McKinley High School’s new head football coach didn’t hesitate when asked if our team could be winners.

“Without a doubt,” said Joseph Ka’ai Cho.

Born in Honolulu, Cho graduated from McKinley High School in 1972. While in high school, Cho became a three-time all-star for the old ILH and OIA. Then, he moved to Salem, Oregon, to attend Willamette University and play college football. In his senior year, he made little All-American as a linebacker. With college done, he began coaching. He coached softball, track, basketball, and football. Cho also played racquetball professionally for 5 years. After more than 35 years away from Hawaii, Cho returns to his high-school alma mater, to coach our football team. In any team, the relationship between a coach and a player is essential.

“It’s important to make sure that they know that I believe in them,” Cho said.

He doesn’t just want to be a football coach, delivering instructions and having no relationship with the players. Cho identifies trust and respect as the base off which he plans to build his relationship with the team. To help the players get more acquainted with each other, he wants them to remember that while playing as a team, they should bond as an ohana.

“To teach them how to have pride in themselves, their school, as well as their community,” Cho said when asked what he wants to accomplish with the athletes.

However, as Homecoming approaches, many wonder if Cho can bring us a victory against Nanakuli. Cho is confident we can win. Through a combination of strategy, discipline, and hard work, Cho wants to take the team to the state playoffs, which requires at least five wins. The two winners from the playoffs advance to the championship, where they play to be named one of the better football teams in Hawaii.

Two specific strategies Cho hopes will get MHS to the playoffs are dramatically changing the defense to a “just attack” method and getting the ball to our skilled players for the offense.

Tristan Ramones (11), defensive back, said he likes Cho.

“He’s a real down-to-earth guy. He’s cool with everyone but can be serious at some points. It’s not because he wants to, but because he has to.”

A single sentence by Lefty Levitcus (10), wide receiver and defensive back, explained what sets Cho apart.

“He has more passion for the game.”

Last year’s team had two wins and five losses. Cho said the team still needs a lot of work, both offensively and defensively. However, Cho works with dedicated assistant coaches, most of whom are alumni, and believes that, with their help, the task won’t be that hard.

“You know, they are very local. You can tell that they care very much about the school and especially the kids.”