[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 122 (Tuesday, September 15, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1721]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO ORLANDO COONS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BOB FILNER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 15, 1998

  Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, I rise today to honor Mr. 
Orlando Coons who passed away on September 7, 1998. Mr. Coons was born 
in Clark County, Ohio on November 1, 1915 to Grace and Blaine Coons. He 
moved to Los Angeles at an early age, where he attended and later 
graduated from Jefferson High School. While at Jefferson High School, 
Orlando ran track, played football, and taught himself gymnastics.
  After graduating from high school, Orlando joined the Civilian 
Conservation Corps which eventually brought him to San Diego where he 
met and married Nellie Margaret Cheaves. In 1936, Orlando enrolled into 
San Diego State College, and majored in Engineering. He eventually 
transferred to the University of California at Berkeley where he earned 
a Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering. Orlando Coon's lifelong 
occupation was as an Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineer for the 
Federal government at the North Island Naval Station in San Diego for 
37 years.
  While at San Diego State College, Orlando competed in track and field 
and gymnastics. He was very successful as a gymnast, earning honors 
including the California College Athletic Association Championship in 
1939 when he won an astounding six individual events. Orlando was the 
CCAA ``All-Around'' gymnastic champion in 1939 and 1940. In four 
gymnastic meets, Orlando Coons amassed the amazing total of ten firsts, 
two seconds, and two thirds, all attained against top competition.
  As a reward for his performance, San Diego State College Dean C.E. 
Peterson appointed Orlando Coons as the Head Coach of the Gymnastics 
Team, making him the first African-American coach at San Diego State 
College. His team went on to win hundreds of awards. He won a 6th place 
medal at the United States Gymnastic Championships which automatically 
made him a member of the prestigious United States Gymnastic Team--thus 
becoming the first African-American ever on the United States team. 
Orlando Coons was invited to participate in the Pan American Games and 
was later appointed as an alternate on the United States Olympic Team.
  For over a decade, Orlando Coons was considered the best gymnast on 
the West Coast. He was honored by the National YMCA for more than 50 
years of community service as a gymnastics coach.
  Orlando provided a tremendous amount of love and caring, discipline 
and love to his family and community. Orlando and wife Nellie had four 
children, and all received college and university degrees in higher 
education. He will be truly missed by family, friends and a grateful 
community.

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