This season of FHS football chaplaincy goodness began on Saturday, August 13, at Kaiser High School field in Hawaii Kai. I had spent only a day of practice with the young players at Farrington's field, mostly trying to get acquainted with the players and coaching staff and support team.
Now, I have NEVER been to Kaiser High's campus, much less it's athletic complex. I parked the car with my son Daniel, and was feeling very very out of place, when a beeping horn caught my attention; it was Uncle George Kamau, MR. Farrington Football himself, and father-in-law to my buddy Al Kaaihue. He quickly shooed us into his van, then proceeded to drive us right on to the Kaiser High field, where the JV team was just starting their 3rd quarter of the game. I began to shake off the butterflies of being on the field of my very first football game as a chaplain. What made this situation rather humorous was that I was wearing my brand-new New Hope Christian College shirt. It was bright white with dark blue trims; the exact color of Farrington's opponent team, the Kamehameha Warriors. YIKES!
I found our team's locker room, and was greeted by Coach Randall Okimoto, who immediately said "glad I have this for you!" and threw me my FHS Coach's jersey. It was a pivotal moment for me, the time where I put my heart where my mouth was.
I talked story with some of the boys, and the responses were mainly about anxiety to play and get out on the field... so that made both of us with butterflies as we got ready to take the field. I simply encouraged the team to play with all their hearts, how Jesus and football had that in common; you can't experience the fullness of either without throwing your heart completely over the line.
It was an arduous battle in the cool Hawaii Kai evening, but two hours later, our boys and girl pulled off what many told me later was considered an "upset". Props to the special teams coach Rusty and his well-prepared players. It was a monumental night for me to savor with the players and coaches, our first victory.
FINAL SCORE: Farrington 26, Kamehameha 21. To God be all glory. Amen.
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