[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 42 (Wednesday, March 17, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E470]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          TRIBUTE TO BEN OLSEN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. GEORGE W. GEKAS

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 17, 1999

  Mr. GEKAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a young man 
who, at the age of just 21, has begun to make a strong mark in his 
field of endeavor. Ben Olsen, from Middletown, PA, has, within one year 
of becoming a professional soccer player, accomplished things that many 
older players must surely envy.
  On February 21, in just his second game for the United States 
National Team, Ben scored his first international goal against Chile in 
Ft. Lauderdale, FL. He played the full 90 minutes as a wing midfielder, 
a position which requires not only great skill, but a remarkable work 
ethic, since he is required to play both offense and defense. This 
great responsibility means that at the international level, he is 
likely to run between 6-9 miles per game. He is a true ``two-way'' 
player who demonstrates great skill in addition to defensive tenacity. 
He is, at different times in a game, a quarterback, wide receiver, 
running back, linebacker, and defensive back.
  In just a year of professional play, Ben has proven that he has the 
right mix of intelligence, speed, skill, and aggression that is the 
hallmark of an international-caliber player. Each time he takes the 
field in an American uniform, it is obvious when you watch him play 
that he truly recognizes the honor of representing his country. He 
exemplifies the finest American traditions of hard work, teamwork, and 
desire to succeed.
  Indeed, he has been successful. In his first year with DC United in 
Major League Soccer, Ben played every game and won Rookie of the Year 
honors. Additionally, he was instrumental in helping his team 
accomplish something an American team has never done: win the CONCACAF 
Cup, the tournament which determines the best team in North America. 
This win gave United the right to challenge the winner of the Copa 
Libertadores, the champion of South America. In what is considered to 
be one of the great upsets in 1998, DC United defeated Vasco da Gama, 
the South American champion which hails from Brazil. That Vasco, a 
world-renowned club, has existed for over 100 years and United for just 
three made the win even more amazing. The fact that Ben Olsen, a 
veritable youngster in the game, played such an integral part in the 
victory was even more astounding.
  Ben has accomplished much already, but the true mark of this young 
man is that he is hungry for more success, and that he understands the 
importance of being a professional athlete in today's society. After 
each game, he stands with his teammates and performs the traditional 
yet noble gesture of applauding the fans for their support. This simple 
demonstration, unique to soccer, reminds us all of the good in sports. 
And for fans of Ben Olsen, of Middletown, PA, it provides a reminder 
that here is an athlete to whom American youth can look for a role 
model.

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