The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Athletics Department announced Eric Okasaki as the recipient of the Spirit of the Rainbow Award.
The Spirit of the Rainbow Award was established to honor longtime athletics department staff members who demonstrated exceptional service and unwavering dedication to the department. The award recognizes individuals who spent at least 25 years in a support staff position and have retired from the university.
“Eric embodies everything the Spirit of the Rainbow Award stands for,” said Deputy Athletics Director Lois Manin. “For over four decades, he was a pillar of our department, working tirelessly to ensure our student-athletes were healthy, safe and supported. His legacy is felt not just in the championships he helped make possible, but in the countless lives he touched as a mentor, leader and friend.”
Okasaki’s history with the university spanned a total of 46 years, beginning as a junior varsity baseball player at UHin 1973. He went on to spend 43 years as an athletic trainer at UH, which included 35 years serving as the head athletic trainer.
During his distinguished career, Okasaki served as the trainer for the 1980 College World Series baseball team, the 1992 Holiday Bowl championship team, the historic 2007 Sugar Bowl team and the 2010 College World Series softball team.
In retirement, he regularly attends games and serves as a trustee for the Dr. Alvin and Monica Saake Foundation, one of 10 charter members of the Shoji Society.
Okasaki will be presented with the honor during the Green and White Celebration on October 16 at Bankoh Arena at Stan Sheriff Center.
Read more at Hawaiiathletics.com.
