Bringing the Aloha

Photo By Sgt. Rebecca Eller | Toleafoa Sean Auwae, offensive guard from Kapolei High School, Kapolei, Hawaii, runs through agility drills during practice at Orange Coast College, Costa Mesa, Calif., Dec. 30, 2015. High school athletes chosen to play in the Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl are well-rounded individuals on and off the field who not only are distinguished athletes, but also have academic achievements and display exemplary moral characteristics. “I’m hoping to bring aloha, be friendly with everyone and ask how they’re doing,” said Toleafoa Sean Auwae. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Rebecca Eller)  

COSTA MESA, CA, UNITED STATES

12.30.2015

Story by Sgt. Rebecca Eller 

8th Marine Corps District

COSTA MESA, Calif. – Aloha in the Hawaiian language means affection, peace, compassion and it also has come to be used as an English greeting to say goodbye and hello. One all-American Semper Fi football player is hoping to bring “Aloha” to the West team.

Toleafoa Sean Auwae, offensive guard from Kapolei High School, Kapolei, Hawaii, is only the second player selected from the state to play in the Marine Corps Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl. The 5th annual Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl will be played in Carson, Calif., Jan. 3, 2016, at 8 p.m. on Fox Sports 1.

“It’s a big honor being here because I’ll be the first guy from my school,” said Auwae, “It’s great to come out here and represent my state and show what I’ve got compared to the other top players in the nation.”

Standing tall at 6’ 4” and weighing in at 285 pounds, Auwae definitely stacks up well against his competition. Auwae is ready to learn from his experience during the Bowl week and bring the knowledge with him to the University of California, Los Angeles.

“I’m hoping to gain knowledge from all the coaches,” said Auwae. “And maybe some knowledge from all the guys here, because these are top athletes and I want to learn as much as I can while I’m here and show them what I know from where I’m from.”

The Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl brings together 100 of the nation’s best football players who have demonstrated success both on and off the field. Players selected are well-rounded individuals; not only are they distinguished athletes, but also have academic achievements and display exemplary moral characteristics. The weeklong engagement will enable these young men to develop skills not only important to football, but throughout life, such as leadership, self-confidence and teamwork.

• Date Taken: 12.30.2015
• Date Posted: 12.31.2015 14:00
• Story ID: 185536
• Location: COSTA MESA, CA, US
• Hometown: KAPOLEI, HI, US