I love going to the TCS Annual Biathlon for many reasons. I am always reminded of the extraordinary beauty of God's creation and just how blessed we are to live in such a stunning and picturesque place. I love watching the sun rise and the change in colors in the sky and over the ocean, as it slowly ascends. I am moved to tears every time I see Coach Chong lead the circle of prayer before the start of the race. At the sound of the horn, I look forward to seeing the swarm of adrenaline-filled bodies charge into the water as the white droplets of splashed water fly through the air in a disrupted fury. I love the walk back along the beach to the pavilion, excitement in the air, conversations of whose arms and head belong to the swimmer out in front as the cold, damp sand massages my feet. And finally at the finish line, my favorite part of the morning, I love to see fellow human beings, that have put in so much time, hard work, and battled many fears, accomplish a task so big and so fulfilling. There is victory for everyone at that finish line, for every person that crosses the line, for every parent watching, for every coach, teacher, volunteer, life guard, friend or classmate and there is victory for Jesus. I love going to the TCS Annual Biathlon, because it reminds me that where there is Jesus, there is victory.
Lucky Number Seven. This past Saturday, eighth grader, Jackson Henry blazed through the swim with an 8:10 split and maintained the lead the entire way around the 2.9 mile Lanikai Loop run for a finish time of 30:39. The second person out of the water was tenth grader, Alden Wendt. He too maintained his second place position throughout the rest of the race, and finished with a time of 31:35. The third place finisher in the PE heat was freshman Jesse Makuakane with a time of 34:55. Congratulations to all the finishers that trained so hard throughout the year! Victory.
This year it was especially great to see so many faculty participants, friend and family relay teams, and new and returning faces in the open division. The top three open division winners were a strong presence. Parent Harlan Klein took first place, with a time of 30:37. In second place was Sean Floeter (husband of first grade teacher Erin Floeter), with a time of 31:35, and third place went to Jason Lingel with a time of 36:22. Way to go guys! Congratulations also to the first relay team to finish consisting of senior, Laura Williams and 9th grader Van Sterenburg, with a time of 25:07. What a team! Victory.
A HUGE MAHALO NUI LOA goes out to everyone involved to make this event such a huge success. So many hands, and so many helpful and dedicated hearts went into making this a beautiful, fun, safe, and successful biathlon. Most of all we thank Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior for blessing us as individuals and as an Ohana and for showing our little school such enormous favor. Victory!
Kathy Katoa
Secondary Teacher & Coach & Parent