St Joseph’s team prepares for historic American football game

By Joyetter Feagaimaali’i-Luamanu 10 July 2017, 12:00AM

Exploring opportunities for the young athletes is the spirit behind Tatupu Lefao’s eagerness to establish St Joseph’s College American Football team. 

A former college football player in America, Mr Lefao is the head coach of the team. 

The team is made up of 43 St Joseph’s students who have been vying for spots to play against Tafuna High School, arriving in Samoa today. 

Lefao told the Samoa Observer these students have either not been instructed in rugby or are not eligible to play. 

“We have football, for these students. 

“In our country, resources are allocated for the development of rugby and Samoa is all about rugby. 

“However rugby is not for everyone, and that’s why it’s good we have this option for the students,” said Lefao. 

He said the T.H.S. delegation will be hosted at the St Joseph College compound along with their team. 

The equipment utilized by the students was donated from San Jose College and Sam Atoa. 

According to the coach, after this camp, St Joseph intends to travel to American Samoa for upcoming games as they anticipate playing against the reigning championship team, Fagaitua High School, Leone High School, Samoan High School, Marist and Fa’asao High School and Vocational Technical High School. 

“We hope to finalize everything following this camp as we want the students to matriculate in American football.” 

The Head Coach further stated “American Samoa High School’s football players are being recruited by colleges in America” and he hopes this opportunity will also be afforded to the St Joseph students as they have some great football players. 

“There are more college football recruiters available off island and we hope to make it to that level to give our football players the chance to showcase the talent they have as a football players,” said Mr Lefao. 

He told the Samoa Observer, they are getting uniforms from Eveni Carruthers for the upcoming game this Saturday. 

Mr Lefao thanked the parents, Eveni Carruthers, Sam Atoa, San Jose High School for donating the equipment and uniforms and also for their consideration for the students and the importance of football to them.

By Joyetter Feagaimaali’i-Luamanu 10 July 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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