Legend Matautia knows how to put people down — not with his words, but with his physical strength.
Matautia does that during football season. In the fall, he was a senior linebacker for Punahou.
This winter, he’s doing it for the Buffanblu wresting team.
Matautia — the reigning 220-pound state champion — is one win away from his second crown in the Texaco/HHSAA Wrestling State Championships. Early Saturday, he pinned Waianae’s Jace Filipo Rodrigues in a mere seven seconds for a 285-pound semifinal victory.
Asked if it could have been a quicker finish, Matautia said, “It depends on each ref when they’re going to call the pin. I have no control over that. I just have control if he stays on his back or not.”
Next up is No. 2 seed Rafael Leapaga of Kapolei in Saturday afternoon’s final.
“Feeling great, getting off the mat fast” he continued. “All three matches, I’ve gotten off quick. I’m feeling rested, feeling ready, saving all my energy for that last match. The plan (in the final) is to get off the mat as fast as possible.
This spring, Matautia will be competing for the Punahou track team, throwing the shot and discus. He placed second in the discus at the state meet a year ago.
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