This year's Lobo roster includes five Polynesian players: Tevaka Tuioti (Jr-QB), Evahelotu Tohi (Sr-LB), Sitiveni Tamaivena (Sr-LB), Alexander “Moana” Vainikolo (Jr-LB) and Radson Jang (R-FR, OL). These student-athletes are joined by second year offensive-line coach, Saga Tuitele. As we mentioned in last week's Cherry Zone, the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame announced that Tohi has been added to the 2018 Watch List for the Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Award.
We've provided two stories that highlight the impact these players' Polynesian culture has had on our football program and how this culture has amplified our broader, family-based Lobo football culture. The first story is from last year, written by our old friend, Rick Wright (ABQ Journal), which highlights the path Tohi took to Albuquerque. The second story is from last written - written by Steve Virgen - and highlights the unique camaraderie of our current Polynesian players and how this "love" ripples through our locker room.