Jernigan propels Kealakehe to second at state swimming

Tribune-Herald

Cara Jernigan won two gold medals Saturday and Kealakehe rode strong performances in the relays to a runner-up finish at the Hawaii High School Athletic Association swimming championships in Honolulu.

Three years after helping the Waveriders to a team title as a freshman, Madison Hauanio finished her high school career with another gold, swimming the anchor leg as Kealakehe won the 200-yard freestyle relay.

Meanwhile, Hawaii Prep senior Anu Nihipali successfully defended her crown in the 100 backstroke.

The next girls race, Jernigan’s victory in the 100 breaststroke, was more of a surprise. The field included two swimmers, Waiakea’s Madisyn Uekawa and Iolani’s Aja Grande, who had accounted for the past three breaststroke titles at states.

The quartet of Jernigan, a junior, Hauanio, Leahi Camacho and Sarah Somsanquansit combined to medal in all three relays. Kealakehe was third in both the 200 yard medley and 400 freestyle.

Camacho added individual silver in the 500 freestyle and Hauanio was third in the 100 backstroke.

Hilo High was the top Big Island Interscholastic Federation boys team in fifth, getting a runner-up finish from Christian Kubo in the 100 breaststroke. Teammate Ryan Bisel was third in the backstroke.

Hilo senior Beth Tsuha finished second in the 100 free and third in the 200. Uekawa was runner-up in the 50, just ahead of Kohala’s Kassie Kometani, who won bronze.