COACH'S CORNER: Hawaii: land of family, land of football

Since my family was of very traditional Greek descent, certain customs and etiquette were widely observed in our home.

Some customs seemed unique to my circle of friends, but never strange to me. Our traditions were practiced on a daily basis. Family meant everything.

I didn't appreciate my upbringing during my "wonder years." Now, of course, I've learned to understand the dynamics of traditions.

My daughter Michelle and grandson Dominick (D.J.) moved to Oahu, Hawaii, in August. My wife and I spent the month of November with them, completely immersing ourselves in Hawaiian culture.

We've been vacationing in Hawaii for 20 years, always staying where the action is - Waikiki. Absolutely love it. Fabulous beaches, great food, nonstop entertainment, snorkeling, paddle board surfing, people watching ... it's my favorite place in the world. Spread my ashes in the front of Duke's beachfront restaurant and I'll be happy!

This time was different ... very different. My daughter is a bit of a hippie; she chose a job on the North Shore, living on homestead property in a tiny town called Hau'ula. Primitive, beautiful, very traditional. As her guests, we were honored and welcomed by the locals in her community with a massive party. They spearfished for weeks, gathering hundreds of fish and lots of squid, and spent the entire day preparing a feast I will never forget.

Hawaiians have a gift-giving culture. The offering of food is considered the norm, you "make plate" or "take plate," even if you don't intend to eat it. Extended family, family friends and neighbors are all "family." As a sign of respect, the young called all adults "Uncle" or "Auntie." My wife and I were "Papa" and "Yaya" to all, young and old. Not once were we referred to as Nick or Jennifer.

Within a few days I quickly learned more of their customs and traditions. NEVER wear shoes or flip-flops in the home - it's very disrespectful.

It is impolite to refer to the U.S. mainland as "the States." This implies that Hawaii is not part of the United States.

Most people in Hawaii are of mixed ethnicity, known as kama'aina. Unless they are of full- or part-native Hawaiian ethnicity, they do not refer to themselves as native Hawaiian.

Don't attempt to speak pidgin English. I spent my entire first evening listening to conversations filled with chatter, laughter, constant interrupting ... and couldn't understand anything they were saying. Two words seemed to be used in every sentence: "da kine." I finally mustered up the courage to ask what "da kine" meant, and the answer was quite amusing. "Da kine" can mean almost anything!

"I no mo like da kine." This means you are full.

"You like go da kine da store." This means do you want to go shopping.

Grandson Dominick is football crazy; he dreams of being the Oregon Duck quarterback in 2023. The first photo of me and him came when he was 2 months old and clad with Duck apparel. The instant we got to Hau'ula, Dominick and his friends took me to the park to play some tackle football.

Every kid was Marcus Mariota, Oregon's Heisman-winning quarterback and Honolulu's pride and joy.

Hawaiians are connected by a common denominator: football.

Mariota belongs to Hawaii. It's hard to describe, but I saw it, heard it, felt it. When Mariota won the Heisman, all of Hawaii won it to. I happened to be catching a few waves in Waikiki on the Saturday afternoon all of Hawaii stood still for one magic moment. The instant Mariota won the Heisman, the entire beach at Waikiki erupted.

The entire island went crazy, probably similar to when Hawaii's Barack Obama became president. What I'm trying to say is this: If one person in Hawaii achieves this type of success, the entire state is successful.

Rich tradition.

Ohana (family).

Mariota attended Saint Louis High School, a team that won 14 consecutive state titles from 1986-1999, producing many great quarterbacks along the way.

If Michelle and Dominick stay put, D.J. will be attending Kahuku High School. The Red Raiders of Kahuku have won four of the last six state championships, and there are currently five Kahuku products playing in the NFL. (Six played last year.)

Mind you, this is a community made up of a few tiny towns on the North Shore, where football is king. It's everyone's life. Community pride like no other place I've seen.

I watched the second-, third- and fourth-grade teams practice several times. They all had "Red Raiders" on their uniforms. Many were practicing barefoot. Their practice field looked like a cow pasture.

No parents were hovering; coaches were hollering, screaming; and the hitting was fierce. Discipline was very evident. The young Red Raiders were being groomed as future state champs.

The turnout was incredible; I was envious of everything I was seeing. My constant thought was ... if only we could bring this type of commitment to Lewiston. Is it feasible?

I had to pick the brains of the coaches: What did you do to create this culture?

Easy, they replied. Number one: Everyone plays football here. Everyone. It is an expectation that has been developed through the generations. These kids' dads played here, their grandpas played here, their children will play here. Strong tradition.

Number two: Their philosophy is simple. There is no instinct like that of the heart. When all else fails, the heart prevails.

Number three: Building boys is much easier than mending men. They are very tough on the boys. They will grow to be strong, tough, disciplined and successful.

Monday night in Oahu will be Hawaii's version of the Super Bowl. Oregon's victory over Ohio State will be a national championship celebrated by two teams - the Oregon Ducks and the wonderful state of Hawaii.

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Menegas won two state championships as the football coach at Lewiston High from 1986-98 and is now a Bengal assistant coach. His column runs occasionally in the Tribune. To send Menegas a suggestion for a future column, contact him at thecoach@lmtribune.com.