WAIMEA — As Max Hadwin signed his national letter of intent to play football for Missouri Valley College (Marshall, Missouri), friends, family, and coaches looked on with admiration, but the special moment could’ve been just a dream, if not for
WAIMEA — As Max Hadwin signed his national letter of intent to play football for Missouri Valley College (Marshall, Missouri), friends, family, and coaches looked on with admiration, but the special moment could’ve been just a dream, if not for Kaua‘i head JV football coach Derek Borrero.
The Waimea senior transferred from Kaua‘i High School last year and started out his freshman year not wanting to play football anymore.
“I actually wanted to quit football for good because I didn’t like it anymore, but coach Borrero inspired me to play and on top of that they switched me from the defensive side to the offensive side, which made me happy,” Hadwin said.
Even more intriguing is the fact that according to Hadwin’s father, Thomas, the Menehune signal caller didn’t really play a lot of football, while growing up on the mainland.
“He was a hockey player at first and when we moved to Kaua‘i, there was no hockey, so he picked up football, basketball, and even track and field,” the Menehune boys’ head tennis coach said.
But despite not growing up with the sport, Hadwin worked hard and came across as a trend setter.
“He has true character, tremendous work ethic on and off the field, a well-rounded individual, and he’s gonna make any coach proud,” Waimea head football coach Liko Perreira said.
The Menehune coach set up Hadwin with the NAIA school that’s nationally recognized as one of the oldest and most successful small college programs in the country, with 17 conference championships and a small college national title, but the Vikings weren’t the only college after Hadwin’s services. Colorado State, Toledo, Eastern Kentucky, and Linfield all showed interest in him.
“I chose them because it sounded like the best opportunity for me. They have my major (computer science) and they want me to play quarterback or I also might play wide receiver,” Hadwin said.
According to Hadwin, Missouri Valley coaches liked his determination, his arm strength, and most importantly, the way he made the best out of any situation.
“I’d definitely like to tell younger athletes thinking of playing in college to let their coaches know about what plans they have in mind and never give up,” Hadwin said.
Although football is always on his mind, Hadwin maintains that education remains first on his list of priorities. Even if his senior season didn’t translate into a KIF title, Hadwin still cherishes the whole Kaua‘i experience both as a Red Raider and a Menehune.
“This is a dream to me and it feels great, especially knowing that I could’ve given up my freshman year,” Hadwin said with a smile.
But as he evaded questions directed at himself, it was only an indication of how humble he is.
“I’d like to thank my family (father Thomas, mother Louise, three brothers David, Alex, Philip), my coaches (Liko Perreira, Jon Kobayashi, etc.), and everyone who stood by me throughout my journey,” Hadwin said.
But although Hadwin might have spent more years as a Red Raider, he offers this piece of advice to future football players at Waimea.
“Good luck and beat Kaua‘i High,” Max mentioned with a smirk.
