[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 106 (Wednesday, July 15, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1771]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING WAYMAN LAWRENCE TISDALE

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                             HON. DAN BOREN

                              of oklahoma

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 14, 2009

  Mr. BOREN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of a fellow 
Oklahoman, Wayman Tisdale, who tragically passed away on May 15th.
  Many people in Oklahoma and across the nation knew Wayman as a 
college or professional basketball player, or even as an accomplished 
musician. But he represented much, much more.
  Tisdale was a three-time All-American for the University of 
Oklahoma's basketball program in the 1980s before playing a dozen years 
in the NBA.
  Wayman still holds Oklahoma's career record for both points and 
rebounds. Tisdale was the first OU athlete in any sport to have his 
jersey retired. After three years at Oklahoma, Tisdale played in the 
NBA with the Indiana Pacers, Sacramento Kings and Phoenix Suns.
  As a chart-topping musician, Tisdale recorded eight albums. Tisdale's 
jazz album ``Power Forward'' reached No. 4 on Billboard's Contemporary 
Jazz chart, and his album ``Way Up'' reached No. 1 on Billboard's Top 
10.
  Aside from his long list of achievements, Tisdale's leadership, 
character, and grace set a strong example for his family, friends, 
teammates, fans, and above all else, his fellow Americans.
  Mr. Tisdale was an All-American not just in basketball, but in life. 
With memories of his big smile and his big heart, we send our deepest 
condolences to Wayman's wife, Regina, and his four children. Wayman 
will be missed, but never forgotten.

                          ____________________