KAILUA-KONA — On the verge of a historic occasion, Brad Uemoto has plenty of perspective.
The Konawaena head coach was raised praising and then eventually playing in Wildcat green. Now, he is leading the storied BIIF program into uncharted territory against Lahainaluna in the HHSAA Division II state championship today at Aloha Stadium.
The Wildcats’ skipper took some time before his team’s state title game to provide some insight on his background, the journey and how the Wildcats have managed to keep winning.
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Q: Why did you decide to get into coaching? What spurred you to join the Konawaena staff initially and has it been everything you expected?
I had coached basketball at Konawaena for five seasons and at the time, Aaron Nagata had asked me to join this football staff. I’ve always loved the strategy of football and decided that I would take the opportunity. At the beginning, it was a pure struggle, but it grounded me.
Through it all, I’m not sure what I expected out of coaching football. I think looking back, I never imagined having such great relationships with the players to the point where it feels like they’re my own kids. It’s been amazing to say the least.
Q: Who are some of your role models or coaches — college, NFL or otherwise — that you admire that have helped shape your coaching philosophy?
I admire offensive minds of the game. Chip Kelly was an influence in my offensive philosophy. I’m ecstatic over the Air Raid philosophies — Mike Leach, Tony Franklin — guys that have changed the game with a certain style. I like how Pete Carroll gets the best out of his players. I like to view myself as a player’s coach, developing relationships with my players so they play their hearts out. I want them to know I care for them and that they would reciprocate that by giving me their best.
Q: Reflecting on the past three years — three BIIF titles, two state semifinal appearances and now a state title game berth — what do you credit the most for that kind of success?
Honestly, the coaches before me have set the stage. I didn’t build this program alone. Cliff Walters had built a level of expectation before I took over and had the program rolling. I didn’t want to reinvent the wheel.
When you look back to our current success, it also comes down to building a great staff. I couldn’t ask for better people, not coaches, but people that help guide these kids. We hire very carefully and my staff has to believe in what I believe in to hold the opportunity to be apart of this family.
Q: We have talked about learning moments a lot for your team. As a head coach, what has been the best lesson or piece of advice you have garnered on this journey?
When I first coached under Aaron Nagata, we lost to Ka‘u and struggled with a very young team. I realized that nothing is easy or given. It built me into a coach that never takes anything for granted and that I’ve always been on the other side of lopsided scores. I want other coaches, officials and players to respect me. Winning comes with hard work, but respect is something that’s earned and that’s something I strive for not only myself, but for my staff and players.
Q: What was the biggest turning point for this current team?
I believe this group hit rock bottom when we went 0-2 after our loss to St. Francis. During our run in the past six or seven years, we’ve never been in a hole like that. It took a lot of character and hard work to dig ourselves out of that mentally. It was really hard work. The coaching staff did a great job of coaching and the players did an outstanding job of changing. We have gone 9-0 since, and our goal of playing the best football at the right time is paying dividends.
Q: You face defending state champions Lahainaluna in the state championship — the same team that ended your season a year ago in the semis. If you had one word to describe the Lunas, what would you use and why?
Disciplined — they are a very disciplined group.
They execute and are so fundamentally sound on both sides of the ball. They stick to their game plan, remain patient and take advantage of their opportunities. They have built a culture there that promotes winning.
Q: You have been vocal in your support for Hilo, which will also be playing for a state title on Saturday. How big is it to have two teams from the BIIF playing in Aloha Stadium this weekend?
I will be a huge fan of Hilo to win the D-I title. I have a ton of respect for coach Kaeo and his staff and how they have raised the level of play in our league. We both represent the BIIF and our island. I believe the entire island will be cheering for both of us. What an opportunity we both have to do something special for the Big Island. It is also a testament to the rest of our league in that we had to beat some good teams to make it to where we are today. I hope that every team in the BIIF will be cheering for both of us come Saturday.
Q: Now in its second year — with some obvious changes — how do you feel the new three-tiered HHSAA state tournament format has played out not only for your team, but also for other programs and fans around the state.
I like the fact that we didn’t have to play a quarterfinal game. I like the format a lot. I also like the fact that neighbor island schools are well represented and that we all had a good opportunity to make it this far.
Q: Anything you want to add on this team or think people should know.
I would like to thank my family for the countless sacrifices they have made along this journey. Being successful on the field requires so much dedication away from home. Long hours of practice, hours watching film, road trips scouting games and the time recovering to start a new week all over again. I can’t say enough about what that means to me. That also goes for the families of my entire staff.