Seabury Hall competes in the Hawaii High School Athletic Association Division II state mixed canoe paddling championship race Saturday at Keʻehi Lagoon Beach Park on Oahu. Bryan Berkowitz/Seabury Hall

The Seabury Hall mixed canoe paddling team edged Nanakuli to win the inaugural Hawaii High School Athletic Association Division II state championship Saturday at Keʻehi Lagoon Beach Park on Oahu.

The Spartans captured the inaugural Division II state championship by crossing the finish line in the half-mile race at 3:55.72, beating Nanakuli by 0.37 seconds for the title.

The Spartans championship crew included Misaki Chun, Henry Devereux, Greta Freet, Wyatt Hartman, Odin Smith and Stormy Smith. Keolahou Luksic paddled in place of Devereux during the semifinal race. Additional members of Seabury’s paddling team included Kaiwihokua Brummel, Kailana Hagan, Wesley Kosaka and Noah Lopez.

“I am extremely thrilled for our school, athletic department, parents, alumni, coaches and, most importantly, our students,” coach Paul Kaʻuhane Luʻuwai said after the race. “This is not an everyday event or honor to reflect upon. As a coach, you always aspire to bring out the very best in your team and athletes, and I could not be more proud of what our kids accomplished.”

Seabury Hall’s mixed canoe paddling team won the Hawaii High School Athletic Association Division II state championship Saturday at Keʻehi Lagoon Beach Park on Oahu. Bryan Berkowitz/Seabury Hall

Seabury Hall finished sixth in the girls Division II final while Kanu O Ka ‘Āina took first. Castle won the Division II boys title.

This season marked the first year the HHSAA state canoe paddling championships have been divided into Division I and Division II, broadening opportunities and recognition for programs across the state.

“None of these championships come without dedication, commitment, perseverance, ability, a little luck, and a tremendous amount of hard work,” Luʻuwai said. “There are so many components that go into competing at a high level in any sport. I am fortunate that our students buy into the work and the sacrifice required to compete and to win.”

The Division II mixed title is Seabury’s sixth state canoe paddling championship overall. Previous titles include the Spartans winning girls division championships in 2013 and 2017 and mixed division championships in 2016, 2017 and 2018.

“I am so proud of our student-athletes for the leadership, commitment and teamwork they have shown all season long,” Seabury Hall Athletic Director Yaya Meyer said. “They truly embodied hard work and have represented Seabury Hall with excellence.”

Seabury Hall/Bryan Berkowitz