UH sports
Murakami receives award

By Stacy Kaneshiro
Advertiser Staff Writer

Former University of Hawai'i baseball coach Les Murakami (with wife, Dot) was given the Willard Wilson Award for Distinguished Service to the University in ceremonies yesterday at Kennedy Theatre. Jeff Widener • The Honolulu Advertiser

Retired University of Hawai'i baseball coach Les Murakami is back to form.

"Give me a little time," he said. "I'll be all right."

Murakami, 65, who continues rehabilitation from a debilitating stroke on Nov. 2, returned to the Manoa campus yesterday to accept the Willard Wilson Award for Distinguished Service to the University at the annual awards convocation at Kennedy Theatre.

Murakami was rolled out on stage in his wheelchair by his wife, Dot. He received a standing ovation and acknowledged the applause by raising the certificate with his right hand.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, well-wishers greeted the coach outside the theater. Among them were his successor, Mike Trapasso, and assistants Josh Sorge, Chad Konishi and Keith Komeiji. All took time out from a UH baseball fund-raising golf tournament to congratulate Murakami.

Since the stroke, Murakami's only public appearance was during the season finale on May 19 at Rainbow Stadium. He and his family circled the bases in a golf cart with Murakami culminating the event by tapping his walker on home plate.

At the time, Murakami was a bit frail and physical therapy left him exhausted. But yesterday, one could see the positive effects of his rehabilitation, which he does two or three times per week. He has gained some weight. He said he has been able to walk with the aid of a walker, but only does so at home. He said he goes out for special occasions, such as a baby's first-birthday party or a wedding. He and Dot go to Kahala Mall once a week for meals or to see a movie.

He plans to return to Rainbow Stadium for the 2002 season.

"I'm going out to watch some games," Murakami said.