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Poly Football Hall Of Fame names finalists

Honolulu, HI – The Polynesian Football Hall of Fame announced today 25 Finalists will be on the ballot for inaugural induction into the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame. The list includes 20 players and five coaches/contributors. 

 

The Finalists were selected from a field of over 100 nominees by a Selection Committee comprised of former college head football coaches Dick Tomey, LaVell Edwards, Ron McBride, ESPN Sportscaster Neil Everett, NFL player personnel expert Gil Brandt and Honolulu Sportscaster Robert Kekaula.

 

“The Selection Committee is as notable and recognizable in coaching, media and player personnel as you can get. They have a unique perspective, appreciation and understanding of Polynesia’s contribution to the game,” said Vai Sikahema, member of the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Board of Directors.

 

The committee will meet again in the coming weeks to select the seven members (six players and one coach/contributor) to be inducted as the Inaugural Class for the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame. Members of the Board of Directors have asked to be excluded from consideration for this first class.

 

“The Selection Committee has been hard at work,” said Dick Tomey, Chairman. “This is quite a challenge as there are so many great Polynesian football players, coaches and contributors to consider.”

 

The Polynesian Football Hall of Fame inaugural inductees will be announced on October 9, 2013. They will be honored at the Inaugural Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony, to be held at the Hawai’i Convention Center (Honolulu) on January 23, 2014 prior to the NFL Pro Bowl.

 

To learn more, please visit… www.PolynesianFootballHOF.org, www.Twitter.com/PolynesianFBHOF, www.Facebook.com/PolynesianFootballHallofFame

 

PLAYER FINALISTS

 

George Achica (DT) USC, Pro: NFL (IND) & USFL 3 years, Samoan ancestry

Junior Ah You (DE) Arizona State, Pro: CFL & USFL 12 years, Samoan ancestry

Bob Apisa (FB/HB) Michigan State, Pro: NFL (GB) 1 year, Samoan ancestry

Charles "Charlie" Teetai Ane, Jr. (OL) USC, Pro: NFL (DET) 6 years, Samoan ancestry

Herman “Buddy” Piikei Clark (RB) Oregon State, Pro: NFL (CHI) 4 years, Hawaiian ancestry

Riki Morgan Ellison (LB) USC, Pro: NFL (SF, OAK) 8 years, Maori ancestry

•  Luther John Elliss (DT) Utah, Pro: NFL (DET, DEN) 9 years, Samoan ancestry

Rockne Crowningburg Freitas (OL) Oregon State, Pro: NFL (DET, TB) 10 years, Hawaiian ancestry

Kurt Keola Gouveia (LB) BYU, Pro: NFL (WAS, PHI, SD) 13 years, Hawaiian ancestry

Ma'ake Tu'amelie Kemoeatu (DT) Utah, Pro: NFL (BAL, CAR, WAS) 11 years, Tongan ancestry

•  Olin George Kreutz (C) Washington, Pro: NFL (CHI, NO) 14 years, Hawaiian ancestry

•  Kevin James Mawae (C) LSU, Pro: NFL (SEA, NYJ, TEN) 18 years, Hawaiian ancestry

•  Alapati “Al” Noga (DL) Hawai’i, Pro: NFL (MIN, WAS, IND) 6 years, Samoan ancestry

Tiaina Baul “Junior” Seau, Jr. (LB) USC, Pro: NFL (SD, NE, MIA) 20 years, Samoan ancestry

Ray Frederick Schoenke (OT/OG) SMU, Pro: NFL (DAL, WAS) 12 years, Hawaiian ancestry

Mosiula “Mosi” Faasuka Tatupu (RB/KR) USC, Pro: NFL (NE, STL) 14 years, Samoan ancestry

Jack Thompson (QB) Washington State, Pro: NFL (CIN, TB) 6 years, Samoan ancestry

Manu'ula “Manu” Asovalu Tuiasosopo (DL) UCLA, Pro: NFL (SEA, SF) 7 years, Samoan ancestry

Mark Pulemau Tuinei (OT) Hawai’i, Pro: NFL (DAL, NE, MIA) 15 years, Samoan ancestry

Herman John Wedemeyer (HB) St. Mary’s College, Pro: AAFL (Dons, BAL) 2 years, Hawaiian ancestry

 

COACH & CONTRIBUTOR FINALISTS

 

Thomas Ka’auwai Ka’ulukukui, Former Head football Coach at University of Hawai’i, Hawaiian ancestry

Albert “Al” Lolotai (OL) Weber JC, Pro: NFL (WAS), AAFL (Dons), 4 years, Samoan ancestry

John Manumaleuna, Contributor, Southern California Advocate for Polynesian Youth, Samoan ancestry

Ken Niumatalolo, Head Football Coach at United States Naval Academy, Samoan ancestry

Charlie Wedemeyer, Former Head Football Coach, Los Gatos High School (CA), Hawaiian ancestry

 

About the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame

 

The Polynesian Football Hall of Fame will serve as a resource for Polynesian Football history, provide college scholarships designated for student-athletes of Polynesian ancestry, educational programs focusing on character and teamwork for Polynesian youth and support other initiatives positively impacting Polynesian culture and heritage. A permanent home within an existing historical landmark or building located in Hawai’i will be sought