After 13 seasons as offensive coordinator for two different schools, the timing was right for Amosa Amosa to become his own boss.

The former University of Hawai'i offensive lineman (1985 to 1988) is one of 11 new coaches at Hawai'i high schools this season. The 1984 Campbell graduate returns to his alma mater, replacing Tumoana Kennesey. Amosa comes over from 'Aiea, where he was offensive coordinator for Wendell Say for the past eight years. Before that, he was OC at Campbell for then-coach Darren Hernandez for five seasons.

"When you're given an opportunity to come back home — even though I love 'Aiea — I'm part of this community," said Amosa, who resides in 'Ewa Beach. "My kids go to school here at Pohakea (elementary)."

Amosa said working for a veteran coach like Say helped in the transition. Amosa does some of the same things that 'Aiea did, such as how practice sessions are run. It's not to say the job is easy.

"I've had to make a decision who makes the cut," he said. "I've never done that before."

Cuts were necessary at Campbell because there isn't enough equipment. He can suit about 120 for JV and varsity. Some 190 students turned out for practice.

Still, Amosa likes the responsibility that comes with the title of head coach.

"It's challenging, but at the same time, it's good to be accountable for the kids," he said.

Amosa, who will double as OC, got his start in coaching after UH at 'Iolani, when former UH quarterbacks coach/now Southern Methodist assistant head coach/QB coach Dan Morrison was an assistant there. When Morrison became coach at Punahou, Amosa joined him there for one season before joining Hernandez at Campbell.

Of the 11 coaching changes, only five are making their debuts. Joining Amosa among newbies are Saint Louis' John Hao, Maui's Roderick Fong, Hilo's Kalani Siliga, Kamehameha-Hawai'i's Brian Kelson and Ka'u's Jonathan Roddy.

Other coaches returning to the ranks include Kapa'a's Keli'i Morgado, who was at Kaua'i from 1999 to 2006 and Kalani's Greg Taguchi, who coached the Falcons from 2003 to 2005. Joe Onosai, who coached Pac-Five in 2003, is coach of the state's newest varsity entry, Word of Life Academy, which will compete in the Interscholastic League of Honolulu's Division II.

Two other coaches will be coaching this season on an interim basis. Wally Aina will coach the Monarchs this season before turning it over to his son, Punahou, who will be an assistant to his father this season. The elder Aina coached the Monarchs from 1985 to 1995.

Also, Nanakuli's John Lopes is serving the interim role while the school seeks a new coach for the following season, athletic director Hugh Taufa'asau said. Lopes replaced Tai Apisa, who resigned just before summer workouts began, Taufa'asau said.

BACK IN THE GAME

While Say lost an OC, he didn't have to wait long to find a replacement.

Former Saint Louis assistant Jeff Matsuzaki, who hasn't coached since Delbert Tengan's first tenure with the Crusaders in 2002, is Say's new offensive coordinator. But Matsuzaki brought more than his experience from working for Cal Lee. Joining Matsuzaki from the old Saint Louis staff are Leonard Lau, Reid Hasegawa, Jon Naipo, Sam Downey, Bobby George, Kanale George and Tom Heffernan.

Say said when he was scouting games last season, he would see Matsuzaki and some of the other coaches watching games, even though they weren't scouting being they weren't coaching. So when the OC spot opened, Say knew who was available.

WRESTLER TAKES THIRD

Punahou junior Sani Fuimaono placed third in his weight class at the USA Wrestling Cadet and Junior National Championships last month in Fargo, N.D.

Fuimaono, who is 6 feet 1 and 245 pounds, placed third in the 285-pound weight class of Cadet Freestyle.

"He's considered part of the USA National Team for Cadets," Punahou coach Matt Oney said. "That's a huge honor."

He is also invited to train at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo, in September, but also plays defensive end for the Buffanblu football team, so is unlikely to go.

What makes his feat impressive is that he just completed his second season of wrestling. He is the defending ILH champion at 285 and placed third in the states.

"My key was speed and technique," Fuimaono said. "I tried to make sure I finished my moves (that) I attempted."

"He's such a good athlete," Oney said. "He was much quicker than anybody he wrestled."

Fuimaono's finish was the highest for a Hawai'i wrestler since Travis Lee won the Greco-Roman and freestyle in 2001, Oney said. With his finish, Fuimaono has drawn attention of not just college wrestling coaches, but also football coaches who attend the meets.

Also, Punahou's Daniel Chow placed eighth at 145 in Junior Freestyle.

In Junior Greco-Roman, three took seventh: Saint Louis' Drake Medeiros (105), Kalani's Michael Nakagawa (112) and Wai'anae's Raymond Mathewson (145).

Kamehameha's Kameona Hokoana (160) took eighth in Cadet Greco-Roman.