[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 50 (Tuesday, April 1, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E464]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      HONORING COACHES DON AND BLAZE THOMPSON OF PAHOKEE, FLORIDA

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                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, April 1, 2008

  Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Coaches 
Don and Blaze Thompson, father and son, who are true living legends in 
the city of Pahokee, Florida and throughout Palm Beach County.
  Don Thompson has been a part of the Pahokee Middle/Senior High School 
Blue Devils football team since 1984. As head coach, he led the team to 
its first state championship in 1989. In all the years since, he has 
been a mentor, friend and very important role model for the young men 
of Pahokee. Still an assistant coach of the team, Don Thompson is 
recognized and respected around the state of Florida as an expert at 
the sport of football. He is also a loving husband, father and 
grandfather. As Don Thompson's son, Blaze Thompson has inherited his 
Dad's talent and skill for winning. In his first year as head coach of 
the Blue Devils, the team played the toughest opponents in its division 
and went undefeated, winning its 5th state championship. Blaze has 
already earned the love and respect of his players, fellow coaches, 
Pahokee's citizens and everyone who enjoys high school football.
  Many of the boys Don and Blaze have coached have gone on to 
successful careers in professional football. As the first father and 
son to win Florida state championships with the same football team, it 
is fitting that Don was inducted into the Palm Beach County Sports Hall 
of Fame and Blaze named Coach of the Year on the same night. I have no 
doubt that Blaze will one day follow his Dad into the Hall. I am 
pleased that both of these fine gentlemen and the team they coach call 
the 23rd District of Florida their home. I am very proud of them. On 
behalf of the Members of the U.S. House of Representatives, I applaud 
coaches Thompson and Thompson for their service and commitment to the 
people of my district and throughout South Florida. We are all very 
proud of them.

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