You never know who you’ll run into at a restaurant in Mililani.

But I’m glad that I went to Chili’s last night. Besides getting a great burger. I got a big of great news on the side. (Get it? Cheesy play on the food theme. Wait cheesy is another tie in…smile.)

According to a family member of Makani Duhaylonsod - Makani is headed to the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Evidently the all-star pitcher really wants to try and win at the D1 level.

All the Hawaii schools wanted this talented four-year starter for Mililani. My source was also part of a strong push from Chaminade to get her to be a Silversword. But the D1 status and great success of Bob Coolen’s squad sealed the decision on where to play next.

Here’s wishing the best to Makani, her family and friends, as they all go on to a new ballgame.

P.S. To my “source” - awesome job! Food and conversation.

Tick, tock.

Time keeps marching on and propelling our internal life-ometers ever forward.

If I didn’t already know this a good reminder came the other day when I got a call from a classmate.

No not from college.  Go back a little further.

Yup, high school.  Those glorius days of running around with the gang with little or no worries.  Other than what movie in town to go see on the weekend.  Find the right prom date was one of the biggest dilemas.

Well those days have now added up to 20-years for the Mililani High School Class of 1988 and the call I got was from the reunion committee asking if I would emcee the dinner night. 

Of course I said yes.  I can’t wait to see my former mates from Mililani. 

When we were Trojans, there was no Mililani Mauka - still Pineapple fields.  Town Center didn’t open for shopping until our senior year and there was no Walmart there.  The school had less buildings with a big open front lawn.  The EK Fernandez carnival was held every year in the school’s parking lot as a fundraiser.

You know, when you were in high school, you couldn’t wait to get out.  Move on with life.  I mean it seemed like classes would never end.

But they do and did and once the graduation ceremony concluded it seemed like everybody scattered on the wind to begin the journey of really growing up.

Looking back I miss those relationships with friends, even casual ones, the most.  Silly conversations, going to football games on the bus, and wondering if that girl would say yes if asked out.  Smile.

Out of the class of ‘88 we have some great people who have gone on to big things.  Since this is usually a sports blog - I’ll single out Ma’a Tanuvasa.

The “Rock” received a scholarship to play football at UH and went on to win a couple of Super Bowls with Denver.  After his playing days he moved his family back to Mililani.  Like the joke goes, most of us simply moved from Mililani to Mililani Mauka…lol.  Ma’a now works on campus and helps coach football at MHS.

I see him around the hood frequently and he’s in great shape.  I also see his daughter, who is also a great athlete, all grown up.  Which again, makes me feel “older.”

No complaints I’ve been very fortunate in the past 20-years…just don’t know if I’ve grown up yet.  Do we ever hit a stage where we feel completely grown up?

Thanks for letting me go away from just sports on this one…lol…  I’d love to hear about your thoughts and memories on high school reunions and growing up.

 *** P.S. - If you’re a class of ‘88 Trojan and need info on the reunion activities…let me know too ***