[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 38 (Wednesday, March 24, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E446]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       PAYING TRIBUTE TO RAY COCA

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 24, 2004

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to 
pay tribute to Ray Coca and the 1963 and 1964 Western State College 
wrestling teams, and congratulate them upon their induction into the 
Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Hall of Fame. Ray Coca, a Grand 
Junction, Colorado native and leader of both championship teams, has 
done much for the youth in his community since his championship days at 
Western. It is my privilege to recognize Ray and his team before this 
body of Congress and this nation today.
  Ray Coca's rise to become one of the nation's top wrestlers is a 
testament to his hard work and drive for success. Even before winning 
championships in college, he had the honor of being named to the first 
U.S. national wrestling team, known as the Oklahoma-Colorado team as 
all the members were from these breading grounds for wrestling talent. 
Following his brilliant collegiate career, Coca returned home to Grand 
Junction and immediately began serving the youth of the community by 
founding a Pee-Wee wrestling program and later as recreation 
Superintendent for Grand Junction. Currently semi-retired, he spends as 
much time as possible working with Partners, an organization which 
helps at-risk children.
   Mr. Speaker, I am honored to bring the service of Ray Coca to the 
attention of this body of Congress and this nation to congratulate him 
along with his Western State teammates upon induction into the Rocky 
Mountain Athletic Conference Hall of Fame. He has truly given back to 
both his sport and his community, helping to ensure that at risk 
children have the opportunities he was afforded through wrestling. I 
sincerely thank him for his service.

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