A year ago, Seishiro Hokazono was living in Japan and had never played football on any kind of organized team. But this summer, Hokazono tried out for the Flathead High School football team and earned a spot on the sophomore team.
Last August, Hokazono's father, Makoto, took a job with Semitool. The move took Seishiro and his family, consisting of his mother and two sibling, away from Aatsuge, Japan.
"I love America," Hokazono said. "In Japan, we have an expression that America is dangerous. But I live here. I got a new expression, 'Kalispell is safety.'"
In an attempt to get to know the people and the way of life in the United States, Hokazono, knowing the popularity of football in the United States, tried out for the Flathead team when he arrived in Kalispell.
"I wanted to get around many people and know American culture," Hokazono said. "I wanted to play."
Seishiro studied Judo in Japan and reached the second highest level, black belt, in seven years. Despite his near mastery in that area, the complexity of football formations and coverage gave him reason to study and learn the new game.
"On the last trip to Great Falls he had a playbook written in Japanese trying to understand football more," said sophomore head coach Bob Raeth.
Hokazono played linebacker in the first two games of the season on the sophomore team until he pulled tendons in his knee in an off-field acccident in late September.
Despite the injury, Hokazono has still actively participated with the team.
"(Hokazono) hasn't said, 'Well, I'm hurt so I'm out,'" said Raeth. "He's stayed with the team. He's helped out. He's traveled with us. It's tough to step into a sport when you haven't played before and don't know the language. But he's very energetic and is always willing to work hard and help out."
Hokazono has some troubles in his new sport. Playing on defense as a linebacker, Hokazono had trouble understanding the plays and coaches' instructions.
"I don't know English that well," admitted Hokazono. "Formations, plays, I didn't know them."
Hokazono looks to his best friend, Matt Radel, for encouragement. Radel visited Japan last year and came to know Hokazono. Hokazono also acknowledges the encouragement of Coach Raeth, Coach Hodge and the rest of the sophomore squad.
Hokazono's injury after the second game made him unavailable to play for six to eight weeks, possibly ending his season. Still, Hokazono travels with the team and hopes to play in the final game of the year.
"I want to be there in the last game," said Hokazono. "I want to be in gear, even if I don't play."
In order to play in the last game, Hokazono must attend at least five practices, according to Raeth.
Hokazono has decided to try out for the football team again next year.
"Football is most popular in the United States. Everybody likes to play football," said Hokazono. "I take pride in playing football."