Twenty five local high school football players took center stage today at the National Letter of Intent Signing Day ceremony hosted by the Department of Education.
Joining them were their parents, coaches, school leaders and officials of the American Samoa Department of Education.
These are the young men who have received verbal offers from colleges and universities and their signing of letters of intent make their athletic scholarships official.
Master of Ceremony Fagaitua High School Principal and also Head Football Coach for the Vikings Suaese Ta’ase recognized the student athletes, the colleges or universities they will be attending, major area of study, and their parents.
Samoana High school had 10 players signing letters of intent, Fagaitua had 9, while Tafuna High School, Leone and Nu’uuli Vo Tech had two each.
Samoana student athletes who signed with Missouri Southern State University are: Mazaichi Aviu, Avory Seumanutafa, Daniel McMoore, Jeff Faalogo, Talalelei Fautanu and Fagaalu Siaki.
Sharkie Kobe Lefiti signed with New Mexico Military Institute College; Eteva Mauga signed with Nebraska and Antonio Pule signed with Washington State University.
From Fagaitua Vikings: Avaolagi Paselio signed with Missouri South State University. Tau Grey, Fitu Amata, and Pelive Eki Isalei signed with Missouri Valley University. Manuiti Sofeni and Mikaele Tavai signed with New Mexico Military Institute College. Maurice Taala was an early signee for University of Hawaii and Malakai Peko and Tony Aiono signed with Ottawa University.
Tafuna High School‘s Kolson Ozu signed with Missouri Southern State University while Herman Sufia signed with New Mexico Military Institute College.
From Leone High School Lafileata Salavea signed with Missouri Southern State University; Paul Fuimaono signed with Missouri State and Faalii Faamoe decided to go with Washington State University.
From Nuuuli Vo Tech, Joaquin Tapusoa signed with Missouri Southern State University and Ionatana Palepua signed with Missouri Valley University.
Director of Education Dr. Ruth Matagi-Tofiga congratulated the student athletes. “You have excelled in the classroom while working hard in your development as an athlete, ” she complimented.
The DOE Director acknowledged the contribution of spiritual parents and churches, coaches, parents and community, Governor Lolo Moliga and opportunities provided for student athlete through the JPS Classics.
In her vote of thanks, she mentioned JPS President Lydia Nomura, JPS Commissioner Dr Taase, AYF, ASHAA, principals and teachers from ECE to high school, Robert Faleafine , the Troy Polamalu Foundation, Rachel Jennings and Keiki Misipeka of Missouri Southern State University.
Photos: Leua Aiono Frost
