‘Iolani football alumni, KC bell, Sean Weiss and Nela Taliauli all left their mark on the the raiders football field throughout their careers.
Each of the athletes graduated in different years. Bell in 2021, Weiss in 2023 and Taliauli in 2024.
“You know, even though we were in different grades, we’ve all had interactions with each other for a long time. Like me and KC in intermediate football and Nela met him in varsity football,” said Weiss.
Weiss, who was a valedictorian at ‘Iolani is currently a student at Rice University. Bell who helped ‘Iolani to a state title appearance during his career, graduated in 2021. He went on to be a competitive weightlifter for the University of Hawaii.
And the most recent graduate is Taliaulu, who was a standout in his time at ‘Iolani, is geared up to go play football for the University of Arizona next year.
They met by playing football, but the sport isn’t the only passion in these athletes’ lives.
Sot: KC Bell: “One day Nela just brought his guitar to the senior benches as a Freshman and he was just playing it after school and I hopped in. and we just jammed out and saw they were posting TikTok’s together. So I texted them both ‘if you ever want to jam let me know, I’m down’,” said Bell.
“Obviously football is the closest thing we’re going to get to war and music is like the exact opposite,” said Taliauli.
The old teammates have formed a band together, where they play in their offseason and spare time.
“Just from football we became close and then we played music together in the practice rooms, posted a few TikTok’s here and there of our music and then KC Bell he came along and then we would practice in Nela’s garage and just have really fun jam sessions,” said Weiss.
“We had out first gig at my friends grad party and it was like the first time we’ve ever playing in front of like a hundred people. We didn’t do too bad, so it was pretty good,” said Taliauli.
Music is a passion, but also an outlet for these 3 to get a break. Each saying its a way to escape from their everyday life.
For the trio, nothing makes a group stronger than the longtime relationships they have created.
“I feel like playing football together really did help us because now I’m not afraid to call them out on anything, and they’re not afraid to call me out on anything,” said Taliauli.
“Playing football together, it was a great experience and it totally helps because we’re all good friends with each other on and off the field and we’re ale to make it into this music thing and it’s just all worked out for us from football to music. We’re very blessed and thankful for that,” said Bell.
And now 2 of the 3 are headed off to college soon.
They don’t plan on abandoning the music aspect of their lives as well as the group, but rather enjoying the ride and doing as much as they can while they can.
“Its just really fun and we’re very thankful for the opportunity to play together and whatever time we have together, just try and make the most out of it,” said Bell.