‘Five-Oh’ is what his coaches call him and it’s not because of his football jersey number, instead it’s for his Hawai‘i connection. You see, the senior North Tahoe star named Gavin Lofstedt was born and raised on Kaua‘i, right up
‘Five-Oh’ is what his coaches call him and it’s not because of his football jersey number, instead it’s for his Hawai‘i connection.
You see, the senior North Tahoe star named Gavin Lofstedt was born and raised on Kaua‘i, right up until his freshman year at Kaua‘i High School.
With his final year of high school football behind him, the 6’0″ 185 pound senior has his eyes set on the next level of play.
His three choices include Cal-Poly, San Diego St., and UC-Davis, but as of yesterday, his main choice would be Cal-Poly.
But without the help from his coaches on Kaua‘i, Lofstedt would not be where he is today.
“My coaches on Kaua‘i, from Pop Warner, to AYSO, to HYSA have all been very helpful for me,” Lofstedt said.
However, it was Koloa Pop Warner coaches, Mike Scovel, Gilroy Yorkman, and Rocky Pau that taught him the biggest lesson.
“They taught me discipline and I wasn’t used to coaches yelling, but it made me a better player,” Lofstedt said.
While playing for the Koloa pee wees, the team was able to share some success with a championship run.
North Tahoe is located just north of Lake Tahoe and you might know Gavin’s parents, Curt and Bonnie, who are owners of Island Helicopters Kaua‘i, Inc.
With just about 500 students and in class 3-A, North Tahoe high school was the perfect place for Lofstedt to get the chance to star in multiple positions.
A starter at quarterback, defensive back, and kicker, Lofstedt was able to garner team MVP honors, and all-league for kicker and defensive back.
The senior lefty also carries a hefty 3.92 GPA, which makes college scouts salivate. He also plans to major in business at the college of his choice.
Kaua‘i has certainly put a lasting impression on Lofstedt, who misses the island everytime he’s away.
“I learned a lot from growing up on Kaua‘i, especially getting to know lots of different people and I miss the way people act and off course, the beach,” Lofstedt said.
While at Kaua‘i High School, Lofstedt played under then JV head coach Keli‘i Morgado, who’s now the head varsity coach for the two-time champion Red Raider squad.
Even his head coach at North Tahoe has great advice to coaches at the next level.
“Gavin never misses a day in the weightroom, is a complete leader, and would be an asset to any program,” North Tahoe High School head football coach Scott Everist said.
Hawai‘i Five-Oh might’ve been a big hit back then, but now there’s another ‘Five-Oh’ stealing the spotlight in Gavin Lofstedt.
Duane Shimogawa Jr., Sports Editor can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 257) and kauaisports@pulitzer.net
