Coach Jones honored for work in American Samoa
By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer
In a special ceremony usually reserved for visiting dignitaries, University of Hawai'i football coach June Jones last night was honored for his work in promoting the Samoan culture.
Jones was the guest of honor at the sua, or honorary ceremony, in Pago Pago, America Samoa, where he is completing a four-day recruiting trip.
Paramount Chief Letuli Olo Misilagi, one of only seven to hold the high ranking, served as host and sponsor of the sua. President Lyndon Johnson once was honored with a sua.
"I'm very grateful for the hospitality I've received," Jones said. "This has been such a great learning experience. It's been fascinating to learn so much about this great place."
Letuli's daughter, Malie, said Jones was presented with ietoga, or finely woven mats, which are "like money to Samoan people."
Two pigs were roasted for the occasion, which was filmed by an ESPN television crew. The telecast of the ceremony was shown throughout American Samoa, and is expected to be included as part of an ESPN documentary on Samoan athletes.
"Coach Jones is special to the Samoan people," Malie Letuli said. "He's been very helpful to the Samoan people. The Samoan sua is a way of honoring him. We want to give him gifts from the Samoan culture."
Since becoming UH's head coach in 1999, Jones has tried to establish a recruiting base in American Samoa. He has assigned an assistant coach, Rich Miano, as the point recruiter in American Samoa.
There are three American Samoan residents on UH's roster — defensive linemen Isaac Sopoaga, Melila Purcell Jr. and Robertson Sosene. UH already has received a verbal commitment from offensive lineman Rambo Fui of Faga'itua High. There were 25 players of Samoan ancestry on UH's roster last season.
Paramount Chief Letuli will visit Hawai'i next week. He helped introduce fire-knife dancing to Hawai'i in the 1940s, and served as a judge and senator before retiring.
RECRUITING
Maldonado signs: Reggie Maldonado, a Kamehameha Schools graduate who played at Saddleback Community College for two years, yesterday signed a scholarship agreement to play for the Warriors. Maldonado's football scholarship goes into effect Monday.
"I'm excited to play in front of my family," he said. "There's nothing like playing at home. I really like the facilities and the coaches. I like how they treat the players."
Maldonado, who is 6 feet 5 and 240 pounds, can bench press 350 pounds. He is projected to compete at defensive end or linebacker.
The UH coaches offered Maldonado a scholarship several weeks ago, but were restricted from commenting on it until Maldonado signed the scholarship agreement. Maldonado has earned enough credits to compete in spring practice and play in the fall. He does not need an associate degree.
