On February 17-18th, Juniors Laulii Iosefa and Ezekiel Samuelu represented McKinley at the HHSAA Chevron Wrestling State Championship Tournament at the Blaisdell. Both placed 3rd in their weight divisions.

“I’m proud because I worked hard from the start of this season trying to win that state medal in my head,” Iosefa said.

Samuelu said he is proud of his results as well because he was unable to wrestle for half of this season due to a football injury.

“Something I learned this season is work harder in practice to get better,” Samuelu said.

Samuelu and Iosefa have set goals to win first in next year’s state tournament and plan to do this by working hard and practicing. Both did well and represented McKinley with pride, but there are some things these athletes regret, and will make sure to change next season.

“One regret I made was doubting myself before some of my matches. I’m [going to] fix that [by] thinking more positive and tell myself ‘I got this’ from the start,” Iosefa said.

“I think my regret for this season [is] knowing I could’ve done better. Next season I’m going to work extra hard,” Samuelu said.