York has message for Kahuku, true Hawaii fans

Mililani coach Rod York took the time to write a congratulatory message to the Kahuku football team and to the
Mililani coach Rod York took the time to write a congratulatory message to the Kahuku football team and to the “true fans of our kids of Hawaii.” Jamm Aquino / Honolulu Star-Advertiser.

The following verbatim message is from Mililani football head coach Rod York:

My message to Hawaii High School True Fans of our KIDS of Hawaii

To the Kahuku Football Team….to the players and coaches and supporters, but especially the KIDS AND KAHUKU FAMILY AND PARENTS ….KAHUKU EARNED THAT OIA CHAMPIONSHIP. Football is a physically and 90% mentally demanding team sport. The BEST team that night won. MUCH LOVE AND RESPECT TO THE 2015 RED RAIDERS OF KAHUKU HIGH. Injuries are part of the game, but please DO NOT TAKE AWAY even 1% of what Kahuku did. I am a fan of HARD WORK AND EARNING RESULTS……Kahuku went out and beat us….PERIOD. They won because they EXECUTED. The game is won on the field. Kahuku did just that. Kahuku is going through what EVERY team goes through. We congratulate Kahuku Football because they earned it. Our hearts go out to the players and coaches because they worked VERY HARD to achieve it. Much of the work is put in way before we all put pads on. The SEPARATION IS IN THE PREPARATION. Kahuku won the title because of their EXECUTION OF THEIR GAMEPLAN.


On another note, Im very proud of Vavae Tata and staff and especially the Kahuku players. Vavae Tata is obviously doing an OUTSTANDING job.

Story that doesnt get told……after the game as I walked w my wife to her car I walked through the Kahuku players and team moms and they graciously congratulated me and my team on a great game and effort. They offered us to eat with them and one of the players approached me with an ice cold bottle of water. Actions speak much louder than words and that is a reflection of Kahuku Football and our Hawaii kids and families. In todays world of negative talk and social media bad mouthing…..Im so happy to see the old school ALOHA SPIRIT rides deep in our hearts during great competion.


Congrats again to my man Vavae Tata and the Kahuku Football team.

It will be a great state tournament as great stories are being created every week such as Vavae Tata at Kahuku and Walter Young of Waianae.


LOVE IT.

High school coaches dont pay their bills from coaching……the reward for us are the life lessons taught and learned through our experiences to our kids. They learn to work hard, prepare, endure, and persevere. Most of all, they learn to set goals and WORK HARD to reach them. They learn to pick themselves up, improve, and go back at it. win or lose. That is what I call…..THE EVERYDAY GRIND!! But the MOST USEFUL lesson these kids learn among all important lessons is that they learn to work together as a team!!!! They will need that skill to be successful in every aspect of their lives until the day they leave this earth. The championship is what the sports culture breeds us to yearn, but the life lessons is the ULTIMATE CHAMPIONSHIP!!

COMMENTS

  1. The rim November 2, 2015 4:56 am

    Humble but fierce competitor. That’s why he’s a champion.


  2. Red Raider 4 Life November 2, 2015 5:37 am

    Big time respect Coach, big time respect for you and your Mililani Ohana. Good luck.


  3. ElijahLagafuaina November 2, 2015 6:47 am

    This has always been who York is. Humble and selfless in both victory and defeat. Congrats Kahuku!


  4. eastside hooligan November 2, 2015 7:02 am

    Much love and respect!!!
    Good Luck!! and who knows we could meet again in States??


  5. AOK November 2, 2015 7:36 am

    props coach


  6. eastside808 November 2, 2015 7:37 am

    That was a great game to watch! Much respect for Coach York and the attitudes and humility he is instilling in his kids at Mililani. Life lessons for sure. Congrats to the Big Red of Kahuku and look forward to this week’s playoff games.


  7. rr4l November 2, 2015 7:43 am

    Major props coach! Much love and aloha! #RR4L


  8. LBI November 2, 2015 8:23 am

    That was awesome. With our modern technology and social media it is easy to interpret things differently. You have swayed many judgemental people, including myself of the stated tribute here. Class act, Congratulations Coach.


  9. PONO November 2, 2015 8:55 am

    Class Act. That’s what sports are about.


