So I just watched a video clip from tonight's Kalaheo game. The video showed live footage of Coach Chico being honored for his years of work. This is his last season.
Coach Chico, thanks for raising the level of Hawaii Basketball. After the late Pete Smith passed away, Coach Chico continued producing excellent teams at Kalaheo who competed and always improved. This may be his best coaching job ever....
Thank Coach Chico and enjoy your retirement, you deserve it!
Thank you Coach Chico!
Wow Chico Retires!! I never seen that coming! so who's gonna take over? Alika Smith maybe???? Nah he's got a perfect job!
Ditto. His natural talent to communicate things to his player's and decipher immediately their take/level of understanding was something I had never seen before.
He's a master of the yo-yo hug and can turn your frown upside down before a tear can well.
With a unique mixture of grit, ferocity, humor and basketball knowledge he earns each and every player's loyalty from the get go and doesn't let it slip.
I selfishly wish there was more time for me to work with him. I knew that every day I came to the gym, I'd learn something new and valuable.
While many may remember the pacing, yelling Chico, up and down the sidelines. I will remember his softer side, his compassion and understanding towards the young men that played for him. His willingness to teach the game of basketball. His ability to simplify the game to it's prime numbers.
I and many others will miss him. A supremely talented coach. An even better friend and person.
I heard that Alika maybe interested in his old stomping grounds. But who knows? What is more important? Legacy and History or Pipeline for Talent?
Coach Chico you will be sorely missed. I wish you all the best in the years ahead in whatever you may choose to do. You have exemplified the true meaning of a coach. My hats off to you for the fine young men you have created, not only with their play but their integrity as well.
Jones, who is going to wear the fanny pack now???
Damn!!!
The new Kalaheo Mustang Coach will be? Coach Hoop Fanatic!
Nah, I can't wear the fanny pack. Jones, maybe he can take over....Jones, you down to wear the historic fanny pack?
Sol Batoon
Kalaheo for a small school has a proud tradition. You have a strong alumni, many students doing well in life and coming back to alumni functions. Great coaches in Merv Lopes, Pete Smith and Chico Furtado.
16 OIA championships in 33 years of existence. AD Lee Cashman was responsible for getting the program where it is today. Mr. Cashman still comes to the games and supports him team along with Mr. Nakashima. Mr. Nakashima's son Wade was a guard on the 76 team and a strong alumnus giving back to the school.
Aaron went to Kalaheo for two reasons,strong tradition and secondly, Chico Furtado. Chico in the mid 70s was an outstanding PG at Iolani and was a shooter. Chico was strong minded, take on any comers. He was a guard and I wanted him to instill that toughness within Aaron.
Chico will rip you one minute and praise you the next. You learn from Chico's methods. It will be sad to see my son's senior year end, I enjoyed the four years of basketball at Kalaheo.
In closing, in the offseason Aaron play pick up ball at Aikahi with strong alumni such as Ryan Hogue, Nate Iijima, Brian Yule and the list goes on. They look out for each other.
I wonder who will be the next coach? Coach Marciel? Alika Smith? Chic Hess? Scott Kato? Kelii Tilton? Any other ideas?
wassup, I used to play at Aikahi back in the days. Great games I tell you. Wish I could go back and play. I'm glad Aaron is doing well this year.
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