[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 148 (Tuesday, December 5, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2123]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        A TRIBUTE TO GERRY HERP

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                          HON. JAMES A. BARCIA

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 5, 2000

  Mr. BARCIA. Mr. Speaker, I rise in this chamber today to honor Gerry 
Herp on the occasion of his retirement. At the end of the season, Gerry 
Herp will retire as Head Football Coach of Ubly Community High School 
in Ubly, Michigan. He is truly one of the greatest contributors to 
Michigan athletics in the past fifty years and he will be sorely 
missed.
  In a career beginning in 1963 and spanning five decades, this legend 
of the gridiron consistently pushed his team to excellence both on and 
off the football field. On the field, Coach Herp led the Ubly Bearcats 
to an impressive lifetime record of 140 wins, 106 losses and two ties. 
Under his tutelage, the Bearcats have won nine league championships and 
garnered two play-off appearances since 1983, a record of success which 
earned him regional Coach of the Year honors on two occasions.
  But beyond the yardage gained, the points scored and the 
championships won, the true and lasting impact of Coach Herp's 
commitment to his team and the young people of his community can be 
measured by the impact he had on the hearts and minds of those he 
coached. During his career, Gerry not only coached football, baseball 
and women's softball, he also volunteered much of his time to helping 
disadvantaged youth involved in the Babe Ruth program, endeavors which 
endeared him to his community and earned him Ubly's 1999 Friend of 
Youth honors.
  Of course, his many successes could not have been accomplished 
without the loving support of his wife. Elrae, and their four 
daughters, Amy, Betsy, Rachel and Jeralyn and stepdaughter, Lori 
Flippin.
  When Gerry Herp officially steps down as Head Football Coach of Ubly 
Community High School at the end of this season, he deserves a place of 
honor among those who strive to ensure the physical health and mental 
well-being of our youth through athletic programs. On this day, Mr. 
Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in congratulating Gerry on his 
many victories and wish him well as he cheers on the Bearcats from the 
stands.

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