About his commitment to the Warriors, 6′3″, 310-pound Benson Ma’afala Jr. said:
“I wanted to stay home and play in front of my family.” (HA)
HA Note: “By choosing the Warriors, Ma’afala is turning down offers from Washington and California. His father, Benson Sr., was an all-star quarterback at McKinley High who went on to be a UH punter. One of his uncles, Nick Ma’afala, was a standout defensive lineman at McKinley and UH. A knee injury cut short his Warrior career after two years. Another uncle, Chris Fuamatu-Ma’afala, attended Saint Louis School and the University of Utah. Fuamatu-Ma’afala was a running back in the National Football League, most notably with the Pittsburgh Steelers.”
About how he bench pressed 185 pounds 36 times (and 225 pounds 20 times) at a combine during the summer, Benson said:
“I didn’t know I could do that much.” (HA)
About how her son is relatively quiet, Carol Ma’afala said he is:
“like a big-brother leader.” (HA)
About how her son played youth football until he couldn’t make the 100-pound limit, Carol said:
“After that, he played flag football.” (HA)
About how Benson had to transfer from Damien to Mililani after being told in the spring that his financial-assistance package would not be renewed, Carol said:
“It was devastating. He felt he let (Damien teammates) down. He’s a very caring person. He’s a big body, but he’s soft inside.” (HA)
About his son’s success, Benson Sr. laughed and said:
“Maybe it’s in the genes.” (HA)
About how he’s remained in shape working as a ramp agent (loading and unloading bags) for Hawaiian Airlines, Benson Sr. said:
“I have to set an example for my son.” (HA)
HA Note: “The elder Benson has helped steer his son’s weight-training. They concentrate on lifts that develop the muscles in the chest, arms, shoulders and legs — “the whole body,” Benson Sr. said.”
About directing his son’s weight-training, Benson Sr. said:
“I try to teach him the right way to lift. A lot of kids today just think they can lift, and it’ll be OK. But lifting the wrong way can hurt them.” (HA)
About something else that he likes, Benson said:
“I’m into drawing. I draw all kinds of stuff.” (HA)
About how her son’s artwork earned him an invitation to participate in an art festival sponsored by Chevron, Carol said:
“He’s a very good artist. He’s can draw anything. Tell him what you want, and he can draw it free-hand. He’s very talented.” (HA)
