Earlier this year, Sandra Brugess (Fritz’s great-niece) and her two sons presented to the University of Washington’s Special Collections Library two scrapbooks filled with newspaper clippings and photographs of his football career with the University of Washington and his military service. Their visit included a tour of the old CCC camp that bears her great-uncle’s name.[/caption] Fritz Waskowitz, the namesake of Camp Waskowitz – Highline Public School’s Environmental Education facility – will be honored as the ‘HUSKY LEGEND’ at the upcoming University of Washington vs Utah football game on Saturday, Nov. 7. Carolyn Kach, Assistant Director of the Big W Club and Brand Development explains:
“Husky Legends are extraordinary individuals who have made an impact on the Husky Football program and its legacy. This prestigious honor is given to the finest, most-decorated Football student-athletes who have worn the purple and gold.”Even more special is that this game is the annual Salute to Service game honoring those in the community who have served in the armed forces. Fritz Waskowitz was the Husky team captain for the 1936-37 season, leading their winning bid for the Poi Bowl against Hawaii. Following his football career with the UW, Fritz enlisted in the Army Air Corps. He was seriously burned while stationed at Pearl Harbor during the Japanese attack on November 7, 1941. After recovering from these injuries, Fritz became one of Washington’s first casualties in World War II. According to a 1993, local news article:
“Lt. Waskowitz is said to have crashed his damaged bomber into a Japanese cruiser, making him – an American – the first kamikaze pilot of the war.”]]>
Camp Waskowitz was the absolute best deal when we were kids! So glad to know it is still in use and has become an Environmental Education Facility. I knew nothing of how it got it’s name. How wonderful that this brave and remarkable man is being remembered by the UW and his family.
Great story. Loved going there as a kid.
BTW who the heck gives a thumbs down to this story? Come on people.
I was blessed to have a week of outdoor school at Camp Waskowitz in 1959. I began a tenure of employment with Highline SD in 1970, joining the staff of the Outdoor School as “Naturalst” two days a week. I followed in the footsteps of the great Harry Lemon. It is appropriate that Fritz Waskowitz will be honored, and that his name and accomplishments live on with the Outdoor School.
Harry Lemon is a name that makes generations of Highline school kids smile with fond memories.
Camp Waskowitz is indeed a great treasure of memories for all who got to spend time up there. What a grand tribute for the camp to be named after a Washington-Huskie- American Hero !! It’s an extra special honor for him to be placed on the Husky Legend Team ! I was lucky! to be a high school counselor each fall and spring, when the sixth graders went to camp and I will never forget ” What do you SEE when you LOOK ? ” , , , Harry Lemon’s mantra when leading children through the woods at Camp Waskowitz. Thanks for the article to tell us all about Fritz Waskowitz – it makes the memories even more special !
Camp Waskowitz was, and is, a special place to all the 6th graders in the Highline School District and to all the others who have used it as an outdoor camp. I was there as a camper from Chelsea Park in 1969 and as a counselor several times in the 1970s. Naming it after Fritz Waskowitz was so very appropriate. He died in service to his country in the early stages of WWII. Lest the next generation of students forget, Pearl Harbor was attacked December 7th, 1941 (not November 7th as the article mentions). May Camp Waskowitz be a part of kids growing up for another 50 years!