By Samantha Europa

The Nunuha family is built on pillars of hard work and faith — qualities evident in Saint Louis School senior Jordan Nunuha.

The guard and wide receiver helped Saint Louis capture the 2023 and 2024 boys basketball state titles, as well as the 2024 football championship. It was Nunuhaʻs buzzer-beater that sent the Crusaders back to the 2024 title game.

Born and raised on the west side of the island in Nānākuli, sports were a major part of his upbringing. His father, Jimmy II, played football at Waiʻanae High School, while his mother, Keala, played basketball at Kamehameha. His brothers — Jimmy III and Jaymason — played basketball and football at Saint Louis, and Justin played soccer at Kapolei.

Though he grew up playing a variety of sports, basketball and football were the ones that truly called his name.

“It was easier because I was always around it,” said Nunuha. “So just watching my brothers play football and basketball, I just flowed right into it.”

Although the senior has delivered in big moments for the Crusaders on the basketball court, Nunuha’s true passion is football. His father first sparked that fire — putting him at quarterback, the position where dad once excelled — but the fit never stuck.

“I never really got the position because when I was younger I didn’t really know what was going on,” said Nunuha. “But after I switched to wide receiver, I knew that was the spot for me.”

With his father no longer here, Nunuha often turns to old game tapes, studying his dad in action and modeling his game after him. It’s his way of staying connected and motivated — not just to the sport, but to the legacy he carries forward.

“I always know he’s up there. He’s always there by my side. I know he’s watching,” said Nunuha. “Him not being here also gives me the motivation to be great and be successful. And [to] just keep pushing, you know, cause everything’s not guaranteed.”

Sports ground the Nānākuli native with qualities typical of the west side — the discipline to put in hard work every day because nothing is ever given.

Nunuha is up well before dawn, often before the rooster crows. By 5 a.m., he’s deep into a workout before stopping at St. Louis Drive Inn for his go-to breakfast: a #3 — French toast and Portuguese sausage with a side of bacon (or sometimes cinnamon toast) — and a lilikoʻi drink.

Fueled and focused, Nunuha tackles seven grueling classes and he squeezes in homework between periods. After a film session, he heads straight into afternoon practice. Once finished, he heads home and repeats the cycle the next morning.

At the heart of this rigorous daily routine, his priorities guide him far more than sheer will.

“Putting God at the forefront is the most important for me. And it’s not like a motivational thing, but it’s just about being consistent and being disciplined,” said Nunuha.

His work ethic and drive are evident on the field.

According to Hawaiiprepworld.com, In 2024, Nunuha caught 17 passes for 189 yards and three touchdowns over seven games, helping the Crusaders finish 9-3 and win their first Hawaiʻi High School Athletic Association (HHSAA) state championship in five years.

The Crusaders raising the koa was a sight many thought wasn’t possible, with the Kahuku Red Raiders being the favorite to win it all. For Nunuha, it always felt plausible.

After winning the basketball state title in 2024, Nunuha told Spectrumlocalnews.com, “We’re coming back next year for football. I promise we’re going to be better, back and better, and we’re going to make that state tournament.” Nearly a year later, they did.

“I just feel really blessed, you know, just to be put in that position and I’m just speaking it,” said Nunuha. “It makes you visualize it and you can make it happen because anything can happen.”

With his final year of high school on the horizon and the hopes to play at the next level, Nunuha’s personal goal goes beyond the court or field. It’s internal.

“I want to become a complete person and just mature throughout this year. It’s not going to be easy transitioning from high school to college, so just taking that next step — being a man, being there for my family, and trying to support them as much as I can through sports, just through anything, honestly.”

Even though Nunuha’s days are structured around discipline, and hard work, he’s not all grit and no play.

“Iʻm a funny guy. Through all the seriousness of sports and all that, I do have a funny side to me. But when it comes down to being serious, I can get serious,” said Nunuha.

Heading into this season, Nunuha is not just ready, but resolute, grounded in faith and fueled by laughter.