By: Makayla Dilliner
Being on a team never guarantees the amount of time you get on the field or court. But it is never a determining factor of where you want to go or who you'll become. From struggling to get playing time on the court to the athlete of the year, Ryan Hogue, class of 1999, now athletic director for Sacred Hearts Academy, shared his story of hard work and dedication.
While all athletes go through the process of elimination for a place on the roster, Hogue explained the heightened standards of Kalāheo basketball that resulted in multiple titles within the OIA and 3 state final entries. Even as a 6-foot-three freshman, he almost did not make the JV team.
“I was a part of the program when we were undefeated in the OIA for six years and we won the OIA all four years and went to three state finals,” he said. “And because of this, when I attended Kalāheo, it wasn't an easy path to play for the Junior Varsity or Varsity boys basketball team. It was very competitive to even make the team let alone to then be a player. I'm 6 '7 now but I was 6' 3 and as a freshman but there were six of us on the roster who were 6'3 or taller on the JV so that wasn't a given that because you were tall you were going to make the team.”
Wanting to secure a spot, Hogue explained that it was more than physical. From intention to emotions, Hogue explained what it took to get there. “I was very motivated but you know when you're young and in high school you're still learning where to put your intentions and effort. How to control your emotions and your attitude is a constant journey,” he explained.
But by his sophomore year, everything had changed. “Pete Smith, as a coach, saw something in me and I made varsity. By the time I got to my senior year, I had a good handle on my attitude, my effort, and the details. These were all the things I needed to work on.”
“So I needed to be in the gym before everybody else and I had things specifically I needed to work on that really became a staple of who I was as a player and who I am as a person,” he explained.
It was through this effort that Hogue was able to not only become athlete of the year in multiple sports but also obtain a full-ride scholarship to the University of Hawaii at Hilo. “I went from somebody who almost didn't make the team my freshman year to the athlete of the year and all-state athlete in two sports my senior year. What was a big thing for me was that our coach said I was the most improved player he'd ever seen in his coaching career. That just set me on my career of determination and work and perseverance,” he said.
With an 11-year record at Sacred Hearts as athletic director, it was after high school that Hogue knew he wanted to maintain a path toward athletics. Due to the impact of Pete Smith, Hogue came back to Kalāheo as both a teacher and coach for JV boys basketball and girls varsity. But after winning the OIA championship with the boys, he was asked to be athletic director for the Academy of the Pacific, becoming a full-time school administrator at the age of 26.
“We were the smallest school in the state and we went to three straight state tournaments and were ranked number one in the state. From there I went over to Sacred Hearts Academy and recently they added some things on so now I direct summer programs and after-school enrichment and a few other things,” he explained.
Apart from helping those in school, Hogue shared that he also dedicates time to the community through his foundation Flying High Hawaiian which seeks to support youth programs on the Big Island. An organization that all started with his former teammate. “He was a really well-respected community member and he died young at 38 of pancreatic cancer. We started a foundation because of his work with Child Protective Services. Our foundation raises money to donate back to high school programs and to youth clubs. We also support UH Hilo basketball by running fundraisers to support the things that he cares about. It has been a few years and we've raised over $50,000 to be able to give back to the Big Island in his honor,” he explained.
Hogue reflected upon his sports story and what students can learn from it. “Everything really allowed me to become who I am and that's something that I wanted to be able to do for other people. I connect well with kids and people because of my journey. I am able to share that attitude, approach, and accountability. I learned to never sit around feeling sorry for yourself but instead get things done, and from my experience, I'm able to work with people in that sense,” he said.
“I see that as an opportunity for preparing young people to really succeed in life and learn that you know the challenges and the dynamics of athletics really can help you to be prepared and successful in life.”