[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 104 (Wednesday, July 21, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1619]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   DICK STRAHM RETIRES AFTER A QUARTER CENTURY AS HEAD COACH OF THE 
                      UNIVERSITY OF FINDLAY OILERS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MICHAEL G. OXLEY

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 21, 1999

  Mr. OXLEY. Mr. Speaker, I am honored today to salute my good friend 
Dick Strahm at the close of his 25-year career as head football coach 
of the University of Findlay Oilers.
  The Dick Strahm Era at U of F began in 1975, when he arrived from 
Kansas State to breathe new life into the program. He immediately set 
out to recruit the best players available, going all out to lure top 
prospects to Findlay despite significant shortfalls in available 
scholarship money. His dedication and commitment to the program were 
apparent from the beginning, as his team went undefeated in 1978 and 
won the Division II national title in 1979.
  Coach Strahm's successes carried into the 80s, as the 1985 team 
compiled U of F's first 10-game winning streak in history. The 90s, 
though, proved to be his best decade at the helm, as he coached his 
players to an 83-20-3 overall record, a 27-game winning streak, and 
three more national championships.
  During his 24-season tenure with the Oilers, Dick Strahm presided 
over just two losing seasons, and compiled an overall head coaching 
record of 183 wins, 64 losses, and five ties. He was named National 
Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Coach of the Year four times, 
and NAIA District 22 Coach of the Year 12 times. The Oilers will 
certainly miss his leadership on the field in the seasons ahead.
  I join Coach Strahm's current and former players, the University of 
Findlay family, and the entire city of Findlay in thanking him for his 
years of service and devotion. Congratulations, Dick, on building a 
successful program that will bear your legacy for years to come.

                          ____________________