It’s the news I knew was coming but didn’t want to hear…my favorite Poly (and Baylor’s only Hawaiian ever?) on the Baylor football team is out. Solomon was named QB1 for the first two games of the season, but hasn’t seen a snap ever since. I was over the moon when I heard a kanaka was about to lead my team and grew even more excited when he became the starter. Polynesians represent one of the largest ethnic groups in football, but they are noticeably absent from Baylor’s roster. Obviously a Poly-filled Baylor football team is my dream come true so even one in the green and gold made an impact on me. Solomon’s early starts proved his talent and revealed to the Baylor crowd what I’ve always known- Polynesians are strong and talented and just as talented as anyone else. Unfortunately, a slim O-line and young receivers made Solomon’s job harder and he was eventually replaced after suffering concussion-like symptoms. In his first two games, Solomon completed 24 of 55 attempts for 399 yards with 4 TDs and 2 INTs. I’m sad that Anu wasn’t able to make a larger impact on Baylor football’s record and even sadder that the only player with a Hawaiian name is off the team, but I’m thankful for the time I witnessed a kanaka on the field.
