Matt Murakawa has been named interim varsity football coach at Waianae High, athletic director Kekoa Kaluhiokalani confirmed.

Murakawa succeeds Mike Fanoga, who left in mid-June to take a position with a junior college in Florida, Kaluhiokalani said. Murakawa was the JV head coach two years ago, which was Fanoga's first season at Waianae. Murakawa had also been a varsity assistant before his stint as the JV coach. He will be entering his ninth year of teaching (math) at Waianae.

Kaluhiokalani said because the change came late, the position is interim until the school can formally open it up to the public. He said the school won't open the position until after the season.

Murakawa said he has kept the staff left by Fanoga. Bobby George will be the offensive coordinator and Ryan Lancaster will be the defensive coordinator. 

Waianae, known for grinding opponents on the ground, will employ an offense with "roots in the run-and-shoot," Murakawa said. George was an all-state quarterback for in the early 2000s at Saint Louis School, which popularized the run-and-shoot.

About 60 varsity players have been turning out for conditioning drills, Murakawa said.

Fanoga coached the 2019 season after replacing Walter Young. Last season was canceled by COVID-19.

Also, Kaluhiokalani said that Kaena Keiki and Ono Bane will be the girls varsity volleyball co-coaches for the Seariders. They replace Dan Kitashima.