From adversity to achievements, for two senior standout players, football is more than just a game – FOOTBALL IS LIFE. After the lessons learned from tough losses to the triumphant victories they’ve celebrated, the Crusader football time has captured the essence of the Brotherhood.
For Senior Linebacker Roy Ma’afala, Jr., this particular football season was about more than just the game. “The season was marked by bouncing back from tough losses,” recalls Ma’afala. “Working together, even when things didn’t go perfectly, and finding strength through adversity.” While Ma’afala reflects on the lessons that losses can teach, he also understands the significance of the Brotherhood. “It brings us closer together,” he explains, and “brings out the best in each other and really shows the Brotherhood.” While Ma’afala has come to appreciate the incredible bonds that exist within the team, this lesson also takes a faithful turn. “Praying together before and after games was a powerful way to connect spiritually as a team,” he explains. “It created a sense of unity and purpose, reminding us that we were part of something bigger than just the game.”
Senior and Defensive Lineman, who recently committed to the University of Utah, Pupua’li’i Sepulona, also shares this feeling of team unity with Ma’afala.“With those setbacks, what got me stronger [was that] I learned from it, I grew from it, and I think I got stronger mentally and physically.”
Sepulona looks back on his injuries and his setbacks as opportunities. “Football is a physical sport,” he explains. “Everybody is going to have setbacks, and everybody is going to have growing pains.” Despite the obstacles he faces, Sepulona’s mindset continues to drive him. “What matters is what we’re gonna do after that because, when you have a setback…, [you] just have to overcome it and get back on the field. I wanted to do it for my team because that’s who I care about the most.”
“Going through tough times and knowing how to deal with not being selfish and not being greedy,” adds Sepulona, continuing the path toward becoming a leader, “because in life, you can’t always get what you want. In life, you have to continue to push yourself [and] be a leader, not be a follower,” he explains, “and also act on your words because actions speak louder than words.” Throughout a season filled with highs and lows, the team continued to work together and incorporate the concept of the Brotherhood, capitalizing on that to ultimately dominate the field.
Tasha Castro is a longtime supporter of the Crusaders and has witnessed the Brotherhood that they have incorporated into their daily lives and what they have accomplished as a team. “Our coaches do a good job instilling respect into the players,” notes Castro. However, the Brotherhood includes students and their families “because the parents do countless work for the school and team,” making it an important and shared experience.
As these remarkable players close this part of their journey, it’s clear that resilience has been a guiding force. “We’ve gone through bumpy roads throughout the season,” adds Sepulona, “but we always bounced back. A great setback can create an amazing comeback.”
