There was an overwhelming sense of pride at Saint Louis School as alumni, students and ohana came together to celebrate Tua Tagovailoa’s accomplishment.

More than 100 people gathered at Tagovailoa’s alma mater. All eager to hear if he would become the second local boy to win the prestigious Heisman Trophy.

“It’s been buzzing (at school). Everybody’s been talking about it. We just can’t wait to see what happens,” said Toma Mataafa-Alferos a sophomore football player at Saint Louis School.

The crowd sat silently watching the live telecast of the Heisman ceremony.

Sighs and quiet applause could be heard after Kyler Murray’s name was announced.

Though Tua was not awarded the coveted Heisman trophy, those who came to support him say it isn’t over yet.

“He still he is doing great and awesome things, and for him to have even been nominated is such an honor. Everyone is so proud. The entire family back home is so proud of him, and his brothers, they’re so proud of him,” said Leilani Puchalski the Saint Louis Dean of Authentic Learning.

“What an awesome job he’s done. It’s still not over yet. He still has one and hopefully two more games left you know. He’s got two more years also. But knowing Tua, he’s such a team player, the individual awards are great, but I think the national championship is what is really driving him,” said Dr. Richard “Scotty” Gonsalves, Saint Louis Director of Development.

For Saint Louis junior, Stanley McKenzie, who played with Tua on the 2016 championship Crusader team, seeing how far he’s come is a huge motivation.

“It’s crazy. How he can from being a regular kid in high school to being one of the top role models for kids all over the country. It’s just a blessing, blessing for him and his family,” said McKenzie.

With or without the Heisman, Tua Tagovailoa will continue to inspire other young athletes to dream big.