Transferring from Miami, junior Filipo Toelau now plays on the varsity football team and adjusts to the changes that came with playing.

“Transferring to Harrisonburg was pretty easy because I already had family and friends who live here and then they started to introduce me to their friends. Coming to Harrisonburg from Miami was a big change. It’s really quiet and calm compared to Miami. People are really different here, they’re nicer. School in Miami is very similar to school here, but I would say that there is more diversity in Harrisonburg. The school here is also smaller,” Toelau said.

Since starting school at HHS, Toelau has enjoyed the experience and activities held here.

“So far the school year has been good. I’ve met really cool people and so far this year I have good grades. My favorite thing so far was the pep rally. I was able to participate in one of the games which was cool,” Toelau said.

Toelau has been playing football since freshman year of high school before transferring to Harrisonburg.

“I’ve been playing football for three years now including this year. I started playing because my friend back in Miami told me that I should join and I did. Football over in Miami is more competitive, but HHS here has more sportsmanship. The team here definitely has a better attitude towards the game,” Toelau said.

Toelau enjoys his season and playing football with his team this year and Toelau hopes to continue playing football in the future.

“I play wide receiver and defensive back for football. The team overall is really cool. Since we’ve won two games back to back the energy has been really good. My season has been okay. I don’t have many catches this year but I do have some. I also have a good amount of tackles though. I do want to keep playing football. I want to play for a college but I’m not sure which one yet. If football doesn’t work then I’ll pursue track and field instead,” Toelau said.