CHARLOTTESVILLE – He left his native Hawaii in June 2016, heading to Nicaragua to begin a life-changing journey. About four months earlier, Wayne Taulapapa had signed a football letter of intent with the University of Virginia, but he'd decided to put college on hold. A 5-9 running back from Laie on Oahu's North Shore, Taulapapa (pronounced Towel-LA-Papa) did so with the full support of UVA's coaches. Most of them, like Taulapapa, belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of La

From left to right: Mark Atuaia, Robert Anae, Ken Niumatalolo, Shaun Nua, Vic So'oto (Courtesy photo/Jim Daves/Virginia Athletics) Virginia offensive coordinator Robert Anae had the best vantage point from his spot near the door at Hotel Washington’s top-floor lounge Tuesday night. He was at a work event, the “Meet the Coaches Reception” ahead of Thursday’s Military Bowl between Virginia and Navy, but everywhere he looked, he saw men he considered to be more than his colleagu

LAIE, Hawaii — Take a drive around the paradise that is the North Shore and prepare to be captivated by the lush, green vegetation and ocean views that are stunningly gorgeous. The North Shore on the Hawaiian island of Oahu is home to some of the world’s most famous surfing spots, like Sunset Beach and Banzai Pipeline, and it’s home to one of the Aloha State’s most popular tourist attractions, the Polynesian Cultural Center. It’s also home to one of the nation’s top high scho