KEAAU – It started with a thud. Caden Pasa’s thud.
The Kamehameha judoka took measure of his Hilo High opponent, then flipped him hard on to the mat to score a loud victory that drew a wince or two from Vikings onlookers. There were plenty of them because there were plenty of Hilo participants.
Other matches Saturday at Keaau High in the second BIIF judo meet of the season were more deliberate.
“Preparing for this season has been challenging due to COVID and a bit of uncertainty still,” Hilo High coach Kerwyn Tokeshi said. “It feels good to be back.
“Everyone is shaking off the rust. Two years ago, we were one tournament into the 2020 season when COVID-19 shut everything down … including club judo … so no one has been practicing for at least two years.”
The time off seemingly hasn’t hurt Hilo’s numbers. When the schools lined up single file at the beginning to bow in, the Vikings’ line was markedly longer.
“We are fortunate to have a decent turnout this year,” Tokeshi said. “My girls roster is at 16 and my boys roster is also at 16. For the team portion of high school judo, filling all 10 girls and boys weight classes is ideal.
“My team is a mix or experienced judoka (club kids), wrestlers and a lot of brand new judoka.”
That numbers advantage came in handy in the duel format, with each Vikings squad reeling off wins against Kamehameha, Keaau, Konawaena and Waiakea.
Under Tokeshi, Hilo’s girls claimed their first team title in 2019. It would be reasonable this season for the Vikings to eye their first sweep of the crowns, especially with a win against Waiakea, a perennial contender, under their belts.
“Another typical Hilo vs. Waiakea matchup,” Tokeshi said. “Very competitive. We did win, but the team championship tournament is the one that counts. We need to continue to work hard to stay competitive with our crosstown rivals.”
His top contenders for BIIF individual gold, he said, are Tyler Yoshiyama, Iverson Babas (108 pounds) and Dayson Castillo, as well as Irie Sakai (154) and Lilliane Toledo (220).
Under coach Jason Tanaka, Waiakea’s boys were rolling along with three consecutive BIIF titles and primed for another when the pandemic caused the shutdown. Tanaka called the Vikings the clear favorites this season.
“This is a growth year for us with many underclassmen, but we can fill most of the weight classes,” Tanaka said.
He listed Kyler-Jay Aguiar (108), Noah Vento (121), Jordan Nakamoto (132) and Matthew Okuda (178), and Elena Shibuya (109) and Lily See (115) as holding the greatest potential to win BIIF gold.
The season continues this Saturday at Hilo High, where a tournament will be held for the open and novice divisions.