[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 67 (Wednesday, May 25, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: May 25, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                         HONORING LARRY WILTSE

                                 ______


                          HON. DALE E. KILDEE

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 25, 1994

  Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise before my 
esteemed colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives to pay tribute 
to a remarkable educator and outstanding athlete and coach, Larry 
Wiltse, who is retiring after 30 years of exemplary service to the 
Kearsley School District. The students of Kearsley High School will 
show their admiration and gratitude for Mr. Wiltse by designating May 
25, 1994 as ``Larry Wiltse Day.''
  Mr. Wiltse graduated from Kearsley High School in 1959, where he was 
captain of both the cross country and track teams as well as the senior 
class treasurer. His highly successful coaching career began in 1961 
when he lead the Flint Junior College cross-country team to the 
National Championships in New York. He also led St. John Vianney to the 
Parochial Track Championship in 1962. Mr. Wiltse continued coaching 
junior high track and basketball in Marquette, MI, while obtaining his 
Bachelor's degree from Northern Michigan University. He went on to 
receive his Master's degree from Central Michigan University, after 
which he returned to his high school alma mater to begin his long and 
distinguished career teaching and coaching.
  Mr. Wiltse has been an assistant and head coach to both the track and 
cross-country team at Kearsley High School. From 1965-1984, Kearsley 
High School's cross-country record has been remarkable thanks to the 
outstanding effort and devotion of Mr. Wiltse. Under his guidance, the 
teams have garnered 10 conference championships, 9 regional 
championships, 4 State Class A championships, and 10 All-State runners. 
In fact, 14 out of the past 17 years Mr. Wiltse's teams have finished 
in the top 10 at the State Class A Track Meet.
  Mr. Wiltse has worn a number of hats in his career as an educator. At 
different times, he has served the Kearsley School District as an 
elementary, junior high, and high school teacher. He was also the 
community school director at Paro Educational Center. Mr. Wiltse is 
capping his long and distinguished career with 8 years of service as 
the principal of Kearsley High School. Throughout his career, Mr. 
Wiltse has earned the respect and admiration of students, parents, and 
fellow educators alike.
  Mr. Wiltse's commitment to his students and his community has been 
recognized by numerous organizations. In 1972, he received the ``All 
Sports'' Flint Area Coach of the Year. He has also been a recipient of 
the Bruin Club Award. In addition, he has been nominated the Michigan 
Cross-Country Coach of the Year five times and has won the award a 
remarkable three times. Mr. Wiltse is also a dedicated volunteer, who 
for over 20 years has been a Special Olympics advocate. In 1988, he was 
selected to be the State of Michigan Special Olympics track coach in 
Lake Placid, NY and at the International Special Olympics in Baton 
Rouge, LA. His contributions to the community also include organizing 
Kearsley's Christmas charity auction.
  As a respected community leader and educator, Mr. Wiltse has been the 
guest speaker at the State Conference of North Central and the Michigan 
Association of Secondary School Principals. He has also been the 
keynote speaker at numerous sports banquets around the State. Despite 
his busy schedule, Mr. Wiltse is a member of many professional 
organizations, including the Kearsley, MI, and National Education 
Associations and the Michigan and National Associations of Secondary 
School Principals. He is also an associate member of the Fraternal 
Order of Police.
  Mr. Speaker, as a former schoolteacher, it is indeed an honor and a 
pleasure for me to rise before you today to pay tribute to a man that 
has given so much of himself for the past 30 years. Although Larry 
Wiltse is retiring from the Kearsley Schools, I know he will continue 
to remain a force for positive influence in our community. I urge my 
colleagues to join me in wishing Mr. Wiltse a fruitful and prosperous 
retirement.

                          ____________________