Asiata Auckland, a former Sutter Husky football player, starts in the Famous Idaho Potato Ball on Dec. 23 as a defensive tackle for the Fresno Bulldogs. Photo courtesy of Jana Auckland

SUTTER, CA (MPG) - Asiata is a name synonymous with football in the Yuba-Sutter area.

Auckland Asiata, who graduated from Sutter Union High School last year, is making a name for himself, despite a lineage that includes former Minnesota Viking running back Matt Asiata and former Chicago Bear Johan Asiata, his father.

Asiata received numerous offers from college football programs, including Ivy League schools such as Princeton and Dartmouth. He ultimately chose Fresno State, signing his letter of intent on Jan. 13, 2024 at the GRIND:30 facility in Yuba City.

“It seemed like the right fit for me,” said Asiata. “I wanted a good balance and didn't want to worry about studying too hard.”

As a defensive tackle in his freshman year, Asiata had the rare opportunity to play in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl. The Potato Bowl is an annual National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)-sanctioned game played at Albertsons Stadium on the Boise State University campus. This week-long celebration includes a potato bar, a French fry feed and other events that make it fun and exciting for both players and fans.

Today, the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl is considered the longest-running cold weather bowl game in college football and, due to its national coverage on ESPN, most teams consider it priceless in terms of exposure.

The Fresno Bulldogs went up against the Northern Illinois Huskies on Dec. 23, and while they had a strong start, they ultimately lost 28-20. Asiata said multiple coaches and teammates had transferred before the game, which gave him the opportunity to start.

“I was really nervous because that was my first game I started and with my teammates and coaches leaving, I had to step up,” said Asiata.

Asiata made the most of this opportunity until about midway through the second quarter when he injured his bicep. This came as a tough end to a monumental season but his mother, Jana, and younger brother, Losi, now a Sutter Husky running back, were in attendance to help ease the blow.

“My mom didn't miss a home game all year,” said Asiata. “Her support was big in helping me deal with the injuries this season.”

Asiata’s support system also included Sutter Husky football coach Ryan Reynolds.

“Auckland is a product of his relentless work ethic and commitment to being the very best he can be,” said Reynolds. “The community of Sutter is extremely proud of him.”

While there were a few highs and lows this season, Asiata is already looking forward to next year and anticipates playing at a “whole other level” following his recovery. Not forgetting his hometown, Asiata said that he will continue showing support to the community of Sutter, coach Reynolds, and Michio Takahashi, his trainer and the owner of Grind:30 Fitness.

“I'm just so proud of him,” said Jana Asiata. “He amazes me as a true freshman, barely adjusting from the huge leap of small-town high school football and on top of that fighting through injuries. He makes it look easy but I know it's not. His dedication and focus on his goals astounds me. His future is bright.” 

While playing professional football is the goal, Asiata knows there is no guarantee and that the sport comes with inherent risks. As such, Asiata has dedicated his college studies toward becoming an actuary; a risk management professional who uses mathematics, statistics and financial theory to assess the likelihood and financial impact of future events.

“I like math, so it makes sense,” said Asiata. “It’s a win-win.”