Pearl City's Apelia Hokoana
(Wed) March 23, 2011
Edward Jackson (OIA Contributing Writer)
Pearl City’s
Apelia Hokoana says she enjoyed her high school days as a wrestler and judo
participant despite a host of injuries, having placed third at states in the
120 weight division at the 2010 girls wrestling championships. “I’ve challenged
girls from all over the islands and the experience has been enjoyable. I have had
an opportunity to develop close friendships with many competitors and enhanced
my ability to confront difficult times,” the senior said.
“I practiced
judo because it helped me learned how to take an opponent to the mat, but my
main sport is wrestling,” Hokoana revealed. “My freshman year I participated in
wrestling and judo, but my sophomore year I injured my leg in wrestling
practice at the beginning of the season so I wasn’t able to do any sports. Then
I came back my junior year for wrestling and judo.”
“I was
determined to get back on the mat as soon as possible. I had surgery then went
through months of rehab. The end result was a third place finish at states,”
Hokoana noted.
This
wrestling season Hokoana injured her leg once again but says she hopes to
return for a final curtain call in the sport of judo in the 122 weight class.
“Overall, I
had lots of fun and feel that all of the hard work was worthwhile. When I
started school here at Pearl City I had no prior experience in either sport,
but I had a desire to go out there and try. So I asked if I could participate
and the coaches welcomed me with open arms. Once I joined I liked it,” Hokoana
said.
“I think
that from my participation in these sports it has helped me to develop
confidence and character for my future. It taught me to be strong and not give
up no matter what’s happens,” said Hokoana.
The daughter
of Patricia Jones and Charles Hokoana says she hopes to advance her education
beyond high school but is still deciding which occupation to pursue.
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