Aitaoto ‘Ace’ Salu – Founder

Ace is the founder of the Pacific Islands Community of Oregon (PICO), a nonprofit organization that seeks to provide leadership and supports to the Pasifika communities in Oregon. He is also the founder of the PICO Instructional Football Camp, in which sport is used to teach and educate our youth to become young men and women of substances. Moreover, to teach our children the importance of culture and traditions and to be proud of their heritage.

A three sports athlete in high school, football, basketball, and boxing, he played football for Portland State University in the late 1980s under the late football great and coach Pokey Allen. He was a member of the 1988 PSU Football Team, a national runner-up recently inducted into the Portland State Football Hall of Fame in 2018.

Ace holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Administration of Justice.  Ace’s career spanned over thirty years in the social service field, helping and serving his community. He married Paula and had three children, Nate, TJ, and Malakai.

Favorite Quote:

You have something special! You have greatness in you!

 – Les Brown

Tafito Salu- Co-Founder/ Quality Control

Tafiko, known to many as V, is the PICO Instructional Football Camp co-founder, and is currently the defensive coordinator for Cleveland High School. He spent much of his career coaching and mentoring high school athletes as a football coach.

In 2009, he began his career as a defensive linemen coach for Roosevelt High School; In 2013, holds the same position at Grant High School, 2015 Reynolds High school, and became a Defensive coordinator in 2017 for Benson High School. He is currently a defensive linemen coach at Evergreen High School.

A two-sport athlete in high school; boxing and wrestling; in 1987, he won the bronze medal in freestyle wrestling on Island, and in 2000 with a brief stint at Portland State, he was voted Most Valuable Player as a Defensive lineman player for the Portland Thunderbolts Semi Pro Team , earning him a tryout for the San Jose Sabercats Arena Football.

As a military veteran, he is currently a Juvenile Custody Specialist for the Multnomah County Juvenile and Adult Correction for over twenty-five years. Vee has three daughters Malia, Mya, and Alexa.

Favorite Quote:

The will to win is nothing without the will to prepare.

 – Bear Bryant

Fa’asaoina Talalemotu, Co-Founder- Advisor

Ina’s passion for football and helping shape young lives became his calling, translating into a free football camp that gives back to the community. In PICO’s early years, Ina helped teach and mentor young lives that went on to tremendous college careers and those that excelled in school and life. Ina and Ace founded the 1st PICO Big Man Camp at Duniway Park in 2011, followed by a successful college tour at Portland State University.

Ina graduated from Fagaitua High School in 1985 and went to Yakima Valley Community College. Highly recruited out of Junior College, Ina helped anchor the 1987-88 Portland State Vikings National runner-up team as a Defensive-Nose Tackle.

The 1987-88 Football Team was recently inducted into the Portland State University Hall of Fame in 2018. Ina holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and works as a Juvenile Custody Specialist for Multnomah County Juvenile and Adult Correction. Ina is married to Megan and has three children Kiuga, Mataio, and Lola.

Favorite Quote:

C’mon, man!

– Ina

Timothy “TJ” Salu- Camp Director

TJ is an alumnus of Central Catholic High School. He helped the Rams with two back-to-back state championships in 2013 and 2014.

He was voted team captain in 2014, earned 1st Team All-State and 1st Team All-Mount Hood Conference, 2015 National Football Scholarship Foundation Recipient and was named to the Polynesian All-American Bowl the same year.

TJ received a full-ride scholarship to the Naval Academy and played for the Legendary Coach, Ken Niumatalolo. TJ received the Cooke Award in his senior year for his leadership and Team spirit.

TJ has a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science and is currently serving as a METOC officer in Coronado, San Diego.

Favorite Quote:

Our greatest glory is not in never failing but rising every time we fall.

– Confucius

Nate Salu- Director of Player Personnel

Nate is a graduate of Central Catholic High School in 2013, where he lettered in football three times and basketball once, earning Honorable Mention All-Conference in his senior year.

Nate went on to obtain his a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice, while continuing to play football for Portland State University from 2014-2017 as safety and later moved to Linebacker in his final year when Portland State last appeared in the playoffs.

Today Nate works for Alaska Airlines and has coached for Rex Putnam High School for two seasons.

Favorite Quote:

You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.

– C.S Lewis

Malakai Salu- Director of Recruiting

Malakai Salu was a 2018 graduate of Central Catholic High School. As a three-year letter-winner under coach Steve Pyne, he helped the Rams reach the state championship as runner-up finishes his junior year. As a senior, his performance earned him Mt. Hood Conference Defensive Player of the Year, First Team All-State, and All-Conference.

In addition, he was selected as a Polynesian All-American. Academically, he was recognized as a National Football Foundation Scholarship recipient in 2017.

He continued his collegiate career at the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV) on a full-ride athletic scholarship. He played for four years and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Business Management in 2022.

