Hunter Berger from Saint Louis School secured a remarkable achievement by winning the 138-pound weight class at the Texaco/HHSAA Wrestling State Championships, held on March 30, 2024, at Blaisdell Arena. He completed a flawless season with a decisive 12-4 victory over Pearl City’s sophomore, Ezekiel Fukui, marking his fourth consecutive state title. This grand slam victory underscores Berger’s dominance in high school wrestling.
“It’s awesome. I’ve been working toward this for forever now,” Berger stated after the match. He finished his senior year with an impressive record of 25-0. “I’m so grateful for Saint Louis and everything they’ve done for me, and all the people that have helped me along the way.” His victory was not just a personal triumph; it was also a moment of celebration for his school and supporters.
Kamehameha Takes Team Championship
The team championship saw Kamehameha Schools narrowly come out on top, accumulating 147 points to edge out Pearl City, which scored 144.5 points. This victory marks Kamehameha’s third consecutive state title under the leadership of coach Dave Chew. “It means a lot. It’s been a long season,” Chew commented, reflecting on the team’s journey. “Like any team, we’ve had our ups and downs, but we stuck together and came up on top.”
Chew emphasized the importance of teamwork in wrestling, stating, “Wrestling has a way of exposing you. You get what you earn, you earn what you get.” Kamehameha also had standout performances with Braven Moore winning the boys 106 weight class and Paliku Chang taking the boys 132 title. Hunter Paclib (165) and Shysen Dano (175) finished as runners-up, further demonstrating the team’s strength.
Kalani High School’s program continues to impress, finishing third with a total of 121.5 points. The Falcons sent three boys into the finals, a significant achievement considering they had not produced a champion since 1982 until last year, when Koan Hotema won the 106 gold medal.
Notable Performances Highlight the Championships
The finals featured several exhilarating matches, beginning with the 147-pound weight class. In a highly anticipated bout, Nanakuli sophomore Analu Woode defeated two-time defending champion Pai‘ea Kamaka‘ala of Kahuku with a commanding score of 13-0. Despite a challenging moment in the second period, Woode’s experience and skill prevailed. “It was scary, but I’ve drilled those positions a million times at practice,” he said, highlighting his preparation.
Among the younger competitors, freshman Silus Schulz from Radford achieved an upset by defeating top seed Daigo Tokunaga of Kalani. Schulz demonstrated remarkable control throughout the match, leading to his victory. “I feel great. I’m trying to get some food,” Schulz shared, revealing his light-hearted approach to the competition.
As he aims for a grand slam in future seasons, Schulz acknowledged the challenges ahead, stating, “My mom couldn’t come tonight. She had to work. My dad and my older brother are here.” He proudly credited his brother, who could not compete due to an ACL injury, for motivating him throughout his wrestling journey.
The Texaco/HHSAA Wrestling State Championships showcased the talent and determination of Hawaii’s high school wrestlers, with Hunter Berger’s grand slam and Kamehameha’s team victory standing out as highlights of the event. The night served as a testament to the dedication and hard work of all competitors involved, making it a memorable occasion for athletes and fans alike.
