HONOLULU — The Polynesian Football Hall of Fame announced Thursday the 18 finalists that will be on the ballot for induction into the Class of 2018. The list includes 15 players and three coaches/contributors. The finalists were selected from a
HONOLULU — The Polynesian Football Hall of Fame announced Thursday the 18 finalists that will be on the ballot for induction into the Class of 2018. The list includes 15 players and three coaches/contributors.
The finalists were selected from a field of over 200 nominees by the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Selection Committee, which includes coach Dick Tomey.
“There are so many worthy candidates to choose from,” Tomey said. “The committee will meet again in the coming weeks to select the five members of the Class of 2018.”
Five inductees (four players and one coach/contributor) will be announced on Oct. 10. They will be honored during the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Weekend and during the Polynesian Bowl on January 19-20.
“We congratulate the Class of 2018 Finalists,” said Jesse Sapolu, chairman and co-founder. “Each finalist has made a significant impact on the game of football and is an inspiration within the Polynesian community.”
Player finalists:
Tony Banks (QB) Michigan State, Pro: NFL (STL, BAL, DAL, WAS, HOU) 9 years, Samoan ancestry
Herman “Buddy” Pi’ikei Clark (OL) Oregon State, Pro: NFL (CHI) 4 years, Hawaiian ancestry
David Dixon (G) Arizona State, Pro: (MIN) 13 years, Maori ancestry
Malcom Floyd (WR) Wyoming; Pro (SD) 10 years, Samoan ancestry
Chris Kemoeatu (G) Utah; Pro (PIT) 7 years, Tongan ancestry
Ma’ake Tu’amelie Kemoeatu (DT) Utah, Pro: NFL (BAL, CAR, WAS) 9 years, Tongan ancestry
Alapati “Al” Noga (DL) Hawaii, Pro: NFL (MIN, WAS, IND) 7 years, Samoan ancestry
Falaniko “Niko” Noga (LB) Hawaii, Pro: NFL (AZ, DET) 8 years, Samoan ancestry
Joe Fagaone Salave’a (DL) Arizona, Pro: NFL (TEN, BAL, SD, WAS) 8 years, Samoan ancestry
Dan Saleaumua (DT) Arizona State, Pro: NFL (DET, KC, SEA) 12 years, Samoan ancestry
Mosiula Mea’alofa “Lofa” Tatupu (LB) USC, Pro: NFL (SEA) 6 years, Samoan ancestry
Apisaloma “Pisa” Tinoisamoa (LB) Hawaii; Pro (STL, CHI) 8 years, Samoan ancestry
Manu’ula “Manu” Asovalu Tuiasosopo (DL) UCLA, Pro: NFL (SEA, SF) 8 years, Samoan ancestry
Marques Tavita Tuiasosopo (QB) Washington, Pro: NFL (OAK, NYJ) 8 years, Samoan ancestry
Kimo von Oelhoffen (DL) Boise State, Pro: NFL (CIN, PIT, NYJ, PHI) 14 years, Hawaiian ancestry
Coach, contributor finalists:
Bob Apisa (FB/HB) Michigan State, first Samoan named as an All-American, Samoan ancestry
Thomas Ka’auwai Ka’ulukukui, former head football coach at University of Hawaii, Hawaiian ancestry
Charlie Wedemeyer, former head football coach, Los Gatos High School (CA), Hawaiian ancestry
