Kamehameha Maui Senior Soars to New Track & Field Triumphs

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - During the crowning of state champions in high school track and field events over the past weekend, Kaonohi Casco made an impressive leap into the annals of Hawaiian athletic history.

The senior from Kamehameha Schools Maui broke the state track and field record in pole vault with a jump of 15 feet 4 inches, surpassing a mark that had stood since 1997.

I approached it as I would with any other elevation. It didn't feel like a big deal," Casco stated. "My only aim was to get past this particular height.

In the moment, Casco tried to downplay the magnitude of the milestone, but admits that it’s always been on his mind.

"I've been discussing this record ever since my freshman year when I initially began pole vaulting," Casco stated.

Casco is a versatile athlete for the Warriors. This past season, he was part of the football team that secured the school’s inaugural Division II state championship.

On the track, however, he has yet to stand atop the podium; his highest state-level placement remains as runner-up.

I experienced an unusual sensation inside me, and when they questioned me about it, I responded, 'I'm simply unaccustomed to success.' " I mentioned to them that I felt quite strange, saying, 'I have no idea what’s happening,' and they replied, 'What exactly?' " Casco stated. "'The thing is, I've never triumphed before,'" I explained. This whole scenario seemed peculiar and far from ordinary.

He has faced far greater challenges than just coming in second place. Casco hails from Lahaina and resides approximately one hour away from Kamehameha’s Pukalani campus.

Although his family’s house made it through the wildfires unscathed, the event had a significant emotional impact.

When I returned to school and resumed playing sports, my primary focus was on being treated like everyone else," Casco explained. "If people didn't make a big deal out of it, I could avoid dwelling on the tragic events occurring in my hometown.

He simply aimed for a very optimistic perspective, and I believe perhaps one way he coped was by not dwelling on it excessively," remarked Casco's pole vault coach, Linden Wada. "He just attempted to carry on with his daily routine.

Throughout everything, Casco remained determined to achieve greater success. Following his graduation, he plans to carry on with his track and field journey at the University of Montana.

That really energizes the team. They enjoy it," stated Rudy Huber, the head coach for Kamehameha Maui track and field. "Despite what he might believe, he has provided significant inspiration to our squad, and we appreciate it.

"The voyage is an extensive one, and regardless of whatever challenges arise during this trip, it's crucial to remain modest and maintain discipline in our work, continuously striving for advancement at whatever pace possible," Casco stated.