Time, love and work ethic made all the difference for young Faaope Laloulu.
Now a 6-foot-7, 390-pound Farrington senior, Laloulu trodded along as a youngster playing for the Central Razorbacks.
“I wasn’t that good growing up,” he said after signing his letter of intent with Oregon.
He’s plenty good now, training year-round under the mindful eyes of former Farrington standout Whitley Fehoko. Laloulu turned down nine other offers, including Hawaii. His visit to Eugene earlier in the fall was pivotal.
“I liked it a lot. It’s like here, but quieter. I didn’t want to leave,” he said.
Family and friends joined Laloulu for his signing, which began at 6:45 a.m. He still has two more finals to take today and Thursday. Like everything else that has come before him, including a bittersweet departure from St. Francis when the school closed last semester, Laloulu handles every challenge the same way.
“I’m prepared,” he said.
His message to Oregon Ducks fans is concise.
“You’re going to get the best of me,” he said.
Congratulations young man. Be humble and kind on your new challenge in life. Don’t forget you are representing your parents and family. Stand proud as a Samoan man who accomplished higher education. Cheeehuuuuu!!! Lol
Thank the lord this bugga is almost “10” feet cause if not, he would not be recruited by anybody, not even the University of Kam 4 lol, this guys not very good at all!