[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 135 (Saturday, November 20, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2098]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E2098]]
                    PAYING TRIBUTE TO RONALD WALDEN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, November 19, 2004

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker it is with a sad heart that I rise to mourn 
the passing of Ronald Walden from Durango, CO. Ronald was a dedicated 
teacher and talented baseball coach and recruiter. It is my privilege 
to recognize and pay tribute to his service to the Durango community 
and the state of Colorado before this body of Congress and this Nation.
  At age 15, Ronald was the youngest person ever certified to coach 
Little League Baseball. Ronald's interest in the sport grew, and when 
he graduated with a bachelor's and master's degree in education from 
Eastern Illinois University, he began coaching baseball and teaching at 
Durango High School. He amassed an impressive record of accomplishments 
as a coach, which included over 200 victories.
  Ronald also served as a scout for several Major League Baseball 
teams, and additionally worked with the University of Arizona, and 
Arizona State coaches to recruit quality players. His love for the 
Durango area, and the kids that he coached was evident with his 
volunteering in the community. Ronald wrote the grant for the Drivers 
Simulator and Range for Charleston High School, and authored a new 
health, saftey and driver education program for Durango that was used 
as a model for other state programs.
  Mr. Speaker, Ronald Walden was a dedicated coach who put his heart 
and soul into his love for baseball and bettering his Durango 
community. The student body and faculty of Durango High School will 
surely miss his guidance and enthusiasm for life and the sport of 
baseball. My heart goes out to his family during this difficult time of 
bereavement.

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