University of California, Los Angeles, Athletics
Tuiasosopo Named to Polynesian FB Hall of Fame
October 10, 2017 | Football
Bruin standout defensive lineman Manu Tuiasosopo (1975-78) was named to The Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Class of 2018 which was unveiled on Tuesday.
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This year's inductees include Tuiasosopo (Samoan ancestry), Herman Clark (Hawaiian ancestry), Ma'ake Kemoeatu (Tongan Ancestry), and Kimo von Oelhoffen (Hawaiian ancestry) as player inductees, and Bob Apisa (Samoan ancestry) as a contributor. "The Class of 2018 represents All-Americans, National Champions, three Super Bowl championships, and a member of the NFL's Half Century Team," said Jesse Sapolu, Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Co-Founder and Chairman.
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Tuiasosopo was a three-time first-team all-conference selection during his career with the Bruins following the 1976, 1977 and 1978 seasons. The Bruins posted a 33-11-3 record during his time in Westwood, were ranked among the nation's top 20 in four straight seasons and finished no lower than tied for second in the Pacific-8 / Pacific 10 Conference standings. During his freshman season, UCLA handed top-ranked Ohio State a 23-10 setback in the Rose Bowl. He still ranks among the top 20 Bruins in career tackles (287-15th) and career sacks (17.0-T13th).
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Tuiasosopo went on to be selected in the first round of the 1979 NFL Draft with the 18th overall pick by the Seattle Seahawks. He played with Seattle from 1979-1983, before joining the San Francisco 49ers for the 1984-86 seasons. He was a member of the 49ers' 1985 Super Bowl Championship team (XIX).
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The Inductees were selected 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.
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"On behalf of the Selection Committee, I congratulate the outstanding Class of 2018," said Dick Tomey, Selection Committee Chairman. "Their accomplishments on and off the field make each of them truly worthy of this recognition."
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The Class of 2018 will be honored during the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Weekend to be held on January 19 & 20, 2018 in Oahu, Hawai`i.
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