Seven stars who forged paths for others while making huge names for themselves were celebrated Thursday night at the inaugural enshrinement ceremony of the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame.
A crowd of around 600 at the Hawaii Convention Center attended a dinner honoring the initial class of Kurt Gouveia, Olin Kreutz, Ken Niumatalolo, Kevin Mawae, Junior Seau, Jack Thompson and Herman Wedemeyer.
They expressed gratitude and humility, crediting those who came before them, coached them and played alongside them and their ohana.
"I was very surprised and humbled (to be selected)," Niumatalolo said. "A lot of great Polynesian coaches came before me. Guys just need the opportunity."
Gouveia said the PFHF gives him a chance to help future generations.
"I remember when I was in high school, Russ Francis gave a little speech to us and his message was that no matter where you come from, rich or poor, put your dreams and aspirations together and you can do anything," Gouveia said. "He was my guy that I looked up to, and I can only hope I affect just one young Polynesian, or any young person, who really needs inspiration because everything is against him."
Gouveia, of Hawaiian ancestry, started on championship teams at every level, including Waianae High School, an NCAA title at BYU and two Super Bowls with the Washington Redskins.
Kreutz, of Hawaiian ancestry, dominated as a center at Saint Louis School, University of Washington and the Chicago Bears. He retired as a four-time All-Pro.
Mawae, of Hawaiian ancestry, is a member of the LSU Hall of Fame who played center for 16 seasons in the NFL and was All-Pro eight times.
Niumatalolo, of Samoan ancestry, has directed Naval Academy teams to five bowl appearances in seven seasons as head coach at Annapolis. He played quarterback at Radford High School and the University of Hawaii.
Seau, of Samoan ancestry, was a unanimous first-team All-America linebacker at USC. He played 20 NFL seasons, with 10 All-Pro notices to his credit. Seau, who died in 2012, was represented by his children.
Thompson, of Samoan ancestry, graduated from Washington State as the most prolific passer in NCAA history. As the third pick of the 1979 draft (Bengals) he remains the highest selection of a Polynesian player.
Wedemeyer, of Hawaiian ancestry, starred at Saint Louis School and then at Saint Mary’s College, where the all-purpose back nicknamed "Squirmin’ Herman" was fourth in the 1945 Heisman Trophy voting. Wedemeyer played two pro seasons and later went on to fame as Duke Lukela in "Hawaii Five-0." He died in 1999 and was represented by his nephew Blane Gaison.
