By Brian Reed-Baiotto, Sports Editor
You didn’t have to know Michael Okura to realize what a special man he was.
All you needed was to be present at his beloved West Covina High School on Saturday morning to see the emotion his memory evoked from the hundreds on hand.
His wife Diane, daughter Lyndie and son-in-law Drew Lorenger all got emotional at the ceremony.
At nearly 11:30 this morning, it was decreed that the baseball field is now officially known as “Okura Field.”
Current and past players, coaches, friends and administrators were on hand to not only honor a man that people referred to as “Mr. West Covina,” but to also compete in the alumni game, which took place after the dedication.
Okura died in January of 2012.
But until his final day on this planet, literally, Okura was on campus teaching and making a positive impact on his students, players, friends and family.
The 1963 West Covina graduate spent over 40 years at a school that to this day employs several family members, including his wife of 44 years, his daughter and son-in-law.
Okura led the Bulldogs baseball program for 10 years and won a pair of league titles.
He also served as an assistant coach whenever he was needed in a number of other sports as well.
His most famous athlete, 14-year MLB star Tom Brunansky was on hand to honor someone he called ‘one of my best friends,’ and to have his number retired as well.
His son-in-law, Lorenger, led the WCHS baseball program from 2000-2015 and he was a major part of a six-year or so effort to see this day come to fruition.
Lyndie Okura-Lorenger said that her father told her not to make him out to be a saint when he dies, because he was very much human.
Okura’s young grandson, Jackson, threw out the first pitch before the alumni game.
Okura bled the West Covina colors, and his loyalty to the school and its programs and people was unmatched.
His No. 15 was also retired at the ceremony.
The irony that his heart gave him so much trouble with his own health was striking, because it was that same heart and the love that poured out of it that has cemented his eternal place in West Covina High School lore.
For interviews with Okura’s family, friends and former players, please click on the link below.
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