Teammates think Damien senior captain Jordan Aina has it particularly hard with his grandfather and uncles as his coaches.

Jordan, though, sees it as keeping the family tradition going. He's the third generation of Ainas who've played for Damien.

"They say, 'Oh, must be hard for you,' " said Jordan, an offensive lineman. "But for me, I'm kind of honored to have my grandpa and uncle coaching."

Grandpa, Wally Aina Jr., is the "new" head coach for the Monarchs, returning this season after last coaching the Monarchs more than a decade ago. Uncles, Punahou (linebackers coach) and Kuhio (offensive line coach), are assistant coaches. Brother, Micah, is a 2008 Damien graduate.

"I think coming back has been more enjoyable than years past," Wally Jr. said. "I really love it. I think it's because of my change, my outlook on coaching."

Wally Jr., a 1970 Damien graduate, returned to his alma mater that year as an assistant coach, and has been a familiar figure with the school ever since. He's coached at all levels at the school, and was Damien's head varsity coach from 1980 to 1993. He was also the school's dean of students from 1987 until last fall, when he became Damien's athletic director.

"People forget names of principals and teachers, but people always remember Mr. Aina and Mr. (Rudy) Alejo," said Damien middle school principal Burton Tomita, referring to the two who have spent over three decades at Damien.

Alejo is an assistant football coach and chair of the English department.

When the football position opened up this past spring, Wally Jr. stepped in to fill the vacancy. He'll coach for this season before handing things over to Punahou.

"Coming back to coach has been symbolic of the Aina family," said Damien high school principal Michael Weaver, also a 1970 Damien graduate. "I've know the Aina family for a long time. The fact the school asked him to come back to coach, he answers the school, that's everything about the Aina family.

"Whenever Damien needed them, they would help out."

Punahou, Kuhio and Wally III played for their father at Damien.

"Growing up, it's all they knew," Wally Jr. said. "My whole life was football. When I was coaching the boys, they actually took their first step on the football field. That's how much involved I was.

"It was a natural path to take. All three of them came here and played at the right place at the right time."

Now, Jordan has the opportunity of playing for his grandfather.

"He's been with me all four years in school," Jordan said. "Having him around is challenging, but it's been good.

"I liked it. It's a different learning experience for me, coming to Damien and keeping the tradition up."