Reservist relives state championship run 20 years later

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Phyllis E. Keith
  • 624th Regional Support Group Public Affairs
Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii --  When Tech. Sgt. Randolph A. Soriano played boys high school basketball for the Pearl City Chargers of Pearl City, Hawaii, his team qualified for the Hawaii High School Athletic Association Division I State Basketball Championship Tournament in back-to-back years--1992 and 1993.

Twenty years later, Soriano, a reservist with the 624th Civil Engineering Squadron, 624th Regional Support Group, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, found himself reliving that experience as the Chargers earned a berth in the championship tournament for the second year in a row.

Soriano, an assistant coach for the junior varsity team, stepped up to help out with varsity as they made a run in the tournament. He said he shared his past experiences playing in state tournaments with the players to help them capitalize on the lessons he learned.

Soriano said his style of play in high school was to drive and pass. He said, "I wouldn't take risks. When I talk to these kids, especially the guys who are juniors now, I tell them you've got to take those risks because you're only in high school once. You've got to give 110 percent that day."

Playing at the Neil S. Blaisdell Center in downtown Honolulu Feb. 22 was a treat for the team because they had never played in a big arena before, said Soriano.

Even though the team placed seventh in the tournament, they believed they could have advanced further, said Soriano. "Now they have something to strive for; we want to come back because we had so much fun," he said.

Soriano said his love for the game of basketball and the rewards he gets from giving back to his alma mater are what motivate him to coach. He said he still plays competitively and would like to form a team with his 624th CES unit members.

Even though Soriano graduated from high school 20 years ago, he is still in the game, living the team concept and serving his community.