On a recent sunny day at Keaau’s football practice field, loud barking echoed through the humid air, imploring the 50 or so strong in attendance to give their maximum effort.
On a recent sunny day at Keaau’s football practice field, loud barking echoed through the humid air, imploring the 50 or so strong in attendance to give their maximum effort.
The source of inspiration was senior defensive lineman Makana Fraser, a 5-foot-11-inch tall, 190-pound bundle of positive energy, who leads by example and enthusiasm.
“He’s like a magnet. Everybody circles around him,” coach Michael Nonies said. “It’s a good thing he’s not an introvert. He has a lot to do with our closeness. Everybody feels that. He’s definitely a spark plug.”
Fraser is one of four returning starters on defense. It’s the same number on offense, including senior running back Johnny Vance and one starter on the line in senior Kaimana Schilling (5-7, 239).
As the old saying goes, Big Island Interscholastic Federation battles begin in the trenches.
“They’re not experienced,” Schilling said of his linemates. “But they’re learning, and we’re hungry. I think we’ll do pretty good (as a team). We’re family, and everybody sticks together.”
While Fraser is the glue for the Cougars, his ascension to team leader was a long jump, considering his status a few years ago.
He’s from Maui and played football at King Kekaulike, where his grades started to tumble in his first two years. Then after his sophomore year, he moved in with his relatives in Mountain View.
His uncle, Leonard Pomroy, owns Pomroy Rental Services, which also does construction work. Fraser punches a time clock and helps out with the family business, refining a work ethic that carries over to school.
“My uncle shaped me up. My grades weren’t doing well on Maui,” said Fraser, who has a 2.9 grade-point average. “Now, I’m getting some As. I never really tried before in school.
“My uncle is strict, and I’m a laborer. Before games, I’d be pouring slab at 4:30 in the morning. Living in Mountain View is good. Everybody is mellow and everybody has aloha.”
Peace of mind has given him a better view of the big picture.
“I want to keep playing football. That’s my goal,” he said. “I want to go to college. I’ve liked football since I was a kindergartner. My dad (Austin; his mom is Michelle) has always wanted one of us to play football in college. I have two older brothers and two older sisters.
“My strength is going hard. I like to do my best. That’s why I’m always pushing myself. My coaches tell me I’m the spark plug of the team.”