  10. RRFL 98 November 2, 2015 9:05 am

    So much love anf respect to you coach. Thank you for being a great example to everybody. Thank you for respecting our boys and coaches like you saif they deserve it. I wish everybody else 3gives our boys the same respect. They earn every win they won. Thank you coach York for being are great examples to others. Aloha


  11. A Fan November 2, 2015 9:54 am

    Coach York is certainly a TERRIFIC gentleman and has gained the respect of everyone with his message to Coach Tata and the Kahuku players! With so many negative effects and actions by our athletes and coaches, it is so refreshing to see the response of the Mililani Head Coach and Leader. Both teams played their hearts out and the coaches prepared them well for this OIA Championship game. I look forward to the State Tournament and wish both teams well. With such fine players on both teams and an outstanding coaching staff, Kahuku and Mililani will both come out as WINNERS, no matter what takes place!


  12. Realistic November 2, 2015 9:58 am

    I would like to congratulate my buddy, Kahuku Alum and Colorado University @ Boulder Alum Chris Naeole as the new interim University of Hawaii Football Coach. We are so excited for you! I still remember hanging out at the UMC, walking to the Hill, eating at Abo’s & Tulagi’s. I remember training tables being catered by Pasta Jay’s. I remember eating 10 cent wings every Tuesday at Potter’s and chilling at the Dal-Ward. Man those were the good old days! We believe that you can right the ship and get UH back to the glory days of the Sugar Bowl!


  13. 88 November 2, 2015 10:02 am

    I remember so’o.. Grind him already. Congrats classmate on the job. Coach York don’t explain your life boi…..


  14. Hauula93 November 2, 2015 10:16 am

    Great story coach and Great respect from both sides… Good luck to you guys…Now both sides can follow in your foot steps and humble ourselves. .. Peace…


  15. REALTALK November 2, 2015 10:19 am

    this is what its really about! Props uce!

    @Realistic You clearly on the wrong story bruh

    @88 why dont you get your life BOY. Go ahead go get it.


  16. Tanoai Reed November 2, 2015 10:23 am

    Malo lava Coach Rod. Respect via respect. That was a very physical and emotional game for both teams. By far the toughest opponent Kahuku has faced this season. Yes, there will always be hype and talk between fans on social media, especially around playoffs but like you said it’s about the kids. At the end of the day the true value lies in the lessons that are learned during the journey, more so than the final result. I hope all of the boys from both teams heal up before they have to battle on the field again. Best of luck against Hilo and St. Louis and I’m sure we all look forward to a rematch in the State Championship game. Ia soifua ma ia manuia.


  17. Chinatown November 2, 2015 11:12 am

    All this hoorah because of one sentence that Im sure Darren Hernandez would love to take back during his telecast of the game…

    “If Milton threw that ball it wouldve been a touch down!”

    Nevermind that Higa tore up kailua and Gabrielle tore up waianae in blow out wins, leading many to say that Yorkz offensive system is so good it could also be plug-n-play. Kahuku defense is on another level but instead of recognizing greatness the critics like to play on the “what ifs”.

    Enemy of the State indeed.


  18. Iolani Raiders Boosters Club November 2, 2015 11:13 am

    Coach York,
    We are thankful and humbled by your ONE TEAM philosophy. Father Kenneth Bray and Coach Eddie Hamada are smiling up above for you to continue embracing this philosophy and unselfishly sharing this with the Mililani ohana and the Kahuku ohana and the rest of the world ohana.

    To the Mililani Ohana, thank you for buying into this philosophy. Although the game is over and the hurt still lingers, all of you will understand and fully appreciate this philosophy in your future life with your family, friends and work.

    Aloha and God Bless.

    The Iolani Raiders Boosters Club


  19. Chinatown November 2, 2015 11:16 am

    Props to York for helping the state of Hawaii recognize the win as a win. Best of luck to the Trojans on their journey.


  20. Good Story November 2, 2015 11:37 am

    …I remember you by 20 other names.


  21. "UNITY=STRENGHT" November 2, 2015 11:50 am

    2015 STATE OF HAWAII FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP HATE TO SAY IT THE WINNER TAKES ALL
    ON THE GLORY ROAD BIG TIME!!!!


  22. polywatch November 2, 2015 12:43 pm

    Coach York your a class act, you and your staff have done a hell of job at Mililani, at the end of the day it’s just a game and it’s all about the kid’s.


