[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 21 (Wednesday, February 25, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E231-E232]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




PATRICK PHELAN 2003 GATORADE NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL BOYS SOCCER PLAYER OF 
                                THE YEAR

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. RICHARD E. NEAL

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 25, 2004

  Mr. NEAL of Massachusetts. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend 
Patrick Phelan, of Wilbraham & Monson Academy, on his selection as the 
2003 Gatorade National High School Player of the Year in Boys Soccer. 
Out of the more than 300,000 young men across the country who play 
soccer, he was selected for this prestigious award based on athletics, 
academic achievement, and overall character. This selection, which has 
been given out for nineteen years in ten different sports, places him 
in the elite company of highly regarded athletes such as NFL co-MVP 
Peyton Manning, U.S. Olympic Gold Medallist Marion Jones, and 
basketball stars Lisa Leslie and LeBron James.
  Gatorade is not the first to sing the praises of Patrick Phelan, 
though. His coach, Gary Cook, refers to him as, ``the best player I 
have coached in my twenty eight years in high school.'' Beyond being an 
amazing player, Patrick is also an important leader on the team. 
According to Cook, ``everyday he trains with a purpose and he makes 
everyone around him better. He was a great captain and teammate.''
  As a defender, Patrick scored six goals and was attributed with five 
assists this past season. Along with his on-field performance, the 
leadership he provided in his role as team captain helped elevate the 
team to a 12-1-2 regular season and a berth in the Class B New England 
Prep School Semi-Finals.
  Patrick does more than play soccer, though. Academically, he stands 
out with a grade point

[[Page E232]]

average of 3.74. At Wilbraham, he is a member of the Spanish Club. 
Additionally, he manages to give back to the community through his work 
with young children as the computer aid at Here We Grow Preschool. He 
has also figured out a way to include his soccer skills with his 
community service efforts as a volunteer at Top Soccer, which hosts 
clinics for disabled children.
  Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to pay tribute to this young man 
attending Wilbraham & Monson Academy. Patrick Phelan's accomplishments 
transcend any single niche; he excels in athletics, scholarship, and 
community service. He has done many things to be proud of, and it is a 
great pleasure to see him recognized for his dedication and hard work. 
Patrick, congratulations on being selected as Gatorade's National High 
School Boys Soccer Player of the Year, and good luck in your future 
endeavors.

                          ____________________