[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 21 (Tuesday, February 25, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E304]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING DANNY WUERFFEL

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOE SCARBOROUGH

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 25, 1997

  Mr. SCARBOROUGH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak about a young man 
from my district who has achieved a level of moral, physical, and 
scholastic excellence that is an inspiration to young men and women 
across this great Nation. This young man has distinguished himself as a 
community leader, a team player, and a model of humility in the 
spotlight of success. The young man that I speak of today is Okaloosa 
County's own Danny Wuerffel.
  I could praise Danny for distinguishing himself as one of this 
Nation's most renowned college scholar athletes. I could mention that 
Danny set 32 individual school records, 12 southeastern conference 
records, and four NCAA records. How Danny led the Florida Gators to 
four straight league championships and the university's first national 
championship in school history. And as a footnote, I could also add 
that Danny was awarded something they call the Heisman Trophy in 1996.
  But in my opinion Mr. Speaker, mere athletic achievements do not rise 
to the level of significance to be mentioned on this House floor. Mr. 
Speaker, I rise today not because of what Danny Wuerffel did for 60 
minutes a week during the fall of 1996, but instead for what he has 
done his entire life while few were watching. My close friend J.C. 
Watts says, ``Character is what you do when no one is watching.'' By 
that standard, Danny Wuerffel has the character of a champion.
  He maintained a 3.75 cumulative grade point average throughout his 
college career and was named the GTE Academic All-American of the Year 
for 2 consecutive years. As a member of the Fellowship of Christian 
Athletes, he became a spiritual leader for his teammates and the 
community, and witnessed to the world through his words and actions.
  Perhaps the greatest lesson that we can all learn from Mr. Wuerffel 
is how to accept success and failure with humility and grace. The 
example of true sportsmanship that is epitomized by Mr. Wuerffel has 
become a rarity in athletics today. Today, as a father of two young 
boys who place sports stars on a pedestal, I have grown increasingly 
distressed by athletes' drug convictions, sexual assaults, and arrogant 
attitudes. In the midst of a cultural crisis, Danny Wuerffel stood out 
like a city shining brightly on a hill for all the world to see. As a 
father, I am proud to have my two young boys look up to Danny Wuerffel 
as a role model.
  Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to honor Danny Wuerffel 
today. Okaloosa County, the University of Florida, and the entire 
Nation should follow Danny's example as a young man who has exemplified 
the American ideals, morals, and accomplishments, envisioned by our 
founding fathers. Again, this father says, ``Thank you, Danny, for a 
job well done.''

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