  23. Realistic November 2, 2015 1:35 pm

    ….I remember you by your lack of intelligence.


  24. Homegrown November 2, 2015 1:40 pm

    Hey Realistic you forgot to sign in with your other 20 screen names


  25. Pete November 2, 2015 1:43 pm

    Classy comments from a true Warrior. Love to see sportsmanship like this.


  26. Lee Boy November 2, 2015 1:43 pm

    Much respect for both coaches both teams were ready to play and the kids play their heart out.Good being a fan this time of the year


  27. EwaEwa November 2, 2015 1:53 pm

    88 93 and 91 just (*replace 1st posters name here*) job eachotta awrety!


  28. TGOD November 2, 2015 2:25 pm

    This is what makes the Mililani’s football program so great win or lose. It’s the attitude and efforts shown from the top that trickle down throughout the program from staff to players to managers to parents to supporters. All with one goal in mind, making our kids better on and off the field in many different ways.
    Congratulations to Coach Rod and Mahalo for this reminder of what Hawaii high school football is really about. It’s about Ohana, it’s about Na Keiki, and it’s about the life lessons being taught to our kids everyday. As a proud parent of a Mililani Student Athlete, I applaud all of Coach Rod’s efforts and give my full support to him and his staff. Building our boys into men is not an easy job, and I appreciate all the work they put in.

    God Bless


  29. Realistic November 2, 2015 2:28 pm

    @ Real Talk, I am on the side of anyone who stresses academics.


  30. Realistic November 2, 2015 2:30 pm

    @ Homegrown, if you are going to insult me please get it correct. It’s 11 sir! One for each of my computers in different rooms.

    And why should I use 1 name? Everyone on here except maybe the SA Workers, and about 1-2 people use aliases. 1, 5, 10, 1000, who cares? This is cyberworld. I have still seen anyone prove my math incorrect, haha.


  31. EwaEwa November 2, 2015 3:30 pm

    @The Iolani Raiders Boosters Club

    My Uncle graduated from Iolani in the 60’s and he exemplifies what it means to be an Iolani Raider, the one team concept, no one above or below each other is truly honorary.

    Let me just say this…there are many coaches out there that would never need to write a letter like this and send it into the media. Names like Kale Ane, Reggie Torres, Randall Okimoto and Nelson Maeda to name a few…whose actions speak louder then words. Words that do not need to be printed on a T-Shirt for the whole coaching staff to advertise on the sidelines.

    “ONE TEAM” philosophy was already live and well at Mililani and the rest of the world before any Iolani grad came in to preach it. Just sayin! Now, congratulations on putting your big boy pants on and welcome to the D1 party!!


  32. Good Story November 2, 2015 4:02 pm

    @Realistic
    Here is the list provided by Hawaii Prep World:
    1. Realistic 2. Football Fan 68 3. Really? 4. JaShaun 5. Balla 6. Old Timer 7. ILH fan 8. Ho Hum 9. National Coach 10. Hawaii Fan 11. 808 fan 12. a fan 13. 8080 fan 14. Jim Swick 15. Recruiter 808 16. Red Raider(my favorite) 17. An Observer 18. Lady Hoopster 19. Parent 20. Pun Spectator. That doesn’t include last years Education First and now 21. Fact.

    Unless you are calling Mr. Campany a liar. That’s at least 20. 11? Come on self proclaimed math expert…you can count to twenty right? But if you only remember half, that’s even more pathetic.


  33. Good Story November 2, 2015 4:04 pm

    …shucks I forgot the David Vasconcellos of Kaimuki.


  34. Realistic November 2, 2015 4:19 pm

    Not calling anyone a liar. But those are not accurate. I will lay claim to 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 11, 12, 13, 17, 20. It’s easy to tap onto a wireless network that isn’t password protected. It is what it is, haha.

    What’s pathetic is while I make up names, YOU continue to debate them, lol. And what’s even funnier is that I continue to get a rise out of you. How do I know? You keep writing back. Everyone knows when humans are not bothered by something they ignore. You have been unable to ignore me for the past 2 years. I know you have multiple names? But unlike you it doesn’t bother me. Go and make 100 I am not going to cry about it and write about it.

    What’s funnier is it took your 2 years to figure it out. And you couldn’t do it on your own. You needed the help of an employee to do it. And you are calling me pathetic? You might want to look in the mirror. You have wasted hours and hours writing stuff. I just wanted to get a rise out of you and waste your time.

