Saint Louis football looks to ‘continue the legacy’ under new head coach

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - For decades, Cal and Ron Lee led Saint Louis, becoming the most decorated coaches in state football history. Now, the Crusaders have opened a new chapter, under Tupu Alualu.

“This is my 15th year and now I’m the head coach, I’ve been coaching for 14 with the Lee brothers and like the shirts that we have say ‘continue the legacy.’ I’m not here to fill the Lee brothers shoes, I’m here just to better the school,” said Alualu.

Alualu stepping into the top job is a full circle moment as he dazzled Crusader fans for years, helping lead Saint Louis to four prep bowls in the ‘90s.

He calls this opportunity a dream — one he wishes loved ones could be here for.

“We’re dedicating this to my mom, Mama Susie ... she’s not here, but she’s watching us from the skies,” said Alualu. “As long as I’m here at St. Louis, it’s for her.”

One of the first coaching decisions he’s made was changing how they utilize three-sport athlete Pupu Sepulona.

The star basketball and volleyball player normally lines up as a defensive end, but is now moving to offense.

“Coach Tupu got me playing tight end this season, just moving me around the field, I feel like playing tight end is gonna shock the whole state because not many of the high schools know that Saint Louis runs a tight end so it’s gonna be different this season,” said Sepulona.

Leading the team under center is Nainoa Lopes. The junior sat last season and after a strong showing at camp, he’s secured the QB1 role.

“He’s new but we’ve been working on and off the field in school just trying to get together, see what we like, what we don’t like,” said wide receiver Titan Lacaden.

Three star wideout Titan Lacaden has no shortage of highlights, he shined with 12 touchdowns and over 1,000 yards last year.

With plans to surpass those numbers this season, he’s also looking ahead to next — the UH commit is continuing the pipeline from the Brotherhood to the BRADDAHHOD.

“Definitely a family thing and just another Saint Louis tie, I know Coach Timmy, he just wants the best for his players and I know what he’s doing over there is something special and that’s something I want to be a part of,” said Lacaden.

Their first test of the year is a big one, reigning and defending champion Kahuku.

Copyright 2024 Hawaii News Now. All rights reserved.