues will know in general who deserves seeding. Historically, BIIF with 3 qualifiers per weight class or 42 wrestlers will earn 3-4 medals. KIF with 14 qualifiers will earn 1 medal on the average. How does this deserve seeding and what is the purpose for seeding anyways. MIL only has 2 qualifiers per weight class and historically they will place on the average above 50%, they will most likely have at least 14 medals out of 28 qualifiers. ILH historically is around 50% with 4 entries and will earn at least 28 medals out of 56 qualifiers. History tells us that this year the ILH with only 3 entries will still earn at least 28 medals out of 42 entries. Historically, the OIA also is around 50% with 6 qualifiers per weight class and with 7 qualifiers will most likely will drop in percentages of earned medals. KIF is pretty new to the field and they need time to build their programs but the BIIF is a joke. Their wrestlers are going to the States just for the party and really don’t deserve it. ILH deserves 4 and MIL at least 3 based on strength of the leagues. 4th and 5th seed should be performanced and record based and to adjust to truly keep the the anticipated best top 4 properly apart from each other. Seeding the BIIF and KIF is meaningless, they most likely will be taken out in the 1st round.
NeverChanges I agree that based on the amount of wrestlers the Big Island sends to States some could argue they’ve underperformed and underachieved. However, take a look at last years State 168lbs which had 2 Big Islands girls facing each other in the finals, neither of them were seeded number 1. Is the number of Wrestlers allotted to go to States based off of winning percentage or number of wrestlers participating in Big Island High School Wrestling?
Honestly, NeverChanges you sound like a bitter coach or parent whose wrestler didnt qualify for States and now taking your frustrations out on the wrestlers from the Big Island for supposedly taking a spot that should be given to a more deserved wrestler? SMH Poor sports and Sour graping. Maybe you should encourage the wrestlers family to move to the Big Island where the competition is weak and way easier to qualify for States? No different than wrestlers dropping weight because they have a higher chance of winning or to avoid facing certain wrestlers. However, I think it says much more about the person who doesnt drop weight and remains in the weight class facing their demons than those who seek the easy path by dropping weight. Yes, you may lose and people only remember the State Champs but sometimes how you got there matters. How they journey along the way, the process of becoming whether you win or not, is just as important as the destination is a good indication on how they will deal with life and the obstacles they will face.
To claim Big Island wrestlers only go States to party is ignorance at best. Who would practice all year long, go through the riggers of wrestling conditioning just to party at States? They could do that all on their own without having to suffer and go through hell while training. Doesnt make sense! Is the Big Island weak at wrestling? Yes! But its growing more and more popular among high school girl athletes here which is exciting. Last years 168lbs State Champ from Keaau not only repped herself, her family and her school but the whole Big Island. That win showed that the Big Island girls can compete and win States. She has inspired girls here and paved the pathway that they too can achieve success at the State Tournament despite this 8% winning percentage.
As for Big Island Wrestlers going to open tournaments? They do! Theyve gone to Paani and Maui Garner Ivey Invitational Tournament this season. Unfortunately, they cant send everyone (not including Paani because its paid for I believe by Punahou) to these open tournaments because it costs money for Airfare, Accomodation, food and transportation. Because of this they only send the better wrestlers while picking and choosing which open tournament to participate in. Unless you have recommendations of people willing to finance travel for the Big Island High School Teams then going to Officials as well as States is a tremendous financial strain and burden on these programs. So they decide what tournaments is doable. Traveling multiple times off 4 times is a bit much dont you think? They cant just drive to the Blaisdel from Hilo or Kona?
If you are going to hold a certain standard of “fairness” when deciding on how many wrestlers can qualify for States per weight class then they should do it across the board with the other High School Sports. Maybe BIIF deserve more teams to qualify for Girls DIV 1 Basketball for States than 2 considering Big Island competition is way better than whats in the OIA? Especially since 2 Big Island won both Girls Div 1 & 2 State titles and the other 2 Big Island Schools Waiakea and Honokaa both made it to Semis. Maybe a qualifying spot by a lower ranked OIA team should be given to a more deserving DIV 1 team on the Big Island that came in 3rd on the Big Island? Would that be fair? Nope it wouldnt be fair or make sense. OIA has far more Girls teams competing than the Big Island does. I dont think a Conference chances of winning should be the deciding factor on how many teams from that conference makes it to States. I think the way they do seeding is appropriate for girls wrestling. The Big Island girls tend to get seeded low and usually perform to the level of their seeding. Yes, occasionally we have girls who overachieve ala the 168lbs 6th seed last year who got 2nd will probably be seeded 3 or 4th seed this year.
Yes, I understand the importance of seeding and trying to get the pathway of least resistance to the finals and meeting up with the other top seeds as late as possible. But in the big scheme of things seeding means nothing, you still have to walk out on the mat and wrestle whose in front of you. It shouldnt matter if your wrestling the top seed early or a bottom seed later. Seeding doesnt measure the heart of a winner, the mental toughness to overcome or conditioning levels to take the opponent into deep waters. At the end of the day the wrestler regardless of seeding should feel like they can win no matter if its Teshya Alo walking on the mat to face them or Olympic Gold medalist Helen Maroulis