[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 103 (Thursday, July 22, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1496]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 A SALUTE TO COACH GAYLE HATCH AND HIS SELECTION AS COACH OF THE U.S. 
                       OLYMPIC WEIGHTLIFTING TEAM

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. RICHARD H. BAKER

                              of louisiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 22, 2004

  Mr. BAKER. Mr. Speaker, as many in this chamber now know, Coach Gayle 
Hatch of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, will be the coach of the U.S. Olympic 
Weightlifting Team at the 2004 Summer Olympiad in Athens, Greece.
  I can think of no one associated with coaching, even at the highest 
levels, more deserving of Olympic recognition. The Olympics is the 
venue where the best of our world's athletes compete and pursue the 
ideals of sportsmanship.
  Hard work, hard work, and hard work are three of the most important 
elements of preparation. Talent is certainly important, but commitment 
to principle is essential. There is no other challenge to an athlete 
that holds out the highest standards of conduct, as the minimum 
standard for admission. This makes participation in the Olympics a rare 
honor. To be selected as a coach of such competitors is even more 
special.
  It is likely that most in the House who listen to this text would 
assume it is written as a casual political statement to acknowledge 
Coach Hatch's recent success. Few would know of our long-standing 
friendship.
  It was well over 20 years ago when I first brought my son Brandon to 
Coach Hatch's training facility. I thought well enough of him then to 
trust his guidance with my own son. To the exclusion of all other 
sports, Brandon trained with a commitment I have not seen before. Today 
my son is a hard working and disciplined person, in large measure due 
to the principles instilled in Coach Hatch's gym.
  I also know the same is true for many men and women who have been 
part of the ``Hatch'' family. Whether in sports or other endeavors, 
graduates of the ``Hatch School of Hard Work'' always found ways to 
succeed in life. This is why I rise today to speak to my colleagues in 
the House.
  Coach Hatch's contribution to the Baton Rouge and sporting community 
goes far beyond helping a talented young athlete finish in first place. 
Coach Hatch's work, by instilling principles of decency into young 
people, is of immeasurable value.
  The Olympic Committee has selected Coach Hatch to lead young 
Americans in the most difficult athletic challenge they will likely 
ever face. This is a big deal. But I know that our team members will 
bring honor to America, because of their principled conduct which 
Coach Hatch will require. Their athletic success will only be an 
additional reward.

  Long after Coach Hatch returns home from Athens, returning I hope, to 
coach more young people, the awards and acknowledgments will continue 
to come. Some may be from an Olympic Committee, or an Olympian here or 
there, but hundreds will come from dads like me. We know, Coach Hatch, 
what you have given of yourself to help mold our children into 
principled and committed young adults.
  Although it can't be found or put on a shelf, I hope you take pride 
in hearing all us dads say, ``Thanks Coach''.
  For those who don't know Coach Hatch, it is worth noting that he has 
been active as a weightlifting and strength coach for more than 30 
years, and the Gayle Hatch Weightlifting Team has won more than 40 
men's Junior, Senior, and Masters national championships. Coach Hatch 
is a member of the USA Weightlifting Hall of Fame, the National Master 
Weightlifting Hall of Fame and the USA Strength and Conditioning 
Coaches Hall of Fame. He holds USA Weightlifting's highest certificate 
ranking, Senior U.S. International Coach, and is the director of USA 
Weightlifting's Southern Regional Training Center.

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