Around The Islands: Sports
Football
RAM Upgrade 2.5
by Barry A. Villamil
Fred Salanoa knows the importance of preparing his athletes for the future. With a positive and direct philosophy in mind he radically set a goal to upgrade his student athletes both on and off the playing field.
The former football standout graduated from Radford High School in 1996, and has been at the helm of the Radford High School varsity football program since 2003. Salanoa played football at Snow Junior College in Utah before he transferred to Eastern Washington University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in recreation management and corrections in 2001.
Salanoa requires every team member on the roster to carry a 2.5 minimum grade point average in order to play on game day, which is a slight increase in comparison to other statewide standards. The Department of Education requires a 2.0 grade point average for all student athletes to participate, and as the Ram football program enters in its third year Coach Salanoa and his coaching staff are on a mission. "We're trying to get the kids ready for the future, to be successful, positive role models in society," said Salanoa.
Coach Salanoa has a basic two-step philosophy for his players, which starts with taking care of their responsibilities at home, and completing all homework on time. "When you get on the football field it's all fun. It should be fun because you don't have any other cares because you took care of everything."
Bronson Leafa, a senior linebacker and team captain said: "We're not just football players, we're students first. Last year the team had a 3.0 grade point average, and we keep setting the standards a little higher each year."
Last spring the classroom requirements had a significant impact on the Ram practice field. The annual Black and White scrimmage became a 7-on-7 match up after Salanoa's rules profoundly impacted the participation of his team. "It's hard on me as a coach along with my other coaches to sit out our starters, or to sit out four offensive lineman during spring ball," said the Ram Head Coach. "It's hard on us but it's a call that I have to make."
"I had to sit out spring ball because I didn't meet the requirements," said Ian Scheuring, a 6-foot-5, 295 pound senior offensive tackle. When asked about his Salanoa's philosophy Scheuring said, "We all learn from coach's philosophy. It's an important stepping stone, it teaches a lot about not being average but to excel."
Time away from the practice field is spent in the classroom, as portable classrooms serve as an after school study hall for the Ram football players. Those athletes who fall below Salanoa's curve sit as spectators only a few yards away from the practice field. "We're all one team whether we we're on the field, or in the classroom during spring ball. Everybody on the field knows you got to get it done in the classroom before you go out," said Scheuring.
Salanoa's system is well organized with checks and balances, as teachers regularly communicate with the football coach about his team's academic performance. Salanoa said, "I'm getting e-mails left and right from different teachers about certain student athletes causing more work for me, but you know it's for the betterment of the kids."
Kyle Blair, a junior wide receiver said, teachers have recognized student athletes for their athletic accomplishments as well as encouraged them to excel academically.
With the upcoming season ahead the Rams will be thoroughly tested in the OIA White Conference. "I've had these guys since their sophomore year and now their going to become seniors. They know my expectations and standards," said Salanoa, who is expecting 40 returnees from last season.
Teachers and students have commented that the success of the program has a lot to do with the strict rules in the classroom, and the educational benefits that are being reaped by the players is proof enough, said Salanoa.
Last year the Rams only regular season loss came at the hands of the Campbell Sabers, 45-0. The two teams faced off in the first round of the Division II playoffs, which once again resulted in an 11 point Ram loss. "We made it to the playoffs the past two years and lost in the first round, we need to change this. It's our destiny to be in that championship game," said Leafa.
