[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 58 (Wednesday, May 1, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E675]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     HONORING THE EASTERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY 1995 FOOTBALL SEASON

                                 ______


                           HON. GLENN POSHARD

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 30, 1996

  Mr. POSHARD. Mr. Speaker, it has been a part of our heritage as 
Americans to recognize excellence. The American Dream is built upon the 
premise that if someone gives his best, plays by the rules and never 
gives up, good things will happen. Today, I want to talk about one such 
success story that occurred this past fall in Charleston, IL.
  The 1995 Eastern Illinois University Panther football team had an 
outstanding 1995 campaign. Under the leadership of Coach Bob Spoo, the 
Panthers finished the season with a 10-2 mark--the fifth best record in 
school history--while qualifying for the NCAA I-AA playoffs. The team 
was cochampion of the Gateway Conference, and has won 14 of its last 16 
games. For these accomplishments coach Spoo was named Coach of the Year 
by the Gateway Conference and the American Football Coaches Association 
Region I-AA and Co-Coach of the Year by the Football Gazette National. 
These are the results when a team has good leadership and is dedicated 
to striving for excellence.
  Mr. Speaker, as their record attests, Eastern Illinois University has 
one of the elite football programs in the country. The Panthers have 
been an enormous source of pride for the surrounding community, and the 
prospect of spring practice is eagerly anticipated. I am honored to 
represent Charleston and Eastern Illinois University in Congress. I 
wish Coach Spoo and his players continued success as they prepare for 
another season in the fall.

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