[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 122 (Friday, October 1, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1767-E1768]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     PAYING TRIBUTE TO DOUG SCHAKEL

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 30, 2004

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to 
pay tribute to Doug Schakel, a gifted teacher and coach from Grand 
Junction, Colorado. Doug has been coaching basketball at the high 
school and college levels for over thirty-two years. During that time, 
he has earned many accolades, and has touched many lives in Colorado. 
This year Doug has been inducted into the Rocky Mountain Athletic 
Conference Hall of Fame, and I would like to join my colleagues here 
today in recognizing his tremendous achievements before this body of 
Congress and this Nation.
  As a student at Central Iowa University, Doug began his journey to 
being one the most successful collegiate coaches in Colorado history. 
There he played on their varsity basketball team where he developed an 
interest in coaching. After several years of coaching at various high 
school programs, Doug eventually ended up as the head coach at Mesa 
State College in 1978. During his eighteen years as head coach, Doug 
led the team to an impressive seven conference titles. He also had the 
best overall record of any coach in the history of Mesa State. In 
addition, Doug

[[Page E1768]]

coached four All-Americans, and two Academic All-Americans. He also 
served as the school's athletic director from 1979 to 1981 and again 
from 1998-2001. In 1996, he retired from coaching the men's team at 
Mesa State to focus on teaching full-time.
  Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege to honor the accomplishments of this 
great Colorado citizen. Doug Schakel's dedication to the student 
athletes throughout his career, and his success as a basketball coach 
are testaments to his character, and it is with great pleasure to 
recognize him today before this body of Congress and this Nation. 
Congratulations, Doug, on this well deserved award, and good luck with 
all of your future endeavors.

                          ____________________