Still going strong

Makai Clemons has run up against adversity from the moment he entered this world. The Kalaheo High School junior developed into one of the state’s best runners while also helping the Mustangs’ cross country program gain prominence amidst an athletic department best known for success in basketball and outrigger canoe paddling. However, it was a race for his life that sparked an intrinsic knack for defying odds under pressure.

Clemons was diagnosed with an extremely low red blood cell count prior to his birth. If not remedied, the affliction would have limited his body’s ability to deliver oxygen to tissues and organs while leading to other serious complications. Clemons endured 13 blood transfusions through his first six months, some of which were done while he was still in the womb. Clemons said his mother, Malia, likened his blood to "watered down orange juice."

"My Mom always says that I’ve been a fighter, and am very good at not giving up," Clemons said.

After enduring the ordeal, Clemons’ body responded well to the procedures. Now, he is on pace to contend for his sport’s top prep prize at Friday’s HHSAA/Honolulu Marathon Cross Country State Championships at Kauai’s Island School on Friday. Last Saturday, the junior claimed the Oahu Interscholastic Association boys title at Central Oahu Regional Park by blazing through the standard 3-mile course in 16 minutes, 19.97 seconds.

"Once I passed the 2-mile mark, I had a pretty good lead," said Clemons after completing the same course on which he captured the OIA East championship on Oct. 5. The overall league victory was never in doubt as Kalaheo’s standout staved off Kalani’s Toshihiro Kosins (16:44.90) and Mililani’s Jakob Dewald (16:51.87).

"He hasn’t really been pushed this year," said Kalaheo’s second-year coach, Peter Jay, of Clemons. "He’s part of (the program’s growth), definitely. You always need a top runner, and he sure gives us a heckuva place to start. Last year, he got motivated and started training harder; he was looking to win."

In 2012 as a sophomore, Clemons made a late jump from the junior varsity squad and placed 45th at the state championship meet after completing the 3-mile run in 19:07.40.

Clemons says that was the turning point in his running career. In addition to completing the Honolulu Marathon in roughly 3 hours and 50 minutes, he also ran track during the spring to improve his speed.

During the offseason, Clemons spent time with his father, Steve, also an avid runner, training on trail runs — endeavors that Clemons credits for his ability to handle hills and inclines scattered throughout cross-country courses.

"I really got into running more, and started taking it seriously," said Clemons. "It was really enjoyable running with my dad. It’s awesome having parents that are super supportive."

With the state competition just days away, Clemons said he will keep to his routine that has proved successful thus far. He usually takes the day prior to competitions off, or does some light jogging to loosen up, but nothing strenuous.

"I’m going to stick with what I’ve been doing, maybe a few speed runs at my regular pace during the week — anything more, and I would only be hurting myself," Clemons said.

Clemons added that he is looking forward to facing top-flight competition on Friday, including defending state and Interscholastic League of Honolulu champion Davis Kaahanui, a senior from Kamehameha. Punahou senior Jacques Hebert, who finished third at the ILH championship meet over the weekend and notched a fourth-place finish at last year’s state championship, is also expected in Friday’s lead pack.

"If I push really hard, I can stay with him — but it’s not going to be easy," said Clemons of Kaahanui, who beat the Kalaheo sensation by "around three and 10 seconds" in two nonleague meets earlier this season. "I love to win, but my goal is to at least finish in the top two or three. I’d be happy with that, but would be thrilled to win."

Regardless of Friday’s result, Jay is pleased to have Clemons coming back for one more season.

"He’s putting the program on the map, and we’re lucky to have such a talented runner," Jay said. "He’s a humble kid, not somebody that has seen success go to his head. He leads by example."