By Risa Askerooth
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Seniors Robert Faleafine Jr., Ian Herold-Namu, Jacob Afele and Mata Leota became part of the 41 football players from across Hawaii to compete in Samoa Bowl XI on Dec. 28. They not only brought home a 22-15 score that marked a victory for the Hawaii All-Stars for the first time in seven years, they were also able to connect themselves to the Samoan culture.
“I feel more in touch with who I am now, because of that trip. Because I’ve seen where my dad came from and I know what my bloodline is and my heritage and it’s just a good feeling to know that part,” said Namu, who played safety. “I’m so proud of my Samoan culture and I want to continue to display what our culture’s about: the respect, the love, the people,” added Offensive Coordinator Amosa Amosa.
Football players are eligible to participate in the annual Samoa Bowl if they are of Samoan or Polynesian ancestry, although the selections are ultimately made based on a player’s caliber and skill. To prepare for the game against the Samoa All-Stars, held at Tafuna High School’s football stadium, the Hawaii All-Stars attended practices both prior to and during their time in American Samoa.
Although called “the best team” from Hawaii of the 11 years by Amosa, by no means was the game an easy victory for the Hawaii All-Stars. “We had a horrible first half basically, we couldn’t get anything going. So it was nice and the second half of the game was strong,” expressed Faleafine, “It was nice to actually feel the momentum coming on our side for once.”
Hawaii’s victory was sealed when the final touchdown was scored by Amosa’s son, Campbell Senior Amosa Amosa Jr., who had previously attended the Samoa Bowl as a spectator when he was in sixth grade, seven years ago, the last time Hawaii had won. “I was so happy for our team (when we won) because there was a lot of pressure on us when we go down to Samoa,” said Amosa Amosa Sr., “For us to come out with the win, I really thought our kids did a good job.”
At the team’s arrival in American Samoa on Dec. 23, the team experienced a variety of cultural practices, such as traditional dancing, meeting the governor and lieutenant governor, attending service at a Samoan church and seeing different villages. “After the game we all got to go back to the village that we were from, where our family was. So I mean, it’s like a second home to us, even though we’ve never been there. But it’s where our blood is from,” stated Faleafine, who played quarterback and was elected Most Valuable Player. These activities helped bring the players from Hawaii and Samoa closer together and learn more about each other.
The bond that the Hawaii All-Star players made with each other helped them perform at their best on the field as well as take away lasting relationships. “We got real close. I met guys from Kaiser that I (made) friends, Waipahu. So we all bonded, so we’re like brothers now,” said Namu. “I’ve heard a lot of teams in the past aren’t really able to bond fully because they’re all from different places. But from day one, the first night in Samoa, we all really got along, like we were all part of the same team,” said Faleafine.
Although next year will bring college and new experiences for this year’s players, Samoa Bowl XII will present a new opportunity for players to represent Hawaii and possibly bring home their fourth win of 12 years.
