[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 164 (Thursday, November 18, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Page S14827]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO MR. MICHAEL J. NAPLES

 Mr. LAUTENBERG. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to 
Mr. Michael J. Naples. ``Napes,'' as he is affectionately called by all 
who know him, is retiring after 29 years of teaching at Ocean City High 
School in New Jersey. He has earned great respect from students and 
peers alike. Each year the students Mr. Naples' taught and the athletes 
he coached attest to his dedication to excellence.
  Although his first commitment was to education, his enthusiasm for 
cross-country and track leave an enduring legacy at Ocean City High 
School. Mr. Naples' cross-country record over the last 21 years is 209 
victories and 28 losses. His track record is 133 wins and only 8 
losses. During his tenure as a track coach, Mr. Naples led the Raiders 
to two state titles and coached 9 individual state champions.
  His greatest moment as a coach came during the 1989 cross-country 
season, when he inspired his girls' team to capture the first state 
title for an Ocean City High School team in 24 years!
  Mr. President, it is often difficult to say goodbye to a teacher who 
has touched the lives of so many people. This is a teacher whose former 
students are continually coming back to thank him for inspiring them, 
educating them and, most importantly, caring about them. My deepest 
respects go to this inductee of the New Jersey Interscholastic Athletic 
Association Hall of Fame. He has left a lasting legacy of high academic 
standards and excellence in sports.

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