ASSOCIATED PRESS
Before Bryan Clay became a two-time Olympic medalist
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Before earning the title of "world’s greatest athlete," Bryan Clay’s rare blend of speed and power propelled him to a place in the Hawaii High School Athletic Association Hall of Honor.
ENTERPRISE RENT-A-CAR /HHSAA HALL OF HONOR
What: 12-member Class of 2013 inductees will be honored
When: Today, 5 p.m.
Where: Sheraton Waikiki |
Both attributes are in abundance in the latest 12-member class, a group Clay will address tonight at the annual Hall of Honor banquet at the Sheraton Waikiki.
The class joining Clay — the 2008 Olympic gold medalist in the decathlon and 1998 Hall of Honor inductee — includes sprint champions on the track and in the pool and dynamic performers representing nine sports and nine schools.
Baldwin’s Keelan Ewaliko and Christian Academy’s Raion Black capped the 2012-13 high school sports year by winning the boys and girls 100- and 200-meter titles at the state track and field championships.
Seabury Hall swimmer Renny Richmond completed a four-year sweep of the 100-yard butterfly, setting the state meet record three times along the way while winning six titles overall.
Kahuku running back Aofaga Wily’s penchant for running through or pulling away from defenders defined one of the state’s most prolific rushing careers. Speedy Red Raiders teammate Kawe Johnson possessed game-changing potential whether on offense, defense or special teams. Kamehameha-Hawaii’s Shaun Kagawa’s quickness was a prime asset as a cornerback and a point guard.
Punahou linebacker Isaac Savaiinaea emerged as one of the state’s most coveted recruits with his ability to run and hit. ‘Iolani basketball and softball standout Alex Masaquel posed an intimidating presence in the paint during her winters and at the plate in the spring.
The powerful arm swings of Hawaii Baptist Academy’s Michael Fisher and Punahou’s Carly Kan netted both All-State volleyball player of the year honors. Kamehameha duo Dane Pestano and Bree Rapoza combined strength and quickness to dominate their divisions during decorated wrestling and judo careers.
Clay earned membership in the Hall of Honor as a Castle senior in 1998 following an astounding performance at the state track and field championships. He set state meet records in four events that May and built upon his high school achievements with a successful career as a decathlete at Azusa Pacific University.
What followed was a storied ascent in the national and international ranks. He won a silver medal in the 2004 Olympic Games and the gold in 2008 in Beijing.
