[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 160 (Thursday, November 6, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2269]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO COACH ROD SMEDLEY

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JOE BACA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, November 6, 2003

  Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Coach Rod Smedley, 
former Head Football Coach of San Bernardino Valley College. Coach 
Smedley is an individual of great distinction, and we join with family 
and friends in honoring his remarkable achievements and years of 
dedicated service to the Inland Empire.
  Coach Smedley is an exceptional individual who has not only devoted 
his life to helping the San Bernardino Valley College community but has 
also been an important pillar of support for the student-athletes of 
the college. His kindness and passionate spirit render him a vital 
resource and a beloved member of the college community.
  For the past 26 years, Coach Smedley has dedicated himself to serving 
the college and achieving a remarkable level of achievement. As Head 
Football Coach, he guided the San Bernardino Valley College Wolverines 
to five Bowl Championships, including three consecutive wins between 
1995 and 1997, seven Football Foothill Conference Championships, and 
the highest winning percentage of a Junior College football coach in 
the Inland Empire. Coach Smedley has also led the Men's and Women's 
tennis teams to a combined total of seven conference titles. He has 
been an integral contributor to the management and administration of 
San Bernardino sports, as well as an active participant and positive 
influence on the lives of many college students.
  In addition to these contributions, Coach Smedley was twice awarded 
the honor of California Community College Football Coach of the Year 
and awarded the Foothill Conference Football Coach of the Year four 
times. Most importantly, under his guidance, Coach Smedley has seen 
more student-athletes receive scholarships to four-year schools than 
any other Junior College coach in the Inland Empire. He has received 
the highest possible evaluation of his profession for integrity and 
performance, and has taken a proactive approach to leadership in the 
college community.
  Through his participation in countless activities, Coach Smedley has 
exhibited kindness, humility, and a deep resolve to ameliorate all 
aspects of San Bernardino Valley College, so it is only appropriate 
that we honor him today with his family and the residents of the Inland 
Empire.
  And so, Mr. Speaker, we salute Coach Rod Smedley. We express sincere 
admiration that he is being honored for his incomparable 
accomplishments and hope that others may recognize his good works in 
the community.

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