[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 106 (Friday, July 29, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1745]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          HONORING JOHN GURSKI

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JIM GERLACH

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 29, 2005

  Mr. GERLACH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary 
life and career of John Gurski. John was an outstanding father, 
teacher, and football coach who touched countless lives throughout his 
impressive career.
  Coach Gurski began his career as a teacher and coach in the fall of 
1964. He immediately established himself as one of the most well-liked 
and dedicated faculty members. During his first season coaching the 
football team, Coach Gurski took great interest in instilling drive, 
dedication, and spirit in the athletes he coached. Coach Gurski was 
often known to get on the football field with his team to teach the 
players particular tackling and blocking techniques. He was never 
afraid to get his hands dirty and be directly involved with his players 
and the coaching process. The football team took to his style of 
coaching and his personality immediately. They saw him not only as a 
great coach who could push them beyond their limits, but also as a 
dignified role model on which to base their own lives.
  Coach Gurski had an impressive career at Wilson High School in 
Reading, Pennsylvania. He holds the Wilson High School coaching career 
record of 151-44-4 and a lifetime career record of 198-57-6. It is 
particularly impressive to note Coach Gurski's dedication to the sport 
of football and to touching the lives of students and athletes. He gave 
up a promising business career after graduating from the prestigious 
Wharton School of Business to coach football and he made an indelible 
impression on his athletes throughout his many years at Wilson High 
School.
  The Wilson School District honored Coach Gurski on October 21, 1998, 
when the Wilson School Board of Education unanimously voted to rename 
its stadium the ``John Gurski Stadium.'' It was also decided that a 
monument would be erected inside the stadium in his honor.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing Coach 
Gurski's leadership and coaching ability that positively shaped the 
lives of hundreds of young men that came through the Wilson High 
School. Unfortunately, Coach Gurski passed away on February 28, 2005. 
Nonetheless, his spirit and influence will be felt for generations to 
come.