Local briefs: Kona middle schoolers break world records; youth boxing showdown

KAILUA-KONA — It’s not often when history is made, especially at the intermediate age. But for Konawaena middle schoolers Teisa Manofetoua-Grace and Kamuela Grace, making history is just another challenge to conquer.

The powerlifting pair, both 14, broke state and world records in their respective weight classes this past weekend at the 23rd annual Sonny’s Bench Press and Deadlift Competition at Kapiolani Bandstand in Honolulu. The event pays homage to the late Sonny Renolo, a Hawaii powerlifting legend.

Manufetoa-Grace benched 143.2 pounds and deadlifted 319.5 pounds — both state and world records in the 14-15 division, according to the World Association of Benchers and Deadlifters (WABDL). Grace broke a state record in his class’s bench press, lifting 225.7 pounds. In the deadlift, he then broke a state and world record with a 468.2-pound heave.

Both lifters train at Imua Iron in Kailua-Kona.

Youth boxing showdown coming up

HI-PAL and Kona Gold Boxing Club will be hosting a youth boxing showdown on Friday, March 22 at Makaeo Pavilion at Old Airport. Admission is free, with the doors opening at 4 p.m. and the event beginning at 5 p.m.

Donations, vendors and food trucks are welcome. More details will be released as they become available.

Cowgirls take
season opener

Kohala softball opened its season in the most dominant fashion possible, routing Konawaena 15-2 through five innings.

The Cowgirls posted a seven-run inning in the third to pile it on against the Wildcats, as K. Marques and Camille Fuertes led the way with two base hits apiece — including a home run from Marques, who also pitched five innings in the circle for Kohala. The Cowgirls posted seven hits total, as Savannah Kupuka‘a and S. Marques additionally reached base with hits.

Kona had just one hit through the afternoon through pitcher Jaimaica Moses, who also threw for four innings.

Starting the year off on the right foot, Kohala (1-0-0) will resume action against Kealakehe at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Waveriders’ home field. Konawaena (0-1-0) will seek redemption against Waiakea at 11 a.m. March 16 at its home field.

Note: West Hawaii Today and Hawaii Tribune-Herald could not obtain the first names of the following players by Thursday afternoon, March 7: ‘K. Marques’ and ‘S. Marques.’ For any readers that can identify these players, please email clangs@westhawaiitoday.com or cwhitt@hawaiitribune-herald.com

Kona – Kohala baseball postponed

Per ScoringLive, Wednesday’s game between Konawaena and Kohala baseball was postponed. A make-up date is to be determined.