Chargers Have Two Big Bowling Games In Next Two Weeks
By Jack Danilewicz
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Del.icio.usIndulgent pre-match speeches are not part of the job for Pearl City head boys bowling coach James Hayashi this year. The collective maturity of his current team ensures that.
“They communicate with me very well,” said Hayashi. “They just really love the sport. They’re always happy when they’re bowling - whether good or bad. They love it so much they don’t feel bad if they don’t bowl well.”
Pearl City’s performances have mostly been cause for celebration over the years.
The Charger boys were the runner-up to Hawaii Baptist Academy last October at the state bowling championships and took second in the OIA overall finals to West-foe Mililani. Pearl City’s boys team won the 2008 state title.
The Chargers are being looked on largely as the favorite for this year’s state tournament and are holding a better than 600-pin advantage in their OIA West format so far.
On Thursday, Pearl City plays in the OIA West division finals at Schofield Bowling Center. Next week, also at Schofield, they will compete in the OIA championships.
Asked if his players would be disappointed with anything less than the state title, Hayashi said, “I hope so,” with a laugh. “It would be nice.”
The majority of his bowlers are active outside of prep competition, making the Chargers well-seasoned in big events.
“They’ve all been bowling for 10-plus years, so they’ve been there and they know what to do and what to expect,” he said. “We go with experience and knowledge (when choosing a varsity team).”
Leading the way are seniors Derek Suefuji (192 season average), John Carino (192) and Evan Hayashi (194), the team captain and the coach’s son.
“Derek is quiet, he does-n’t get upset and keeps the team together. John just goes out there and gets the job done. He’s a very aggressive guy. Evan practices hard - four or five days a week,” he added. “He really concentrates on improving his game.”
Juniors Kevin Oshiro and Micah Lee figure to share the role as the “face” of the program next year. Oshiro is averaging 206 at present, while Lee is at 196.
“Kevin really tries hard - he’s always asking me questions about how to play the alley. He’s real open-minded. Micah has an attitude to win. He tries real hard.”
Depth is also a strength for the Chargers, who boast sophomores Sheldon Nuuauo (204) and Sean Nakanishi (168) and freshmen Nicholas Azumi and Ken Hayase-Fong.
“We’ll still have a good team in a couple of years after the older kids graduate,” Hayashi predicted.
The state bowling championships are Oct. 28-29 at Lihue Lanes on Kauai.
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