At the state paddling championships Friday, Feb. 5, the MPI boys varsity team won their first heat, as did the Kamehameha team in its heat. That advanced both crews to the finals with no semi-final race required! In the final race, again it was MPI and Kamehameha trading leads. The Kamehameha came in about two seconds before the MPI team. The second place award will now be displayed at MPI. Such a great effort! Second place in Hawaii, where canoe paddling has been practiced for centuries, is a major accomplishment!
"This was a tremendous year for MPI paddling; from the newest paddler to our veterans, the entire team had a great attitude and an incredible work ethic," said coach Sara Hines. "We also had strong support from our team parents and the school community that was invaluable. Battling with Kamehameha Oahu throughout the ILH season certainly helped prepare us for the State competition where it again came down to a showdown between the two schools. Our team raced their best race of the season in the finals and we are incredibly proud of their accomplishments."
