Changes Help Waipahu Grow Both On And Off The Field

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Troy Matautia has the end zone in sight during Waipahu’s recent practice. Photo by Byron Lee, .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

The finished product has looked pretty good for the Waipahu football program in recent years, with the Marauders having managed to win 15 games over the past two seasons after a 1-7 season in 2005 that was further tempered by off-the-field issues. It is how his players respond after graduation rather than how they respond during a football game that has always interested Marauder coach Sean Saturnio, however.

“Winning is nice - we work extremely hard as coaches to win - but we’re trying to strengthen our community through our program,” said Saturnio, who enters his eighth season at Waipahu in the fall. “When the family gets stronger, the community gets stronger. Winning is a byproduct of what we truly hold near and dear to our hearts, which is enabling teenagers to become fine young men.”

On the field, the Marauders also figure again to be among the more interesting teams to track in the fall with several key players back at key positions. Waipahu also moves up to Division I this season after two solid seasons in DII, where they will compete in the Oahu Interscholastic Association’s Red West conference against Pearl City, Kapolei, Mililani, Waianae and defending DI state champion Leilehua.

“It’s a hopeful time for us - there’s so much promise,” Saturnio said. “This was by far our best off-season in seven years here, not just in our numbers (of kids participating), but more so with camaraderie. There’s a wonderful spirit about this team.”

The Marauders took the first steps toward their 2008 season over the past couple of weeks when they held their annual spring practice sessions. Although Waipahu will return one of the more experienced rosters in the OIA in ‘08, their spring sessions weren’t without a period of transition, as several Marauders made key position switches.

Among the changes will be at quarterback, where Saturnio has moved last year’s starter, Troy Matautia, to fullback to better take advantage of his play-making abilities. Junior Josh Lacar has the inside track to be behind center when Waipahu opens its season on the Big Island against Keaau Aug. 15.

The run-oriented Marauders spent part of spring fine-tuning their passing game in hopes of being less one-dimensional, according to their coach.

“We are in no way, shape or form identified as a passing team, but we’d like to be more efficient at it,” Saturnio said. “We’d like to get our completion rate up, and a lot of that goes back to having good mechanics.”

Up front, Waipahu will feature what Saturnio calls “possibly the best offensive line we’ve had in my seven years here.” Craig Masaniai, Bronson Henriques, Chester Manalo and Joseph Ma’u all return to a unit that will also include Campbell transfer Gafa Veu. Defensively, the Marauders are stocked with playmakers, led by safety Tony Veu, nose guard Caleb Puletasi, corner back Kaimi Haina and linebackers Haven Tuisamatatele and Asalemo Fruen.

Waipahu was to take this week off before beginning its summer workouts. The Marauders will be taking part in 7-on-7 passing leagues in the coming weeks in preparation for the beginning of fall camp on July 29.