Lady Chargers Prove Wrestling Isn’t Just For The Boys
By Jack Danilewicz
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Pearl City girls wrestling coach Michael Lee never ceases to be amazed at the transformation his team makes when it’s time to take to the mat.
“There’s a misconception about girls who wrestle,” he says.“These are still girlie girls who go to the prom, but they’re also very athletic, and they’re all 3.0 students and above. They take care of business in the classroom.”
And, of course, on the mat. The Chargers recently captured the OIA title, despite competing in only seven of 11 weight classes. Perhaps even more impressive is that Pearl City had not even won its own division during the regular season, placing second behind fellow West powerhouse Campbell.
“The girls came up big,” Lee said. “We’d been pointing all season to this. We felt it was a goal we could reach.”
Upon further review of his team’s recent run, Lee acknowledged the impact the boys program has had as an example. Pearl City’s boys team has won six West titles in a row.
“The boys program has opened it up for the girls - they push each other,” he said. “It helps with recruiting. We preach ‘family,’ and a lot of our girls are sisters with brothers who have had success here with the boys team.”
The most visible example may be freshman Sanoe Spencer, who took first in the OIA in the 220-pound class. With an older brother in the program, Spencer has been a fixture around Pearl City’s practices since she was in the seventh grade.
“She always was supporting the team, even when she was not able to wrestle,” Lee said.“She’s big, but very gentle. She can turn it on and off on the mat.”
In addition to Spencer, Mei Ling Keiki (175) and Janine Razon (108) also claimed first in their respective weight classes at the OIA Championships, while Hazel Asperin (98), Briana Delos Santos (108) and Kelly Ancheta (114) were runners-up. The Chargers also received a strong season from Lacey Katakura, who placed third in the 125-pound class. Keiki is in her first season of wrestling, having been a standout in judo as well, while Razon missed her sophomore and junior seasons due to injuries.
“As a wrestler, Mei Ling works really hard. We wanted her to come out since her freshman year, and she finally committed. We were excited about the possibilities. She’s raw, but she has a lot of talent. We’re excited about her future.
“Janine is definitely making up for lost time,” he added. “She worked through her injuries, and she’s done everything that we’ve asked.” Razon serves as one of Pearl City’s captains, along with Delos Santos, also a senior.
“She’s our only four-year wrestler,” Lee said of Delos Santos. “When we took over the program, she bought in right away. She’s very spirited.
“Hazel is like a little pit bull. She keeps coming and coming. She’s very soft-spoken, but very determined.”
Like Asperin, Ancheta and Katakura are juniors with a full season of eligibility remaining. “The great thing about Kelly is that she is a workaholic,” Lee said.“She takes it all in and does it until she gets it right. Lacey is tough. She goes out and wrestles hard and gives it her all.”
The Chargers were to take part in the Chevron State Wrestling Championships at Blaisdell Arena over the weekend, where Lee considered Punahou the favorite. As in past years, Pearl City entered the event well aware of the field after taking part in high-profile pre-season tournaments hosted by Maui High and Iolani back in December.
“We have high hopes for them,” Lee said.
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