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Misipeka joins Broncbusters as running back coach

A son of American Samoa and native from the village of Fagatogo, Keikiokalani Misipeka is opening a whole new gateway for the youth of our island to get more football scholarship opportunities — through his new job. Misipeka has been named Running Back Coach and International Recruiting Coordinator for the Garden City Community College Broncbusters in Garden City, Kansas.

 

Misipeka spent years coaching at his alma mater here in American Samoa, the Home of the Mighty Sharks, Samoana High School, and a plus to that was his effort in helping local student athletes earn football scholarships through non-profit organizations – Field House 100 and Pasefika International Sports Alliance (PISA).

 

The new RB Coach and International Recruiting Coordinator for Garden City Community College  – “Keiki” Misipeka is the son of late Kelemete Misipeka from the village of Fagatogo and Iolani Misipeka, who is a counselor at Nu’uuli Voc-Tech High School.

 

Of his new job, Misipeka told Samoa News, via a telephone interview, “I’m a product of the Rock (American Samoa) and I can relate to the student-athletes. One of my main goals when I left American Samoa in 2013, was to continue to help student-athletes – it was a lot easier for me to connect with college coaches out here once I moved to the US.”

 

He said, “One of my other goals was to become a college football coach – I met Garden City’s Head Coach Jeff Sims at a football camp out here, and I had the opportunity to share with him a little bit about myself playing running back in college and a season of professional football in the Canadian Football League.”

 

According to Misipeka, Garden City’s Head Coach Sims attempted to reach him a few days later, prior to crossing paths at a football camp in the US. “I didn’t think much of our conversation, but two weeks later, Coach Sims called and told me he had lost his Running Backs Coach – and offered me the position. After praying and talking with my wife, kids, and family, I accepted the job.”

 

He added “I’m grateful for the opportunity to be part of the Garden City Community College Football Program, and on that note, I would like to thank Head Coach Sims for the opportunity. It’s a blessing to start my college coaching career and to be in a position to help Polynesian athletes with scholarship opportunities to attend Garden City Community College.”

 

Misipeka told Samoa News that he’s already been working on moving some of our local athletes out to Kansas, and there are already 12 student athletes from American Samoa and Hawai’i who are scheduled to head over to Garden City Community College, and be a part of the Broncbuster family.

 

He said, “The 12 student athletes who’ve been confirmed to join us this Summer will be Edward Manase and Leti Pa’aga of Tafuna High School (AS), Dixon Siuele and Heston Lameta from Samoana High School (AS), Kevin Maukoloa of Nu’uuli Vocational Technical High School (AS), Marcus Mafi and Kahewai Kaaiawaawa both from Mililani High School (HI) John Tuitupou from Kaleaho High School (HI), Kelemete Misipeka Kelemete of Farrington High School (HI), and EJ Faauli from McKinley High School (HI)”.

 

Misipeka said, “I would like to acknowledge and thank American Samoa PISA representative and Academic Director, Rachel Jennings for all of her hard work and efforts – our student athletes in the territory are naturally talented and she has been instrumental in making sure these student athletes maintain their grades, as well as helping them through the recruiting process.”

 

He concluded “I would also like to thank my former high school coaches, Heach Coach Moamoa Vaeao, “Mr. Perfect” Elia Savali, Pepine Lauvao, Simon Mageo and Doc Tuato’o – lastly I want to thank my family, my parents, my wife Tufi Malauulu Misipeka and our kids for always supporting me. Fa’afetai tele lava and always, Samoa muamua Le Atua.”