If you’ve been following this blog then you know Coach Reinders, LinemenInc cofounder, (he loves to see that in print) and I, spent the weekend with the Samoan Athletes In Action, at their free football clinic. The clinic was held at Abraham Lincoln high on the west side of San Francisco, where the weather was anything but Island like. Typical San Fran foggy, colder than you know what, and windy. That didn’t seem to bother the 150 plus participants at the event.
Kids from all over the Bay Area showed up for four hours of football, inspirational speakers and a ton of hamburgers and hot dogs! Frank Manumaleuna, former Kansas City Chief, was our Head Coach for the day. Frank was joined by former teammates, Dan Saleaumua and Art Still, who flew in to donate their time to this worthy event. Players were put through stretching, drills and skills and even ran some plays. Though it was freezing by Nor Cal standards and everyone was in shorts and T-shirts, I think Dave and I were the only ones showing the effects of the weather. You certainly couldn’t see any discomfort on the smiling faces of the players.
Our table was very busy with players and parents a like, asking questions about LinemenInc and taking brochures and registration forms home. We even saw a few coaches from Logan High and South City. Word at the end of the day was we would definitely be seeing some Oak Grove High players from San Jose at LinemenInc 2005, along with some of the South City guys. We’re talking some big boys here guys, so get ready to strap it on!
Thank you again to Lenora Hay-Muagututi’a and her husband, Kilangi, for inviting us to this event. Yes, we want to come back next year! All of our best wishes to Kilangi, a former standout at UTEP and AFL player, who has a try out with 18 NFL teams on the 21st. Kilangi has been working very hard under the guidance of Aaron Thigpen, www.gamespeed.net, and looks more than ready for this opportunity.
Thanks also to Frank Manumaleuna and the Big John Manumaleuna Foundation, for putting on this clinic and all the volunteers who donated their time and money to this free event. I also want to say mahalo, to O Samoa TV, for the on-air interview. Anytime this coach gets to stand next to a nani (pretty) Polynesian gal and get on TV, I’m there! I’m told you can see the interview by going to www.polycafe.com and then clicking on the link to O Samoa TV.
Only 43 days to camp! Let’s get those registration forms in by June 1st !