Adam (Atamu) Tagaloa Ah Ching class of (2012) is the first Samoan to play for the Greer High Yellow Jackets. He recently received his first D-1 football offer from BYU, Coach Bronco Mendenhall after his performances in June at the All-Poly Camp and BYU Camp in competition with some of the top Junior and Senior football players from across the country. Adam is only a 15 year old sophomore linebacker/fullback but was able to show his athletic abilities to over 100 coaches representing all major football conferences. He has a 4.6- 40yd.time, 300lbs.-bench press, 500lbs.-squat.He is the first from the class of 2012 in the state of South Carolina to receive a D-1 offer. Adam recalls, "Coach Mendenhall was real friendly and direct in offering me a scholarship. He counseled me to remain humble and continue to improve. I felt very honored to be offered from BYU because of their tradition. I'm also LDS and plan on serving a church mission." "At the camps I got to meet up with a lot of cousins and family. Being part Samoan/Polynesian heritage a lot of people in South Carolina aren't aware of our cultural customs and traditions. But if you mention names like: Troy Polumalu -Steelers, Haloti Ngata-Ravens, Lofa Tatupu-Seahawks, Rey Maualuga-Bengals, Pisa Tinoisamoa-Bears, Travis Laboy, Deuce Letui-Cardinals, Isaako Sopoaga- 49ers, Kevin Maevae-Titans, Kawika Mitchell-Bills etc…not to mention former NFL stars like Junior Seau-Chargers, Patriots, Mark Tuinei-Cowboys, Jesse Sapolu-49ers, Itula Mili-Seahawks. Yes, even the "Rock" Duane Johnson is half Samoan. These were my athletic role models and cousins but my real-life role models are my mom, dad, grandparents, sisters, and family.
Many more football offers will be forthcoming,shortly and Ah Ching still has three more years to commit but for now, Ah Ching looks only to the '09 upcoming season. We have a good chance to go all the way to state 3-A championship. Coach Wil Young (HC) and Coach Travis Perry (DC) are preparing us now, "to believe, we will achieve." If given the chance, Ah Ching would like to teach his Greer football team the "Haka" traditional (Maori) Polynesian war dance done before each game done out West and in Texas where there are large communities of Polynesians. "It really gets you fired up and focused with a warrior spirit. I always play with a lot of emotion and love to hit." Clearly, Adam (Atamu) Tagaloa Ah Ching is anxious for the '09 football season. Go Greer Jackets!!!
Full Article
