[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 143 (Wednesday, October 22, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2049]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           ST. MARY'S SCHOOL

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. GLENN POSHARD

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 22, 1997

  Mr. POSHARD. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to congratulate 
St. Mary's School in Mattoon, IL for being named the 1997 State 
Champion of Illinois for the President's Council on Physical Fitness 
and Sports. This is the third year in a row the school has won this 
prestigious award. St. Mary's performance during the 1996-97 school 
year, in which 67.69 percent of students performed at the 85th 
percentile rank, was the best among all Illinois schools.
  It is not by accident or luck that St. Mary's has performed so well 
in this nationally recognized competition. The physical requirements 
are among the most demanding in high school sports, and include a 1 
mile run-walk, curl-ups, a sit and reach stretch, pull-ups, and a 
shuttle run. The students train hard under the tutelage of Mike Martin, 
who puts in countless hours, year after year, even going as far as to 
construct weights and an obstacle course. Our Nation has many heroes in 
the world of sports, from Michael Jordan, Mark McGuire and Cal Ripken, 
Jr., to Jackie Joyner-Kersee and Tara Lipinski. But none is more 
important than Mike Martin who gives of himself so that others may 
reach new heights. This kind of dedication is truly remarkable.
  Mr. Speaker, we hear a great deal today about how America's youth are 
unmotivated, lazy, and apathetic. I beg to disagree. The students at 
St. Mary's are proving what hard work can accomplish. The benefits of 
good health are just the beginning. They are learning habits and 
values, such as discipline, teamwork, and respect, that will lead to 
success in their future endeavors. As a former high school coach, I 
know about the joys of athletic competition; the beauty in giving your 
all, and win or lose, not being ashamed because you gave your maximum 
effort. We sometimes lose sight of these ideals among the contract 
disputes and big money of professional sports, but they are alive and 
well in Mattoon, IL. I am proud to represent St. Mary's school and the 
Mattoon area in the U.S. Congress, and salute them again for this 
magnificent achievement.

                          ____________________