A Coach Who Shaped Generations
The Waianae community is in mourning after the death of Larry Ginoza, a figure whose name has become synonymous with high school football excellence on Oahu's west side. Tributes have poured in from alumni, school officials and rival teams, each recalling a man who combined strategic acumen with a deep personal commitment to his students.
Over a 20‑year tenure from 1965 to 1984, Ginoza compiled 189 victories, placing him third on the state’s all‑time coaching list. His teams captured nine OIA championships and four Prep Bowl victories, achievements that still stand as benchmarks for future coaches.
Beyond the win column, Ginoza served as a campus administrator and mentor, guiding young athletes through the challenges of adolescence and adulthood. He once played under the legendary Father Bray at ‘Iolani, an experience that shaped his own coaching philosophy and instilled a respect for discipline and teamwork.
Former players describe him as a firm but fair leader who cared deeply for each individual. “He taught us that football was a vehicle for life lessons,” recalls Kekoa Kaluhiokalani, a 1970s standout who later pursued a professional career. The coach’s mentorship opened doors to scholarships and professional opportunities for many.
The impact of his guidance is still visible today. Just last month, a new artificial turf field was installed at the Waianae complex, a project funded in part by alumni contributions and dedicated to Ginoza’s memory. The surface, now used by current Seariders, symbolizes the lasting imprint of his vision.
Colleagues and rivals alike note that Ginoza’s influence extended far beyond the gridiron. “His standards of integrity and perseverance set a template for how we coach and how we live,” says Tom Tuinei, a fellow coach who worked alongside him in the 1980s.
As the community continues to celebrate his life, the stories of those he shaped echo through classrooms, locker rooms and fields across Hawaii, ensuring that the principles he championed endure for generations.