Brett Kan
Class of 2007, from Aina Haina, Started Punahou in Kindergarten
Football: Quarterback
Q: Have you ever been to Seattle before?
A: I went on a family vacation. We only stayed for a day or two but I got to see a good portion of the city.
Q: What are you expecting during the trip?
A: I’m expecting a tough football game against a talented and speedy Eastlake team. I had the opportunity to meet Tanor Johnson up at the Princeton football camp this summer and he is definitely a very talented quarterback who no doubt will keep our defense very busy.
Q: What are you most looking forward to?
A: I’m looking forward to the challenge and excitement of taking a trip to play an out of state team, a privilege and an opportunity that most high school football players do not get to experience.
Q: What will be the most challenging part of the trip for you?
A: It might be a little tough to stay focused for the game while we are on a trip. The main reason for the trip is to compete in a football game, but I’m sure there will be many other fun and exciting things that come with taking this trip.
Q: How do you feel about playing in Qwest Field, an NFL stadium?
A: I’m extremely excited to be playing at Qwest Field. I get to watch professional athletes playing at that stadium every Sunday and now I’m going to have a chance to play on that same field. It’s the kind of thing that you dream about - putting on a professional football helmet, running out of the tunnel, and seeing thousands of fans cheering for you. We may not have the NFL helmets, but we are still going to have the opportunity to run out of that tunnel and see ourselves in a professional football stadium with fans cheering all around. It’s an opportunity that hardly any high school football players get to have, and we are very privileged to be able to play there.
Q: What would you say to the folks in the Northwest to encourage them to come to the events?
A: When’s the next time you’re going to get the chance to see a Hawaii team playing against another team from Washington? Interstate High School Football games are always fun to watch, often times with a lot of pride on the line as each team represents its respective state. If you really love watching football, these games will be amongst the hardest fought and most passionate that you will see all season.
|
Larissa Haley Nordyke
Class of 2007, from Majestic Manoa (I walk to school everyday), Started Punahou in Kindergarten
Volleyball
Other sports: Track (long and high jump), beginner basketball, beginner swimming
Other interests: Beach volleyball, going to the beach with friends, hanging out in Borders and reading; I used to play piano and flute until about a year ago and I hope to start up again
Q: Have you been to Seattle before?
A: I vaguely remember going to Seattle when I was about 5 to visit one of my dad’s best friends. I particularly remember the fish market, because the smell was so distinct. Otherwise, I don’t remember much about it and I look forward to visiting and sight seeing while we’re there.
Q: What are you expecting during the trip?
A: I’m expecting this to be a really fun and memorable experience, because every volleyball trip provides that characteristic.
Q: What are you most looking forward to?
A: I’m looking forward to bonding with not only my team, but also with the other athletes from Punahou and those participating in the tournaments. I’m looking forward to the lu’au (I love to eat) and to playing some fun volleyball. Mostly, though, I can’t wait to get to know my new team and to learn about each other. Every year with Punahou volleyball has been unique and special and with a new coach, this year, especially, will be exciting and memorable. It will be a lot different this year now that I’m a senior (I still feel like a freshman!), so I look forward to becoming a leader and someone that my teammates and others look up to while on the trip and for the rest of the season.
Q: What will be the most challenging part of the trip for you?
A: Though I look forward to being a senior and a leader, it will challenge me to consciously set a good example and follow in the footsteps of previous leaders (all of whom have been incredible) throughout this season.
Q: What would you say to the folks in the Northwest to encourage them to come to the events?
A: Well first of all, the food at the lu’au is going to be great. How can someone even contemplate not coming knowing that good food and old (and new!) friends are going to all be in the same area? Plus, the volleyball team has won State Championships -- and the football team battled it out during last year’s state championship game, barely losing to a renowned, winning OIA team (Kahuku). Our boys made history last year, so it would be great to make known their accomplishments on the mainland.
|
