Kalaheo High’s Sakaguchi Is Knockin’ Down The Pins
With a second-place finish in the OIA girls bowling finals last October, Kalaheo’s Kristi Sakaguchi set the bar high for herself with two years of eligibility still remaining.
Kristi Sakaguchi
Now a junior, she’s off to another solid start. A month into the season, her three-game-high of 488 (total pin fall) is tops among OIA competitors to date. Sakaguchi recently took some time away from the bowling alley and her studies to visit with MidWeek’s Windward Islander.
Who has had the biggest impact on your life? My parents (Carolyn and Harry). I’m grateful for the fact that they’ve always supported me in everything I’ve done, and I understand that not all kids have that kind of support.
What is your earliest sports-related memory? When I was 5 or 6,I was in a commercial for Pali Lanes (bowling alley). I hadn’t even remembered doing the commercial until I watched myself on TV. It was weird.
How would you assess the 2012 season so far? As a team,we have a chance to make it to states, but even if we don’t, it has been nice meeting all of these people. We’re competitive, but we’re pretty humble about it. I appreciate that, and I think that spirit will help us go far. I believe in this team.
What’s the most important thing you’ve learned through athletics? To always stay positive. I’m pretty sure it’s this way in all sports, but I’ve definitely learned that if I don’t believe in myself, I won’t do well.
Who is Kalaheo’s hardest worker — the girl who gives 110 percent at all times? We have a new team captain, Pauline Gachalian, who is the most humble person on our team. She always makes sure her efforts benefit the team, and she brings energy and a happy spirit to the rest of us. I’m glad she was chosen; she makes it fun.
What Internet site do you frequent the most? Probably Facebook.
What is your least-favorite household chore? To be honest, I don’t have any chores, but I’d have to say making my bed. It’s my bed, and I ought to be able to do anything I want with it.
What movie could you watch over and over? Any classic Disney movie for me.
What’s on your iPod? A variety of stuff. I’m a dancer, so I have a wide range of stuff — whatever has a good beat.
Do you play video games? What are your favorites? Yes, I do. I’m an XBOX kid, although lately I’ve been playing computer games. I play a lot of ‘First Person Shooters.’
If you could have your pick, what celebrity would you choose as your prom date? Probably a Korean pop star.
You’re stuck on Kahoolawe and can have an endless supply of just one food. What would it be? Rice — I could live off of that.
