LJ FB: Stanley 'Mr. Heika'

Anthony Stanley, LJHS Class of 2015

football player, was recently named

"Mr. Heiva" (Mr. Tahiti) 2023-2024.

(Courtesy of Kathy Stanley)

By Ed Piper

Anthony Stanley, La Jolla Class of 2015 football player, was recently named "Mr. Heiva", "which is like Mr. Tahiti," according to his mother, Kathy Stanley.

Mrs. Stanley had just finished teaching a hula class when she came over to say hi. Her son, James, also graduated from LJHS.

Her older son is now 26 years old. His Polynesian heritage has always been very important to him. In La Jolla High days, he always wore his hair long (as in the photo above) in the traditional manner of his culture.

Their father blew a conch shell from the stands at Edwards Stadium during Viking football games.

For their graduations, the Stanley boys had luaus with rich food and traditional dance performances, including at least one that this reporter was present at.

Anthony Stanley (right), #43, stands with his hand

over his heart during the National Anthem

before the Vikings' 42-38 loss

to Christian High in the CIF quarterfinals

Nov. 21, 2014.

(Photo by Ed Piper)

Anthony Stanley started at linebacker as a senior in Fall 2014 when Collin Rugg was quarterback. Throwing to receivers Carlton O'Neal and others, Rugg set a then-CIF record with his 45th passing touchdown on Nov. 14, 2014 in a 54-17 CIF first-round win over Santa Fe Christian.