The 25 finalists -- 20 players and five coaches/contributors -- who will be on the ballot for induction into the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Class of 2016 were announced on Thursday.
"Over the past several weeks the Selection Committee has been deliberating over the 2016 Finalists," said Selection Committee member Dick Tomey said in a news release. "This is quite a challenge because there are so many great Polynesian players, coaches and contributors that have made an incredible impact on the game of football."
The members of the 2016 class of inductees will be announced on October 7, 2015.
The 2o player finalists:
DL Junior Ah You, Arizona State
FB/HB Bob Apisa, Michigan State
OL Charles "Charlie" Teetai Ane, Jr., USC
OL Herman “Buddy” Piikei Clark, Oregon State
LB Riki Morgan Ellison, USC
OL Rockne Crowningburg Freitas, Oregon State
DL Ma'ake Tu'amelie Kemoeatu, Utah
TE Brandon Manumaleuna, Arizona
OL Chris Naeole, Colorado
DL Alapati “Al” Noga, Hawai’i
LB Niko Noga, Hawai’i
DB Troy Polamalu, USC
DL Joe Fagaone Salave'a, Arizona
DL Dan Saleaumua, Arizona State
RB/KR Vai Sikahema, BYU
DE Ma’a Tanuvasa, Hawai’i
LB Mosiula Mea'alofa "Lofa" Tatupu, USC
DL Manu'ula “Manu” Asovalu Tuiasosopo, UCLA
QB Marques Tavita Tuiasosopo, Washington
DL Kimo von Oelhoffen, Boise State
Five coach/contributor finalists
Thomas Ka’auwai Ka’ulukukui, former head coach at University of Hawai’i
Cal Lee, former head Football coach, St. Louis High School (HI)
Albert “Al” Lolotai, First Polynesian to play professional football
John Manumaleuna, Southern California Advocate for Polynesian Youth
Charlie Wedemeyer, former head football coach, Los Gatos High School (CA)
