WELCOME
Our Story
“WUCO” was the name of a dog rescued off the streets of California by WUCO Athletics founder and president, Jimmy Miyasaka. After hearing about two dogs abandoned in a cul-de-sac and left to survive on berries and bugs, essentially coyote bait Jimmy went to rescue them. As class president at his optometry school, he named the male dog “WUCO,” made him the class mascot, and named the smaller dog “Nubblet.”
WUCO and Nubblet went everywhere with Jimmy, traveling across cities and states for school and basketball tournaments. Over time, more rescued dogs joined the pack, including Budo the protector and watchdog who had been abandoned by her breeder due to a knee condition that required reconstructive surgery.
Our
Tribute To
WUCO
WUCO was more than a dog, he was a lifelong companion, protector, and best friend. From the moment Jimmy rescued him off the streets of California, WUCO showed the true meaning of unconditional love. For 15 years, they shared an incredible journey together, traveling across North America for school, basketball tournaments, and life’s biggest moments, before finally calling Hawaiʻi home. Through every challenge and milestone, WUCO was there, steady, loyal, and always pushing Jimmy forward with his quiet strength, bright eyes, and ever-wagging tail.
As the true leader of the pack, WUCO welcomed and protected every animal that came into their lives, earning his place as the heart of the family. He stood by Jimmy through optometry school, road trips, and the creation of WUCO Athletics, a brand born in a simple moment that would grow into a lasting legacy. Today, WUCO’s spirit lives on in every game, every uniform, and every person inspired by what he stood for: resilience, loyalty, and accepting others no matter where they come from. His impact will never be forgotten, and his legacy will always run alongside the journey he helped shape.
