26-02-2025
Moanalua wrestler Taam completes Grand Slam, undefeated prep career
Wrestling history was made over the weekend at the HHSAA State Wrestling Championships, where Moanalua senior Tyger Taam capped off a legendary prep career with a fourth consecutive state title.
The 144-pound champion joined an elite group of wrestlers by completing the Grand Slam, but what truly sets him apart is his perfect record. Over the past four years, Taam never lost a match, finishing his high school career with a mind-boggling 98-0 record, solidifying his place among Hawaii's all-time wrestling greats.
For Taam, the journey to perfection required relentless discipline.
'Every week, cutting weight, practicing, sacrificing going to parties, not eating, missing out on events—it's a lot,' Taam said. 'But it's all worth it. I would never take it for granted because it was a great time, even though I might have been really hungry sometimes or stressed out from the pressure. I appreciate that it happened.'
Even with an unbeaten record, there were days when Taam didn't feel at his best—whether battling fatigue, illness, or simply being out of rhythm. But he found ways to push through.
'Whenever I'm feeling down, I always tell myself that not everything is going to be perfect or go the way I want,' he said. 'I just have to push myself through it because in life, things won't always go the way I want. It's all about how I adapt.'
With high school in the rearview mirror, Taam is preparing for the next chapter at Menlo College, where his sights are set on even greater goals.
'I want to become a Division II national champ, and I believe I will,' Taam said. 'Believing in yourself is the most important thing in wrestling. You can train as much as you want, but at the end of the day, the guy who is mentally stronger is going to do better. Your mind will break a lot faster than your body will, so I always tell myself to push through and believe in myself.'
Taam wasn't the only wrestler to complete the Grand Slam over the weekend. Kamehameha-Maui's Mikah Labuanan, competing in the 150-pound division, became the first male wrestler from the Valley Isle to win four consecutive state titles.
In the team competition, Kamehameha-Kapalama took home the boys' championship, while Moanalua claimed the girls' title to cap off an unforgettable weekend on the mat.
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