Saber Spirit Awardee 2019 - Lee Yonamine (Maui High Hall of Honor)

Описание: This video takes a look at our 2019 Saber Spirit Award honoree, Coach Lee Yonamine. It was produced by students in Maui High's Arts and Communication program for the 2019 Maui High School Hall of Honor Awards Banquet.

Maui High School's Hall of Honor SABER SPIRIT AWARD is awarded to an individual (not necessarily an alumnus) who is an unsung hero to the school, possibly volunteered at the school.

Our 2019 recipient of the Saber Spirit Award was Lee Yonamine, Baseball Head Coach 1988-2015

Coach Yonamine was involved with the Maui High baseball program since he was in high school. He played 4 years of Varsity baseball with his team winning the 1982 state championship during his senior year. Yonamine returned to the program three years later at the age of 20 and served as the JV head coach for two years and then as the assistant coach for Varsity for three years. He was involved in coaching youth baseball leagues at all levels including making it to three Colt League World series in 1991, 1992, and 1993. He took the helm as Maui High’s Varsity Head Coach in 1996 until he retired in 2014. He led the Sabers to 4 MIL titles and 14 state tournament appearances. Rallying support from parents and supporters in 1999, Yonamine also coordinated the construction of the first covered high school batting cage on Maui.

During his long tenure with the program, Yonamine mentored countless young athletes. He led his teams with integrity and a sincere love for the sport. “Even after retiring from the program he still checks in, asks about his former players, and is willing to help anyone with anything in any way he can,” states Maui High Vice-Principal Ty Ogasawara. “He’s a true blue Saber for life.” Current MHS Varsity Baseball head coach Chase Corniel, who played as well as coached under Lee’s mentorship, commented that “one can only imagine the sacrifice it takes to be a coach let alone a head coach for that long. Yonamine’s dedication to this program is like no other and is what I’ve learned from him and will continue to carry on in myself as the head coach of the program.”

________________________________________________________________________


Since 1995, the Maui High School Foundation has worked to promote and foster the development of Maui High School. The annual Hall of Honor Awards plays a vital role in connecting students, staff and community with Maui High’s rich history and proud heritage. The Banquet element serves as the Foundation’s top fundraiser and paves the way for the Foundation to offer scholarships and funding support to the school and its students. The Maui High School Foundation invites the community to join in this fun and inspirational evening that will bring family and friends together to honor pillars of Maui High’s legacy while helping to advance its future.