[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 104 (Wednesday, July 29, 1998)]
[House]
[Page H6513]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              TEACHING YOUNG PEOPLE IMPORTANT LIFE LESSONS

  (Mr. SHIMKUS asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I want to recognize Vergil Fletcher, who 
spent 32 years teaching young people important life lessons, the value 
of hard work and fair play. He began an outstanding career coaching 
basketball in 1946 at Collinsville High School.
  Coach Fletcher led the Kahoks to 747 victories, creating an 
impressive 81 percent winning average. In his 32 seasons coaching, the 
Collinsville basketball team won two State titles and 20 Southwestern 
Conference titles, a notable record in anyone's book.
  Often referred to as one of the greatest high school coaches of all 
time, Coach Fletcher won the hearts of players and fans throughout 
Collinsville. In recognition of his dedication to school and community, 
he is being honored by the Collinsville High School Alumni Association 
later next month. All former athletes, cheerleaders and fans of Coach 
Fletcher are invited, with at least one player from each season he 
coached expected to attend.
  The event is a small gesture to thank a man who affected hundreds of 
young lives in ways that cannot be measured in win percentages. Thanks, 
Coach.

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