A lot of sporting events and stories happen throughout the year, and whenever you think you can recall most of it, that’s sometimes when certain knowledge slips through the cracks.
That’s why when people asked me recently about the status of the Anuenue varsity football team. I didn’t have an answer, forgetting this story that ran in Hawaii Prep World on Sept. 18:
http://www.hawaiiprepworld.com/football/reluctantly-anuenue-decides-to-end-season/
At the time, Anuenue decided to end its varsity season early due to not enough participation. The head coach at the time, Kelii Pio Adams, said Na Koa’s 2016 season would be junior varsity only.
So, apparently, that’s why the recent OIA-ILH football varsity proposal lists only 29 participating teams. If Anuenue was involved, it would have been 30.
Hawaii Prep World could not reach Anuenue officials last week, but did speak to Adams, who is no longer the head coach. He confirmed that Na Koa would be JV only next season and will be coached by Edmund Kamanu, who was part of the staff last season.
Oahu Interscholastic Association football coordinator Harold Tanaka said that the last official word he’s heard from Na Koa is that they are still deciding on whether to compete in varsity or JV.
Adams said he stepped down to concentrate on family matters.
Why doesn’t the OIA allow Anuenue and any other small school to participate in 8-man league with the outer island teams. Look at what it has done for Lana’i, Molokai’i, Seabury Hall, etc. Other outer island schools on the Big Island and Kaua’i should participate, too. Just saying.
McKinley should join them now too.