It took 14 years, more than a few heartbreaking losses, player development through at least two big classes and one golden goal for Waiakea’s boys soccer team to end its BIIF Division I title drought.
All things considered, the near two-year wait to try and muster up a repeat run hasn’t been that long.
Originally, the plan was for coach David Urakami to bow out last season with a bumper group of seniors, but that campaign was canceled by the pandemic. Something out there told Urakami, one of the longest-tenured coaches in the league, taking over in 2009, to come back for at least one more season.
“It’s totally up to the universe if it wants me to stay or not,” he said with a laugh. “I enjoy it.”
In the Warriors’ first game since beating Hilo High in overtime in the 2020 title game thriller in Waimea, they host Konawaena (0-2) at 4 p.m. Wednesday at Ken Yamase Memorial Stadium.
Most of the Warriors’ players will be making their BIIF debuts, but on a roster of 28 there are three juniors who saw playing time two years ago: forward Tevin Atwal, midfielder Tobias Johnson and fullback Sylis Conley-Ruth.
“They’re kind of our leaders right now,” Urakami said.
Other than that, “Thank goodness for club (soccer),” he said.
One of the strengths of the team figures to be a sophomore corp that includes forward Aziah Nelson and fullback Kaden Aguilar, who have been training over the years with Gene Okamura, coach of the UH-Hilo women and Kamehameha boys teams, through Rush Big Island.
“They have high soccer IQs and are very good,” Urakami said.
The 10th-grade group possesses a different skill-set than the John Grover-led senior class that spurred Waiakea to the title two years ago, but, Urakami said, “Teams will get irritated with the way they possess the ball.”
There is international flavor as well with two junior exchange students, center mid Dani Castro Mediavilla of Spain and fullback Jonas von Bargen of Germany.
“I look for them to provide leadership support,” Urakami said.
There are three players vying to play goalkeeper: senior Kainalu Mattos, junior Raiven Chinen and freshman Kawena Calles.
After opening with the Wildcats, Waiakea welcomes Hilo on Friday in a key early test for both teams.
“I’m looking forward to starting our journey,” Urakami said. “I think we have a good shot this year.”
Girls basketball
Waiakea 80, Pahoa 6: Avery Snyder paced five players in double figures with 20 points as the host Warriors improved to 3-0.
Ava Santos and Jolie Mantz added 13 points apiece and Maya Kaneshiro and Korri Fernandez had 11 each.
Jaylynn Kaawaloa-Alidon scored four points for the Daggers (0-2), who trailed 53-2 at the half.