The Kulanihako’i Manta Rays are one of the newest football teams on the islands. The program is only in its 2nd year of existing and already these players are feeling the hometown pride.
Sot: “We all grew up playing for the Kihei Dolphins Pop Warner, We all live in Kihei but before this we never had a school to go to to come together and play for high school but finally we do now and it’s a great thing,” said Kulanihako’i Sophomore Hayden Ralph.
The Manta Rays in their 2nd season have moved up from 8-man into the 11-man field, with a 10-game JV Schedule.
“We wanted to make the transition this year, I think that’s kind of what the boys want and the community want. I think it’s a good opportunity for them to stay in Kihei and have the opportunity to play football,” said Kulanihako’i Head Coach Ngalu Fusimalohi.
“Super cool because that’s what we’re all used to. That 8 man was awesome, all those other guys like Lanai, Molokai, Hana, They’re all great people but yea we really like 11-man and that’s what we grew up playing so its cool to play,” said Ralph.
With anything new, there will always be some setbacks from time to time, but the Manta Rays are tackling them head on.
“It’s great, I think these guys worked hard to be apple to play those 10 games. I think just having the ability for them to play and represent where they’re from and obviously its a new program but I think everybody’s dialed in this year and this process started in beginning of the year and we hope to see good things,” said Fusimalohi.
A big part of being able to keep moving forward is having a coach who has played in the Division I College Level and even coached in the Pros.
“Without him. I wouldn’t be here right now. So I just want to thank coach Ngalu for being there for me and motivating me to push harder. Even when I was down, he’ll just pick me up and just tells me, don’t stop, just keep going,” said Kulanihako’i Sophomore, Tevita Filikitonga.
Head Coach Ngalu Fusimalohi has taken the lead within the football program.
”It’s been a blessing, I’m grateful for the opportunity. I just got hired and didn’t think too much of it as far as just football, but you know, kind of going months and months, its starting to show it means a lot in different ways so im definitely grateful for that,” said Fusimalohi.
“Definitely a lot of growth, its been real great, real fun, but with these freshman coming up and then next year, its going to be real fun playing with all my friends. I think its going to be a real good team one day,” said Ralph.
Even though it’s only year 2, the Manta Rays hope to move up into the MIL next season with a full varsity schedule.
As for this year, the Manta Rays are trending in the right direction as they won their 1st ever game in program history and these players are taking pride in this big steps.
“This jersey means a lot to me. It means a lot you know, wearing the jersey is like representing where I come from. Which is Kihei, representing my family and everything,” said Filikitonga.