Santiago and track followers should be on first-name basis

By Leila Wai
Advertiser Staff Writer

Her first name may be difficult to pronounce, but her accomplishments are easy to recognize.

Kahuku junior Zhane Santiago is the premier hurdler in the state, bursting on the scene as a freshman, winning the 100- and 300-meter hurdles. She repeated as 100-meter state champion last season, dropping out of the 300 because of injury.

She also won the state triple jump the past two seasons.

Even with the amount of medals she collected over the years, announcers, supporters and fans are still having a hard time correctly pronouncing her name.

“I got used to it over time; if people call me the wrong name, I just answer to it,” Santiago said. “I’ve heard Zane, Zahane, Shane, and Za-ne, and that’s close enough.”

The first part the name — Zha — is pronounced Jha. Sort of like combining the “shhh” sound and Ja. The second part — ne — is pronounced nay.

Her last name is more familiar. As are her bloodlines.