Dr. Johnson "Doc" Lau has been a fixture at Saint Louis School for the past six decades.

Now, his name will permanently be attached to the campus he loves so dearly, at the entrance to the brand new rubberized $250,000 track which he helped finance.

The sparkling Col. Johnson "Doc" Lau Track was officially dedicated yesterday morning at an all-school assembly in McCabe Gym. A handsome bronze plaque with his name on it will be mounted on a large boulder near the track's entrance.

The inscription reads, "Dr. Johnson Lau of the Class of '38 has been an inspiration for many years to the Saint Louis Athletic Program and athletes. We are honored to name this track after Dr. Lau and thank him for his many years of service and generous contribution of this track to our Athletic Complex."

Lau, 86, is a former Green Beret and retired colonel in the U.S. Army. He also is a retired family dentist who provided Saint Louis football players with mouthpieces for 40 years.

But more than anything, Lau is a fiercely loyal fan and supporter of Crusaders athletics.

"He's given us many tangible things, but he's also given us so much more," said Lt. Gov. James "Duke" Aiona, during yesterday's formal presentation. "When we talk about what makes Saint Louis different, what makes it special among all the schools in Hawai'i, it always comes back to 'brotherhood.' Doc epitomizes the Saint Louis brotherhood. If you were to cut him open, you would not just see red blood. He bleeds red and blue."

Lau has been on the sidelines for almost every Crusaders football and basketball game in the past 40 years.

"He loves being around the kids," said Saint Louis athletic director Todd Los Banos. "He's adamant about helping kids in all sports, and he helps by always giving back. He's truly a Saint Louis guy all the way."

Lau said he loves his alma mater because "it prepares you for life."

"There's a bond here, a Saint Louis tradition," Lau said. "It stays with you all through the years."

Reach Wes Nakama at wnakama@honoluluadvertiser.com.