[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 85 (Thursday, June 25, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1221-E1222]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               TRIBUTE TO J. DONALD LEEK OF GARY, INDIANA

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 24, 1998

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with the greatest pleasure that I 
pay tribute to an exceptionally dedicated, compassionate, and 
distinguished member of Indiana's First Congressional District, Mr. J. 
Donald Leek, of Gary, Indiana. After serving as the School City of 
Gary's Athletic Director for twenty-seven years, Don will retire on 
June 30, 1998. Upon completion of his last day, Don will be honored in 
Gary's Marquette Park with a final, formal salute for his service, 
effort, and dedication.
  A 1947 graduate of Roosevelt High School, Don was a phenomenal 
athlete and an excellent student. In addition to his four varsity 
letters in football and three in track, his outstanding efforts earned 
him Roosevelt's Most Outstanding Athlete award in 1947. In addition to 
these honors, Don was the city's low and high hurdler champion in 1946 
and 1947, 1947 state runner-up in the high hurdles, and a member of the 
Panthers' 1947 state championship 880 relay team. Continuing his 
excellence in track, Don attended North Carolina Central University, 
where he was his school's conference champion in the low hurdles in 
1950 and 1951, and the 60-yard high hurdles champion at the Junior 
National Indoor Track and Field Meet in New York City in 1950. Upon 
graduating from NCCU in 1951, Don was inducted into the Air Force and 
spent the next two years serving his country.
  After being Honorably Discharged as a First Lieutenant in 1953, he 
returned to Roosevelt where he began his coaching career in both 
football and track. Don's success as a track star contributed to his 
coaching ability, which helped him direct his teams to nine city 
championships, nine sectional championships, seven regional titles, and 
five state championships. In recognition of his coaching successes, Don 
was named the 1962 Coach of the Year by the Indiana High School Track 
Coaches Association. Don was also honored as Indiana High School 
Athletic Director of the year in 1975, and he was inducted into the 
Indiana Association of Track and Cross Country Hall of Fame in 1974.
  Though extremely dedicated to his work as a coach and athletic 
director, Don selflessly gives his free time and energy to his 
community, his education, and most importantly, his family. Don is a 
life member of the NAACP, as well as the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity. He 
also volunteers for the Gary YMCA, is a member of the Indiana High 
School Athletic Directors Association, and served as President of the 
Civil

[[Page E1222]]

Rights Hall of Fame Games. In addition to his degree from North 
Carolina Central University, Don graduated with an M.S. degree from 
Indiana University in 1967 and earned an advanced degree from Purdue 
University in 1976. Don, now seventy years old, plans to continue his 
daily regimen of walking at least two miles every morning. He also 
wants to spend more time with his wife, Barbara, their two daughters, 
Sandra and Cynthia, and his stepson, Cromwell O'Brien.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join 
me in commending Don Leeks for his lifetime of service, leadership, and 
rededication to Gary and Northwest Indiana. Don's efforts as Athletic 
Director for the School City of Gary are legendary as one tool among 
many serving to help students stay motivated in the classroom. Don has 
rewarded the people of his community with true leadership and 
uncompromising dedication.

                          ____________________