Congressman Faleomavaega today offered his personal congratulations to the Polynesian players that will be playing for head coach Rich Ellerson and the Army Knights at U.S. Military Academy in West Point.  These student athletes have committed to the United States Military Academy at West Point after being sought by other top college football programs throughout the nation.  The players are:

2012 Recruiting Class
Ammon Tuimaunei  Wilsonville, Oregon
Timothy Kamana  Honolulu, Hawaii
Kyle Fleming   Kauai, Hawaii
Lofi Tamasese   Daly City, California

Prep-School (Recruited 2011)
Tala Atimalala, Jr.  Las Vegas, Nevada
Jesse Tuivaiave  Tacoma, Washington
Jonas Niusulu   Barstow, California

“I want to congratulate our Polynesian players for committing themselves to play for the Army Knights and, importantly, for serving our country,” Faleomavaega said.  “Besides college football, West Point will train and educate these young men to be fine commissioned officers of the U.S. Army.” 

“I want to thank head coaches Rich Ellerson of Army and Ken Niumatalolo of Navy for having a special interest in recruiting our Polynesian sons.  I am a strong advocate for our many sons to join our esteemed military academies because it will not only teach them honor, courage, and service to our country, but it will also give them the skills to succeed in civilian life after the military.  The student athlete’s tuition and living expenses are covered while at the Academy and after being commissioned as an officer, they are guaranteed a 5-year job.”

“I want to also recognize the parents and families of these Polynesian players. Without their prayers and support, these young men would not be attending one of our most prestigious military academies.  Our sons’ personal sacrifices and commitment to protecting our freedoms makes them role models among their peers.”

“I want to personally thank Tala’s proud parents, Talaleleimoni and Theresa Atimalala of Futiga, for sharing with me the good news of our Polynesian sons.  I want to congratulate the recruits again for their success and wish them the best in the upcoming season,” Congressman Faleomavaega concluded.