While on Oahu, the trip itinerary was to include historical and cultural immersion, as well as many beachgoing activities. The group thought the biggest obstacle would be the Hawaiian Island All-Stars, but as two-time California State Champions they felt they would be ready.
The team departed out of Oakland on April 1st during their Spring Break. The trip appeared to be everything they had imagined as they soaked up the sun on Waikiki Beach, paid their respects to the fallen heroes at Pearl Harbor and did some serious shopping at the Aloha Swap Meet.
Things went off without a hitch until the morning of April 3, 2008 when a parent called to inform them that their airline ATA had filed for bankruptcy and their return flight was cancelled. The situation was so bleak at one point it appeared they might even miss their State Championship event if they could not get a flight home. One possibility was leaving 3 days early and missing the USGWA Hawaii Kick-Off Classic they had worked so hard for.
In true Springstowne Wildcat fashion the group came together and overcame great adversity during a very troubling time. The team voted to stay through until the competition was over. Coaches and chaperones banded together to figure out way home. Local media came to our aid and by trips end our team 's plight was covered on the NBC, FOX and ABC News(see links below).
The team remained focused on their job and represented at the tournament on April 5th, while Coach Trave and chaperones Kristen Guiducci and Susan Molina "camped" out at the airport to book an emergency flight home. Our ladies performed outstanding as all 9 girls medalled in the USGWA tournament and then stood their ground in the friendly exchange dual with tha Hawaiian Island All-Stars that followed.
Near tournament's end the good news came that our 3 heroes had indeed booked us a flight home on April 7th...only a day later than originally planned. The tedious ordeal was over and now it was time to celebrate all the hardwork and the tremendous efforts by our entire group.
Germaine's Luau was the site of the celebration and to many it was the highlight of the trip!!!
Sadly enough the trip was over and the group was ready to return back to Vallejo. But it did so learning valuable lessons in teammwork, friendship and family. They were also impressed by the compassion of the beautiful people of Hawaii who helped them throughout the ordeal!!! When interviewed by a news crew at the airport Alyssa Wong summed it up best when asked what she learned from the experience on this trip ...
she stated "It taught us how to stick together!!!"
The lesson carried over as less than a week later our 9 Hawaii medallists Desire Espena, Kelly Hoang, Monica Leones, Annabelle Molina, Mariah Noonan, Heidi Solar, Kresta Tabaranza, Raquel Torres, and Alyssa Wong each medalled at the California Girls Middle School State Championships and led their 6th and 7th grade teammates to Springstowne's 3rd Consecutive State Crown!!!
