On this date in 1957, Waimea opened its season in style with a 52-0 home victory over visiting Kohala.
Menehune quarterbacks Melvin Muranaka, who was also student body president, and sophomore Wilfred Ibara paced the offense with each earning two passing touchdowns and a running score. Waimea ran a balanced offense, scoring four of its touchdowns on the ground and the other four in the air.
The glory was short lived for Waimea, though, as it traveled to Oahu and lost 37-13 to Iolani the next week. Muranaka, who went to college at Indiana State, scored from 50 yards out on his first carry but the Raiders dominated after that.
Even with the good start, Waimea couldn’t hold off the Kauai dynasty. Kauai won the KIF every year from 1953-1958 despite a stiff challenge from Na Menehune.
Kauai’s dynasty ended when Ibara was a senior, though, as the KIF first-team all-star quarterback led Waimea to the title in 1959 to begin a run of three straight championships.
COMMENTS