Tua, wearing number 8 for practice instead of his regular #21

An Answer To The Problems: Tua Leiataua

Story by Mike Guardabascio

The Drive There

It's sometime between late afternoon and early evening, and I'm crossing the LA River, on my way to Cabrillo High School, to visit practice and interview a player I'm writing a profile of.  My angle is going to be what it's like to be one of the rare seniors on a very young team, with a new coaching staff who has big plans for the future.  How it feels to be part of a rebuilding process when you won't be there to see the building.  The sun is starting to set somewhere down PCH ahead of me, and I can tell it's going to be a special one, the kind of rare sunset we only get in Southern California, stained and streaked with pollution-painted crimsons and purples. 

Sitting at a red light waiting to turn onto Santa Fe, I think about the two sportswriters who have told me that they flat out wouldn't ever go to Cabrillo, Jordan, or Compton—or Poly, if they played their games on their own campus.  It's a silly, stupid thing to say, but I wonder how much of the city shares their views.  I remember when I was in eighth grade at Hughes, and my friends and I were deciding on high schools—several friends' parents told them they had three choices: Lakewood, Millikan, and Wilson.  If they didn't get into a magnet at any of those, their parents had a backup plan: move to Los Alamitos.  The light turns green, and I turn right, weaving between construction vehicles towards the newest high school in Long Beach.  I'm already a few minutes late.

Coach A.J. Luke

Coach Luke greets me warmly, and we stand and watch practice together for ten minutes—he's mostly working out younger players, since I'm there during Cabrillo's bye week.  Luke coached my little brother at Poly a few years ago, where he was a defensive mind as well as the head of their freshman team.  A Poly alum—he was a standout player on the football team—Luke worked at Poly for years, until he moved to Jordan two years ago to be defensive coordinator, and then spent last year at LBCC.  This year he's taken the helm of his own high school team for the first time, surrounded by six other ex-Poly coaches.  According to him when we spoke before the season, none of them left Poly because they were disgruntled.  They left because they wanted to create another positive program on the west side of the city, another safe haven for students who desperately need one.  "It's numbers," he said.  "Everybody wants to go to Poly, I understand that.  But if there's 200 people on the freshman team, not everybody's going to get what they need from there."

So he took over a team that had existed for fewer years than Poly has CIF championships, a team that had won fewer games in the prior three years than Poly usually wins in a season.  And he started rebuilding, from the ground up.  On the sideline of the Wilson/Cabrillo game the week prior, Cabrillo athletic director Rick Lamprecht told me, "The way our coaches work with these players in practice, the things they're teaching them, the games are almost an afterthought."

Of course, that doesn't mean the Jaguars' 0-9 record is easy for the coaching staff, or their players to bear.  But the change in the program's philosophy and attitude hasn't gone unnoticed—one parent told our writer covering the Cabrillo/St. John Bosco game that if Cabrillo had been down big in a game last year, he would've seen helmets being thrown, blowups on the sideline, maybe a fight.  This year, though, the Jaguars are the most upbeat, positive, and energetic sideline in the league, despite their record.  Coach Luke has his kids believing in the future.  Hell, he's even sold my writers—everyone who covers a Jags game comes back telling me how good the Jaguars are going to be next year, or the year after.  And when coach Luke tells you the same, you believe him.

Tua

Luke tells me the senior I was going to talk to isn't at practice that day, but that he has another guy he wants me to interview instead.  "He's one of our seniors, the heart and soul of our defense.  Leads the team in tackles.  He's well-loved by the administration here, works in the student store to make some extra money for his family.  He's a leader on campus as well as on the football field—they told me he broke up a fight last week.

"He's one of the answers to the problems out here."

Luke whistles and sends the senior, middle linebacker/fullback Leitutua "Tua" Leiataua, into the bleachers so we can talk.  He lays out his story: he grew up in a bad part of north Long Beach, and started playing football young (fifth grade), because he loved the sport's physicality, and because he saw it as a way to help get his family out of the neighborhood they were living in.  "It was nothing but gangsters there," he tells me.  He says he was introduced to the game by his older brother.

Talking about football, he brightens.  "I play both ways, but I prefer linebacker because I can be more aggressive," he says.  I ask his height/weight, and he smiles.  "I'm 5'10", and I weigh 192…but people think I'm 215 because I'm Polynesian."  Unlike many kids who are hoping football will help get them, and their families, out of their current living situations, Tua has a pretty well-developed backup plan, too.  "I'm pursuing the culinary arts.  People say it's a weird combination, cooking and football, but they're both hard hitting.  If college football comes my way I'll take it, but I have to have a backup plan, because I don't want to fall back on nothing if it comes to that.  If I can't do what I do best, I'll do what I do second best."

