Before the pandemic, every M-A football game would begin with the team huddled up, and gradually erupting in synchronized cheers and rhythmic gestures as they performed the haka. The haka is a traditional New Zealand Maori cultural war dance performed before a battle to show pride, unity, and strength. In addition to the loud chants and body movements, the haka also includes intensive stomping and striking facial expressions with bulging eyes.
For almost five years, the football team paused the tradition due to COVID-19 social distancing restrictions. During summer practices this year, however, the team didn’t just play football—they also learned the haka.
Under the leadership of junior Jordan Lavulo, sophomore Sione Pahulu, senior Loni Mohetau, and captains seniors Devin Hyde, Xander Eschelman, Angelo Marin and junior Teddy Dacey, the team came together to revive the haka. They convinced coaches and their teammates to learn the dance. “The haka is part of M-A’s history. We brought it back because it brings our team together,” Lavulo said.
The haka connects the athletes to Polynesian culture on campus: a significant number of Pacific Islander students are part of M-A’s campus and the football team. The haka tradition dates back decades, but “traditions grow and die very quickly in high school,” staff member Jennifer Carson said. However, the haka differs.
“One thing that makes the haka so impactful at M-A is that our football team is a place where lots of different kids come together. It takes all sizes and shapes to make a good football team, and the haka embodies that,” Carson said.
The haka made its first reappearance at freshman orientation this year. To end the freshman rally, the football team loudly chanted and danced to welcome the new generation of M-A students.
“It was super motivating to see different cultures being integrated into a big group,” freshman Ines Bensoussan said.
The haka makes football more than just a game.
Matthew Kwon, junior
“It made me think M-A has a lot of spirit,” freshman Caroline Pflaum said.
Through the haka, the school and students reconnect with its history and celebrate each others’ differences. It brings culture and team connections onto the field. It represents M-A’s diversity as many different people come together to perform this beloved dance. “The haka makes football more than just a game,” junior football player Matthew Kwon said.
