Blast from the past: Saia Lotulelei qualifies for NAIA wrestling nationals

I was re-reminded of Saia, the three-time state-champion wrestler out of Maui High last week when I did this story on his brother.

Saia Lotulelei won his state high school titles for the Sabers at 215 pounds and then twice at 275, in 1999, 2000, and 2001.

Over the weekend, Lotulelei, now a York (Neb.) College freshman, qualified for NAIA national championship meet in Des Moines, Iowa, that starts March 1.

Lotulelei got there with four straight wins after an opening loss to the eventual champion, finishing third at 285 in the NAIA Northern National Qualifier in Fremont, Neb. After being pinned in 4:19 in his opener, Lotulelei won matches, 2-1, 12-5, by pin in 2:28, and then 6-5.

You can check the brackets here — click on the blue "Box Score" near the top and they will pop up. Had to search for that link — York College has not yet updated their sports website with the news.

I have been in contact with York's SID, who doubles as the school's women's soccer coach, about talking to Saia and his coaches for what promises to be a fun feature before nationals. Stay tuned.