By MATT GERHART Tribune-Herald sports writer ADVERTISING KAILUA-KONA — Kealakehe coach Steve Borowski mixes and matches his swimmers to meet a team goal, all the while pushing them to be the best they can be. It’s a simple philosophy, really.
By MATT GERHART
Tribune-Herald sports writer
KAILUA-KONA — Kealakehe coach Steve Borowski mixes and matches his swimmers to meet a team goal, all the while pushing them to be the best they can be.
It’s a simple philosophy, really.
“We had them all focus on their personal goals,” he said. “And then usually it will all come together.”
On Saturday, the Waveriders came together to claim a Big Island Interscholastic Federation title.
Leahi Camacho won a pair of races at Kona Community Aquatic Center, and Kealakehe finished its victory in style as the 400-yard freestyle relay team broke a league record.
While Camacho was the Waveriders’ most decorated swimmer in the finals, their best overall performer, junior Madison Hauanio, took one for the team by taking on Anu Nihipali in the 100 backstroke. The Hawaii Prep junior put up a new BIIF standard in her signature event for the second consecutive day.
Hauanio, meanwhile, won her third BIIF title in the 200 individual medley, and got points for her team in the backstroke by finishing second.
“Madison could have swum almost anything,” Borowski said. “She probably could have won the 200 and 500 free or 100 butterfly, but we wanted to spread things out and let everybody get experience.”
Waiakea junior Madisyn Uekawa made it 6 for 6 in BIIF finals in her career, winning the 50 free and her third 100 breaststroke. She also swam a leg on the Warriors’ winning 200 medley relay team, but runner-up Waiakea was denied in its repeat bid.
Camacho unseated a pair of defending BIIF champions in the 100 butterfly and 500 freestyle, before following Hauanio and Kelly Jernigan on the 400 relay and turning it over to Cara Jernigan on the anchor leg.
“She can swim the 500 and go great, and I put her on the 400 free relay, and that was probably the difference in breaking that 10-year-old record,” Borowski said.
Kelly Jernigan, Madison Hauanio, Cara Jernigan and Sarah Somsanquansit teamed up on the Waveriders’ winning 200 freestyle relay victory.
Camacho just touched before Kelly Jernigan in capturing a grueling butterfly, but still had room in the tank in the meet’s longest race, the 500.
“Kelly and I have always been even,” Camacho said. “It was a hard race. I was definitely spent at the end.
“The 500 is definitely one of my favorites. Once I hear the bell lap, I’m like, ‘Yes.’ You get a feeling of elation. You want to do what you can to bring it home and do as good as you can.”
Cara Jernigan (200 freestyle, breaststroke) and freshman Phoenix-Claudia Hauanio (50 free) scored second-place finishes for the Waveriders.
Nihipali, a veteran of Kamehameha Swimming Club on Oahu, made an easy transition in her first go-around at high school swimming.
The transfer set her third BIIF record of the season in the backstroke, shaking off a recent injury and showing just why Borowski refers to her as the best at what she does in the state.
“It’s a nice feeling knowing that, but it’s not something I think about,” Nihipali said. “The records just happen. I’m only thinking about bettering my times.”
Hilo junior Beth Tsuha defended her titles in the 100 and 200 freestyles, missing a league mark in the 200 by a tenth of a second for the third-place Vikings.
“Oh well, she’ll be back next year,” Hilo coach Jon Hayashida said.
