Boys soccer team claims Division II Championship

MHS tops Kalaheo for first title win since 1977

Alexandria Buchanan, editor

1977 was the last year the McKinley High School boys soccer team held the title of OIA champions. On Feb. 3, the Tigers challenged the Kalaheo Mustangs and took home the Divison II Championship title with their 3-2 win, ending the 41-year dry spell.

“This season was just special. Even though we had a losing streak, we never gave up, stayed positive, and played our hearts out,” senior Hieu Huynh said.

Earlier this season, McKinley lost to Kalaheo 5-2. By halftime of the championship game, they were down to the Mustangs once again, 2-0. This time around, the Tigers weren’t going to let history repeat itself.

“They beat us the first time and we wanted to change it this time. People doubted us. We never had the numbers… but we overcame that and enjoyed the game,” senior Jonathan Mancia said.

The Tigers faced many challenges like lack of players and eight consecutive losses at the beginning of the season, but they were able to beat the odds to take the title.

“It feels good to be a DII champ. There’s no words to describe it,” Huynh said. “Being part of a team that’s making history for McKinley is just an honor. I want to walk into the gym and point at the banner and say I’m proud to be a Tiger.”