TSUNAMI HITS EPHRAIM
by Greg Dart

Nothing More Important Than Family

Ephraim-That old saying “nothing is more important than family” took on new meaning for four Snow College football players as each had family affected by the tsunami that hit the islands of Samoa and America Samoa last week.

Freshman Sini Tauauve’a (Hunter High School), freshman Charles Ho Ching, sophomore BJ Mckenzie, and freshman Tenny Palepoi (Skyline High School) all had family affected by the 8.0 earthquake that sent tsunami waves that were as high as 15 to 20 feet that has killed a reported 176 people.

Ho Ching, who grew up in America Samoa, played the entire game Saturday not knowing his family’s fate. It was after the game that he found out they made it through the tsunami unscathed.

McKenzie, who has cousins in the area, has since found out they are alright. Tauauve’a, whose father lived in America Samoa, received word that nearly his entire father’s village had been destroyed, but family made it through the storm unharmed.

For Palepoi, as of Monday night he had yet to make contact with his brother. He holds out hope that everything is fine.

The news of the tsunami caught each of the players off guard and was greeted initially by shock.

“I didn’t want to believe it at first,” said Charles Ho Ching. “It became so surreal when I came home and got on the computer and saw all the pictures.”

“I felt useless being here and not over there helping out,” Sini Tauauve’a exclaimed. “But all we can do right now is pray.”

The Badgers had an inspiring win over Mesa Community College 44-0 on Saturday led by the effort of these players who were all playing for their family and their culture. A couple of players even wrote some things on their wrists and arm bandages in honor of their family.

These players knew they were not alone either as they had the whole team rally around them. The team even had a prayer after the game to pray for those on the team that had family still missing.
“We just made sure we came out and played hard the whole game for them,” said freshman Tim Katoa.

“Those guys were playing for a lot,” said defensive coordinator Justin Decol. “They stayed focus all week during practice and really showed their strength and maturity.”

Although news is still coming in about how the region has been affected, the Snow College players are trying to keep focus.

“I just use this as motivation,” said BJ Mckenzie. “I’m here to better my own life.”

“I just try not to think about it too much,” Palepoi stated. “I just try to keep busy and focus on football which helps distract me from it.”

The tsunami was a day to be remembered by the world and a day to never be forgotten by these Badgers they said.

The four players each affected by the tsunami had just one message they wanted to share.

“One love and much blessings for America Samoa,” they each stated.