[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 22 (Monday, February 22, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E181]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING WILLIAM ``BILL'' KAJIKAWA

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. HARRY E. MITCHELL

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, February 22, 2010

  Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor William ``Bill'' 
Kajikawa, a legendary former football, basketball and baseball coach at 
Arizona State University, who passed away Monday, February 15.
  Kajikawa began coaching at Arizona State in 1937 and retired after 
close to 40 years of dedicated service. Kajikawa served as head 
basketball coach from 1948 to 1957 and was head coach of ASU's club 
baseball team from 1947 to 1957. Additionally, Kajikawa worked as the 
freshman football coach under nine ASU head football coaches.
  Kajikawa took his only break from ASU during World War II, where he 
served with distinction in the Army's 442nd Regimental Combat Team. The 
442nd was manned entirely by Japanese Americans and was the Army's most 
decorated combat unit.
  Kajikawa has been recognized on numerous occasions for his tremendous 
accomplishments. In 1995, Arizona State University honored Kajikawa in 
a ceremony that named the Sun Devil football practice field The Bill 
Kajikawa Practice Facility. He was inducted into the Arizona Basketball 
Hall of Fame in 1968 and the ASU Hall of Distinction in 1982. Moreover, 
the American Legion selected him in 1976 for the Americanism Award to 
applaud his service to young people.
  A true Sun Devil, Kajikawa possessed an enthusiastic personality that 
inspired student athletes to excel. He will long be remembered and 
honored for his strong leadership and passion for athletics. I am 
privileged to have known Coach Kajikawa and his wonderful family, and 
to have had the opportunity to represent such an incredible mentor. 
Please join me, Madam Speaker, in remembering his distinguished legacy.

                          ____________________