MEDIA RELEASE

Mayor Billy Kenoi will join friends, family and supporters Sunday evening at Hilo airport to greet the World Champion Hilo All-Stars team as it returns after victory in Bangor, Maine.

The Hilo team led by manager Kaha Wong defeated Rose Capital East Little League of Tyler, Texas 11-1 in five innings for a decisive Senior League World Series victory today.

The homecoming will include a water cannon salute by the Hilo airport state fire department crews, and entertainment by the Hawaii County Band.

“Hilo and the entire State of Hawaii wants our champion athletes to know they have made us very, very proud,”  Kenoi said. “Their demonstration of determination, skill and sportsmanship was unforgettable. We also want to show our aloha for the parents, coaches and volunteers who supported this world champion team.”

The team is scheduled to arrive 7:40 p.m. Sunday in Hilo on United/Continental Flight 1253 from Los Angeles.

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Hilo shutdown its last opponent Saturday in Bangor, Maine to win the Senior League World Series and bring the crown home to the Big Island.

The 14- to 16-year-old Little Leaguers thumped Tyler, Texas 11-1 in five innings, when the game was ended because of the 10-run mercy rule.

Quintin Torres-Costa was the winning pitcher in the title game, while Koa Matson knocked out a three-run double in the bottom of the fifth to end the game.

About 1,250 people were in the stands at Shawn T. Mansfield Stadium to watch the West and the Southwest champs battle it out.

Hilo, representing the West, outscored opponents 51-12 in the tournament and allowed only 2 runs in its final two games.

The team is coached/managed by Kaha Wong.