Kahuku Shouldn't Lose Faith in Torres

With Kahuku's early exit from the OIA tournament, there will inevitably be questions regarding the status of head coach Reggie Torres. Already this season, he has been approached by dissatisfied parents, and had to endure a player boycott at one of his practices. I am of the opinion that the Kahuku community should be patient with Torres. Yes, results are important, but I believe that what Torres is trying to accomplish goes beyond the football field. There is no doubt that Kahuku is the standard-setting program in Hawaii high school football in the 21st century. That being said, what Torres has stated as a mission statement of sorts, is to establish a level of class among the players befitting a program of that stature. This is not something that happens in a short amount of time. And this ideal is what led to some of the players' displeasure with him as a coach. Some of them want the freedom to celebrate on the field after making a play. Torres has discouraged that (mind you, the Red Raiders were penalized twice for unsportamanlike conduct penalties in a game against Farrington, broadcast on OC-16). Some of the players want to perform the haka prior to games. Torres has allowed it under certain conditions (he asks they "be respectful" to the other team and to the Maori people).
I'm a believer in Reggie Torres. I think his intentions are true. If, after a few seasons, the program struggles further, I'm certain Coach Torres would be the first one to admit that a change is necessary. Until then, I hope he's given ample opportunity to bring continued success to this program (he won the state title last year in his first season on the job), and to achieve his goals of "building character" among some of the most talented athletes the islands have to offer.

- Kanoa Leahey