By Harlie-Bates Hudgin
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After several years of playing football for pre-collegiate schools like MHS, Senior Dayton Furuta was offered a scholarship to play for the University of Hawaii on Feb. 5.
“(I feel) blessed, knowing that all the hard work has finally paid off,” said Furuta, “That I’ll be able to compete at the next level doing what I love to do.”
Of every sport that exists within MHS, football has always held Furuta’s attention the strongest. “I enjoy football so much because it’s the ultimate team sport,” said Furuta, “You got to work together in order to be successful. Also, you create bonds with people that will last a lifetime.” Football also plays a big part in Furuta’s family, “When I was born, my family was always into football, so my parents signed me up when I was four.”
Furuta gets support from family and friends, and he recognizes all that they do for him. A close friend of Furuta’s, Senior Ian Herold-Namu said, “Ever since we were little, he has put in all the work to be where he is at today.” Furuta added, “(I am) thankful as well as grateful (for the opportunity to continue football in college). I just want to thank all of the people who (have) helped me accomplish something I have worked so hard for.”
While his family and teammates believed in him, Furuta’s success did not come without struggles. “My coaches were very proud of me and also relieved,” said Furuta, “They knew I deserved a scholarship but my height made it difficult to get the full ride (scholarship).”
Knowing that Furuta has finally made it to the next level, Namu continues to encourage his friend. “If I was just talking to him, I would just say that I am proud of him and I know what he is going to bring to UH. Kill it at UH!”
Furuta carries on with encouraging words from family and friends and his dedication to the sport he loves: football. In the coming season of the University of Hawaii’s football team, Furuta will be dressed in a new Warriors uniform, preparing for his first college football game.
