Ironman and Warrior: Tonga Takai

[PlayerRep]

Takai played all 79 defensive plays last Saturday. Takai, at 6'2", 305, is a co-captain and terrific player. Must have played hurt against NDSU, as Delaney said the following earlier this week: “We’re beat up .... Tonga (Takai) has a shoulder going." I don't recall Takai missing any games or playing time due to injury. Hope he is good-to-go tomorrow, but, if not, he probably deserves some time off. Hats off to Tonga Takai. Is on his way to becoming one of the Griz Greats.

 

[go96griz]

Before last season, he dedicated himself to being in better shape for the season and you could really see him starting to break out. However, he has performed at an extremely high level this year and done an excellent job in the middle of the line! We are very lucky to have him here.

 

[NorthEndZoneDan]

I took my boys out onto the field after a couple of games last year to meet Tonga. He's a truly nice guy, he took time to talk with a ton of kids, pose for pictures, answer the questions kids have and genuinely seemed to be enjoying being around a bunch of kids.

 

[Pin2Win]

I took my boys out onto the field after a couple of games last year to meet Tonga. He's a truly nice guy, he took time to talk with a ton of kids, pose for pictures, answer the questions kids have and genuinely seemed to be enjoying being around a bunch of kids.

This is one reason (of several) why I will never hold any true ill-will towards the Griz. Most of these guys represent themselves very well. I lived in Missoula for a stretch of time and my kids loved going down to the field to meet the guys. Obnoxious fans (which we all have them), are one thing, but the players themselves don't deserve the hate that intense rivalries deliver. I'm sure Tonga exemplifies this. Great person, great player. Kudos to him.

 

[alabamagrizzly]

I took my boys out onto the field after a couple of games last year to meet Tonga. He's a truly nice guy, he took time to talk with a ton of kids, pose for pictures, answer the questions kids have and genuinely seemed to be enjoying being around a bunch of kids.

This is one reason (of several) why I will never hold any true ill-will towards the Griz. Most of these guys represent themselves very well. I lived in Missoula for a stretch of time and my kids loved going down to the field to meet the guys. Obnoxious fans (which we all have them), are one thing, but the players themselves don't deserve the hate that intense rivalries deliver. I'm sure Tonga exemplifies this. Great person, great player. Kudos to him.

Well said. As much as I disliked the Cats as a team, ive always respected the greats as individuals and I love to hear good things about them after they graduate. In the end were all Montana boys.