[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 94 (Friday, July 9, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1351]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO TONY NAPOLET

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. TIM RYAN

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, July 9, 2004

  Mr. RYAN of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Mr. 
Tony Napolet. Coach Napolet was recently recognized as Man of the Year 
by The Mahoning Valley Italian-American Sports Hall of Fame. Born on 
July 4, 1938 in Warren, Ohio, Mr. Napolet has long been an active 
leader in our community.
   His service and leadership in the community began with his football 
career at St. Mary's High School in Warren, where in his senior year he 
led his team as captain. Mr. Napolet went on to play football while 
attending Marquette University where he received his undergraduate 
degree in Education, beginning a career dedicated to teaching both in 
and out of the classroom. He started his football coaching career at 
Marquette while studying at Marquette Law School. Returning to Ohio in 
1961, Coach Nap taught at Harry B. Turner Junior High School while 
coaching the football, basketball and track teams. His amazing coaching 
skills and extraordinary dedication to the sport led to his first head 
football coaching assignment at JFK High School in 1970. Coach Napolet 
went on to coach at a number of different schools over the years, 
including a position at St. Mary's Middle School, which he describes as 
one of the most rewarding experiences he has had in athletics.
   In 1990, Coach Napolet returned as head football coach at JFK High 
School. Thanks to his impressive leadership, his first year back 
resulted in the Kennedy Eagles winning the State Championship. During 
the sixteen years as the Eagles' head coach, Mr. Napolet has had seven 
playoff appearances and has won 124 out of 180 games.
   It is also with great honor that I recognize the members of Coach 
Napolet's family: his three children: Harold, Mario, and Natalie; and 
his grandchildren: Aarika Marie, Anthony Mauro, Mario Anthony and 
Olivia Rose. I am pleased to know Coach Napolet and to consider him a 
friend. He is well known for his community work at St. Mary's Church 
and his constant involvement in many church affiliated projects.
   His longstanding support of local baseball, basketball, and football 
teams has allowed the community's youth to participate actively in 
sports. Mr. Napolet is a proud descendant of Italian-Americans, and on 
behalf of the people of the 17th Congressional District, I want to 
thank Mr. Napolet for his outstanding commitment to our youth, 
education, and community. Mr. Napolet stands as an inspiration for all 
of us.

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