Kayla Gayer made quite a debut in a new weight class.

The Moanalua senior was the lowest seed at 103 pounds, but pulled off consecutive victories to win the division at the Oahu Interscholastic Association Eastern Division championships yesterday at Farrington.

After missing a tournament due to an upper respiratory infection, Gayer, who had been wrestling at 114 pounds, decided to move to 103 for the rest of the year.

"I feel like 103 might be my best chance for states," Gayer said. "I felt good at (the lower) weight. I was really confident in myself."

Gayer defeated Kahuku’s Aarica Barcina, the top seed, in the semifinals to advance to the final against McKinley’s Marissa Rogers, who beat second seed Janine Doble from Farrington.

In the final, Gayer got off to a strong start early with a takedown, then finished off Rogers in the second period by pinning her.

"It’s all about the mind," Gayer said. "If you can’t see it in your head, you won’t be able to do it. I just relied on my technique and skill to make it happen."

Wrestlers from six different schools took home titles in the 11 girls’ weight divisions. Kahuku won the team title by dominating the heavier weight classes. Kristy Rabaino (114), Uilani Freitas-Smith (140), Anela Santiago (155), Joreece Peapealalo (175) and Libby Petrie (220) all won individual weight divisions for the Red Raiders.

The boys’ 120-pound final was a possible preview of the state championship match. Kaiser’s Ryan Nakagawa, a two-time defending OIA champion at 114 pounds, pinned Moanalua’s Jacob Palimoo to take the championship.

Nakagawa, who said he didn’t want to be burned out by cutting the extra 6 pounds, is the favorite to win at the state tournament, but has plenty of competition.

"Some of the other guys in the East, the ILH, the Big Island all has good guys in this division," Nakagawa said. "I felt slow and sloppy in the middle of the season but my brother and my coaches have really worked with me on my technique and I’m finally feeling like it’s all coming together."

Nakagawa said the division has "either six or seven" wrestlers that placed in states a year ago.

At 171 pounds, Kalaheo’s Jesse Carney made it look easy, winning the division by beating Moanalua’s Shannon Ayson in the final 12-3.

Carney got an early takedown in the match and was never in danger as he now sets his sights on trying to win the OIA tournament.

"I’ve wrestled for four years now and always placed like fourth or fifth," Carney said. "It’s time to find out if I can (take first)."

A standout football player at Kalaheo, Carney said there’s no doubt as to what’s the tougher sport.

"Wrestling by far," he said. "It’s easily 10 times harder, plus it’s all up to you. You’re the only one out there wrestling and if you make a mistake, it’s all on you."

Kahuku also took home the boys crown, edging Farrington 144.5-137. Scott Santiago (135), Jheryl Makaiau (215) and Kuukamlaniokealoha Aalona (285) won individual titles for the Red Raiders.