In a remarkable showcase of talent and cultural pride, two 17-year-old athletes from Fiji have found themselves making waves in Hawaii’s high school football circuit, a field commonly dominated by Polynesians like Samoans and Tongans. Genesis Stice and Kekoa Koong, both former teammates at Kapolei High School, now stand as rivals with Stice playing as a linebacker for Kapolei and Koong excelling as the starting quarterback for Mililani High School. Their performances on the field are noteworthy, but it is their dedication to their Fijian heritage that sets them apart.
Genesis Stice, with roots traced back to Naqere Estate on Vanua Levu, has introduced the traditional Fijian chant-prayer, Noqu Masu, to Kapolei’s varsity squad. This rich cultural element has been embraced by the team, showcased before every game as both an act of faith and unity, a unique blend of sports and tradition. Meanwhile, Kekoa Koong, with maternal ties to Rotuma, carries the torch of his culture as he leads his team in one of Hawaii’s top sports programs.
Recently, Kapolei High School celebrated a historic milestone as they became the first Hawaiian high school football team to compete on the East Coast against the nationally ranked St. John’s College High School. This momentous journey was highlighted by a visit to the U.S. Capitol, where Senator Brian Schatz welcomed the team. This meeting culminated with Stice leading his teammates in singing Noqu Masu on the Capitol steps, a moment that gained widespread attention after the senator shared it on social media.
Stice and Koong’s stories resonate with the broader narrative of young athletes tapping into their cultural heritage while pursuing their sports dreams, much like other Fijian athletes in rugby and other sports fields. Their success is emblematic of the vibrant cultural tapestry emerging from Pacific Island communities and highlights a trend of youth utilizing athletic platforms to celebrate and promote their roots on a global stage.
This story is not just a celebration of sporting achievements but is also an illustration of how cultural heritage enriches the competitive spirit and camaraderie in sport. It echoes the sentiment that sports are not just a pursuit of excellence, but a medium to carry forward and celebrate cultural legacies. As Stice and Koong continue to inspire both on and off the field, they set an example of hope and pride, paving the way for future generations of athletes who will carry their unique cultures into the arenas they excel in.