(Photo special to Hawaii 24/7)

MEDIA RELEASE

Kawaihae Canoe Club’s girls 12 crew wins the state championship.

From left: Monica Muskat, Britney Samio, Ellena Kaniho, Shania Souza, Brandee Samio and Ashlynn Kaiamakini (steersman).

These young athletes not only took the State Championship in their age division recently, but also went unbeaten for an entire regatta season.

Asked what contributed most to the win, the student-athletes who all attend Waimea Middle Public Conversion Charter School, unanimously attributed their success to Coach “Uncle Manny” Veincent, who was recently inducted into The Big Island Sports Hall of Fame for his many years as coach of the Kawaihae Canoe Club.

Asked what sticks out most about the experience besides the thrill of winning, the student-athletes agreed: The filthy water in Keehi Lagoon, where the state championship races were held.