For years, the canoe paddling mixed crew, composed of paddlers from both St. Louis School and Sacred Hearts Academy, has raced with intensity and a purpose – but never with the chance to compete at the Hawaii High School Athletic Association (HHSAA) state championships as a crew. 

This season, they fought to make a change. 

After bringing back the varsity mixed crew for another season and capturing a Division II win, the team and coaches are once again making their case for why they deserve a chance at states. The partnership between the two schools under one club, Kanalui Canoe Club, has long aimed to expand opportunities for their mixed teams to represent their schools at the highest level in Interscholastic League of Honolulu (ILH). 

“We’ve always enjoyed racing the mixed crew. It’s a super fun race,” said Coach Jordan Terry ‘11. “We’re going to try it again and again until it works out.”

In previous seasons, attempts to qualify a mixed crew for states were denied at the state level. Concerns ranged from fairness to fears of creating a boosted “super-team” by combining athletes from Division I St. Louis team and Division II Academy team.

“If we make an impact, how can they deny us the opportunity?” Terry said. “If the island is not going to put in their best representation for a state race, it might not look good.”

For second-year paddler senior Tyler Biessel, racing on a co-ed crew brought a different dynamic to the water.

“Racing in a mixed crew was definitely different, but that’s what made it so fun,” she said. “Getting to paddle alongside our brother school and then actually win our division together was pretty amazing.”

Her efforts were matched by her teammates; they knew what they were fighting for and pushed hard to finish the season strong.

“It’s always worth it,” Terry said about the experience. “It’s kids getting out to a sport we love and having fun and competing.”

Coaching boys and girls in the same boat can bring up some challenges. While stroke mechanics stay similar, differences in strength and application need harder collaboration between the team. 

While no official state berth has been given yet, the DII championships add weight to the team’s argument.

“I’m always proud, no matter the results,” Terry said. “Our season is demanding. I really hope winning D2 makes an impact.”

For now, the coaches will continue to train and compete new generations to advocate for the opportunity they believe they’ve earned. Whether or not state officials approve the berth next season, the message from the club is clear: They’re not done asking.