Quotes about Brian Kajiyama and Rudy

About Brian K, Rudy Ruettinger (who inspired the movie "Rudy") said:
"It's all about attitude, and Brian has what it takes. It's about struggle. It's about overcoming adversity. Brian is 'Rudy.' " (HA)

"Brian is an awesome guy. He kind of stuck around, and now look at what he's done." (HA)

HA Note: "Kajiyama, who is in a wheelchair because of cerebral palsy, yesterday received a $2,500 grant from UH coach June Jones' foundation for his contributions to the football program. The grant was presented during a team meeting. Ruettiger was the guest speaker."


Rudy, who was an undersized player with minimal athletic skills and earned a spot on Notre Dame's football team, said:
"I graduated No. 3 in my high school class ... from the bottom." (HA)


Rudy told the Warriors:
"You don't choose character. It comes alive under adversity." (HA)


Rudy was upset when he was handed a uniform with no name on the back when he was finally allowed to suit up for his last college game, until a friend reminded him:
"The name on the jersey doesn't mean anything. It's the guy in the jersey." (HA)


About how their walk-ons are Rudys in a way, JJ said:
"We've had our own Rudys within our own group. All of our walk-ons have been Rudys in a way. I was a Rudy in a way." (HA)

HA Note: "So, too, is Kajiyama, who befriended former UH safety Dee Miller in 1999. Miller asked Kajiyama to attend a practice session."


About Brian K fitting in with the Warriors, JJ said:
"It didn't take long for Brian to become part of the family." (HA)

HA Note: "Kajiyama attended every home practice since then. In the process he earned a bachelor's degree and, two weeks ago, a master's. He also accepted Jones' offer to serve as a graduate assistant in charge of video and computer analysis."


About Brian K's graduate assistantship, JJ said:
"He made such a commitment to help us. His mom and dad have helped so much for eight years. They live on the Windward side. Can you imagine the commitment his family made trying to help him get his doctorate? I wanted to help in some way." (HA)


About the grant Brian K received, JJ said:
"It's just a small gesture." (HA)


About receiving the grant, Brian K said:
"I'm shocked, because I really didn't do anything special. I'm extremely grateful to coach Jones and his staff for letting me be a small part of the Warrior family." (HA)


Thrilled to meet the real-life Rudy, Brian K said:
"He's a great inspiration because when I'm down, that's the first DVD I pop in, and that gets me up again." (HA)