By Dennis Fujimoto – The Garden Island
Todd Kane graduated Kaua’i High School in June, and since then, has been working out at the school’s weight room using a schedule from the MIT football program.
However, the Red Raider who sported the No. 57 jersey on the field is also eyeing the college’s wrestling program after he recently came home in the Top Eight at the national competition.
Kane said he wrestled in the seventh and eighth grade while living in California, and when the Kaua’i Police Activities League (KPAL) offered the wrestling program under coach Tom Perry, he joined up.
“I couldn’t have done it with-out them, “Kane said of his wrestling partners and coaches.
Within a year of starting, KPAL took a contingent to Maui for the state competition where Kane earned the trip to the nationals by topping his age and weight group.
“The kids were really good, “Kane said. “There was one boy from here who pinned his first three guys, but dropped the last two. That was darned good.”
“I was impressed by the kids who went, “Kane added. “I remember the first time I wrestled ” I got hammered.”
Kane added, “We had five kids who medalled on Maui. And, they never wrestled before in their life.”
At the national competition, Kane finished in the Top Eight in the 152-pound weight class, noting that he got better between the end of the state competition and the nationals.
While spending three years at Kaua’i High School, Kane has been involved in a variety of sporting activities including being on the Red Raider football team for three years as an offensive lineman as well as linebacker.
Kane also participated in the Kaua’i High School track program for three years, competing in both the 800- and 1500-yard running events.
At the commencement ceremonies, Kane was one of the Class of 2005 valedictorians.
“It was real fun being here, “Kane said. “I really liked it.”
Working out three times a week at the weight room, Kane said he’s pretty sure of being accepted in the football program, but is seriously considering walking on for the wrestling team.
Kane credits his wrestling accomplishments to coach Perry as well as his wrestling partners Paul Zina, Mark Thompson, and Archules Singson.
Michael Tresler is the president of the KPAL program with Ozaki serving as the program coordinator.
Kane leaves this week for college where he plans to major in aerospace engineering.
Ross Shimabukuro, one of the Kaua’i High School teachers who coordinates the use of the school’s weight room said that Kane has been dedicated in his workouts.
The weight room, whose walls are filled with photos of Red Raider athletes’ accomplishments and achievements, settled into a lua’u mode last Tuesday night when Shimabukuro coordinated a cookout for all the seniors who will be leaving for college.
Wrestling Gear
