'Anuenue's Naumu now certified A.D.

Advertiser Staff

Charles Naumu, athletic director at 'Anuenue School in Palolo Valley, was recently recognized as a Certified Athletic Administrator.

Naumu, who is also prinicpal of the Hawaiian language immersion school, was recognized by the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association. To earn the distinction, Naumu had to demonstrate knowledge and expertise in interscholastic athletic adminstration. It also included an evaluation of his educational background, experience and professional contributions along with a written exam.

"This recognition takes several years to accumulate the necessary points in coaching, classes and administration of athletics," Naumu said. "It's almost like an advanced type of degree."

The certification was voluntary but with it comes benefits like liability insurance for his athletic programs. Naumu hopes the certification will help bring himself and his programs up to the level of others in the state.

'Anuenue has 350 students in its K-12 programs with about 80 in grades 9 to 12. About two-thirds of those at the high school level compete in the school's athletic programs or for Roosevelt High School, which has welcomed 'Anuenue students to teams the immersion school doesn't field.

"I'm hoping it will pay off for the students who came through our program," Naumu said.

Naumu hopes to add more sports at 'Anuenue. Last year, the girls paddling team finished third in the state.

GIRLS VOLLEYBALL

Kang Invitational champ ranked No. 2

Mira Costa (Manhattan Beach, Calif.), which defeated Kalani, 25-16, 25-14, for the Ann Kang Invitational championship at Iolani on Saturday, is ranked No. 2 in the nation by PrepVolleyball.com

Mira Costa went 33-4 last season. Kalani won the O'ahu Interscholastic Association last year and finished third in the state tournament.

Punahou coach Scott Rigg said his defending state champion Buffanblu would have liked to have participated in the Ann Kang Invitational, but decided not to because they were involved in tryouts.

Punahou did not start a senior in last year's state title match against Kamehameha.

"It's too distracting to try to hold tryouts and play these games at the same time," said Rigg, who had a turnout of 24 players when practice opened.

"We'd be caught in a situation of trying to evaluate players and determine roster spots, and also win games at the same time. It's too bad, but maybe we can get the (Interscholastic League of Honolulu) to let teams start practice (a week) earlier."