From Deseret News archives:
Navy made right pick with Niumatalolo
He darn well deserves it.
Not because he's Polynesian.
Because the man can full-on coach.
Affirmative action? How's this for affirmative action: A 43-19 record in the last five years at Navy, thanks in large part to Niumatalolo's work as an assistant head coach. He was a major factor in installing the Midshipmen's triple-option attack, which ranks No. 1 nationally in rushing.
Sitake, the inside linebackers coach at Utah, comes from the same hometown of Laie, Hawaii, as Niumatalolo. They know one another and their families, though the Navy coach is 15 years older. They spent time working camps in Laie last summer. Sitake is happy to see Niumatalolo become what is believed to be the first Polynesian Division I head coach in history, and the first Samoan head coach at any collegiate level. But don't read too much into it.
"I'm not saying it's about time they hired a Polynesian head coach," said Sitake. "It's more like they just did the right thing.
Wow, hiring people based on qualifications. What a concept.
When the Utes meet Navy in Thursday's Poinsettia Bowl, Niumatalolo will direct his first game as a head coach. He took over when Paul Johnson left to coach Georgia Tech. A few days later, Navy introduced its new, history-making choice. Niumatalolo, like Sitake, was fairly low-key about his ethnic background.
"Hopefully, if I do well it will open doors for some other guys," said Niumatalolo in a press conference.
"The huge emphasis on race can overshadow things," continued Sitake. "I think he just decided to be a head coach, rather than holding the banner for Polynesians. It's not like walking on the moon ... he was in the right position. Had he been white or black, too, it would have been the right decision, too. The fact that it happened to a Polynesian is a great thing."
While Sitake's approach makes sense, there is also a certain logic to Niumatalolo becoming a head coach via the law of averages. Polynesian football players have been outstanding for a couple of decades. Nearly every program in the Western United States has benefited from Polynesian players, who have usually proven strong, physical and competitive.
Oh, and they look good with their hair flowing out the backs of their helmets.
Recent comments
Sport Books in Las Vegas pick Utah over Navy by 7.5 points.
Sport...
FYI Nevada | Dec. 19, 2007 at 5:46 p.m.
I have taught and worked with plenty of polys and they are no...
TruUte since before winning | Dec. 19, 2007 at 12:10 p.m.
I enjoyed this article and How Coach Sitake clarified this is not a...
Utah -Native living in Calif | Dec. 19, 2007 at 9:41 a.m.
- NFL: Week 12 recap 12:50 a.m.
- '12 Days' bill would top $87K 12:35 a.m.
- Study finds autism therapy works 12:35 a.m.
- Boy shot following traffic stop 12:35 a.m.
- Sports on the air 12:24 a.m.
- Herbert builds his team of rivals 12:21 a.m.
- Corroon a step closer to governor 12:21 a.m.
- Monday on TV 12:18 a.m.
- Editorial: East, West and religion 12:17 a.m.
- A deficit commission? 12:17 a.m.
- Hall mouths off about hate of Utah
- BYU is champion of the state
- Cougars beat Utes in overtime
- Credit Coug defense for win
- Field goals, penalties doomed Utes
- Marriage definitions vary widely
- Cougar defense rose to occasion
- Banged up Jazz get best of Blazers
- Jones' joy for life remembered
- Fantasy is reality for BYU professor
- Hall mouths off about hate of Utah
869 - Cougars beat Utes in overtime
473 - Max Hall issues apology
145 - BYU is champion of the state
137 - Man trapped in Nutty Putty cave dies
117 - Cave to be sealed with body inside
116 - Rivalry Week is highly profane
90 - Hall's legacy measured today
79 - Hall's pain reflects self-betrayal
68 - Utes fall to Seattle U. at home
65
We learned a bit more about the basketball team after this weekend.
There are 14 BYU players from Salt Lake Valley. And there are four Utah...
I find it interesting that many of the same people who say that we can't...
None of these teams is going to be easy. They all have fine football...
Max, no apology was necessary, but the apology was polically correct. If...
Very good piece of writing, Amy. You summarized what many of us have been...
How is a top 25 finish make Utah a top twenty team? I think what the poster...
90% of the BYU & Utah fans have class, and Hall knows it. If you don't...
This might be my favorite article I've ever read from the Deseret News. Kudos.
Thank you for not giving up and don't give up now brother and sister...
Dr. Lois Lee's work with children who are victims of child sexual...
Look at the preview for Pixar's "Up". The whole move is summarized in...



