There was a lot of change on the horizon after the 1969 season. The ILH was about to split into public and private school divisions, which ultimately set the stage for the public schools leaving the ILH for the OIA.
Kamehameha won the 1969 ILH championship and was led by senior Steve Hookano, a split end and flanker who won the player of the year honor from the Honolulu Advertiser. Farrington’s Onosai Tanuvasa was the back of the year and McKinley’s Blessing Bird was the lineman of the year.
Kamehameha, Punahou and Farrington all had three players named to the first team on offense, but Kamehameha dominated the defense with four selections to lead all schools with seven total.
Tanuvasa was one of three backs named to the team and was joined by St. Louis’ Gary Campbell and Punahou’s Arnold Morgado.
Kamehameha senior Milton Holt was the quarterback and Punahou’s Kale Ane was named to the first team as a center.
OIA champion Kahuku led the league all stars with seven selections, including the top running back, Charles Ah You. Radford’s David Kinimaka was the quarterback.
Kahuku was responsible for three of the six defensive players up front with tackle Ken Mailo, guard Tom Aalona and end Wayde Lindsey making the first team.
Aalona was the lineman of the year and Ah You was the back of the year by the Star-Bulletin.
As a fun read at the end, the Star-Bulletin’s Bill Kwon gave his all-decade team, which included the likes of Punahou’s Charley Wedemeyer and Walter Harrington, Roosevelt’s Glen Shea, Kamehameha’s Agenhart Ellis and Farrington’s Ed Diaz.
Kwon said the toughest choice was at fullback, where he went with Onosai Tanuvasa over another Gov, Bob Apisa.
For a listing of all prep football all-star teams over the years that have been posted, click here.
Doubleclick the images to zoom in.
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wow, Blasts from the Past. Kale Ane – NFL.
Hal Stringert too, long NFL career. Arnold Morgado – NFL.
Odd to see McKinley and Kaimuki included on the ILH team.