Favorite Quote:

“I’ve heard that tune many times, but I’m still dancing”

-Ted Lasso

Bryce Jackson – Safeties Coach

Bryce Jackson was a 2018 graduate of Chandler High School out of Arizona. As a four-year letterwinner under coach Shaun Aguano he helped the Wolves to a 24-5 record and 6A State Championships the last three seasons. He finished the 2017 season with 34 solo tackles, 81 total tackles, 2.0 sacks, two interceptions and two forced fumbles.

He was named Big 25 All-State Defensive Flex Player of the Year in addition to earning all-conference first-team honors and the Wolves’ Defensive Player of the Year award. He continued his career at University of Nevada Las Vegas where he played all four years, leading the team in tackles in the 2020 season and was a member of the Academic All Mountain West Team 3 years in a row.

Bryce graduated with a degree in kinesiology in 2022. With an extra year of eligibility, he transferred to New Mexico State University, becoming an immediate impact and leader earning himself Pro Football Focus Team of the Week (2022 Week 0 vs. Nevada) and 2022 College Football Network Second Team All-Independent. Bryce resides in Chandler, Arizona where he is training for the 2023 NFL Draft. Bryce is the son of Kim and Myles Jackson. He has an older sister, Bria and a younger brother, Bryant.

Cameron Scarlett – Running Backs Coach

Cameron Scarlett was a 2015 graduate out of Central Catholic High School. As a 4 year letterwinner under coach Steve Pyne, he helped the Rams to two back-to-back state titles in 2013 and 2014. To this day, Cameron is still one of the Rams most highly decorated running backs to come out of the school, with a career of 4,831 all purpose yards and 54 touchdowns, as well as being ranked #18 best running backs in the nation by ESPN.

He continued his career at Stanford University where he played for four seasons and excelled. Cameron was a two-time Pac-12 All-Academic, second team (2017), honorable mention (2018), 2017 All-Pac-12 honorable mention. He finished his career with 1,676 rushing yards, 18th-most in school history and tied for eighth in school history with 24 rushing touchdowns. He graduated with a degree in science, technology, and society, as well as earning a masters in Media Studies.

After college, Cameron was signed by the Tennessee Titans in the NFL and then later was picked up by the Seattle Seahawks. In March of 2022, he was drafted by the Michigan Panthers of the USFL. Cameron is the son of Paul and Suzy Scarlett and has one older brother, Brennan, and one younger sister, Bella.

Randin Crecelius- Offensive Linemen Coach

Randin Crecelius was a 2014 graduate out of Cascade High School. As a three-year letterwinner he was named first team All-Wesco League as an offensive and defensive lineman and second team All-Wesco as a sophomore.

He continued his career at Portland State where the injury bug forced Randin into the fire as a true freshman, where he stepped up being named honorable mention All-Big Sky Conference in 2015 and third team All-Big Sky Conference in 2016.

Randin was signed by the Baltimore Ravens in 2018 where he was on the practice squad for two seasons before injuries prevented him from playing. Randin is the son of Michael and Traci Crecelius and has one older sister, Chelsie.

Cam Sommer – Tight Ends Coach

Cam Sommer was a 2012 graduate out of Gladstone High School. As a four-year letter winner in football and track. He earned first team All-State as a defensive lineman and a tight end at the Class 4A level, first team All-Tri-Valley League as a defensive lineman and tight end for two seasons, second team as a sophomore and was named Defensive Player of the Year as a senior and second team All-State defensive end and tight end as a junior.

He continued his career at Portland State University where he played for four seasons and graduated with a bachelor degree in accounting and finance. Cam returned back to his alma mater in 2019 to become the head coach of Gladstone High School football. Cam is the son of Doug and Barbara Sommer and has one brother, Carl, and one sister, Stephanie.

Toloumu “Tolo” Tuitele – Linebacker Coach

Toloumu “Tolo” Tuitele grew up in Carson, California, and went to Pacific High School in San Bernardino, CA, where he was a standout three-sport athlete – Football, basketball, and track. Tolo was a linebacker and quarterback who rushed for 1,500 yards and led the league in tackles in a single season.

But injuries would cripple his high school career and force him to play only one year of high school. So, after years of floating around, Tolo found a home at Portland State University, where he would become a star defensive player at middle linebacker for the Vikings. He would earn All-Conference honors and a pair of National Player of the Week awards (vs. Nichols State & North Carolina A&T). He has 307 tackles in his career.

Tolo earned a Bachelor’s degree in graphic design and has worked as a Digital Designer for the past twelve years. He is a board member and coach for a non-profit organization called Northwest Legends. In addition, he volunteers his free time by coaching youth sports throughout the Southeast Portland area. He is currently the Defensive Coordinator at Gresham High School, where his number one fans are his family – wife Kat and kids Ula, Siva, and Ina.

