Water Polo Splashes On In Kahuku
By Jack Danilewicz
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Kahuku’s head water polo coach Makana Whitford had seen enough of Keola Kehaulelio in practice and preseason to know that a “break-out” game was inevitable.
Fortunately for the team, that game came in only the second outing of the OIA regular season - a 10-9 win over Kalani in which Kehaulelio tallied six goals, including the final two, to drive her team across the finish line that day. Her offensive output is a good sign for a team that graduated the bulk of its scorers from last season.
“She’s one of our better shooters, but she didn’t think she was,” said Whitford, whose team took a 2-0 record into the weekend. “Keola had a confidence issue, but we’ve been working on that in practice. She’s a talented girl who can practically do anything- she surfs, paddles, dances hula and plays water polo in addition to swimming.”
Kahuku entered its season still having never tasted defeat against OIA schools and collecting all six league titles since water polo became a sanctioned sport. But the close win over Kalani showed that others may be bridging the gap.
“It’s a building year. We’ll try as hard as we can to keep it (the streak) going. We’ll learn from it if it (a defeat) happens.”
With 12 of its 21 players under-classmen, the Kalani win was also a confidence-builder.“It was an eye-opener for all the girls, especially Keola, since she made the last two goals. She’s used to being in the shadows since we had so many seniors playing last year. I think it really boosted her confidence. We’re trying to show all of the girls that it’s their turn to step up.”
The team also is banking on another solid year from senior Minnie Whitford, the younger sister of the Kahuku coach. Having played on three OIA title teams, her leadership could play a big role, if all goes according to plan.
“She’s the second coach in a way,” Makana Whitford said of her younger sister. “Sometimes when it comes from her, it has more meaning (among her teammates). She’s had to learn to be a leader, and in a way, it all starts with her. The other girls build up their own confidence when she’s on.
“That’s a lot of pressure, but she’s used to it growing up in our family,” laughed the coach, a former Kahuku standout and UH player herself.“As a leader, she also has to make the plays and score more.”
Among the questions coming into preseason was the need to find a goalkeeper to fill the void left by Ella Aiwohi, who is currently red-shirting at UH.Whitford found the answer in sophomore Penn Anderson, who had missed all of 2008 with a shoulder injury.
“We were real nervous about that (position). But although Penn isn’t experienced, she’s been playing as if she’s experienced.She’s been awesome for us, especially for not playing as a freshman. She’s a tiny girl, only about 5-5, but she helps us a lot on defense.”
Whitford also is high on sophomore twins Brooke and Tahnei Roy. Both started last year as freshmen and were key contributors.
“They’ve helped the team a lot. They already had that sisterly bond between them, and that helps them when they’re in the pool together.”
Kahuku returns to action with a pair of games this week. On Thursday they travel to Kaimuki, where they’ll meet Moanalua at 4 p.m. On Saturday, Kahuku will host Aiea at 4:30 p.m. at BYUH’s Cannon Activities Center.
Whitford credited parental support with helping her team along in road games. “We travel a lot - usually to Waipio or Kaimuki - and all the parents have come out to watch them. The kids play better when they have their parents there to support them.”
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