[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 5 (Tuesday, February 3, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E84]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  TRIBUTE TO CHARLES WOODSON ON WINNING THE 1997 HEISMAN TROPHY AWARD

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                          HON. PAUL E. GILLMOR

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 3, 1998

  Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Speaker, it is with a great deal of pleasure that I 
rise today to pay special tribute to an outstanding gentleman from 
Ohio's Fifth Congressional District, Mr. Charles Woodson. Charles is 
the recipient of the 1997 Heisman Trophy, given each year by the 
Downtown Athletic Club to college football's most outstanding player.
  Charles Woodson, who led the University of Michigan Wolverine 
Football Team to a perfect 12-0 record this past year, and the school's 
first National Football Championship in almost 50 years, is the first 
and only defensive football player ever to win the Heisman Trophy.
  Charles Woodson, whose hometown is Fremont, Ohio in Sandusky County, 
broke quite a few Buckeye hearts when he chose to play football at 
Michigan instead of The Ohio State University. In fact, in arguably one 
of his finest performances of the year, Charles nearly single-handedly 
defeated the Buckeyes in Michigan's 20-14 victory.
  Charles Woodson's success, both on and off the field, is a 
demonstration to all of us that hard work, determination, and 
commitment to excellence can truly have an impact on our lives. He is a 
prime example that good deeds are rewarded.
  Not only by becoming the first and only defensive football player to 
win the Heisman trophy, but with his positive attitude and strong work 
ethic, Charles Woodson is helping to redefine how college football 
players are judged.
  Mr. Speaker, Charles Woodson is a truly gifted athlete, a team 
player, and a good person. I would urge my colleagues to join me today 
in recognizing the 1997 Heisman Trophy winner, from Fremont, Ohio, Mr. 
Charles Woodson.

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