[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 82 (Thursday, June 10, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1227-E1228]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING ROBERT TAYLOR AND THE FRESNO CHAPTER OF THE MONTEREY BAY 
                                JAGUARS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GEORGE RADANOVICH

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 10, 1999

  Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Robert Taylor, 
coach of the Fresno chapter of the Monterey Bay Jaguars, for his 
outstanding achievements and dedication to the youth of his community. 
The Monterey Bay Jaguars is a track and field club for children ages 
six and up.
  Taylor, a Fresno parole officer, devotes his time twice a week, 
between February and July, to his ``star athletes.'' He started with 
about 15 athletes from Bethune Elementary school in Fresno, where he 
was a tutor. The chapter now has more than 40 athletes from Fresno 
County. Taylor recruited co-workers and parents to help him run the 
growing program. Despite what some may think, this is not an ``inner-
city'' group of kids. ``We have a mixture,'' Taylor says. ``Most of 
these kids are on the honor roll. Some of those kids down there have 
some money. But I don't want it to be like they're the rich kids. These 
kids are talented.''
  Indeed they are. Most of Taylor's kids had not participated until 
this year, but have won a combined 700 awards at the state and national 
levels since February. Taylor's secret to this success is a regimen of 
discipline and mental stability. Taylor designed a program that teaches 
the children the fundamental aspects of the sport and puts them through 
a college level workout twice per week. Taylor says he believes all of 
his athletes can compete in college and beyond and boasts about

[[Page E1228]]

their speed. ``I've got a gold mine here,'' Taylor says. ``They're the 
all-star team.''
  Mr. Speaker, I rise, with great pleasure, to recognize Robert Taylor 
and his team of ``all-stars.'' It is evident by the dedication of both 
coaches and athletes that there is a mutual respect, and genuine 
concern for the positive development of the community. I urge my 
colleagues to join me in recognizing the Fresno chapter of the Monterey 
Bay Jaguars for many more years of continued success.

                          ____________________