"We don't want to be just jocks at school," he said. "We just want to be involved and show spirit."

That is why Tausaga is leading the way to change athletes' image. Besides being captain of the football team, he also is the school's senior class president. He also is president of a newly formed club at school that helps athletes prepare for college. Off campus, he is involved with Youth Christ Life, in which he reads to young children.

"My family inspired me to be a leader," said Tausaga, whose initials stand for Charles Jason. "They encouraged me about (having a good) work ethic. 'You need to do this, you need to do that. You need to show everybody because in school you're a role model for everyone else.' A football player is a role model."

Tausaga leads by example.

At a homecoming assembly last year, he performed in a rendition of Michael Jackson's "Thriller" music video. He played Jackson's role, even doing the dancing and "moonwalk." He said professional choreographers came to the school to teach the students. That meant practice during lunch period and on weekends. Of course, he still had football practice to attend. But the performance went off nicely.

"Even his mom said 'I didn't know he could dance,'" recalled 'Aiea football coach Wendell Say. "But he had practiced."

This homecoming, Tausaga said the theme is "Freedom and Liberty" to honor two 'Aiea teachers who have been deployed for military duty. Other athletes also will entertain, including football players who will be singing at a homecoming event. They practice singing before football practice.

Tausaga is perfect to lead the senior class, 'Aiea senior class advisor Isaac Avilla said. Avilla said Tausaga can relate to all students, whether they are the brightest or those who might be academically challenged. And there's another attribute that impressed Avilla.

"Everything he does, he does humbly," Avilla said. "With all the glory he got (from playing sports), he's still down to earth."

Besides being impressed with Tausaga's off-field talent, Say has been pleased with what he has done on the football field. In his first season at varsity, the cornerback had 10 interceptions, returning four for touchdowns. (He had a 30-yard interception TD return on Friday against Kaiser that was nullified by a penalty, Say said.) With a season of experience, Say wants to expand Tausaga's role by having him return punts and possibly play receiver on some plays.

"This year, we need somebody (for punt returns)," Say said. "He plays center field in baseball, so he would be natural for him to field (punts)."

Tausaga said he will pursue whichever sport takes him to college, where he wants to study to be a pediatrician. His dream is to play for the University of Hawai'i, but at 5 feet 8 and 175 pounds, he knows his height works against him.

"It's definitely a problem," he said.

But he has been a lifelong Warriors fan, attending games with his family or friends since he was a youngster. Say added that Tausaga might have a chance because he is similar to former UH defensive back Mike Tresler, who was listed at 5-9 in the 1990 UH media guide.

"I would love to play for June Jones," Tausaga said.

No matter where Tausaga ends up, that team, no matter which sport, will get a special person.

"He's such a hard worker," Say said. "Academically, he's never been a problem. He does what it takes to succeed."