UW's Vea A Finalist For Polynesian Player Of The Year
December 04, 2017 | Football
HONOLULU – Washington's Vita Vea has been named one of five finalists for the Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Award, the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame announced today.
Vea, a junior defensive tackle from Milpitas, Calif., was named the UW's defensive MVP at Sunday's team awards banquet. He's been the keystone of a Husky defense that finished the regular season leading the Pac-12 in rushing, scoring and total defense. He was also an honorable mention Academic All-Pac-12 selection.
The award is presented annually to the most outstanding Polynesian college football player that epitomizes great ability and integrity. Now in its fourth year, the honor has been previously won by Oregon's Marcus Mariota, Notre Dame's Ronnie Stanley and Colorado's Sefo Liufau.
The other four finalists for 2017 are Oregon State's Manase Hungalu, Washington State's Hercules Mata'afa, Virginia Tech's Andrew Motuapuaka and Hawai'i's Jahlani Tavai.
The Finalists were chosen by a selection committee which includes former college 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.
"With more than 500 players of Polynesian ancestry playing Division I football today, the Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Award has become one of the most prestigious awards in college football," said Jesse Sapolu, Chairman and Co-Founder. "On behalf of our Board of Directors, we would like to congratulate each of this year's finalists."
The winner of the Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Award will be announced on December 12. The formal presentation of the Award will be held at the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Celebration Dinner (January 19, 2018) along with being recognized during the Polynesian Bowl (January 20, 2018).
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, provides academic scholarships and supports educational programs for Polynesian youth. Its permanent home is located at the Polynesian Cultural Center (Laie on O'ahu's North Shore) and was established in 2013 by Super Bowl Champions Jesse Sapolu and Ma'a Tanuvasa. Other board members include Troy Polamalu, Vai Sikahema, June Jones and Reno Mahe. For more information, visit www.PolynesianFootballHOF.org.
Vea, a junior defensive tackle from Milpitas, Calif., was named the UW's defensive MVP at Sunday's team awards banquet. He's been the keystone of a Husky defense that finished the regular season leading the Pac-12 in rushing, scoring and total defense. He was also an honorable mention Academic All-Pac-12 selection.
The award is presented annually to the most outstanding Polynesian college football player that epitomizes great ability and integrity. Now in its fourth year, the honor has been previously won by Oregon's Marcus Mariota, Notre Dame's Ronnie Stanley and Colorado's Sefo Liufau.
The other four finalists for 2017 are Oregon State's Manase Hungalu, Washington State's Hercules Mata'afa, Virginia Tech's Andrew Motuapuaka and Hawai'i's Jahlani Tavai.
The Finalists were chosen by a selection committee which includes former college 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.
"With more than 500 players of Polynesian ancestry playing Division I football today, the Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Award has become one of the most prestigious awards in college football," said Jesse Sapolu, Chairman and Co-Founder. "On behalf of our Board of Directors, we would like to congratulate each of this year's finalists."
The winner of the Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Award will be announced on December 12. The formal presentation of the Award will be held at the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Celebration Dinner (January 19, 2018) along with being recognized during the Polynesian Bowl (January 20, 2018).
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, provides academic scholarships and supports educational programs for Polynesian youth. Its permanent home is located at the Polynesian Cultural Center (Laie on O'ahu's North Shore) and was established in 2013 by Super Bowl Champions Jesse Sapolu and Ma'a Tanuvasa. Other board members include Troy Polamalu, Vai Sikahema, June Jones and Reno Mahe. For more information, visit www.PolynesianFootballHOF.org.
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