[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 160 (Monday, October 22, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2193]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING BOB BALDRIDGE'S 40-YEAR CAREER AT TSSAA

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BART GORDON

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 22, 2007

  Mr. GORDON of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate 
Bob Baldridge on his retirement from the Tennessee Secondary School 
Athletic Association.
  Bob joined TSSAA 40 years ago and was given the task of developing 
the classification system used in high school sports in Tennessee. 
During his four decades with TSSAA, he has watched the landscape of 
high school sports change through developments such as the introduction 
of the football playoff system and the implementation of Title IX.
  Bob's job has led him across the State countless times, but the 
journeys have changed over the years. There are probably few people in 
the State who share Bob's perspective of how the landscape of Tennessee 
has changed as interstates were built, towns blossomed, and school 
systems grew.
  After 40 years on the road, Bob has been to a lot of games but hasn't 
had much time to actually watch them. Now, he can enjoy life as a 
spectator and see games that are played with an honesty and heart 
unique to high school sports.
  Bob, I have enjoyed your friendship over the years, and I wish you 
all the best in your retirement.

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