Hawaii prep, college standouts named to Polynesian Football Hall of Fame
ASSOCIATED PRESS
University of Hawaii coach Chris Naeole meets with his team during a timeout in the second quarter of a game on Nov. 14 against Fresno State.
Three stars from Hawaii are among the next incoming class of the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame.
Junior Ah You (Kahuku, Arizona State), Chris Naeole (Kahuku, Colorado) and Ma’a Tanuvasa (Mililani, Hawaii) were all college and pro football standouts who first made their marks as prep stars on Oahu.
Naeole, now the offensive line coach at the University of Hawaii, attended today’s announcement at the Sheraton Waikiki. So did about half of the Rainbow Warriors coaching staff and about a dozen players.
“I found out (Monday) night and told Rolo (head coach Nick Rolovich) I might have to leave practice early,” Naeole said and then laughed. “I guess he sent out a group text.”
Riki Ellison (USC) rounds out the players who will be inducted Jan. 21 and 22 during the hall of fame’s enshrinement weekend.
John Manumaleuna will also be enshrined, as a contributor.
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Also on Jan. 21, the first Polynesian Bowl high school all-star game will be played at Aloha Stadium.
See polynesianfootballhof.org and polynesianbowl.com for more information.
9 responses to “Hawaii prep, college standouts named to Polynesian Football Hall of Fame”
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They are all very deserving people. My only wish is that we had a race-free hall of fame that would honor all the many good men of Hawaii who have excelled at this game. No need to divide anybody by race. WE are all in this world together.
The NFL hall of fame is for everyone. However there are tons of notable Polynesian football players that excel in the sport, are shining examples for their communities but will not make it to the NFL HOF, this is why the polynesian HOF was created, to celebrate this great men. There are also a ton of polynesian football players that are not from Hawaii. For example Junior Seau and Troy Polamalu, both NFL HOF, are from California. So the common link is their polynesian heritage and not being Hawaii born.
You are correct, Islandfever, but there also are many good players of all races and ethnicities who will never make it to the NFL or any other hall of fame. Creating Halls of Fame for players who can’t make it to the NFL Hall of Fame is like giving out trophies to everyone who participates and not just to those who win or excel.
I always prefer race-blind awards. They mean more. These fine men do not need special favors or extra help.
Tell that to the BET Awards.
Now, now. Hawaii is all about praising certain races, and excluding others. Polynesians think they are better.
Sounds like a passive aggressive statement against a positive.
Aww, I’m really glad to see this. Specifically, I’m pleased to see Maa Tanuvasa’s name here. Maa is a very humble and soft-spoken guy who gives so much back to young people and our community.
Congratulations!