Tonga "Jr." Tea was born in Maui, Hawaii and moved to Anchorage, Alaska when he was 11. Jr. is sixth of seven children and didn't really get to know some of his older siblings because they had moved out while Jr. was still very young.

Jr. is a man of very few words, but his actions on the field speak volumes. Jr. played just one year of high school football and was selected to the all-state team. It would be difficult to tell by watching him play for the Snow College Badgers in the Western States Football League that he didn't have years of experience.

Jr. is on track to graduate following Fall Semester.

Head Coach Steve Coburn says, "Jr.'s strengths include a relentless pursuit of the football and tremendous speed and quickness. Jr. also has great strength in his arms and hands."

Some of that is natural, but Coburn says, "Jr. Has spent a lot of time in the weight room to compliment his natural ability."

"Jr. Has a natural instinct for football. He reads quickly and can react. He has one of the best attitudes on the team. You can tell be watching him that he truly loves to play the game."

"Last year Jr. was double-teamed on almost every play, but he was still able to score defensive points."

Below is an interview with Jr. His answers were always short and to the point, but always said with a smile that is contagious.

Snow: Why did you come to Snow College?

Jr.: Coach Coburn called and I came running!

Snow: Had you ever heard of Snow College?

Jr.:No. It's great here. A lot of people feel like there is nothing to do here, but there is a lot.

Snow: What is the best thing about going to school at Snow?

Jr.:The faculty and staff really care about you as a student and a person. They want you to succeed. I don't necessarily like school, but teachers are always there to help you and make sure that you have every possibility to be successful. I wouldn't be graduating if it weren't for the teachers and staff and their support.

Snow: What is the best part of Snow College Football?

Jr.: This is an amazing program. I just try to have a positive attitude and be a part of the team. We are a team. We are getting better each week.

Snow: What do you want to have happen the most during your career at Snow?

Jr.: I want my mom to see me play. She has never seen me play because she is always working double shifts to help pay for school. I think we can win a National Championship.