Photo By Sgt. Jordan Johnson | Sione Potoae, a defensive tackle for the West team in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl,...... read more read more
SAN ANTONIO - Traveling to San Antonio for the 10th annual U.S. Army All American Bowl is quite an experience in itself for most of the 90 players selected to play in the game. Jumping on planes, traveling through different cities and seeing different cultures can be fun.
Sione Potoa'e, Lakes High School, Lakewood, Wash., a defensive tackle for the West team, had a more memorable traveling experience than he ever expected. After getting off the plane during one of the scheduled layovers, he saw someone he thought looked like his father.
"When I realized it was my dad, we both got emotional," said Sione.
Sione's father is 1st Sgt. Aleki Potoa'e, assigned to 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division.
Alexi is currently deployed at Forward Operating Base Grizzly, Iraq. Alexi was en route to Washington, where he is stationed at Fort Lewis and has a residence, when his plane made a stop in Dallas.
Sione had no idea his dad would be in San Antonio supporting him.
"I was very surprised and excited to see my father," Sione said.
The Potoa'e family reunion here has been in the making for seven years now.
"In 2003, I was here at the All American Bowl and bought a hat and coin for my son," said Alexi.
Even though that was seven years ago, it doesn't seem that way for the younger Potoa'e.
"It seems like it was just yesterday when my dad gave me the coin and hat," said Sione. "It is an honor to be selected for this game and I am speechless right now."
The father and son duo have been spending as much time as possible together, but free time hasn't always been easy to come by.
"My son has spending a lot of time at practice and different functions held here throughout the week," Aleki said.
Since Aleki has been in the Army for close to 13 years now, he and his son have grown accustomed to not always having a ton of time together. Sione does have some advice for fellow children of Soldiers.
"Prepare mentally, do best in what you do and strive for success," he said.
Although the U.S. Army All-American Bowl week is put together to recognize the top high school football players, Sione keeps his father and all Soldiers in his thoughts.
"We're playing for the U.S. Army," said Sione. "The Soldiers are in our minds and heart.
Top players like Sione can get offers to appear at numerous different all-star games and festivities. However, it wasn't a hard decision for him to pick this bowl.
"I chose this game because it makes me proud," Sione said. "It gives me a chance to represent Soldiers overseas."
Family is very important to the Potoa'e family, and was a large reason why Sione has committed to the University of Washington Huskies and hopes to make an impact in big-time college football.
"I chose Washington so I could be closer to my dad and my entire family," he said.
Sione and Aleki work very hard for everything they have and show great passion and desire to succeed in their chosen fields. Both have excelled and their hard work has led them to a surprise meeting here at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl.
| Date Taken: | 01.09.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 01.09.2010 15:30 |
| Story ID: | 43608 |
| Location: | SAN ANTONIO, TX, US |
| Web Views: | 440 |
| Downloads: | 300 |
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