Samoa Gridiron athletes off to U.S.A. to fight for college scholarships

By Thomas Airey 05 May 2019, 12:00AM

The student-athletes in the Samoa Gridiron program are looking for funds to help them get to college football camps in the U.S.A., where they will audition in front of over 100 college coaches hoping to win a 4 year scholarship.

The nine Year 13 and Foundation students selected to make the journey will be attending camps in June at Contra Costa College, San Jose State University, the University of California-Berkeley and two at Stanford University.

Samoa Gridiron Coach Callum Jones said it’s an extremely exciting opportunity for the players selected and generations to come.


“Achieving a scholarship will be life-changing for the individuals and their families.”

“The program was the dream of Coach Agatupu Leafo. 

“His vision was to bring the latest coaching methodologies from the U.S. to Samoa, using American football as a vehicle to build self-confidence, self-reliance and resilience needed by our student-athletes to succeed in the classroom and in life.”

Jones said Coach Tupu was an amazing mentor and motivator until his sudden passing in July 2018.

“His goal was to provide an educational pathway for the youth of Samoa by providing access to scholarships in the USA.

“[After his passing] the student-athletes in our program doubled their efforts to honor Coach and realise his dream.”

The students attending the five camps in June are:

  • Max Malaitai (Avele College)
  • Alanrae Tuioti (St Joseph’s College)
  • Bobby Joe Toleafoa (St Joseph’s College)
  • Joseph Alaalatoa (St Joseph’s College)
  • Carlos Keil (Faatuatua Christian College)
    Kolone Saleimoa Vaai (St Joseph’s College/National University of Samoa)
  • Wesley Kamu (Pesega College/National University of Samoa)
  • Penetito Seuao (St Joseph’s College/National University of Samoa)
  • Quadrat Leota (St Joseph’s College)


Samoa Gridiron a hosting a golf tournament at Faleata Golf Course next Saturday to help with fundraising for the tour in June.

Registration is open until 8 am on the day and they welcome people to contribute to the cause through a fundraiser on their Facebook page as well.

Jones thanked American Samoa Youth Football of Samoa and Tafuna High School for their help in giving the players competition, Eveni Sport and S.S.A.B. for their contributions, and above all the players for their efforts and commitment.

Tags

Gridiron
By Thomas Airey 05 May 2019, 12:00AM

Trending Stories

Samoa Observer

Upgrade to Premium

Subscribe to
Samoa Observer Online

Enjoy unlimited access to all our articles on any device + free trial to e-Edition. You can cancel anytime.

>