The speech wasn’t difficult to write. All the 45-year-old Kevin Wong had to think about was what to tell the 17-year-old version of Kevin Wong during tonight’s Enterprise/HHSAA Hall of Honor induction banquet.
“Be grateful,” said Wong, one of the dozen Class of 1990 inductees. “There’s not one of the Hall of Honor members who hasn’t had a great family, great coaches, great genetics. Yes, there’s been tons of work involved, but all of them are very blessed.
“Life to me is a relay race. There are people who have helped me along the way, but I won’t be able to help backwards. Paying it forward, to help the next generation, is what is important to me.”
Wong took his All-State volleyball talent from Punahou to UCLA, where he was a three-time All-American and helped the Bruins to two NCAA championships. He switched from indoor to beach, where he competed at the 2000 Olympics, finishing fifth with partner Rob Heidger. Wong enjoyed a successful 15-year career on the AVP Tour, reaching the No. 1 ranking in 2001 partnered with former Buffanblu and Bruins teammate Stein Metzger.
HAWAII HALL OF HONOR
>> When: Today, 5 p.m.
>> Where: Dole Cannery’s Pomaika‘i Ballroom
>> What: 12 graduating Hawaii high school student-athletes will be recognized.
Wong’s Olympic career has continued as a broadcaster as a beach volleyball analyst at the 2012 and 2016 Games. He “lives on airplanes” with his TV work for the Pac-12 Network and the AVP having him flying to the mainland nearly every other weekend.
There’s also his coaching duties with Spike & Serve, the club he founded, which fields youth indoor and beach teams and sponsors high school, junior and adult beach tournaments. Wong is coaching two indoor teams while also on the beach several times a week with practices, clinics and community service projects.
“Life is very full,” Wong said. “I think I’m a little bit wiser now, and a lot heavier.
“When I look at this year’s class, I see what makes Hawaii such a special place. Look at the Molina family. They fit Hawaii sports to a T. Undersized, small town, confident, but with humility. That’s truly unique.”
This year’s class includes Konawaena’s Cherilyn Molina (volleyball, basketball, track and field). She joins sisters Chanelle (2016) and Celena (2017) in the Hall of Honor.
Wong, a two-sport athlete at Punahou (volleyball and basketball), said tonight’s speech “won’t solve all the problems of the world.
“If there’s any advice it’s take each play at a time,” he said. “If you make a mistake, learn from it and move on to the next play.”
Part 1: Hawaii Hall of Honor by Honolulu Star-Advertiser on Scribd
Part 2: Hawaii Hall of Honor by Honolulu Star-Advertiser on Scribd