But right now Tua's not looking too far ahead.  He knows how hard it can be just to maintain a sense of normality.  Two years ago, before he transferred to Cabrillo, Tua was a student at Jordan High School when Sam Crichton was killed following their homecoming game (we wrote a profile on Sam's younger brother Talia a few weeks ago).  Last year, Tua's brother was killed in a drive-by shooting.  A few months ago he found out his father has prostate cancer; a few weeks ago, his family was evicted from their home, and have been staying with friends and family since then.  Tua says if it weren't for his girlfriend, he'd be in a gang right now.  When I asked him about the fight he broke up, he shook his head.  "Yeah.  It was between a Hispanic and an African-American.  It's crazy, fighting over gangs and racial disputes.  This team, we have to watch each other's backs."

The trouble he's faced off the field has helped him to become a leader on it, as his coaches say he's taken the younger linebackers under his wing, helping to teach them the position.  "Going through what I'm going through with my family right now…nobody should go through that.  Nobody.  And I think of these guys as my family, as my brothers—I wouldn't do anything to them that I wouldn't to do my little brother."

Tua doesn't want to take credit for anything—he talks about other people a lot more than he talks about himself.  He talks about his brother, his family, gives his girlfriend credit for helping get his life on track, and gives a ton of credit to Luke.  "You talk about a coach being so passionate about football, and about his athletes.  He puts all his personal life aside just for football, and for us.  That's how much he loves us."  Long Beach needs more coaches like Luke, Tua says, more men who can be answers in a community of questions.  That's why he's already talked his younger brother, who's playing flag football at Butler, into attending Cabrillo, as long as Luke is still coaching the Jags.

Tua, who's been looked at by Arizona, UNLV, and Fresno, is proud to be a part of the rebuilding effort at Cabrillo, too, even though the best they can finish this season is 1-9 if they beat Millikan this week.  Without prompting, he starts talking about next season.  "If this team goes 9-1 next year," he says, "I'll be thrilled.  And I'll know that I've been a part of what they're trying to accomplish."

Whether they win ten games or none next season, it's safe to say that Tua is already exactly what the coaches at Cabrillo are trying to accomplish.

The Drive Back

Heading back east down PCH, I'm thinking about odds.  I'm thinking about Cabrillo's odds of going 9-1 next season, of the odds Luke will be able to turn around a program through sheer will, of Tua's chances of making it to a four-year school and then to the NFL, of him making enough money to buy his parents a house.  I'm thinking about my little brother, and I'm thinking about Tua and wondering how we can ask young men to go through the things he's been through and come out on the other side unscathed. 

Behind me, the reds and purples have dimmed and disappeared, and the sky is dark.  The sun has set somewhere in west Long Beach.  But not, I hope, on AJ Luke and his Jaguars, and not on Tua.

Tags: general cabrillo moore league football

Marilyn said:

Thanks! I think this kind of story is true, countless times, in our city, at all education levels It's why sports are important.

#24 said:

Tua's the best LB in the league! im going too miss playing db on his side.

stephen c said:

sounds like a good kid, everybodye can use more of them. here's hopin unlv arizona and fresno make the right decisionn

Mom said:

Beautiful story, beautiful young man and a GREAT reminder of the support our children need to achieve their goals and dreams, at every age, in every school. Thanks for highlighting the individual as well as the team.

matt said:

good story, mike. It's been a pleasure covering him as well.

Ms. Revuelta said:

Tua is one of the reason's I'm in education. Students like him truly inspire all of us. I am extremely proud of this incredible young man. I know that he will accomplish anything he sets out to.

Cabrillo #25 said:

TUA IS THE BEST LINEBACKER IN THE LEAGUE NO DOUBT AND ONE OF THE TOP IN THE CALIFORNIA! HE'S A BETTER PERSON, ND A VERY INSPIRED IN INDIVIDUAL! THE LIFE HE LIVES IS A STORY FOR MOST OF US, AND A LOT OF KIDS IN SCHOOLS LIKE POLY, COMPTON, JORDAN, AND CABRILLO! THIS IS OUR WAY OUT AND A WAY TO GET AWAY FROM THE WORLD ND ITS HORRORS! ITS THE SAME STORY LINE FOR ALL OF US BUT DIFFERENT EVENTS! ITS GOOD TO SEE THAT THEY ARE RECOGNIZING WHATS GOING ON, AND HOPEFULLY THEY CAN HELP US! I WILL MISS PLAYING FOOTBALL WITH YOU TUA! YOU ARE A REAL BROTHER TO ME ON AND OFF THE FIELD

Dr. Mendoza said:

Tua commitment to life and overcoming adversity is exemplary. He is an inspiration to me and an inspirational example I will use in guiding future kids experiencing obstacles that they feel are insurmontable. Tua will always be in my heart!

