[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 63 (Thursday, May 16, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Page S4487]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING BRIGID DEVRIES

 Mr. BUNNING. Mr. President, I rise today to congratulate and 
honor Brigid DeVries of Lexington, Kentucky, for being named the sixth 
commissioner of the Kentucky High School Athletic Association. Brigid 
DeVries, an assistant commissioner with the KHSAA for the past 23 
years, is the first female head of the KHSAA and one of only four women 
across the entire United States to serve as commissioner or executive 
director of a state athletics association.
  Ms. DeVries, a Lexington native, attended the University of Kentucky 
and graduated with a bachelor's degree in Health, Physical Education 
and Recreation in 1971. After graduating from UK, Ms. DeVries became a 
physical education teacher at Nicholas County Elementary School. Her 
next position took her out of Kentucky to the state of Ohio, where she 
served as the women's swimming and diving and track and field coach at 
Ohio University. After three years at Ohio University, Ms. DeVries 
returned to her alma mater, where she took over as men's and women's 
diving coach from 1980-1990. In 1979, she was hired as assistant 
commissioner of the KHSAA, and in 1994 was named executive assistant 
commissioner. Among other duties, she has directed the organization's 
gender-equity program, conducted eligibility investigations and 
assisted in management of the state football and basketball 
championships.
  Ms. DeVries has the experience, education and intensity to fill this 
position without fear, hesitation, or reluctance. She has been a 
teacher, coach and administrator for many years now and certainly is 
qualified to lead the KHSAA for many years to come. I wish her the best 
of luck throughout her tenure as commissioner and look forward to 
charting her success.

                          ____________________