For players and coaches at the Tanoa Bowl, it’s about more than just football.
In just its second year of existence, the bowl – the brainchild of Simi Strickland of Ultimate Edge Sports – has become a premiere showcase with more than 140 of the best high school football players from Washington, Oregon, Alaska and Utah suiting up for a pair of games last Saturday at Auburn Memorial Stadium.
As ferocious as the action on the field was – with Alaska pounding Oregon 40-0 and Washington falling to Utah 45-24 – the air of camaraderie was just as strong during the three-day event.
Open to players of any ethnicity, the Tanoa Bowl’s roots (a tanoa is a traditional wood-carved serving bowl common in Samoa, Tonga and Fiji) are firmly planted in Polynesian culture.
“We are building family and brotherhood with our Polynesian roots and have opened our arms to all of our brothers to come and celebrate,” Strickland said. “This is their chance to showcase what they can do on the field and to build new friendships and brotherhoods. Once they come join our Tanoa Family, they will always have a place with us here.”
Auburn Mountainview junior Nick Aumua joined Auburn’s Cyrus Laumatia and Neko Raynon on Team Washington. For Aumua, the event was a chance to test his skills as well as celebrate his heritage.
“It’s pretty important, it’s about tradition,” Aumua said. “It feels pretty good to be a part of an organization and to represent your culture and your school. It was fun but competitive at the same time.”
For Aumua, a 6-foot-2, 235-pound lineman and a member of the 6-4 Lions last fall, the event also was a chance to get his name out there for college recruiters.
“I’m from California, so my heart is set on going to USC,” he said.
In addition to the featured high-caliber players, Team Washington featured top coaches, including Manu Tuiasosopo, a former UCLA Bruin who played for the NFL’s Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers.
“It felt good to meet ex-NFL players and coaches,” Aumua said. “He shared with us things his coaches used to say to him. It’s rare to meet NFL coaches and players who come to teach you the fundamentals of football.”
Aumua looks forward to his senior season with the Lions.
“We’re excited. We’ve got a lot of returners,” he said. “I feel pretty comfortable with our season next year. I feel we’re going to do better things and make this school proud.”