Sarno said:

Great athlete, great student, but an even better young man. Tua is an all-around wonderful human being: he's smart, athletic, courteous, and responsible. Good Luck Tua, you deserve it!!!

crystal said:

Tua is a great guy, a great student and a great athlete!! he is a very nice person and i can honestly say he has a bright future ahead of him!!

#17 punkass smith said:

a tua is one of those dudes who juss sticks to what he made a dedication to, and im glad football is one of em. juss bein around em seein the heart and dedication. pretty inspirin anywayz love u tua tia.. yes on 8 tho.. haha

# 18 Jalontae J. / ET..lol said:

Man tua ... words cant even explain watr i wanna say, but u set a good example to our lil brothers. i just checked n the school and just met u like 2 months ago and i look up to u as a big brother. You inspire me to be a better person. but keep it up and dont get off track. we gotta keep in touch.YOU ARE THE BEST LINEBACKER IN MOORE LEAGUE hands down... GO #21

James said:

I know Tua personally and hes really a great guy. Always thinking positive unless you make him mad, but that's very rare. I you ever see him just say hey and he'll say hi back cause he's just cool like that.

Ms. Granieri said:

Tua has a bright future and is truly a great role model. He is willing to do whatever it takes to succeed and does not let obstacles get in the way like many young men and women might do. He looks at adversity in the face and continues to be successful. He is one young man that has made a difference in the lives of many is a short period of time. I know that he will be successful in all areas of his life. I am proud of you!!!! I hope that many of my students follow in his footsteps it has been an honor to work with you this year!!! You will be missed!!

#33 said:

sounds like the guy i know ... best wishes to the future bro ...

Little Sister said:

I'm glad that I got to know a person like you Tua. You are my brother figure on and off campus and I thank God that I got to meet you. There is no problem to hard for you, it's how you view the obstacle. You've done alot in the few years that I've known you. Best wishes brother. With Love & Support Sis

JOSEPH A.K.A SEPHA #75 said:

MANN TUA TUA TUA THIS GUY IS THE MOST CAREN GUY OFF AND ON THE FIELD THE WAY OUR SEASON WAS GOIN I WANTED 2 TURN IN MY GEAR. BUT JUS LISTEN'N 2 HIS WORDS AND WATCHING HIM MAKE ME WANNA KEEP MY HEAD UP AND KEEP BLOKKING. WEN EVER TUA GETS IN ON OFFENSE I ALWAYS HOPE THEY CALL THE 33,32 HOLE CUZ THAT'S MY SIDE I WOULD BLOKK FOR HIM ANYTIME AND ANYDAY. WELL IAM OUTRO ON THIS. -SEPHA#75

Ms. Tanisha said:

Tua you are an inspiration to all youth. May sure you stay positive no matter what comes your way. I am proud of you and hope that your parents are too. May you have a successful and peacful future. May God be with you throughout your journey. Goood Luck Tua!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mr. Padilla said:

I have known Tua for a couple of years now as his girlfriend played softball for me. I can honestly say that I have never met a more positive, caring and respectful young man on our campus...no matter what is going on in his life, I am always greeted with a huge smile and "Good Morning Coach." He looks after his teammates and cheers on all the Cabrillo sports teams. There is not one person on campus who could does not know who this great young man is. I am grateful to have met Tua and work with him. Truly inspirational to all students and staff.

i THiNk I said:

BUDDHHAAA STRETCHEZZZ!!!..MAYNE THIS DUDE TUA IS THA MAN ON & OFF THE FIELD.OFF THE FIELD HE A GREAT FRIEND,FUNNY AND KOO TAH KICK IT WITH. ON THE FIELD HE'S WHAT HYPES ME UP BEFORE THE GAMES.HE'S ONE OF THE HEADS ON OUR DEFENSE & SOMEONE TO LOOK UP TO.

#34 javi3r said:

tua is my boy. he is a beast and he neds to go to the nfl. i look up to him as a friend and a big big soman brother. stay up stl to you. i didn't know you been throught as much stuff as me. but stay up big big brother

BUDDIES said:

HEHEHE.. TUA IS SUCH A GREAT GUY THAT IT'S A HUGE SURPRISE TO TALK TO SOMEBODY WHO DOESNT KNOW WHO TUA IS... HE IS SUCH A HUGE INFLUENCE..

"Ms. Sheila" said:

Congratulations Tua. You are an inspiration to all of us at Cabrillo High School. I don't know you personally, but I am proud of your hard work and perseverance. Continue to strive for the top. You will get there! May God continue to spread HIS wings of protection around you and your family.

