Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Announces Class of 2018 Finalists

At a glance:

18 Finalists have been selected from over 200 nominees.
Five Inductees will be announced on October 10, 2017 as the Class of 2018.
Inductees will be honored during the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Weekend and during the Polynesian Bowl on January 19 & 20, 2018 on Oahu, Hawai’i.

HONOLULU, HI (September 21, 2017) – The Polynesian Football Hall of Fame announced today the 18 Finalists that will be on the ballot for induction into the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame 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 Coaches Dick Tomey (Chairman), Ron McBride and Dick Vermeil, past NFLPA President and Inaugural Inductee Kevin Mawae, former NFL Player and Class of 2015 Inductee Ray Schoenke, ESPN Sportscaster Neil Everett, NFL player personnel legend Gil Brandt, NFL Network writer and commentator Steve Wyche, and Honolulu Sportscaster Robert Kekaula.

“There are so many worthy candidates to choose from,” said Selection Committee Chairman Dick Tomey. “The committee will meet again in the coming weeks to select the five members of the Class of 2018.”

“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.”

Five inductees (four players and one coach/contributor) will be announced on October 10, 2017. They will be honored during the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Weekend and during the Polynesian Bowl on January 19 & 20, 2018.

CLASS OF 2018 PLAYER FINALISTS

Tony Banks (QB) Michigan State, Pro: NFL (STL, BAL, DAL, WAS, HOU) 10 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 (SAN) 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) Hawai’i, Pro: NFL (MIN, WAS, IND) 7 years, Samoan ancestry
Falaniko “Niko” Noga (LB) Hawai’i, 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) Hawai`i; 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

CLASS OF 2018 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 Hawai’i, Hawaiian 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 honors Polynesia’s greatest players, coaches and contributors. It also serves as a resource for Polynesian football history, supports cultural and educational programs, including the award of nearly $200,000 in college scholarships. Founded in 2013 by Super Bowl Champions Jesse Sapolu (Chairman) and Ma’a Tanuvasa (Vice-Chairman), other board members include Troy Polamalu, Vai Sikahema, June Jones and Reno Mahe.

Each January, the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Week features several events including the Polynesian Bowl, Celebration Dinner and Enshrinement Ceremony attracting thousands of people. It is one of the premier Polynesian events in the world.

Its permanent home is located at the Polynesian Cultural Center in Laie, Hawaiʻi.