Zach Ka’ahanui – Defensive Lineman Coach

Zach was a 2009 graduate from Central Catholic High School and was a 4 year letterwinner under coach Steve Pyne. During his tenure, he was a 4-time All Mt. Hood conference selection, three times being first team and earned first team all-state as both an offensive and defensive lineman. He also participated in the Les Schwab All-Star Game.

After his high school career, Zach attended Northern Arizona University where he played for two seasons and then later transferred to Portland State University where he finished his career. He graduated with a degree in Business Administration and is currently working as an Account Executive at UnitedHealth Group. He’s married to his wife, Aubrey Ka’ahanui, and has a daughter and a son, Avayah and Kahua.

Troy Reddick- Offensive Linemen- Run Game Coordinator

Troy Reddick is an Offensive Line Specialist with a wealth of experience in the physically dominant SEC West division of football. As a lifelong offensive lineman, he credits his success to helping those around him achieve their goals. In high school, he was a three-sport letterman and two-way starter on the football team, earning numerous accolades. He attended Auburn University, starting 40 games and winning an SEC championship and Sugar Bowl victory.

Troy trained with top S&C coaches and played professionally for several teams, including the San Jose Sabercats, with whom he won the Arena Bowl Championship. He is passionate about coaching and has worked with raw talent to help them achieve their goals. Despite suffering a potentially career-ending injury, Troy proved his resilience by returning to the Arizona Rattlers in 2010.

Jaylen Fife: Slot Receiver and Special Team Coach

Jaylen began his football career at Evergreen High School in Vancouver, Washington. In 2018, he was a first-year starter as a slot receiver. In 2019, an impact player at wide receiver made the state and league playoffs that same year.

In 2021, he led the team in reception and was selected to play in the All-Shrine Game. In 2022, he started on the special team as a punt returner.

Jaylen enjoyed playing and watching sports since he was a kid. His father has always been supportive of him and his football career. Jaylen enjoyed his time with my family, and he hopes to finish working on his degree soon.

He enjoyed coaching and mentoring kids, thanks to Coach Salu.
Jaylen also wants to help others. Currently, he works with older people because I love helping others. It’s very rewarding and challenging, but I enjoy it.

Favorite quote:
When you are constantly let down and overwhelmed with no way out, remember it will pass. Fight to survive and do your best; it is all you can do.

– Kubik (kdrama)

Mychal Gann- OL Coach/ Offensive Coordinator

Mychal Gann spent his high school football years at Benson Polytechnic High School, where he graduated in 2006. He continued his football career at Butte College of California, a highly rated Juco in northern California. During his first year there, the team finished 8-3 and won the Stockman’s Bank Bowl. In his second year, the team finished 12-0 and won the NJCAA National Championship. In 2009, they were ranked the number one JUCO in the country.

In his first year, Mychal was named to the NCFC Second Team All-Conference Tight End. In his second year, he was unanimously voted to the NCFC First Team All-Conference for the offensive guard position. He finished his football career at Portland State University, where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Health and Fitness.

After his playing career, he chose to continue to be a part of the game by entering the coaching ranks. He has spent time as the head coach of Benson High School, Varsity Assistant Coach for West Linn High School, and currently Varsity Assistant Coach for Oregon City High School.

Favorite Quote

It’s not about what you’re capable of, it’s about what you’re willing to do.

Cesar Martinez – Community Engagement Coordinator

Cesar Martinez is the Head Football Coach at Gresham High School. He was born in Stockton, California. and raised around the San Joaquin County area, i.e., Lathrop, Manteca, and Stockton. Cesar played all sports, from football to baseball to basketball, and ran track in youth and junior high school. He attended East Union and Tokay High School, then moved to Oregon and attended Gresham High School in his junior and senior years.

He made a lot of tough decisions that kept him out of sports during high school. Still, he never lost the love and the reason for his WHY: His mother, Rosalinda, and his two amazing sons, Marcus & Antonio, a beautiful daughter, Mercedez, four handsome grandsons, and additional blessings of kids, Anna, Gisella, Courtney, Colin, Devauntae, Sergio, Reggie, Nick, and many others that he truly loves. My family support from California, Arizona, and Oregon is fantastic and always with me.

Being an alumnus of Gresham High, I have always dreamed of coaching here and being a part of the tradition of Gopher Football with the other great coaches. I have been coaching sports for over 20 years in our community, with a great support system around me for our youth and young men and women. I’m blessed to have an impact through hard work and dedication for a positive life of love and success. One Love and Always G’S UP.

Portland Youth Camp

Who:
Campers 8-14 yrs. old
When:
Sat. June 28, 2025 - 8am - 12pm
Where:
Central Catholic High School Field
2401 SE Stark Street
Portland, Or. 97214
Driving Directions
Time:
8am-Noon
Cost:
$75.00 + PayPal fees
Walk-in registration:
$100.00 Cash Only
Limited to 100 participants
Reserve Your Space Now!

Early Bird Discount: 10% until March 31st.