The connection between the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame and the voyaging canoes Hokule’a and Hikianalia was never more real than on Wednesday. It came in the form of Jack Thompson, a member of the hall’s inaugural class of 2014.
The canoes were preparing to leave Pago Pago harbor on the island of Tutuila, American Samoa, and continue on their journey around the world. Tutuila was the birthplace of Thompson, nicknamed the "Throwin’ Samoan" during his NCAA record-setting quarterback career at Washington State in the 1970s.
That connection wasn’t lost on Dick Tomey, former Hawaii football coach and chair of the selection committee, during the announcement of the Class of 2015 at the Sheraton Waikiki. It reinforced the contributions made by Polynesians, whether on the ocean or on the football field.
"It was a difficult job to narrow the list from several hundred to 25 finalists to the six in this year’s class," Tomey said. "Consider that the shortest time any of our selections played in the NFL was 10 years and most with just one team. That’s something you’re not going to see in this day and age."
The class includes two who played for Hawaii under Tomey: Jesse Sapolu (Samoan ancestry) and the late Mark Tuinei (Samoan ancestry). Also to be inducted during enshrinement weekend next January as players are Luther Elliss (Samoan ancestry), Ray Schoenke (Hawaiian ancestry) and the late Mosi Tatupu (Samoan ancestry). Russ Francis will be inducted in the contributor category.
Sapolu, chair of the board of directors and hall co-founder, had insisted that he not be considered last year. So had vice chair and co-founder Ma’a Tanuvasa and board members Vai Sikahema, Troy Polamalu and Reno Mahe.
"We told them that it was appropriate for one year but not any longer," Tomey said. "Those five guys all went back into the pool and it added to the difficulty of selecting just five players."
Sapolu, Tanuvasa and Sikahema all were among the 25 finalists. Hall officials expect that the 2016 class will be comprised of four pro players and one in a new category: College Player of the Year.
Among those on the college watch list are Oregon’s Marcus Mariota and Rainbow Warriors Kody Afusia, Scott Harding, Joey Iosefa and Beau Yap.
The five college finalists will be announced Nov. 20 and the winner on Dec. 9. The enshrinement dinner is scheduled for Jan. 23 at the Sheraton and the induction ceremony Jan. 24 at the Polynesian Cultural Center, the hall’s new home.
THE CLASS OF 2015:
Luther John Elliss
All-American defensive tackle played for Utah and was a three-time first-team all-WAC selection and WAC defensive player of the Year (1994). Played 10 NFL seasons, nine with the Detroit Lions, one with the Denver Broncos, and was a two-time Pro Bowl selection.
Manase Jesse Sapolu
Three-time all-WAC as an offensive lineman for Hawaii. Played 15 seasons with the San Francisco 49ers. Two-time Pro Bowl selection and four-time Super Bowl champion, one of 23 NFL players with four or more Super Bowl Rings.
Raymond Frederick Schoenke
All-American offensive lineman at SMU where the Wahiawa-born player was also an academic All-American. Selected to SMU’s 75th anniversary all-time team. Played 12 NFL seasons, two with the Dallas Cowboys and 10 with the Washington Redskins. Named to the Redskins’ 50th anniversary team.
Mosiula "Mosi" Faasuka Tatupu
Former Hawaii high school rushing record holder (Punahou) and standout running back/kick returner at USC has the college football special teams player of the year award named for him. Played 14 seasons with the New England Patriots and one with the Los Angeles Rams. Patriots’ all-1970s and all-1980s teams. One Pro Bowl. Died in 2010.
Mark Pulemau Tuinei
Hawaii prep lineman of the year (Punahou), played tackle at UCLA and Hawaii. Played 15 seasons with the Dallas Cowboys, tied for the most all-time for the team. Three-time Super Bowl champion and two Pro Bowl selections. Died in 1999.
Russell Ross Francis
Selected one of the greatest sports figures in Hawaii history, setting a national high school javelin record that stood for 17 years. Prepped at Kailua and Pleasant Hill (Ore.) highs. Tight end at Oregon, played 13 seasons in the NFL, eight with the New England Patriots and five with the San Francisco 49ers. Three Pro Bowls and one Super Bowl championship.
