ISLE FILE
Ching invited to U.S. soccer team camp

Advertiser Staff

Hale'iwa native Brian Ching has been called into the U.S. National Team camp for upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against El Salvador and Panama.

Ching

"The matches against El Salvador and Panama represent a critical time in our efforts to qualify for the 2006 World Cup, and this group of players gives us the best chance of being successful," coach Bruce Arena told ussoccer.com.

Ching, a 1996 Kamehameha graduate, leads Major League Soccer in scoring with 11 goals. He scored the game-tying goal in the opening match of semifinal qualifying for the World Cup against Jamaica on Aug. 18.

Ching, a forward for the San Jose Earthquakes, has earned three caps, or international appearances, with the U.S. National Team.

VOLLEYBALL

Hawai'i-Hilo's Parker honored by PacWest

Shara Parker, a senior outside hitter from Sandy, Utah, was named the Pacific West Conference Player of the Week after leading the Vulcans to a 3-1 record this past weekend.

The transfer from Northern Illinois University had 70 kills and 32 digs at the Hawaiian Style Classic at St. Andrew's Priory Gym.

Parker twice recorded 25 kills in four-game matches against Humboldt State (Calif.).

SWIMMING

Maui Channel Swim set for Saturday

The world's longest open-water relay swim race, the 2004 Maui Channel Swim, will take place Saturday from Lana'i to Maui's Ka'anapali Beach Resort.

Members of the six-person relay teams will swim half-hour legs in the 9.5-mile channel until all members have participated. Then each will swim 10-minute legs until their team finishes. Each team will have a designated escort boat in charge of navigation.

The winning team receives the koa wood Duke Bowl.

Going back to 1972, the swim has featured competitors from the Mainland, Australia, Japan and Switzerland. Last year's winning team included Olympic gold medalist Amanda Beard.

For more information, call race director Ian Emberson at (808) 652-4740, or visit www.mauichannelswim.com.