[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 174 (Friday, December 14, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2308-E2309]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      IN TRIBUTE TO LORENZO BOOKER

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ELTON GALLEGLY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 13, 2001

  Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in tribute to a young man whose 
name I predict we will hear for many years to come: Lorenzo Booker, a 
high school running back from my district who has been named the 2001 
Gatorade National High School Football Player of the Year.
  Mr. Booker was chosen for this national honor from more than I 
million male high school football players by the Gatorade Company and 
Coach and Athletic Director magazine. He joins a prestigious list of 
previous winners, including Emmitt Smith of the Dallas Cowboys and 
Peyton Manning of the Indianapolis Colts.
  During Mr. Booker's three seasons at St. Bonaventure High School in 
Ventura, California, he broke four California state records and helped 
his team achieve an impressive 42-0 record and three CIF-Southern 
Section Division XI championships. His records are: 8,501 rushing 
yards, 882 points, 137 touchdowns, and 131 touchdown runs. He averaged 
11.23 yards per carry.
  In his final high school game, he ran for 232 yards and scored five 
touchdowns. His speed, strength and elusiveness have led to comparisons 
with the likes of Barry Sanders, O.J. Simpson, Marshall Faulk and Gale 
Sayers.

[[Page E2309]]

  Mr. Booker and fellow teammate James Bonelli have been named to the 
U.S. Army All-American Bowl on January 5, 2002, at Alamo Stadium in San 
Antonio, Texas. On the day before the game, the Ken Hall Player of the 
Year trophy will be awarded. Mr. Booker is a finalist. He also is a 
finalist for the USA Today Offensive Player of the Year and the High 
School Heisman.
  Obviously a leader on the field, Mr. Booker also has been described 
as a leader off the field, and as a gentleman who is proud and 
confident but who treats everyone as his equal.
  Not surprisingly, Mr. Booker is considered by many to be the top 
college recruit in the country. Ironically, Mr. Booker is in no rush: 
He says he'll make a decision when he wakes up on National Signing Day, 
February 5.
  Wherever he goes, college football fans will quickly learn what 
California high school fans already know: Lorenzo Booker is a winner.
  Mr. Speaker, I know my colleagues will join me in congratulating 
Lorenzo Booker for a very successful and impressive high school 
football career and in wishing him the best as he dodges and weaves 
into the next chapter.

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