By KEVIN JAKAHI
By KEVIN JAKAHI
Tribune-Herald sports writer
On a recent sunny day at Keaau’s football practice field, loud barking echoed through the humid air, imploring the 50 or so strong in attendance to give their maximum effort.
The source of inspiration was senior defensive lineman Makana Fraser, a 5-foot, 11-inch, 190-pound bundle of positive energy, who leads by example and enthusiasm.
“He’s like a magnet. Everybody circles around him,” coach Michael Nonies said. “It’s a good thing he’s not an introvert. He has a lot to do with our closeness. Everybody feels that. He’s definitely a spark plug.”
Fraser is one of four returning starters on defense. It’s the same number on offense, including senior running back Johnny Vance and only one starter on the line in senior Kaimana Schilling (5-7, 239).
As the old saying goes, Big Island Interscholastic Federation battles begin in the trenches.
“They’re not experienced,” Schilling said of his linemates. “But they’re learning and we’re hungry. I think we’ll do pretty good (as a team). We’re family and everybody sticks together.”
While Fraser is the glue for the Cougars, his ascension to team leader was a long jump, considering his status a few years ago.
He’s from Maui and played football at King Kekaulike, where his grades started to tumble in his first two years. Then after his sophomore year, he moved in with his relatives in Mountain View.
His uncle, Leonard Pomroy, owns Pomroy Rental Services, which also does construction work. Fraser punches in a time clock and helps out with the family business, refining a work ethic that carries over to school.
“My uncle shaped me up. My grades weren’t doing well on Maui,” said Fraser, who has a 2.9 grade-point average. “Now, I’m getting some As. I never really tried before in school.
“My uncle is strict and I’m a laborer. Before games, I’d be pouring slab at 4:30 in the morning. Living in Mountain View is good. Everybody is mellow and everybody has aloha.”
Peace of mind has given him a better view of the big picture.
“I want to keep playing football. That’s my goal,” he said. “I want to go to college. I’ve liked football since I was a kindergartner. My dad (Austin, mom is Michelle) has always wanted one of us to play football in college. I have two older brothers and two older sisters.
“My strength is going hard. I like to do my best. That’s why I’m always pushing myself. My coaches tell me I’m the spark plug of the team. That I rev everybody up and as I move everybody moves.”
Senior linebacker Matt Winters (5-8, 155), who works in back of Fraser on the field in run and pass support, and alongside him at practice, has a bird’s eye view of the Cougars’ workhorse.
“He’s a really hard worker,” Winters said. “Everyone on the team likes him and he never gives up. He has a smile no matter if we win or lose.”
Winters and Talon Ota (5-6, 135) are two of the team leaders in the GPA department. Winters has a 3.6 GPA and Ota, who’s a running back, safety and kicker, holds a 3.9 GPA. Both understand that the key to posting good grades fits in the same door that leads to a successful season on the football field.
“I think we’ll do good this season,” Winters said. “But we’ve got to be disciplined. We have to come ready to work. Practice makes perfect. What I like about our team is we’re a lot more family-oriented. We can rely on each other. There are no trust issues. We’re pretty fast. We’re definitely not the biggest team. But we’re really fast and hard-working, too.
“Like football, in the classroom you need discipline. You have to pay attention to get your assignments in on time. Even on the field, you have to pay attention. You have to know your assignments. A big chunk of football is mental.”
Ota shares the same perspective on what makes a team work. He spoke in a nutshell.
“Our goal is pretty much the same as every year, to win the BIIF championship,” he said. “We have to work hard and be dedicated. We’re getting there.”
The Cougars will be road warriors. Their stadium field, which is getting a new grass makeover, won’t be ready this season. Wong Stadium will be their temporary home away from home.
At least, they are able to practice on their grass field, a short punt away from the stadium. When the players are grinding in perspiration and working hard to improve, there is always someone inspiring everyone to work harder and remain dedicated.
“He’s the one barking,” Keaau coach Nonies said, pointing to Makana Fraser.
Schedule
Today: at Kamehameha, after 1 p.m. JV
Sept. 1: vs. Waiakea, after 5 p.m. JV
Sept. 7: at Hilo, after 5 p.m. JV
Sept. 22: vs. Kealakehe, after 1 p.m JV
Sept. 28: vs. Hilo, after 5 p.m. JV
Oct. 5: at Waiakea, after 5 p.m. JV
Oct. 12: at Kealakehe, after 5 p.m. JV
Oct. 19: DI semifinals (4 at 1)
Oct. 20: DI semifinals (3 at 2)
Home games at Wong