Early season tests should steel Crusaders

So much for easing into the job.

Before first-year Saint Louis head coach Matt Wright leads the Crusaders into the Interscholastic League of Honolulu schedule, they’ll test themselves against two state tournament participants stacked with returnees and a nationally-ranked power from Las Vegas.

"You always want to put yourself against the best teams," Wright said of an early season schedule featuring Farrington, Baldwin and three-time defending Nevada state champion Bishop Gorman.

"What we focus on is each play, each rep, each set. … By the time we reach our ILH season, which is a challenge in itself, we’ll be battle tested and, God-willing, healthy, and at the same time I think it will really bring the team together."

The schedule provides a challenging introduction for Wright in his first season as a head coach. An ‘Iolani graduate and former University of Hawaii linebacker, Wright was promoted from defensive coordinator to head coach on June 1 after Darnell Arceneaux’s sudden resignation.

Matt Wright took over as
head coach after Darnell
Arceneaux resigned.

"To step into this kind of role, it is a daunting task, but at the same time it’s an exciting task," Wright said. "The transition between Darnell and myself was very smooth, I think because we kept everyone on staff. There wasn’t any big shift. It was just a role change."

Wright has coached at Saint Louis for seven years, first breaking in with the junior varsity staff. Most of the assistants also returned following Arceneaux’s departure, creating a sense of ease for the players despite the change.

"We know Coach Matt is a good coach, we’ve known him for a long time so everyone knew what he was capable of," senior receiver Jeremy Tabuyo said.

While taking on the added responsibilities, Wright is sharing defensive coordinator duties with Chris Brown, another former UH linebacker. Ryan Shimabukuro will handle the play-calling for an offense Wright hinted will have a few new wrinkles this season.

"I think people are going to be surprised with what we’re going to do," Wright said. "It’s going to be a change, at least offensively. We’re going to have some old, but a lot of new in there. I’m just going to leave it at that."

One constant remains the presence of Vinny Passas as quarterbacks coach. Passas, who tutored Saint Louis’ storied line of passers, will work with a returning starter in senior Kawai Mook-Garcia, while Tabuyo headlines the receiver corps.

Tabuyo said he’s back at full strength after tearing his ACL, MCL and meniscus last season. He had surgery on Nov. 11, but was back running with the track team in the spring. He closed his junior year by finishing second in the 100-meter dash at the state track and field championships in May.

"I know there are people thinking I won’t be the same," Tabuyo said. "I rehabbed hard and I came into the season knowing there are people out there doubting me and I use that as motivation."

Wright expects Tabuyo, who has committed to Texas A&M, to draw attention from defenses, but he won’t be alone in pressuring opposing defenses. The Crusaders also return receivers Frank Abreu and Ricky Ahlo-Pinera, while Reeve Koehler, another of the state’s most coveted recruits, leads an offensive line clearing the way for running back Adam Noga.

Defensive end Kamalei Correa will also be the subject of recruiting speculation, and Wright foresees a breakout year for senior Jaron Hall-Moniz at the other end of the defensive front.

Colton Goeas, a Tennessee commit, and Drew Duarte return to the linebacker unit, and Wright praised the abilities of safeties Pali Galdeira and Jacob Lacaden.

Several of the Crusaders’ seniors contributed to their state championship run two years ago, then endured a 6-4 finish last fall as the Crusaders missed out on the postseason. Now they’re hoping to script a strong finish to their careers as Wright takes the next step in his coaching progression.

"I think the boys are hungry," Wright said. "They understand the highs of winning a state championship in 2010 and the lows of going through what we went through last year and I think they’re just excited to go out there and prove themselves."