Mariota to attend Poly Hall events

For fans of Marcus Mariota in Hawaii, there’s a silver lining to his Tennessee Titans losing their playoff game against the New England Patriots on Saturday. Since he doesn’t have a game to prepare for this week, Mariota can return home in time to attend the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame ceremonies.

The Titans quarterback from Honolulu is scheduled to attend the enshrinement celebration dinner Friday, and the Polynesian Bowl Saturday at Aloha Stadium, according to PFHOF spokesman Phil Hetu.

Mariota was previously named an ambassador for the Polynesian Bowl, an all-star game featuring some of the most talented high school players (of various ethnicities) from around the country.

In 2014, Mariota was the first winner of the Polynesian College Player of the Year Award given annually by the PFHOF. That was the same year the Oregon quarterback won the Heisman Trophy and led the Ducks to the national championship game.

The Saint Louis alumnus also attended the 2016 PFHOF enshrinement dinner, but was coming off surgery in Tennessee at the time of last year’s events and was advised not to fly.

Friday’s enshrinement celebration dinner is at the Sheraton Waikiki, starting at 6 p.m.

This year’s inductees are Bob Apisa, Herman Clark, Ma’ake Kemoeatu, Manu Tuiasosopo and Kimo von Oelhoffen.

The Polynesian Bowl at 6 p.m. Saturday follows a day of enshrinement activities at the Polynesian Cultural Center, home of the PFHOF.

Go to polynesianfootballhof.org for more information.