Ka Leo O Ka Lae`ula
January 2007: page 2

 

MASTER WOMEN LEAVE YOU BREATHLESS

Katie, Holly, Donna, Malika, Sharon, Jocelyn

Perhaps the heading should read… Master Women Breathless?  Our State race was one of those where you are heading into the final ¼ mile and you ask yourself how bad do you want it?    I could see that it was a close race, you know when you uni in a turn and you glance down the line to see how you stand… hmmm.  Well, it was us or Hui Nalu.  Our lungs were already screaming and burning, and the questions and thoughts start flowing in your brain…how many more strokes do I have to survive before I can pass out at the finish line?  I can’t let me crew down, come on give more, every stroke, dig deep, all the way. 2 more changes… okay, gasp, we are across the finish line, gasp, and I think we did it, gasp… I glance over to the competition as I am gasping for air yet trying to remain composed as if I was in shape.  Holly Dollar in seat 2 confirms my thoughts “I think we did it” she says.  Paddling back to our club our friends on the official stand confirmed a win and our teammates and supporters are happily cheering for us.         

WOW – we did do it.  LUOK Master Women – 2006 State Champions.  This winning crew consisted of Sharon Balidoy, Holly Dollar, Malika Wiezbowski, Donna Badome, Katie Thibault, and Jocelyn Hrkach. 

Other ladies helping to advance the masters to the states include: Caitlin, Mary, Beth, Kat, Martine & Emi.

CONGRATULATIONS

 

MaSteR MeN RuLe.

Reggie, Dave, Junya, Ricky, Henry, Howard

How about our Master men?  They had tough battles on the water all season long.  A highlight for this crew and for the club?  Winning the Master Men-Iron division in the 18 mile Queen Lili`uokalani Canoe Race held in Kailua Kona.  Not only were they 1st in their division but they were also 18th overall out of a field of 128.  Awesome!

The low down on the
             Master Men’s Crew…

We’ve got the Brothers Balidoy, Ricky & Reggie, in sync up front.  Both pistons firing strong and clean in the middle with Junya and “hit man’ Howard.  We’ve got 2 surfers in the back with a steward to many, Henry Lee in seat 5 & Mr. Inspiration Dave Kalama at the helm.
M.I.A. but also a member of this squad is The “weed whacker” – a.k.a. Herman Makua
Master Men rule on the water
             & in our ♥’s

Lani Gomes - Firefigher of the Year

 

That’s right – you heard it here. Lani Gomes is the 2006 Maui County Fire Fighter of the year! Holy Smoke! That is so awesome.