Wolverines new WestPac nickname
Finding an identity for the five private schools in West and Central Oahu that compete as one organization hasn’t been easy.
Winston Sakurai believes he and leaders from the schools — Christian Academy, Hanalani, Ho‘ala, Island Pacific and Lanakila Baptist — are on the right path now. Pac-West, the conglomeration of those schools, officially changed its name to WestPac and unveiled a new logo and nickname on Thursday.
“We just want to be sure that we’re setting a good direction for the schools in WestPac,” said Sakurai, who was named the organization’s president.
Sakurai is current upper school principal of Hanalani Schools.
WestPac’s nickname will be Wolverines. The program had no nickname previously.
The new colors are black and silver, replacing the gold and white uniforms worn by the baseball team that played on the varsity level two seasons ago.
“We’re expanding, but we’re also branding to get the parents and students excited. We want all of the schools to be involved, to have our athletic directors more involved as sport coordinators.”
WestPac will play one varsity sport this year: softball.
There is also a junior varsity baseball team, and intermediate teams in baseball, softball and girls soccer.
“One of our goals is to have varsity teams in all sports,” Sakurai said.
Apana joins Punahou staff
Roosevelt’s loss is Punahou’s gain.
New Punahou baseball coach Kenny Harrison announced that Matt Apana has joined his staff as pitching coach.
“I told him, ‘I need you to do this, brah. Or I’m not going to take this job.’ He communicates so well with the kids, with the parents,” Harrison said.
Apana’s program at Roosevelt fielded some crafty teams that often eked out victories by doing the little things.
“As a friend, Matt is one of the most loyal people you can find,” Harrison said.
“He wants the best for the kids and he’s the best guy in town to help me steer this ship in the right direction. He’s a great person and we complement each other very well.”
Apana, 40, played at the University of Hawaii with Harrison.