    And yet at the same time, you still haven’t proven my math incorrect, nor proved that the education isn’t poor out there.

    The reason you insult, misdirect, whine, change your names, make up stories has been due to the fact that you cannot prove my math incorrect, find tangible data to make yourself correct, or dispel the fact that compared to the rest of the state the test scores are very low.

    What I do admire about you is you are persistent. No matter how ignorant you are, how low your education is, or how bad your writing is, you keep coming back for more and waste my time. I took about 3 minutes to compose this piece. Your comeback should probably take you 1-2 hours.

    And while you write back the waste-o-time-meter is now at 374.65 hours, haha.

    On a side note, congrats to the homey Chris!


  35. Hawaii61 November 2, 2015 4:37 pm

    I want to see Mililani’s injured QB play in the State Tournament. It would have been a different story if that QB played against Kahuku…I am looking forward to see him play against Kahuku in the State. What’s his status anyway? Can he play ?


  36. Kahuku 82 November 2, 2015 4:58 pm

    ^^^^wow a modern day Einstein !!! No matter how smart you think you are there’s always someone out there smarter then you! Realistically that’s a Fact… Why you feel the need to put other people down to make yourself feel better is beyond me??? Seen your other post @ GO BIG RED about not having a life by posting on here so much! Seems you have a lot more post and a lot more time then he has! Practice what you preach!!! In a nutshell I don’t think anyone here give a rats azz whether you can count to ten or not……. Have a good day my braddah


  37. Mika Tufuga-Valai November 2, 2015 5:15 pm

    Thanks to the person who posted this message on our CODE RED facebook page, otherwise a lot of us wouldn’t have read this.

    Honestly coach, I didn’t like you because I thought you were a cocky coach. But perception is a bitch sometimes. Three years ago, as I watched one of your games on TV, I said, “That’s the kind of coach we need at Kahuku, one that fights for his players.”

    Although some of us booed you for being on the field during the games, in my heart I knew you were standing up for your players. It’s what great coaches do. You are there to teach and protect your players, and your sincerity in doing your job is probably why you are misjudged by idiots like me.

    Social Media has blinded a lot of people to the idea of building up kids to be champions in life, not just sports. As an advocate for youth, I support your ideals and the values you are teaching your players. When football comes to an end, and the players move on with life, their character is what they have left, and the lessons learned will propel them to new heights and a positive outlook on life.

    Thank you for your words of wisdom coach York. Tanoai told me a while back that you are a classy guy. I believe him.

    But if God willing our schools meet up again this year, I will still be one of the loud voices from Kahuku’s side, fighting for our kids.

    With deep respect,

    Mika Tufuga-Valai
    RED RAIDER NATION TV & “CODE RED” ADMIN


  38. Kahuku 82 November 2, 2015 5:22 pm

    Anyways it took me 39 mins to write that post and another 23 mins to do the math! Hope I get an A+


  39. Anonymous November 2, 2015 5:46 pm

    I appreciate the athleticism of Kahuku athletes no matter what sport it is! They got some good athletic genes up north. It’s their fans that are questionable. They may have been cordial to you, Mr. York, but I’ve witnessed first hand many times how nasty they are during game time. The good athletes move on to professional sports (gotta be the highest per capita ratio of any community on Oahu), but many don’t and remain there in Laie. And many of them support Kahuku well past high school, but never grow up themselves. It is what it is. No hate, just an observation. Congrats Kahuku on a well-deserved football championship.


  40. Lee Boy November 2, 2015 8:06 pm

    I think everyone had enough of this realistic clown and all his other alias. Who are you to question people’s intelligence or assuming others are dumb because of their background. Grow up already bro!!!!! @Kahuku 82- you killed it brah!!!!!!! A+++++


  41. Realistic November 2, 2015 9:21 pm

    Please look at the numbers online LEE BOY. They don’t lie. And as for questioning intelligence, maybe you should attack the DOE. They are the ones who posted it for the general public.


