Seumalo Headed for College Football

Photos courtesy of Seumalo Ohana

By Rick Schonely, Sports Reporter

Molokai High senior Vaai “Uso” Seumalo has been an outstanding student-athlete all his four years with the Farmers, lettering in volleyball and basketball. Last fall, he tried football for the first time under Head Coach Mike Kahale. After just one season of football, Seumalo — who is a big man at 6’ 4” and 290 pounds — caught the eye of many coaches in Hawaii and then received some offers to further his education and play college football at the next level.

Seumalo made the most of his short high school football career. He was invited to the Hawaii Bowl, a game with seniors from all over the state and his team not only won, but he received the defensive MVP award. This opportunity opened doors for him and not long after, he began receiving offers and made the decision to accept a full ride scholarship to continue his education and football journey at Garden State Community College in Kansas. As of today, he is still set on reporting to school on July 6.

“I’m excited and a little nervous for this next chapter of my life,” said Seumalo. “It was a crazy process; everything was happening so fast. There were offers from Iowa and New Mexico as well as California which are much closer to home but after speaking with defensive line Coach Aaron Cheatwood, I felt Garden City CC was the best fit for me. It is further away but I know I will make the most of this opportunity it will be worth it.”

Kahale knows the sky is the limit for Seumalo.

“It was an honor and privilege to have coached Uso this past year,” said Kahale. “I always knew that he would be great at football once he came out and our coaching staff was so pleased that he did. Uso will do great at the next level and with the additional exposure to the game and college coaching, he will just get better and better.”
Kahale and his coaching staff utilized all his talent and the big man made an instant impression.

“I think we have just scratched the surface with him. In just one year he had a tremendous impact on both sides of the ball playing offensive and defensive line,” said Kahale. “We even had some fun with him running the ball.”

It is a big step from high school to college but Kahale is confident in his former star.

“When college coaches look at his tape, they see so much potential. Mike Tuiasosopo, Defensive Line coach at Kansas State was extremely impressed and had great things to say about him. Their staff will be watching his progress at Garden City CC. Uso is a great representative of Molokai Athletics, hardworking, humble, and honorable. Good Luck Uso!”

Seumalo is ready for the next step of his life and football career.

“I signed my letter of intent making it official and now I am just preparing,” he said. “I do not know what to expect but I know whatever it is, I have the best support system rallying behind me in whatever I do, and most importantly know that Gods got me. Without Him, none of this would be possible and I’ve just been so blessed. I would like to send a big mahalo to my family for the love and support they have given me thru it all, I love you guys so much. And to my island home, Molokai, mahalo for continuous support. It truly does take a village and you guys put those words into action daily, something I will always be grateful for.”