A quintet of freshman wrestlers from Hawai'i are blazing a new trail at a small, liberal arts college in North Dakota.

Jamestown College, a private Presbyterian school with about 1,100 students, began a women's wrestling program this year with 20 freshmen, including five from the 50th state.

Chaelyn Tan (Kapolei '08), Tani Ader (Farrington '08 of Kalihi), Raquel Pa'aluhi (Wai'anae '08), Ku'uipo Badayos (Mililani '08) and Pi'ikea Kalalau (Baldwin '08 of Wailuku) took a chance on the NAIA Division II school that was recognized in the "Best Colleges 2009" edition of the U.S. News and World Report.

Jamestown, located about halfway between Fargo (the largest city) and Bismarck (the state capital), is most famous for being known as the Buffalo City. It is home to the world's largest Buffalo, the National Buffalo Museum and North Dakota Sports Hall of Fame.

Jamestown head coach Cisco Cole recruited each member of the group during several national tournaments, including last year's Junior Nationals in Fargo.

"It was partly through the national rankings (that I learned of them). I went to the High School Nationals in Oklahoma City and met four of them there last March and then they came (to the campus) for a visit when they were in Fargo," Cole said.

Despite the all-freshman roster, the Jimmies have fared well this season — thanks in part to the group from Hawai'i.

"They've all started for us at least one point in time this season. They all have good work ethnic and they demonstrate a passion for it," Cole said. "We thought if we could get a couple of those girls with experience and also a desire to wrestle in college, with the success that they've had, it will breed more success."

Jamestown went 2-0-1 in dual matches during the short season, but numerous individuals captured tournament titles as well, including Kalalau at the Saskatchewan Husky Tournament in December. Kalalau was first in the 138-pound division after winning all three matches by pin fall.

Ader made it to the final of the 121-pound division, but could not compete due to injury. Badayos (138), Tan (121) and Pa'aluhi (130) also placed at the tournament.

"I think they've all improved tremendously, but they were all talented to begin with," Cole said.

Ader won three state championships in both wrestling and judo as a Governor, Badayos and Kalalau won state wrestling crowns as seniors, and Pa'aluhi and Tan also earned medals at February's state tournament.

"All five of them have demonstrated that they can wrestle and win at this level," Cole said. "I really believe that all five of them can have tremendous amounts of success at this level."

The Jimmies leave tomorrow for National Duals in Cedar Falls, Iowa. The two-day, eight-team tournament starts Saturday.

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