If we look at the composition of the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame after the induction of its first two classes, maybe we can put a stereotype to rest.

Yes, the Pacific Islands are known for producing linemen.

“It’s because of what we eat,” 2015 inductee Jesse Sapolu said, with a smile.

Another of this weekend’s honorees, the Polynesian College Football Player of the Year, happens to be a quarterback. And, though Marcus Mariota talked about how the Hall of Famers paved the way for him, Sapolu returned the compliment.

“Marcus has knocked down a big wall for us,” Sapolu said, referring to Mariota’s winning of the Heisman Trophy — an award that usually goes to players who move the ball, not the ones who block or tackle.

Sapolu is joined in this year’s class by Luther Elliss, Russ Francis, Ray Schoenke, Mosi Tatupu and Mark Tuinei.

Here’s the position-by-position breakdown to this point of the first 12 enshrinees: four offensive linemen, two running backs, two quarterbacks, two linebackers, a defensive lineman and a tight end.

Sounds like a good start on the way to a complete team.

But the real theme Saturday at the Polynesian Cultural Center was how the players chosen for these honors embodied the spirit of the Pacific Islands … and how they set an example for those who follow.

That is one of the ideas reflected in the symbolism of a bridge at the entrance to the Hall of Fame at the PCC. Norm Harris, an architect of Tongan ancestry, designed the gallery. Those honored bridge Polynesia to the world and they bridge generations.

“You’re only as good as the opportunity presented to you,” Harris said. “This is about the sons of Polynesia coming home. For me, it was creating a home.”

Schoenke, a Hawaiian who overcame racism playing college football in the South, spoke of a chain of which he is part.

“I decided, ‘I’m going to be like Charlie Ane.’ And I did. When I met Junior Ah You, he said I was his hero.

Vai (Sikahema) said, ‘Guess what? Junior was my hero.’ ”

And it goes on and on, the baton now handed to Mariota’s generation and beyond.

The fact that Ane, Ah You and Sikahema are not yet PFHOF members is part of the answer to anyone who questions if there are enough great Polynesian players to keep expanding this Hall. They are shoo-ins for future years, and there are many others also with the credentials to join the first 12.

For now, Sikahema is a superb emcee, and the bridge theme resounds strongly for him. He came close to breaking down while talking about the personal significance of the PFHOF’s partnership with the PCC for him, as his parents met while working there as dancers.

He said he was pleasantly surprised when the center’s leadership agreed to house the Hall of Fame.

“But I learned our mission and goals ran on parallel tracks,” said Sikahema, now a news anchor in Philadelphia.

He had the high school football players in the audience stand.

“(This is) so you can know and learn of our heritage through football,” he told them.

You couldn’t blame Lofa Tatupu when he said “it’s getting dusty in here” as he spoke of his dad, Mosi.

“My father was my hero. I tried to follow his footsteps,” Lofa said.

Earlier, in the gallery, his sister Nea spoke of Mosi’s relationship with another deceased enshrinee. “I talked to Junior Seau a year before he died. He said if it wasn’t for people like my dad breaking down doors for him he wouldn’t be (in the NFL),” she said, dabbing her eyes. “This is all so emotional. I knew it would be, but not this much.”

Pono Tuinei smiled throughout, especially while listening to Neil Everett’s voice-over description of her husband. “Gentle giant. Except on Sundays.”

The youngest of Elliss’ 12 children (seven adopted) slept cradled in her mother’s arms while he spoke of telling his Samoan mother, “Mom, I can’t wear a dress.” When he got to college at Utah, teammates like Roy Ma‘afala taught him to don a lava-lava with pride, and the meaning of the word “uso” (brother).

Technically, Francis’ ethnic lineage is somewhat cloudy. But where is heart is, it’s clear.

“I’m Hawaiian. Samoan. Tongan, Fijian and Maori. I was a son of Hawaii and proud to take that to the NFL,” said the man who brought “All-World” talent and the shaka sign to “Monday Night Football.” “It’s all about the next group after. What we can do to show them a good example.”

Reach Dave Reardon at dreardon@staradvertiser.com or 529-4783. His blog is at hawaiiwarriorworld.com/quick-reads.