John Frederick is surrounded by Vance Hunt, Henry Lumking,
Wade Chandler, Andy Ramos and A.C. Berwer.
Photo by Ken Sakamoto, Star-Bulletin
"This game can teach people a lot of things: sacrifice, that there's a price to pay in life, discipline and to play by the rules," said the 59-year-old Eastern Rites Catholic reverend, who also coaches the semipro Leeward Chiefs of the Hawaii Football League.
Then the pigskin padre smiled as he glanced over at a couple of his players.
"My guys are well-trained," he said. "They know I'm not going to tolerate any nonsense."
There are eight teams in the league: three from Oahu, two each from Maui and the Big Island, and one from Kauai.
There are strict league rules, especially against fighting, and each player signs a contract that includes possible fines and even expulsion.
Frederick said the importance of the league stretches far beyond the goal lines, though.
It gives the young men a chance to play professional football - and to stay out of trouble while pursuing the dream.
"Basically, they're able to play football again," said Frederick, who has been in Hawaii since 1954. "Some of them may go into Arena football, Canadian football, World football or even the NFL. It's a long shot, but it might happen.
"A lot of them didn't have the
money for college, but they're good football players."
Father John, as he is known throughout the league, is the pastor of St. Michael The Archangel church in Waipio.
He used to work for the U.S. Department of Defense and attended school at the University of Hawaii, Chaminade and the University of Maryland.
Frederick also is a former coach at Campbell High and has been involved in the semipro league for four years. Football has always been a passion.
Frederick will make a special trip with at least three league players this fall.
He will take Wade Chandler, A.C. Berwer and Henry Lumking to play in Ireland just before the Notre Dame-Navy game on Saturday, Nov. 2.
Two other league players, Vance Hunt and Andy Ramos, have also been selected to play on Team USA against Team Ireland, but they are still trying to find sponsors to help with the cost of the eight-day trip, which is about $2,800.
"I'm looking forward to the experience of being on a national team," said Chandler, a Kaneohe native and 1984 St. Louis School graduate, who played tailback for four years at the University of Minnesota. "I've never been out of the country so I'm really excited."
Lumking is originally from Waimanalo and is a 1985 St. Louis School graduate who played defensive tackle at Portland State.
"It's a great opportunity for someone from here," he said of the trip.
Berwer, who is stationed here with the Seabees, has been in Hawaii for three years. He is a linebacker and played some semipro football in Italy.
"It's the chance of a lifetime," said the Eugene, Ore., native.
Hunt and Ramos are still hopeful of making the trip.
And they both said that playing in the league has been a positive factor in their lives.
Ramos, 21, is in his first year in the league. The Castle graduate is a center.
"It has helped me better myself and to keep out of trouble," he said. "And I want to be a role model for my younger brother, who plays Pop Warner."
Hunt, 27, is in his third year with the league. The middle linebacker is from Waimanalo and played at Pac-Five.
"I've had a chance to get close to a lot of good guys," he said. "I love football. I'm just glad to be able to still play."