Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The Governor’s office introduced the Samoa Bowl Teams of Tutuila and Manua, yesterday, Thursday, December 7, 2023, at the Gov. H. Rex Lee Auditorium in Utulei.

The place was packed with some 90 local Star players, along with their coaches , parents, relatives and friends.

 According to a Samoa Bowl Committee member, Ms Moana Purcell, the two teams are a mix of local High School football players.

The ceremony started with an opening prayer from Reverend Mageo Patolo Mageo, from the CCCJS of Pago Pago.

It was followed by special remarks from the Chairman of the Samoa Bowl, Loa Tauapa’i Laupola, who is also the Governor’s Chief of Staff.

He said, “playing a sport is useful to make friends with other youth members.”

He thanked the Samoa Bowl committee, Taulauega Dr. Samasoni Asaeli, Ken Tupua, Ausega Bill Kalasa, Dr. Salote Fanene, Ed Imo, Peter Gurr, Phil Faoa, Ligo Letuli and Moana Purcell. and all involved including Gov. Lemanu P.S. Mauga .

The selected “best” players include: 29 from Tafuna High School, 12 from Samoana High School, nine from Nuuuli Voc Tech High School, 22 from Leone High School, 10 from Fagaitua High School, and 9 from Faasao Marist High School, with two from off -island — one is from Forest Park High in Virginia and the other is Henry E. Lackey of Maryland.

Samoa News was able to speak with one of the mother’s of a selected player from Faasao Marist High School. Fauamoa Junior O. Ume, a player from Faasao Marist High School, an 11th grader, who is joining the Tutuila Team.

His proud mother, from Iliili said Fauamoa is her baby, and is Number Five of her children.

Counting her children to Samoa News, she was reminded of her Number Two, late son.

“Toese was one of the three victims of an incident that happened in Manu’a in 2017. They got electrocuted on the job. He was in the Army Reserve as well at the time. 

“For a mom, like me, having my baby on the top of the team, I’m very proud and honored that my son is one of the best players, and he’s been selected into the team.

“I’m glad and appreciative, even my children are very happy and all calling me.

“I’m so proud,” she stated.