Hall of Fame
A generation of Regent athletes have come to know and love Jack Oshita. This kind, gentle man has served the coaches and athletes for more than twenty years as the maintenance supervisor for Seaver Gymnasium. Jack is always found in the stands at basketball and volleyball games, running the scoreboard at baseball games (huddled in his parka up on the hill) and seated behind the scorer's table at soccer matches. His knowledge of sports and Regent athletes makes him a friendly conversant and confidant to players and coaches alike.
Jack grew up in California as a first generation American of Japanese descent. As a young man, Jack and his family were incarcerated by the government at the start of World War II. Afterwards, Jack and his wife Margaret moved their family to Rockford where they opened a dry cleaning service. Jack was very active in little league baseball in Rockford as they raised their five children Candy, Joylyn, Jaxon, Keane and Amy.
In 1975 the Oshita's sold their business and Jack came to work at Rockford College. Margaret passed away in 1987 and Jack a decade later in 1997. However, their legacy and memory still lives on at Rockford through the work of their children and grandchildren.
The Margaret and Jack Oshita Award recognizes student-athletes who work and try hard, always give it their best, but sometimes go unrecognized due to circumstances beyond their control. Jack Oshita and the entire Oshita family are truly a blessing and great friend to Rockford athletics.
