Seasiders’ solo shooter aiming high

By KEVIN JAKAHI

Tribune-Herald sports writer

Inside the Laupahoehoe Public Community Charter School’s music building, Raeoi Espejo breaks the lonely silence during her daily two-hour air riflery practice, shooting at a target 32 feet away.

It’s a nice setup for her, away from the howling wind outside and protected from an overbearing sun, elements that are constant companions. Espejo is not alone, though she is the only Seasider competing in the Big Island Interscholastic Federation.

Her coach, Kayla Carvalho, is always there, after finishing her work shift as a clerk at Hilo Intermediate. She is a 2006 Kamehameha graduate, who competed in air riflery her last two years.

Carvalho not only offers pointers, but also doubles as a friend. She knows Espejo’s brothers, RJ and JR, from church, building a relationship with the Laupahoehoe senior, who’s been shooting for four years.

“What I’ve learned in air riflery as a shooter and coach is it’s a really good experience to see in yourself and overcome something, have that control in an environment and over your body and get it to achieve what you want,” Carvalho said. “I’ve known her for more than four years. She’s grown up a lot, learning things from air riflery and applying it to everyday life. She’s come in more confident than past years.”

Air riflery is a repetition sport — shoot at a target from the prone, kneeling and standing positions over and over again — built on dedication, patience and proper fundamentals.

“She’s got really good potential if she can focus more,” Carvalho said. “A big thing has to do with your breathing.”

Espejo’s best finish in the BIIF was fifth place, her best score 246 points. She’s never been to the state tournament, at least not in air riflery, where Waiakea’s Kellie Iwasaki won the title with 535 points over two rounds last year.

Espejo joined wrestling for the first time last season and qualified for states, gaining a measure of accomplishment. She went 1-2 and was out of the running for a medal. Still, reward isn’t always centered around finishing first or holding a medal.

“It was a fun experience,” Espejo said. “You can let out your aggression in wrestling. There were no girls in wrestling. My brother RJ encouraged me. He was also the coach.”

She also plays tennis. Her goals are simple: reach states for air riflery in her last stand, return to states in wrestling and have fun in tennis.

“I like the feeling of shooting a bull’s-eye after working so hard to get it,” Espejo said. “Kayla has taught me to have fun and enjoy shooting, and don’t be disappointed. I’ve learned how to focus and be self-driven and not let any mistakes stop me from shooting.”

That type of mindset has translated over to the classroom. She holds a 3.8 grade-point average. She hasn’t picked out a college, but dreams of entering the medical field.

Day after day at air riflery practice, it can be a lonely pursuit with no teammates to push her, much like studying alone.

“It’s helped me become more disciplined, to stop fooling around and concentrate and get things done,” she said. “That’s from air riflery. It does get lonely at practice sometimes.”

But with a friend and coach at her side, Espejo is never alone. Carvalho watches and helps. It’s a nice setup for Espejo, who neatly summed up the relationship.

“She encourages me and lets me have fun at the same time,” Espejo said.

To nominate a feature on an athlete, email kjakahi@hawaiitribune-herald.com.

In the spotlight

Raeoi Espejo

School: Laupahoehoe Public Community Charter School

BIIF sports: Air riflery, wrestling, tennis

Accomplishment: State appearance as wrestling rookie