Journey not over for Warriors’ Funaki

Inoke Funaki’s time with the Warrior football team has come to an end, but his journey in life is far from over.

“I see Inoke as a real big impact in the public, especially in (his hometown) Laie,” junior offensive lineman Andrew Faaumu said. “Everyone knows Inoke. Even when we travel, people know him and they know what he’s done and what his capabilities are on and off the field.

“His future is looking real bright.”

Throughout his four years as a Warrior, Funaki’s character and dedication was tested. After two years as a backup quarterback, Funaki earned the starting spot in the 2008 season, following his 8-for-11 passing performance against the No. 5 Florida Gators in Gainesville, Fla.

He then started six games and even led the Warriors to a 32-29 overtime victory on the road against No. 21 Fresno State, the program’s first road win over a ranked opponent.

“(The win) was one of those moments you can’t describe with words,” Funaki said. “To go into that hostile environment, being booed by the entire stadium (with) everyone against you, feeling like the only people that believe that you can win that game are your teammates, and leaving that place victorious, … it was amazing.”

But Greg Alexander replaced Funaki at quarterback for the rest of the 2008 season, and this year Funaki was asked by the coaches to switch positions and saw only limited action as the team’s placeholder, a reserve running back and on special teams.

“When I first came into UH I expressed my willingness to switch positions if (the coaches) felt it would be a better fit,” Funaki said. “But when the suggestion came to switch positions for my senior year, my initial thoughts were, ‘Why change now when I am going into my last year?’ 

“But after much thought, I came to realize that it’s about the team and where I can contribute, even if it is a smaller role,” he continued. “We before me.”

Although he played in every game, Funaki only scored one touchdown on 40 yards rushing.

But his humility and selflessness inspired his teammates.

“He was a great athlete; he could have had more playing time and have been a big impact for us,” Faaumu said, looking back at this past season. “Then again, that’s how he is. He’s always willing to give for the team and not for individual reasons.

“A lot of guys see that and feed off of that,” Faaumu continued. “It shows how a real athlete takes what is being dealt with and making the best of it. The younger guys can see that, learn and take from what his experience was.”

“It was an honor and a privilege that the coaches considered me to be a starting quarterback,” Funaki said. “The quarterback position is very demanding, and there have been many great quarterbacks that have come through (UH), so it was very flattering and a great experience.”

‘BRED TO BE RED’

Funaki started playing football in his living room with his two brothers. Growing up in Lā‘ie, nothing brought the community closer than the Kahuku High School Red Raider football program.

“Football is a huge sport out on the North Shore,” Funaki said. “And there is a lot of Red Raider pride; we are ‘bred to wear red.’ 

“Our community really comes together,” he continued. “We are a large family out there. (The) community put(s) up signs on the highway to show support and love.”

And it was that love that kept Funaki, who was also recruited by Brigham Young University and Utah, home for college.

“Many local kids, if given the opportunity, want to go away to play ball for various reasons,” Funaki said. “Hawai‘i has always been my home, and I hope that it can still be home for me in the future as well.”

MAN ON A MISSION

Before getting to the University of Hawai‘i, Funaki served a two-year mission in the Dominican Republic for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

“Even though I was away from the game of football and the rest of the world for two years, I would never have done it any other way,” Funaki said. “While out there living in a third-world country, I realized how fortunate and blessed we are to be living in the United States and even luckier to live in Hawai‘i. The mission taught me that true happiness comes from trying to serve and love others.”

The mission also strengthened his faith.

“My faith is definitely one of the main things that drives me to do (things) and also refrain from doing certain things in my life, because it is who I am,” Funaki said. “I am the person that I am today and have been able to accomplish what I have to this point in my life thanks to my faith and the Good Man up above.

“Take care of God and He will take care of you.”

THE FUTURE

Funaki is finishing up his master’s degree after receiving his bachelor’s degree in psychology in Fall 2008.

“My career goal since I was a kid has been to earn a master’s degree, and if possible, go for a doctorate degree as well,” Funaki said. “I also wanted to be a college professor like my dad, but since participating in college athletics I have really been entertaining the idea of being a coach.”

Despite not playing as much as he would have liked to his senior year, Funaki is content with his Warrior career.

“It has a been a learning and growing experience,” he said. “I’m going to miss the teammates, coaches, team camaraderie, road trips, playing in front of fans, and breakfast in the mornings.”

Faaumu added, “Some will say, ‘If it was me, I would have gotten pissed off or transferred.’ But that’s how Inoke is – he is a loyal Warrior.”

“It’s about finding a role – your role – and fulfilling it to the best of your ability,” Funaki said. “Football is not everything in my life, but it has definitely been a blessing and has helped me grow as a person.”