Lāna‘i Military Prep Athletes Run Nation’s Capital in Army Ten-Miler

by Matthew Segault

For four Lāna‘i High School students, a year of early-morning miles, discipline, and dedication culminated in an unforgettable moment on October 12, 2025, when they crossed the finish line of the Army Ten-Miler in Washington, D.C. Representing the island’s Lāna‘i Military Prep (LMP) program, these young athletes joined more than 27,000 runners from across the globe on a course that wound past historic landmarks before ending at the Pentagon.

The runners — Kyler Kageno, Brandt Kageno, Peter Chew, and Kingszon Sanchez, trained for over a year to prepare for this moment, each logging more than 500 miles in the six months leading up to the race on the island of Lāna‘i. Their achievement stands as a testament to small-town grit, teamwork, and leadership.

“This was an unbelievable effort by these young men,” said Matt Segault, founder and head coach of Lāna‘i Military Prep. “Their perseverance, discipline, and commitment to early-morning training show the kind of leadership and toughness we strive to build in our youth. They didn’t just prepare for a race they prepared for life.”

Building Leaders of Character

Founded in September 2024 by Matt and Jolene Segault, Lāna‘i Military Prep was created to challenge student-athletes to reach their physical and mental potential while building the values of leadership, responsibility, and service. The program’s coaching staff includes Nelinia “Ning” Cabiles (Endurance Coach), Clive Cabiles (Strength and Conditioning Coach), and Bruno Amby (Team Advisor).

Coach Ning is an elite, highly accomplished competitive long-distance athlete who has completed multiple ultra-endurance events, including races exceeding 100 miles. Her experience and discipline set the standard for the team’s endurance and mental toughness.

Training began with four weekly sessions at 5:00 a.m., rotating between strength training, running, rucking, and swimming. In the final six months leading up to the Army Ten-Miler, the team transitioned to long-distance running three times a week, pushing through Lāna‘i’s steep hills and warm mornings to prepare for the cooler D.C. climate.

“The consistency was key,” said Segault. “Every mile built not just endurance, but confidence. These kids learned how to push through discomfort and that’s what leadership looks like.”

A Moment of Grit and Inspiration

During the race, Kingszon Sanchez twisted his ankle near mile marker four. For a moment, he considered not finishing. But then, as he slowed, he saw a Wounded Warrior competitor, a veteran running the same course on one leg. Inspired by that sight, Kingszon told himself, “If he can do it with one leg, I can do it too.” With determination and courage, he pushed through the pain and completed the full ten-mile course.

“That moment really showed what this program is about,” said Segault. “It’s not just physical training it’s mental resilience, perspective, and heart.

Leadership and Service in Action

Segault draws on his background as a First Sergeant (E-8) in the U.S. Army Reserve’s only Drill Sergeant Unit in Hawai‘i and as the School Resource Officer with Maui Police Department at Lāna‘i High & Elementary School.

“I’ve run this race twice before as part of the Army Reserve 9th MSC Pacific Team, but this was my favorite experience by far,” he said. “Running beside the students we trained for over a year watching them dig deep and finish strong was something I’ll never forget.”

The Army Ten-Miler, established in 1985, is organized by the U.S. Army Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) program and attracts tens of thousands of runners each year. Proceeds support Soldiers and their families through MWR programs worldwide.

The Heart of LMP: Team Mom Jolene Segault

While the runners and coaches pushed through months of grueling training, the behind-the-scenes organization was powered by Team Mom Jolene Segault, whose efforts kept the entire operation running smoothly.

“There is no way we could have done this without Jolene’s efforts,” said Segault. “She organized every fundraiser, booked every flight, managed every travel detail, and kept everyone motivated when things got tough. She’s the heart of LMP.”

From bake sales to community sponsorships, Jolene’s coordination ensured the team could travel from Lāna‘i to the nation’s capital; no small feat for a youth group based on one of Hawai‘i’s most remote islands.

“For me, it was about giving these kids a chance to see that hard work opens doors,” Jolene said. “Watching them cross that finish line after all those 5 a.m. mornings was emotional. They earned every mile.”

A Team Effort

Matt and Jolene also credited Coaches Ning, Clive, and Bruno for their dedication throughout 55 consecutive weeks of training.

“They were there before dawn, week after week,” said Segault. “It takes commitment like that to turn an idea into something that changes lives.”

Segault also thanked the parents, families, and supporters who made the trip possible through donations and encouragement. Special appreciation went to Jackie and Jesica, who both ran the race. Jackie, his sister-in-law, proudly beat him to the finish line. Melvin, Jesica’s husband, and Landon, Jackie’s 15-year-old son, cheered the team on from the sidelines. The group also shared the race with participants from the FBI Academy and Lt. Pallone-Dela-Torre, who ran in the same wave and took photos with them at the finish line.

Looking Ahead

Now back home, Lāna‘i Military Prep celebrates 55 continuous weeks of training and an unforgettable experience that brought the island community together.

“These students proved that leadership, discipline, and teamwork can take you anywhere even from the island of Lāna‘i to the Pentagon,” Segault said.

Plans are already underway to expand LMP, with hopes of recruiting new members and preparing another team for future national events. The Segaults, their coaching staff, and the LMP families plan to continue building a tradition of excellence one mile, one rep, and one leader at a time.