Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is honoring the leadership of Coach Kenneth Va’a Niumatalolo, who has been fired by the Navy football program after a loss to Army over the weekend.
Niumatalolo was known as the winningest coach at the Navy football program at the U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland.
“He was deservedly inducted into the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame on January 23, 2014, is a three-time AAC Conference Coach of the Year, and led Navy to 11 postseason Bowl appearances, accumulating an overall winning record in both regular seasons and bowls,” the Congresswoman said.
“As the first Samoan head coach of a U.S. collegiate football program, especially at this NCAA Division 1 high level, Coach Ken Niumatalolo has brought honor to the Samoan people, and inspiration to Polynesian peoples and Pacific Islanders everywhere, including Hawai’i, where he was raised and began his football career.”
“As coach, he has influenced the lives of many hundreds of young men in this position, especially leading this prestigious program for 15 years, which is an exceptional achievement in an era when coaches often change every few years. He is an excellent example for our young people, and a known teacher beyond football of how to also live a good life. I know Samoans will continue cheering him on, and God has good things in store for his next steps as a leader.”
