The team of Nicole Romano, Evelynn Aponte, Jessica Aponte, Kayla Grimmett, Jordan Ines and Jemory Castro represented Radford proudly in winning the Varsity Girls Western Division one-mile paddling race at the opening of the Oahu Interscholastic Association Regatta season on December 19 at Keehi Lagoon.

The paddlers coached by Gino Daytona says they are striving to win the OIA title this season and hope that this first meet victory gives them the momentum that they need to continue successfully on this path.

Commenting about the victory, Steersman Nicole Romano joyfully said, “It was really tough out there. The wind kinda pushed us along, but it was our drive to win that powered us over the top. This team did a wonderful in proving to ourselves that we can be victorious if we work together.”

Romano added, “Ever since second grade I’ve been participating in this sport. This has been a goal of mine to compete in high school paddling. I like the fact that we won today, but our team knows that we have to continue working hard the rest of the season.”

Senior Evelynn Aponte emphasized that her role on the team is to keep the boat moving and keep the energy going during the turn. “This is my third year competing in this event. We made it to states last year, but we never got first place or anything like that. This season our objective is to believe that we can do it because if you don’t believe then you won’t succeed,” she said.

Jessica Aponte, who paddles from seat five, commented “I try to keep the momentum up and get us through the turns as fast as we can. Last season, I paddled on the junior varsity. We normally got first place and we want to keep it up this year.”

Seat one Kayla Grimmett believes her training during track and cross country seasons helps her stay in condition for the rugged paddling. “I paddle from the stroker position. I set our pace and everybody follows me. It’s lots of fun, but I have to stay in good shape. During the summer I paddle for a club team, and during fall and spring seasons I spend my time competing in running events. All of this training helps me stay strong and gives me experience in leadership.”

The OIA Championships will be held on January 23 at 2:00 p.m. at Keehi Lagoon.