Chargers Coach Is Pearl City Alumnus Randy Shinn
By Jack Danilewicz
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Del.icio.usIn a typical Oahu Interscholastic Association Red West boys soccer season, the upper tier teams and the lower tier teams are separated by only a few plays.
No one had to remind first-year Pearl City head boys coach Randy Shinn, who played on the Chargers’ last OIA title team in 2001.
“It hasn’t changed,“Shinn said of the parity on the West side.“There’s tremendous talent across the league. It’s anybody’s year this year. Every team has the talent to do extremely well. All of the teams are good.”
Ask what the difference-maker is in such a close race, and Shinn answers without hesitation.
“It’s been my experience that what determines who comes in first and who finishes last is based on who has the most heart to push and strive through (a season).”
For Shinn, returning to his alma mater to coach was a best-case scenario. Having completed work on a masters degree last spring, he had applied at a handful of schools, and Pearl City was quick to respond.
“It’s an honor and a great compliment to have an opportunity to give back to the school and the community,” said Shinn, whose twin brother Bobby and younger brother Ricky were on the Chargers’ 2001 title team as well.“The support from the community makes Pearl City a great place to coach. We’ll try to instill in the kids more than just soccer. Soccer can only take you so far.”
On the field, of course, the Chargers have always been a contender.In addition to its 2001 championship under Scott Keopuhiwa, the Chargers won four straight OIA titles under Ron Mata from 1987-90. Current Pearl City girls coach Frank Baumholtz led the Chargers to their only boys state title in 1999.
Pearl City, which was to open its regular season last weekend against fellow powerhouse Mililani, is coming off a 7-2-1 record last year, which tied them for third in the West with the Trojans behind Leilehua, Aiea and Kapolei.
Defense was Pearl City’s forte last season as they yielded only six goals (second best in the West behind Mililani) through 10 regular-season games, while tallying 34 on the offensive end.With a number of veterans having completed their eligibility, the school figures to have a young lineup in place this time around.
“We’ll be a very, very young team - I haven’t figured out a lineup yet,” said Shinn, who is assisted by father Larry Shinn as well as Kaimi Seminara and Wesley Armacost.“We can only grow from here. Our players have worked extremely hard - they’re dedicated to working together as a team.We couldn’t ask for anything more from them. It’s been rewarding watching their progress from Day One to now. We’re looking forward to the season.”
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