[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 27 (Thursday, March 4, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E311]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO KURT DOUGLAS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 4, 2004

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to 
pay tribute to a talented and dedicated athletics coach from Rangely, 
Colorado who is retiring after many years of service. Kurt Douglas uses 
his creative guidance to inspire people to achieve their best and make 
the most of their talents and abilities. His enthusiasm spirals through 
the community as he passes his love for sports on to his student-
athletes. I would like to join my colleagues here today in recognizing 
Kurt's tremendous service to the Rangely community.
   Kurt Douglas has been coaching for over twenty-seven years. He 
started his coaching career in Crowley County in 1975, where he served 
as an assistant baseball coach for six years and assisted with the 
boy's basketball team for two more years before becoming head coach. 
After Crowley County, Kurt went on to coach at Rocky Ford, working with 
the Meloneer's baseball team for 13 seasons, which included two trips 
to the state finals. He also coached the girl's basketball program and 
assisted the football team for a combined 12 years.
   Kurt has led three basketball teams to the state tournament and 
participated in four all-state games, two in basketball and two in 
baseball. His favorite aspect of coaching has been the opportunity to 
guide his three daughters through their own basketball careers. In the 
midst of all this, Kurt has found the time to work as a full time 
teacher, while serving as the activities director for the high school.
   Mr. Speaker, Kurt Douglas is a truly dedicated individual who uses 
his talents to enrich the lives of the students in his Rangely 
community. Kurt has demonstrated a love for sports that resonates in 
his compassionate and selfless service to many athletic programs and 
the student-athletes who participate. He has given up countless hours 
of his free time in order to give kids a chance to pursue their dreams, 
and I commend him for his service to our youth. Thanks for all your 
hard work Kurt, and I wish you the best of luck in all your future 
endeavors.

                          ____________________