The Orem High School football team touched down in Hawaii eager to open their season against Kamehameha High School, a matchup that had been on the schedule for months. Their itinerary included a tournament that brought together teams from the mainland and the islands, giving the Utah players a rare chance to compete abroad while also experiencing local culture.
Soon after their arrival, news broke that Hurricane Lala was gathering strength and threatening the Hawaiian islands with heavy rain and gusty winds. Forecasters warned that the Big Island would feel the brunt of the storm, while coastal communities on Oahu prepared for flooding and needed immediate assistance with sandbagging and shoreline cleanup.
Recognizing the urgency, the team divided into small groups to tackle a series of service tasks. Some players headed to Hukilau Beach to clear debris, others restored a damaged sign, and a third contingent worked side‑by‑side with volunteers from the Lahui Foundation to fill and place sandbags along vulnerable shoreline sections.
The coordinated effort unfolded just hours before the storm’s outer bands began to lash the North Shore. By pre‑positioning sandbags and reinforcing low‑lying areas, the students helped shield homes and infrastructure from the impending surge, buying critical time for residents to secure property and evacuate if necessary.
“It felt like we were part of something bigger than a game,” said Andy Stokes, one of the Utah players who helped lead the sandbagging crew. Beckham Curtis added that the experience gave the team a new perspective on leadership, while Will Rasmussen noted how the local community’s gratitude turned a short visit into a lasting memory.
The Lahui Foundation, which had been coordinating flood‑relief operations across the islands, praised the athletes for their timely contribution. Foundation representatives said the extra manpower allowed them to expand their reach to families who might otherwise have been left vulnerable, underscoring how athletic travel can be leveraged for humanitarian impact.
Beyond the immediate storm response, the episode sparked conversations about integrating service projects into future sports tours. Coaches and school officials alike see an opportunity to blend competition with community stewardship, fostering a culture where young athletes learn the value of giving back as an integral part of their development.