This Saturday, Moanalua will be going up against Kahuku High School, a nationally ranked powerhouse football team. New Moanalua High School Varsity Football Coach Andrew Manley has a simple yet powerful message for the players and fans.

“Why not us,” Manley said.

That’s bold words for a new coach, but being bold is a big part of the plan.  Manley said he is dedicated to building a formidable team but instilling core values in his players that will last a lifetime.  

Coach Manley brings more than just football experience to the field, he brings a sense of purpose for his players’ personal development. 

“My values as a coach [is that] I want to get these kids to college,” he said.

It’s not all about football, but paving a path for all the players’ futures, he explained. One of Manley’s top priorities to accomplish that is to create a close family within the team. 

“[I want to] create a culture here where the kids will treat each other like family for the rest of their lives,” Manley said. 

He wants the bonds created on the field to go beyond football and create lifelong connections and brothers.

Manley was a standout quarterback at Leilehua High School. He threw for 3,143 yards and 35 touchdowns in his senior season and was named the 2009 Gatorade Player of the Year. He played for New Mexico and Eastern Illinois universities and played in the Canadian Football League before returning to Hawaii. Stints coaching at Kapolei and Leilehua got him back into the local scene and led him to Moanalua. Manley said returning to Hawaii helps him to fulfill his desire of giving back to the community. 

“What made me want to return to coaching in Hawaii was to help these kids get recruited and seen,” he said.

Because few local students receive recognition from mainland colleges, Manley strives to use his professional connections to help his players make it to college. Manley sees himself as a bridge between local talent and the opportunities on the mainland. 

“If I can be that bridge to help these kids get to the mainland, into bigger schools then I am doing my part as a coach,” he said.

He strives to build a program that will help players face challenges in high school–not just in football–as a way to build their character in life as well.

“I want to build a program where these kids are disciplined and consistent in what they do everyday… make them better husbands, parents, co-workers, good in their job,” Manley said.

He wants his players to always strive to do their best even against formidable opponents. Taking up the responsibility of head coach for Moanalua High School, Andrew Manley is not here to just win games, but to ensure a bright future for all his players.