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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Saturday, July 28, 2007

ISLE FILE
Brennan, Kamana'o earn WAC honor

Advertiser Staff

University of Hawai'i athletes Colt Brennan and Kanoe Kamana'o were named recipients of the 2006-07 Joe Kearney Award, the Western Athletic Conference announced yesterday.

The award, given annually to the top male and female WAC athletes, is named in honor of former the former WAC commissioner.

Brennan, a junior from Irvine, Calif., was named 2006 WAC Offensive Player of the Year and third-team Associated Press All-American. He guided the Warrior football team to an 11-3 record and finished sixth in the Heisman Trophy voting.

Kamana'o, a senior from Hono-lulu and 'Iolani School, was named WAC Player of the Year for the third consecutive time and is a four-time all-WAC first-teamer and four-time American Volleyball Coaches Association All-American. Kamana'o completed her career ranked seventh in NCAA history in assists (6,428).

The male award is selected by the WAC athletic directors and the female award by the senior WAC woman administrators.

Brennan is the first UH male award winner. Kamana'o, who won the award in 2006, is the second Wahine volleyball player to win the award twice (Kim Willoughby won in 2003 and 2004).


GOLF

HONOLULU'S CHING TIED FOR SECOND IN FLORIDA

Honolulu's Alex Ching is tied for second midway through the second round of the boys division of the Optimist International Junior Golf Championships at the PGA National Resort and Spa in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.

Ching shot a 1-under 71 in the first round and played the first nine holes in yesterday's second round before play was suspended. The second round will be completed today.

Kaua'i's Cory Oride is tied for 142nd after shooting 83-80—163, while Mililani's Jared Sawada is tied for 147th after shooting 82-81—163.

Michael Peter Alenjandro of the Philippines is the clubhouse leader at 3 under through 12 holes.

In the girls division, 'Aiea's Anna Jang shot a second consecutive 79 and is tied for 21st place at 148. Honolulu's Brittany Isobe shot 100 and is tied for 101st at 188.

Kelly Fuchik of Tulsa, Okla., is the clubhouse leader at 1 under. Play was suspended yesterday and the second round will resume today.


SURFING

FOUR FROM HAWAI'I IN CONTENTION AT OPEN

Four Hawai'i surfers are still in contention in the men's professional division of the Honda U.S. Open of Surfing. Hawai'i surfers Kekoa Bacalso, T.J. Barron, Dustin Cuizon and Hank Gaskell advanced to the fifth round of the contest yesterday in 1- to 2-foot waves at Huntington Beach, Calif.

Bacalso was one of the standouts of the fourth round, receiving a two-wave score of 15.17 (out of 20).

"I guess I am surprised a little bit myself, but I just love surfing out here," Bacalso said. "Even when it's small, you can still find sections to hit."

Four other Hawai'i surfers were eliminated yesterday — Joel Centeio, Bruce Irons, Fred Patacchia Jr. and Roy Powers.

In the women's professional division, Megan Abubo was the only Hawai'i surfer to advance to the fourth round.

Three other Hawai'i surfers were eliminated yesterday — Rochelle Ballard, Melanie Bartels and Bethany Hamilton.

The U.S. Open of Surfing is the largest contest in California, although it is not part of the World Championship Tour.

THREE ADVANCE TO FOURTH ROUND IN TAHITI

Hawai'i surfers Duane DeSoto, Scotty Fong Jr. and Bonga Perkins advanced to the fourth round of the OPT Tahiti Pro Longboard contest yesterday at Papara, Tahiti.

The third round was completed in 2- to 4-foot waves at Taharuu Beach.

Fong had one of the best heats of the third round, receiving a two-wave score of 14.66. Perkins also had an impressive heat with a two-wave score of 14.0.

Keoni Perkins, Bonga's son, was knocked unconscious during a wipeout in his third round heat and needed to be rescued by lifeguards. He was taken to a hospital for treatment and is reported to be in good condition.

ALOHA STADIUM



AUTHORITY GIVES APPROVAL TO MANIN HIRE

The Aloha Stadium Authority approved the hiring of Lois Manin as deputy stadium manager at a board meeting Thursday.

Manin, 39, leaves her post as Director of Sports Media Relations at the University of Hawai'i, a position she has held since 1995.

"It's an exciting opportunity for me, I'm definitely looking forward to it," said Manin.

Scott Chan, who was hired as Stadium Manager in May after serving on an interim basis, said he reviewed "just a few" applicants for the opening. "I don't think there's any question that her experience is invaluable and we're excited to have her as part of our Aloha Stadium 'ohana," Chan said. "I think this will benefit not only (Aloha Stadium), but the University of Hawai'i as well, being that they're a major partner of ours."

Manin, a 1986 Kaiser graduate, served as the primary media contact for the athletic department and its 19 intercollegiate sports programs.

"It wasn't an easy decision because I grew up around UH athletics, but an opportunity only presents itself so many times." She begins on Aug. 16. The pay range, according to Chan, is from $68,000 to $72,000 a year.

"It's a good opportunity for me to work for a guy like Scott," said Manin. "I'm really looking forward to working with the staff there."

Chan is still in the process of hiring a chief of security. Stephen Lee has been serving as interim events manager.