[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 153 (Thursday, September 25, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1998-E1999]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        THE COACH--KEVIN MAZEIKA

                                 ______
                                 

                              HON. TED POE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 25, 2008

  Mr. POE. Madam Speaker, the lessons learned through the advice of a 
mentor or coach are often invaluable. For those involved in athletics, 
a coach's guidance reaches far beyond game time. The leadership of a 
coach not only improves an athlete's performance but works to instill 
values of hard work and discipline. Texas native Kevin Mazeika 
continues this tradition as an internationally recognized gymnastics 
coach. I would like to honor Kevin for representing the state of Texas 
and our country, with honor and dignity during the 2008 Olympic Games 
in Beijing, China as the head coach of the USA men's Olympic Gymnastic 
Team.
  Since 1988 Kevin Mazeika has been on the USA National Gymnastics 
coaching staff. His own personal coach and mentor Bill Meade inspired 
him to also pursue coaching. Following

[[Page E1999]]

his own stint as a Saluki gymnast at Southern Illinois University, 
Kevin's personal understanding of the sport is unique.
  Representing the U.S. in over 40 international competitions, he is 
America's most successful Olympic and World Championship coach. His 
twenty-four year coaching career has resulted in his being awarded 
numerous awards from his noteworthy positions. He has achieved his 
great success through much hard work, determination and perseverance. 
He has established himself as an outstanding coach and community 
leader. Athlete, leader, father-figure, competitor, a credit to his 
community, to Texas, and to our nation; Kevin Mazeika has earned his 
place among the elite of his profession.
  At this year's 2008 Olympic Games held in Beijing, China, Coach 
Mazeika led the USA team to a bronze medal in gymnastics. His stalwart 
victory follows his previous coaching success at the 2004 Olympic Games 
in Athens where the team received a silver medal. His friends, family 
and team mates should all be proud of his accomplishments, as we look 
forward to his coaching future.
  Currently, he owns and operates Mazeika's Elite Gymnastics where 
aspiring gymnasts continue to benefit from his guidance. For his 
exemplary contributions to the sport of gymnastics and the athletes he 
coaches, I commend Kevin Mazeika. I applaud his remarkable career as he 
continues to represent our nation on the international stage.
  And that's just the way it is.

                          ____________________