Former Farrington and University of Hawaii standout Mike Lafaele is ready to head into the first year with his alma mater, taking over as head coach for the Governors in 2024.
Lafaele was the ream’s defensive coordinator in 2023, a season in which the Govs were edged 21-20 by eventual state champion Waipahu in the HHSAA Division I semifinals.
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Heading into the 2024 season, anticipation for Farrington football in the Kalihi community is palpable.
“A whole lot of excitement,” Lafaele told KHON2 on Thursday. “Football’s in the air again and everyone in Kalihi is excited for Governor football. We’re eager to see what this team can produce.”
As the head coach of his alma mater, Lafaele plans to lead with extra pride.
“Being a player here and playing under coach Randall Okimoto, he was an alumnus that ended up being head coach. That was always something you thought about as a player, right? As you go though adulthood and football is still a huge part of your life, it’s a way to give back to your community. For me, coming back was something special. Being in Kalihi is special for me is because it’s where I’m from.”