Everything is pretty much a hidden gem down in Pahala, from the rural town’s Black Sand beach to the Ka‘u Trojan football players, like Kupono Palakiko-Leffew.
Everything is pretty much a hidden gem down in Pahala, from the rural town’s Black Sand beach to the Ka‘u Trojan football players, like Kupono Palakiko-Leffew.
He’ll be playing in the inaugural Life Champion Senior Bowl, which will be held at 7 p.m. Saturday at Kamehameha’s Paiea Stadium.
The Big Island Interscholastic Federation and state Department of Education are playing no part in the event, founded by Hawaii Football Club president Keala Pule, whose goal is to land scholarships for every island’s seniors.
It is the state’s only showcase for seniors, and will likely be watched by more than 200 colleges (Division I, I-AA, III, NAIA and junior colleges) via scoringlive.com through Pacific Islands Athletic Alliance president Doris Sullivan’s vast network of contacts.
The showcase will be coached all by college coaches, and there are scholarships on hand for unknown players like Palakiko-Leffew, who eyes the opportunity as a once-in-a-lifetime deal.
as a once-in-a-lifetime deal.
Here’s a brief resume on Palakiko-Leffew: He has a 3.1 grade-point average and is 5 feet 9 and 190 pounds. He was a youth ranger at the Volcanoes National Park during the summer.
He started playing Pop Warner football in the sixth grade. As a freshman at Ka‘u, he was a defensive right tackle. The next year, he was a DT and slotback.
As a junior, the Trojans were the BIIF’s only 8-man football team. Palakiko-Leffew was a running back, a position he enjoyed. His senior season, he was a running back, linebacker, and tight end.
Playing 8-man football, Palakiko-Leffew got a good lesson in understanding space and angles and how crisp play is needed for making tackles or running through holes. He has also played soccer, which helped his footwork.
As for a job reference, he got a ringing endorsement from Ka‘u athletic director Kalei Namohala.
“Kupono has truly blossomed this year on and off the field. He was an inspirational leader for his team and truly a workhorse,” she said. “I hope great things for him as he continues to stay focused on his goals, and continues to be productive in school and in the community.”
Asked his goal for the game, Palakiko-Leffew put himself second and his community first.
“I get to represent Ka‘u. Basically, it’s a good opportunity for Ka‘u because we don’t get much exposure, as well as playing 8-man football,” he said. “It’s great for my community and family. I want to get as much exposure as I can, and hopefully play at the next level, and hopefully get a scholarship.”
He’s the eldest of Shane Leffew and Charley Ann Palakiko’s five children. Palakiko-Leffew already has a college major picked out: photography.
In conversation, he comes across as polite, thoughtful and goal-oriented.
“The advice my parents gave me was to just be me,”Palakiko-Leffew said. “Just live to be the best I can be. I’m pretty stoked to be selected to the Senior Bowl. It’s all about pride because Ka‘u is so rural and not everyone knows about it. It’s country and laid-back. There’s not much opportunity for exposure like Hilo, Kona or big cities on Oahu. I want to make a name for Ka‘u.
“My dream job is to make videos, work in a studio and films. I like that creativity. I got interested about two years ago. I watched skateboarding videos and thought that was cool. That was my spark and from there, it developed my fever for photography.”
He is also looking forward to soaking up knowledge from the college coaches. He’s ready to learn and explain what makes Ka‘u Trojan hidden gems worth treasuring.
“I’ve got a big heart and I don’t give up,” Palakiko-Leffew said. “I work hard in the classroom and out of the classroom. I’m pretty persistent. I’m resilient and work hard in practice.”
Youth combine
Gridiron Performance Academy, operated by Rich Miano and Chad Ikei, will hold an underclassmen combine for grades 9 to 11 at 9 a.m. Saturday at Paiea Stadium. Check-in is at 8 a.m.
Results will be sent to college coaches nationwide by Pacific Islands Athletic Alliance.
Cost is $25. For more information, visit piaahawaii.com.