On scholarship
Who: Brett Komatsu
School: Hilo
Sport: Baseball
Class: Senior
College: Simpson University
By KEVIN JAKAHI
Hawaii Tribune-Herald
Brett Komatsu doesn’t start for Hilo, the defending BIIF Division I baseball champion, but the lanky senior is a perfect example of resolve.
Last year, he was at Waiakea and didn’t make the team. Komatsu was on the junior varsity as a freshman and sophomore.
Sometimes, life throws an unexpected curveball that serves as a knockout punch. Komatsu has learned to bounce back by working harder.
“It was shocking to me,” he said. “I didn’t expect it. But coach Kaha Wong told me to keep working hard and don’t give up. That’s what I did.”
He’s been a student at Wong’s Big Island Baseball organization for a year, and only good things have happened since.
Komatsu recently signed a scholarship to play ball at Simpson University in Redding, Calif., where 2011 Hawaii Prep graduate Matt Kiyota is a junior catcher.
At the Trosky Showcase last December at Wong Stadium, Komatsu made an impression on the Red Hawks, who compete on the NAIA level.
Wong has landed over 60 college rides for his students, and Komatsu is the first to earn a scholarship after being cut from a BIIF team.
Komatsu is a relief pitcher and spare outfielder for the Vikings, who have returning starters in Micah Bello, Austin Aina and Noah Higa-Gonsalves.
His brother Chase Komatsu was a sophomore on Waiakea’s 2012 team that won both the BIIF and HHSAA state championships.
At Simpson, Komatsu, who has a 3.3 grade-point average, plans to major in business. His career aspiration is to be a firefighter.
“My parents (Clyde and Kathy) were a big influence on the decision I made and knew I always wanted to win a BIIF and state championship like my brother,” Komatsu said. “They told me it’s your decision, focus on school, continue to play baseball and try out for the team next year.
“I decided to transfer to Hilo High School. I’m appreciative of coach Tony De Sa for me being on the team. It’s a privilege since I got cut last year. He told me maybe I might not be playing outfield, but if I pitch I can help the team out. I’ll do whatever benefits the team, and hopefully we can win the BIIF title.”
Komatsu counts his brother Chase, who’s at Hawaii Community College studying to be a paramedic, as an influence.
“My brother won BIIFs twice (2012 and ’14) and one state title,” Komatsu said. “That was my one goal growing up. I wanted to follow in his footsteps.”
Komatsu is blazing a different path and a new trail as an example of resolve for anyone who’s been overlooked.
As a role-model for anyone who should follow in his footsteps, Komatsu has simple advice.
“Study hard, work hard and play hard,” he said. “Every day is a new opportunity. You can build on yesterday’s success or put its failure behind and start over again.”
To submit an On scholarship candidate, email: kjakahi@hawaiitribune-herald.com.
