[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 129 (Thursday, October 6, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2014]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING COACH PHIL DANAHER

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. SOLOMON P. ORTIZ

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 6, 2005

  Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize an outstanding citizen, 
teacher and coach from Corpus Christi, Texas: Phil Danaher. Coach 
Danaher reached an historical milestone on September 9, 2005, by 
achieving his 300th high school football victory and becoming a member 
of an elite group of coaches who have amassed such a record.
  Coach Danaher is currently serving as the athletic director and head 
football coach at Calallen Independent School District and is in his 
35th year of coaching. He is the winningest active coach in football 
and is surpassed by only three other coaches in number of victories.
  Coach Danaher played high school football for Harlingen High School 
in Harlingen, Texas, where he was two-time All-District, and two-time 
All-Valley as quarterback. He continued his love for the game by 
playing college football at Angelo State University.
  Mr. Danaher has proudly served as head coach for Calallen High School 
for the past 22 years, after beginning his career at San Antonio Edison 
as an assistant head coach. He later served as head coach for Dilley 
and Hamshire-Fannett high schools from 1974 to 1983 before arriving at 
Calallen in 1984.
  His remarkable coaching talent was evident from the start, leading 
Dilley to the district championship and capturing three more district 
championships over the next 9 years at Hamshire-Fannett. Prior to Mr. 
Danaher's arrival, Calallen High School had not been to the playoffs in 
29 years. After just one season, Coach Danaher turned the program 
around and led the school to the playoffs for 20 consecutive seasons.
  However, for Coach Danaher, it is not all about the number of 
victories he accumulates. Mr. Danaher believes the real honor in 
coaching lies in the fact that the athletic program has made a 
difference in the lives of countless players who have come and gone 
over the years.
  On the night of his 300th career victory, Coach Danaher graciously 
thanked the fans and his team for their significant contributions. When 
history remembers Coach Danaher, his win-loss record will be noted--but 
his most enduring legacy will be his record for teaching young people 
how to make the most of their talents and their lives.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring Coach Phil 
Danaher for his outstanding achievements and dedication to our south 
Texas community.

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