Nolan Tokuda went 89-50 in 12 seasons leading the Mules, including OIA and state championships in 2007. Steve Erler | SL

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Nolan Tokuda went 89-50 in 12 seasons leading the Mules, including OIA and state championships in 2007. Steve Erler | SL

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Leilehua football coach Nolan Tokuda, who led the Mules to their lone state championship in 2007, has stepped down.

Tokuda compiled a coaching record of 89-50 in his 12 seasons in charge of the Mules, including a 10-4 mark in 2007 when they claimed both OIA and HHSAA Division I titles behind then-sophomore quarterback Andrew Manley.

Longtime defensive coordinator Mark Kurisu has been named as Tokuda's successor.

"Mark Kurisu has been ready for years now. He could have been a coach at any state, in any state, or even coach in college, so knowing he's been loyal to me and stayed all these years and that it's his time now, I only wish the best for him and there's no doubt in my mind that he'll be successful taking the team to the next level."

Tokuda, a counselor at the school, said part of his reason for stepping down was to put his name in the hat for the Mules athletic director position, which will become vacant once James Toyota retires at the end of the current school year.

"With Mr. Toyota retiring in June, I have from now until that time that I can keep training on the job," Tokuda said. "Nothing is guaranteed. It's not like I know I'm going to get the job or anything like that, but as a football coach you want to be prepared and give yourself the best chance."

Tokuda said former athletic directors Richard Townsend (Leilehua) and Dan Hironaka (Aiea) were influential figures for him.

"Those two men made a positive impact in my life and that's something I wanted to do myself," Tokuda said. "Those two guys did a lot for me and I wnat to do a lot of these kids here."

Kurisu has served as defensive coordinator under three different head coaches (Cass Ishitani, Jake Kawamata, Tokuda). He served as interim coach for the 2011 season when Tokuda took a sabbatical leave.