Over two thousand miles from home and only two days of practice, the Mission San Jose High School Warriors entered Hawaii’s 30th Annual Stanley Costales Sr. Memorial Baseball Tournament as clear underdogs. Facing off against the Big Island’s top three teams from last season only added to the challenge.
Ultimately, Mission came up short, losing 14-4 to the Hilo High School Vikings, 16-2 to the Kamehameha Hawaii School Warriors, and 10-0 to the Waiakea High School Warriors. However, the team views the trip as a success, leaving with unforgettable cultural and competitive experiences.
During their stay from Feb. 12 to 17, the Warriors participated in several sightseeing tours. These were primarily organized by Mission head coach Bobby Kanno, a Hilo native who played for the Vikings in high school.
Kanno, utilizing his local connections to provide an authentic experience and reduce travel costs, arranged excursions to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Kailua-Kona and the Hamakua Coast. The team also learned how to fish with bamboo poles and were surprised with a luau upon their arrival in Hilo, courtesy of Kanno’s friends.
“I think the team really enjoyed seeing how I grew up and how the people [in Hilo] are,” Kanno said. “The people really showed that aloha spirit. Everybody was willing to do a little bit to help us, and the team really felt the people caring for them.”
In addition to their outdoor adventures, Warriors players bonded in their hotel, hosting team football games and video game tournaments.
“We brought along a Nintendo Switch, so my roommates and I were playing Nintendo Switch Sports Golf a lot,” pitcher and second baseman Varun Rangarajan said. “Along with the sightseeing, hanging out with my teammates in the hotel room was my favorite part of the trip.”
On the field, the Warriors often found themselves outmatched, but Kanno was pleased with his players’ frequent perseverance and sportsmanship.
“We didn’t quit and were competing until the last out, which I really liked,” Kanno said. “And the players were very supportive and communicative with the other team. Actually, if someone got on base, for example, they were talking with them and sharing their life experiences.”
Furthermore, Mission’s players see an opportunity to elevate their performance back home based on their experiences in Hawaii.
“Basically every pitcher we faced was committed to college somewhere or on MLB draft boards, so we definitely learned from [versing them] what brand of baseball we’re good at and what we need to focus on,” team captain Nikhil Mehta said. “We play a lot of small ball and steal a lot of bases. We just have to play more solid defense.”
Since returning from Hilo, Mission has already shown signs of growth, winning two of
their past three games and scoring a combined 22 runs. The Warriors will look to further their
momentum on Thursday, March 14, at 4pm, when they face the Hayward High School Farmers
at home.
To continue following Mission’s season, visit www.maxpreps.com.
