Players on the Latter-day Saint Church College of Pesega’s (CCP) First 15 rugby team have shown this year that they know how to play and win, but also that off the field is where strong characters are developed.
Last month the team won the Upolu inter-school rugby championship – the first time CCP has won. The closest the school has come in previous years was a top six place in 2004.
CCP teacher and team coach, Dallis Talataina, said, “We teach our boys to never give up. That has been our motto. Perseverance is vital to any success. That’s what I believe and that’s what I want to instil in my boys.”
Team manager and retired NFL player, Edwin Mulitalo, said, “A big part of their success has been attributed to a steady practice of gospel-living and endurance. We remind our boys every day to remember that every opportunity counts.”
Semaia Fa’aola, classroom teacher and assistant coach, said, “We practice Monday through Wednesday, morning and afternoon, and two and a half hours each Saturday.
We finish early on Monday so the boys can spend time with their families [what Latter-day Saints call ‘family home evening’]. We always pray before and after practices, and game day is no exception.”
Kelvin Uili, who scored the winning try in this year’s championship game, said, “I have learned the importance of being humble before every game, to pray before and after each game without waiting to be told to do so and to work together as a team.”
In addition to the coaches, the team receives support from school administrators, faculty, parents, family and community.
School principal, Tuugatiti Leo Leauanae, said, “The most important lesson the boys have been able to take away from their participation in the tournament is being able to apply the things they have been taught at practices and on the field to their lives. It is our hope that what they learn does not end here. Our hope is participation in this rugby program extends beyond graduation.”
Mr Leauanae continued: “If we lose on the field, but the boys achieve success in their future lives and serve God, then ultimately our job is a success and we have won!”
The team is now preparing to participate in the Smoke Free Tournament where the top six schools from Upolu and the top two from Savai’i will compete for the championship title for the entire nation of Samoa.