Waipahu Sweeper Enters Final Season
By the time Jayson Gonsalves’ eligibility finally runs its course at Waipahu High School in February, the senior will have finished his time with the Marauders with work well done. Indeed, as a four-year starter, Waipahu’s steady sweeper already has made his mark within the boys soccer program with his work ethic.
Asked who the Marauders most diligent “practice player” is day-to-day, Gonsalves has no choice but to throw his own name into the mix. “That would be me – I have the highest expectations – and my friend Kyzeck Agunoi,” said Gonsalves.
With that in mind, he and his teammates are now focusing on closing out their soccer careers at Waipahu in style.
“We’re very excited,” said Gonsalves, who was a defensive back and kicker for the Waipahu football team this fall as well. “We have a great team this year. We have a young team, but it’s a team with (game) experience.”
Waipahu was to open its 2012-13 Oahu Interscholastic Association slate on Tuesday at home versus Radford. The Marauders play next at Aiea at 7:10 p.m. Friday. On the eve of the season, Gonsalves took some time away from the practice field recently to visit with MidWeek‘s West Oahu Islander.
What is your earliest sports-related memory? When I was 8, my grandparents and I used to watch football videos of Waianae’s Chris Paogofie. My grandparents were from Waianae, and they wanted me to get his instincts (for football).
What’s the best part of playing in the Waipahu program? We’re all really close – there’s a close bond with my teammates – and our coaches are awesome. It really feels like a family here; that’s one of my main things.
Who’s had the biggest impact on your life? My grandparents (Irene and Arnold). At a young age, I was always with them. I’d help them around the house and sleep over a lot. From them, I saw a lot of love and support for each other. They gave up their time for others.
What Internet site do you frequent the most? I go to a lot (of sites). I guess I’ll go with Facebook and Google.
What is your least favorite household chore? Taking out the garbage.
What movie could you watch over and over? The Replacements.
What’s in your iPod?
I’ve got reggae, Hawaiian music, some R & B and some rap. That’s pretty much it. My favorite musical artist is Fiji.
Do you play video games? What systems do you have? I have an Xbox360. My favorites are Madden13, Call of Duty and Fifa.
How many text messages do you send/receive a day? A lot – to (the point) where I get busted from my mom (Beverly). I’d rather not say how many. She’s going to see this.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years? I see myself either in the Marines or working as an athletic trainer.
If you could have your pick, what celebrity would you choose as your prom date? That’s a hard one. It would be (actress) Jessica Alba.
You’re stuck on Kahoolawe and can have an endless supply of just one food. What would it be? Shoyu poke, because I love it.
