BYU head football coach Kalani Sitake and former NFL offensive lineman Chris Kemoeatu were inducted into the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame on Saturday during the 2025 Enshrinement Ceremony at the Polynesian Cultural Center.
Both Sitake and Kemoeatu, of Tongan ancestry, were honoured for their exceptional contributions to the sport of football and their embodiment of Polynesian values.
The Class of 2025 also included Jim Nicholson, a Samoan-American former NFL offensive lineman. They were selected from over 100 nominees by the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Selection Committee.
“These men embody the spirit of Polynesia and have left an enduring mark on the game of football,” said Jesse Sapolu, Chairman and Co-Founder.
The enshrinement festivities included recognition during Friday’s Polynesian Bowl at Kunuiakea Stadium in Honolulu, televised on the NFL Network, and a VIP reception and celebration dinner earlier in the week.
Sitake, who became the first FBS head football coach of Tongan descent when hired by BYU in 2015, expressed heartfelt gratitude during his speech.
“I was born in Tonga and raised in Laie. This is where I first picked up a football. This community embraced my family and taught me the values I carry today,” he said, acknowledging family, faith, and mentors who shaped his career.
Chris Kemoeatu, a Super Bowl champion with the Pittsburgh Steelers, reflected on his journey from growing up in Kahuku, Hawai‘i, to reaching the pinnacle of professional football.
“My Tongan roots gave me the strength and determination to succeed. This honor is a tribute to my family and my heritage,” he shared.
Sitake continues to lead BYU’s football program with notable success, including a 72-43 record in his first nine seasons and accolades as the 2024 AFCA Region 4 Coach of the Year.
Kemoeatu remains an inspiration for Polynesian athletes, demonstrating excellence on and off the field.
The Polynesian Football Hall of Fame, established in 2013, celebrates Polynesia’s greatest players, coaches, and contributors. Its permanent home is at the Polynesian Cultural Center in Laie, Hawai‘i.
