Former UHWO Chancellor Freitas inducted into Polynesian Football Hall of Fame

Photo of Rockne Freitas's Polynesian Football Hall of Fame ring

Photo of Rockne Freitas’s ring that he received during the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame ceremony on January 30, 2016.

Former UH West Oʻahu Chancellor Rockne Freitas was inducted into the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame at its Enshrinement Weekend on Jan. 29 and 30. A display case featuring memorabilia from his playing days is housed at the Polynesian Cultural Center in Lāʻie as part of a permanent Polynesian Football Hall of Fame gallery.

Rockne Freitas with UHWO Staff

Rockne Freitas with UHWO Staff (from left: Lokelani Kenolio, Cindy Vinluan, Christine Neves, Judy Oliveira, and Leslie Opulauoho) at the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.

Freitas joined Charles “Charlie” Teetai Ane, Jr., Troy Polamalu, Vai Sikahema, and Albert “Al” Lolotai as members of the Class of 2016. The five finalists were selected from a Watch List comprised of 25 players.

Freitas, who retired as chancellor of UH West Oʻahu on Dec. 31, 2015, played offensive line for the Detroit Lions from 1968 through 1977. He also played one year at Tampa Bay in 1978. The two-time all-Pro selection was selected as the team’s offensive MVP in 1972. His professional career followed an illustrious college career at Oregon State, where he was selected to play in the Hula Bowl, Coaches All-America Bowl, and the College All-Star Game.

See his Hall of Fame-produced video here.

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Chancellor Freitas selected to Polynesian Football Hall of Fame

Images courtesy of UHWO Staff and Leslie Lynn Opulauoho