Student-athletes thank athletic department
Photo by Analicia Kapua
Coaches Dayle Hoopii, Erin Harkleroad, Charles Roggow, Alika Asing, David DeJetley, and Jon Viela, athletic director, stand in front of a sign the Lettermenʻs club put together to celebrate the athletic department March 15. The students gathered at lunch and thanked the athletic department for all they do.
The students and faculty of Kamehameha Schools Maui joined in Keʻeaumokupāpaiahiahi to celebrate the athletic faculty Thursday, March 15. Vice Principal Leo Delatori called the athletic staff to the Hoʻokipa Room in the dining hall for a meeting, and when the athletic department came out of the room afterwards, there was a huge sign to greet them. It was signed by many students to display their gratitude for the staff.
Among the staff was a long-time student favorite, Coach Alika Asing.
Asing, also known as “Coach Alika,” has been working at KSM for 17 years as an athletic trainer.
He is “known for always being happy and positive,” junior Cheyenne Yap said.
Many athletes come to him for guidance and sometimes just to socialize before practice. Throughout his time working at KSM, his best experiences have been with the students.
“Theres no place Iʻd rather be than helping our Hawaiian students. Being able to touch the young athletes’ lives and seeing them come back from an injury. The best part is seeing them compete again. Not even money can accomplish that,” Coach Alika said.
Brooke “Kamaile” Asing, daughter of Alika Asing, is a junior at KSM and has personally worked with her father to better herself.
“He is my motivation and number one supporter in everything I do. If I ever fall short, he is the one to pick me right back up,” she said.
Coach Alika has had a large influence on students across the campus, especially those who pursue sports in college.
“Coach Alika has always been a joker but when I went through a hard time sophomore year, he always has supported me to do my best in high school tennis,” junior Kayleen Lau said.
Coach Alika along with the rest of the athletic department have served as leaders for young athletes for many years. The celebration in March was one way for students to show their appreciation to a small staff who impact haumāna in a big way.
