Ever since he stepped onto the campus of Lincoln High School back in the Fall of 2003, “Roman has been a special player,” according to head football coach DJ Dobbins. Roman came to Lincoln highly regarded by his peers at the middle school level as well as through the boys club football ranks and although he was intent on playing quarterback, due to needs at running back he was willing to make the conversion.

After his first two seasons, Roman had accumulated over 1950 yards rushing and almost doubled that his junior year with another 1682 yards. Combine that with 19 TD’s, first team All-State, first team All-Area, and Narrows League MVP honors, it was not surprising when he was named Area Player of the Year by The News Tribune.

Roman finished his senior year with 1680 yards rushing and 24 TD’s which earned him first team All-Area and All-State plaudits and another Narrows League MVP title. Coach Dobbins observed that, “There is a burning desire within Roman that is only tapped out on the football field. Once he steps onto the field he steps into his own world. If I had three words to sum up Roman Tinitala-Pula it would be Perseverance, Determination, and Dedication.”