[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 110 (Wednesday, September 7, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1776-E1777]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      IN MEMORY OF THOMAS HERRION

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MICHAEL C. BURGESS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, September 7, 2005

  Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to give tribute to Thomas 
Herrion, from Fort Worth, Texas, and his passion for life. He died at 
the tender age of 23 after collapsing in the San Francisco 49ers locker 
room following a National Football League exhibition game.
  Thomas was one of seven children growing up in south Fort Worth. He 
often played the drums at church where his father was the minister. 
While attending Polytechnic High School,

[[Page E1777]]

he was a 4-year starter for the football team, a center for the 
basketball team, and competed in discus and the shot-put on the track 
team. When he wasn't competing or studying, he worked to help support 
his family. After high school, he went on to play for Kilgore Junior 
College and the University of Utah.
  Thomas will be remembered as a hard worker and someone who lived his 
life to the fullest. He always had a bright personality that made 
everyone laugh, and he had passion for life and infused this zeal into 
everything he did. His ultimate dream, after finishing his NFL career, 
was to return home to Fort Worth and help his community. Thomas wanted 
to get his teaching degree and coach football. First in his heart was 
his mother--he wanted to always be there for her and planned to her the 
house of her dreams.
  I extend my condolences to the family and friends of Thomas Herrion. 
His legacy will serve as an inspiration those who strive to achieve 
their dreams and live life to the fullest.

                          ____________________