  42. Realistic November 2, 2015 9:23 pm

    Kahuku 82 November 2, 2015 at 4:58 pm
    ^^^^wow a modern day Einstein !!! No matter how smart you think you are there’s always someone out there smarter then you! Realistically that’s a Fact… Why you feel the need to put other people down to make yourself feel better is beyond me??? Seen your other post @ GO BIG RED about not having a life by posting on here so much! Seems you have a lot more post and a lot more time then he has! Practice what you preach!!! In a nutshell I don’t think anyone here give a rats azz whether you can count to ten or not……. Have a good day my bradded

    Can someone please help me? Google Translator isn’t able to translate this for me. It says moron isn’t a language.


  43. McGruff November 2, 2015 11:20 pm

    Was this letter for damage control? Because all I recall was York throwing his #3 string QB under the bus by saying after the 2nd string got hurt …”we basically had no QB”.

    Is that the Iolani philosophy of ONE TEAM?


  44. GoBigRed November 3, 2015 5:13 am

    @Realistic… You actually ADMIT that you CAN’T do something as simple as use Google Translate (btw, it’s not “Translator”)???

    I believe it’s as follows: Point Mouse to desired languages and Click on them, then Point Mouse to open Field and Click anywhere there, Type desired words, then Click on the button that says “Translate” (HINT: It’s the big blue button). Just FYI – this process will work on “all 11 of your computers.”

    There…don’t say you never learned anything in here…seeing as how education is so important to you. Glad I could be of assistance.

    HAHAHAHHAHAHAAAAAAAA!!!


  45. GoBigRed November 3, 2015 5:26 am

    Now… I don’t know Coach York, so I don’t know how he really is away from the game. I do respect his coaching ability. He’s done a great job at Mililani.

    But as for sideline demeanor, there is a stark contrast between his demeanor (as well as most other coaches, to be fair) compared to someone like Coach Reggie Torres…and even Coach Tata, for the most part (LOVED his post-game interview: *calmly* “Six shutouts… Right?”).

    And maybe Coach York’s sideline antics are just him getting “caught up in the emotion of the moment.” Or maybe he’s discovered that’s the best way to keep his players motivated. I don’t know…go ask him.

    But this I do know: He is the HEAD COACH, with the expectation that he will always lead by example. His players will behave like him…whether he wants that or not. Many people appreciate his style of sideline coaching. I appreciate the calmness of a Reggie Torres or Vavae Tata. Different styles for different teams. Whatever works I guess.


  46. Kahuku 82 November 3, 2015 6:50 am

    Can someone please help me? Google Translator isn’t able to translate this for me. It says moron isn’t a language.

    Ummmmmm Eienstien it’s because MORON is not a language!!!
    It’s a NOUN= describes a person, place, or thing….

    I will help you google it******
    Here’s what Google came up with!!!

    1. Realistic 2. Football Fan 68 3. Really? 4. JaShaun 5. Balla 6. Old Timer 7. ILH fan 8. Ho Hum 9. National Coach 10. Hawaii Fan 11. 808 fan 12. a fan 13. 8080 fan 14. Jim Swick 15. Recruiter 808 16. Red Raider(my favorite) 17. An Observer 18. Lady Hoopster 19. Parent 20. Pun Spectator. That doesn’t include last years Education First and now 21. Fact.

    Hopes this helps you out !!!
    You can learn a lot from a dummy…..


  47. Kahuku 82 November 3, 2015 7:02 am

    @Realistic
    I would stop payments on your student loans cuz you been robbed my braddah!!!!


  48. Kahuku 82 November 3, 2015 8:13 am

    If I was you I would put Respect and Common Sense above Academics!!! It will get you through life a whole lot easier….


  49. chaddap November 3, 2015 9:44 am

    @EwaEwa. I still have pictures of you taking about football IQ. In fact we were wondering where you were hiding as u were one of those running their mouth about how we can’t win with our style of play…. well there you go buddy. Now I know own what’s coming already, “Milton this and Milton that”. Just stop talking like you know football. Your football IQ is that of a fwam.


  50. ENEMYOFTHESTATE November 3, 2015 11:51 am

    @Hawaii61 It wouldn’t matter which QB will play against our Team. Our Defense won’t let that happend. We all wish the first string QB was playing and still wishing he is going to play our boys again. I’m letting you know that will be the end of his career in football. remember offense and defense wins game. I don’t know why y’all gotta ruined a good message from coach York. It’s not about any if the adults it’s about the kids. Let’s the kids enjoy their hard work instead of saying all this unnecessary comments. RRFL


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