Konawaena junior Kapoina Bailey had a breakout season last year on the wrestling mat, but one obstacle always stood in the way.
Bailey lost to Keaau’s Ivory Ayers in the 168-pound weight class final at the BIIF and HHSAA championships.
Ayers graduated, but nothing has changed at Konawaena, where there’s a strict mindset in place under second-year coach Walter Watson.
“There’s always room for improvement. You can always get better as a team and individual,” he said. “It’s all about being confident in yourself, your moves, and conditioning. What we’re teaching is heart and effort.
“Being on the mat is a lot like life.