QUIET HAMOS said:

HEY HEY HEY!!! ITS THEE ONE AND ONLY TUA!! WASSUPPERS!!! EH!! THIS GUY IS LIKE A HUGE ROLE MODEL ITS SO AMAZING... BIG PROPS. TO HIS GIRLFRIEND ANNIE... YOU GUYS HAVE BEEN TOGETHER FOR SO LONG WE HOPE THAT YOU GUYS GO THEE DISTANCE WITH EACHOTHER... DONT KNOW HOW THINGS WOULD BE AT THIS CAMPUS WITH OUT TUA'S HUGE INFLUENCE IN ALL THAT HE DOES AND KEEPS DOING FOR ALL OF THEE STUDENTS.. ITS SO AWESOME ON HOW HE CAN MANAGE HIS TIME AND STILL BE DOING GREAT IN SCHOOL... TUA YOUR SUCH A GREAT ROLE MODEL ITS DIFFICULT NOT TO KNOW YOU!! JUST KNOW THAT THROUGH ALL OF YOUR TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS, IT WAS NOT GOD WHO IS TESTING YOU BUT THEE DEVIL WHO IS TRYING TO TEST YOU FAITH.. JESUS CHRIST LOVES YOU AND SO DO WE!! YOU CAN ALWAYS COUNT ON OUR SUPPORT!! WE LOVE YOU TUA AND ANNIE!!! YOU GUYS ROCK OUR SOCKS!!! STAY BLESSED!!!! HAVE A BLESSED DAY AND YEAR. MAY YOUR ACTIONS BE DONE TO GLORIFY THEE LORD IN ALL THAT YOU DO AND THAT YOU KEEP DOING. LOVE YOU TUA!!

D.Speight #4 said:

a tua my boi man hes a good football player and a good friend imma miss playing with him and i hope he comes back 2 watch me and the rest of us take over the moore league

Sanchez Arthur said:

Tua's story has truly touched me.Im proud of how he is able to overcome harsh problems in life, especially what he has been through. He is a great example of what a true jaguar student should be, his story has inspired me to try harder in life and use the opportunities that not everyone has. I hope he reaches all his goals, goodluck!

#20 Pee-Wee said:

Tua is the greatest linebacker i have ever met.

y0ung buck #55 said:

what kan i say b0ut my s0n,, we0 first 0f all he is a hell 0f an athlete. He is a hard w0rking pers0n 0n &nd 0ff the field, he truly is a r0le m0del.. he sticks t0 what he dedicates t0. Tua Leiataua is a hitter &nd believe me when i say this "he will g0 heads up with anyb0dy in this school.".. Anyways, it was an h0n0r playin with yew s0le. G00d luck 0n y0 future &nd g0d bless. "BUUUUUDDDDDAAAAAAAHHHH STTTTTRRREEEETTTCCCCHHHHEEEESSSS"

Mr. Romanio PM teacher said:

What a great story and an inspiration to us all. Being at Cabrillo these past two years has shown me the obstacles these kids face daily. It is encouraging to read a story like this about one of our kids. I will pray for him to reach his goals and inspire others along the way. There is always hope. In the words of Frederick Douglas " without struggle there is no progress"! Go Jags G.R.

n!va... said:

hey tua!!! just wantd to say you have been such a inspiration to everyone! you have been a GREAT friend to me during the past years! i will always remember you taking my D!ET PEPS! during 4th period economic class..hahaha..but no worries..samoans need to be on a diet anyways..lol..but i hope for da best for you thru out the future and for u and annie! yay..well aight den..c u around!! LOve yooOu brO!!!

KEIGE31 said:

I BARELY MET THIS DUDE COS I JUST FOUND OUT HES MAH NEPHEW, BUT TUA, UR THEE BEST....OUR JAGUARS ARE THEE BIZZ NO MATTER HOW WE ROLL.....ALWAYS KEEP THEM HEADS UP COS ONE OF THEM DAYS, CABRILLO HIGH IS GUNNAH ROCK LONG BEACH OUT!!!! GOD BLESS EVERYONE!!! AND YOU TOO, TUA. -ANONYMOUS

"Aunty Suzie" silverado park GO RADO said:

tua is a great young man and behind every great man is a great family. I've had the privilege of knowing him and his family and I wish them the best. I'd also like to give credit to the coaching staff at cabrillo. It sound like you are making a huge impact on the youth at cabrillo and also giving them a sense of pride that every long beach school should have win or lose. And to Mike Guardabascio for making that drive to Cabrillo and letting the city see that its not about the environment it all comes down to the people. GO LINEBACKER/CHEF TUA!!!

DONT TRIp 32... said:

THIS DUDE SUCCz...ILL RUN HIM OVER...LOL..