‘Iolani’s “One Team” concept was on full display last month as the Raiders won their 10th boys’ soccer championship over the past half-century, its first title since 2014. And like many other games throughout this season, the #2 seeded Raiders had to overcome adversity to pull this one out, rallying to win in the finals (2-1) via penalty kicks over a savvy, #1-ranked Mililani squad.
One of the great stories within this great story (if you’re an `Iolani fan, or perhaps just a fan of sheer perseverance) is the tale of Kaleb Abara, an `Iolani senior who has seen his personal share of adversity… from the very start. He spent hours after birth in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) to ensure that he didn’t have a suspected skull fracture from the delivery.
He’s overcome a childhood eye ailment and has dealt with long-time allergies to eggs, nuts, shellfish and dairy products; tough to be a kid at parties when you can’t eat cake; ever. He was also diagnosed with asthma and uses an inhaler- not an pleasant proposition for anyone, let alone someone expecting to play high level soccer. Five years ago while attending a Colorado soccer camp, he side-tripped to the E.R. to have his injured wrist x-rayed. He caught a break then- no break.
His luck wasn’t as good 14-months ago when he tore his ACL against the same Mililani team he just helped vanquish in the state finals. After arduous rehab, he’s returned to form, helping `Iolani begin its championship roll this past fall, 10-months after knee surgery. He became the team’s “go to” guy for penalty kicks- Mr. Clutch- and while he actually missed his PK in OT against Mililani, he did manage to connect on a 2nd half PK in that championship game, which helped propel `Iolani into overtime and eventually penalty kicks, where the Raiders prevailed.
While `Iolani’s “One Team” mantra reverberates throughout its hallways and harkens back to Reverend Kenneth Bray over 90-years ago, it is often mentioned and apparent on playing fields, courts, pools, ocean, and wherever else `Iolani athletic teams compete. Sometimes undersized, but never under-motivated, the Raiders’ “One Team” spirit and dependence upon one another reverberates time after time when a team (and individuals) accomplish a great feat. And now, due in part to Abara’s grit and great feet, `Iolani is the 2023 state boys’ soccer champs.
Think about it…