[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 112 (Wednesday, July 25, 2012)]
[Senate]
[Page S5369]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                         TRIBUTE TO DEREK MILES

 Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize Derek 
Miles of Tea, SD, who will compete in the 2012 Summer Olympic Games 
taking place in London, England. This will be his third consecutive 
trip to the Summer Olympic Games. Derek has a long history of success 
as a pole vaulter, including three U.S. National Championships, 10 
years ranked in the top 10 in the U.S.--4 of which he has been ranked 
No. 1, and 6 years ranked in the top five in the world.
  Derek is currently working as an assistant pole vault and jumps coach 
at the University of South Dakota where he graduated from in 1996 as a 
four-time NCAA Division II All-American with a bachelor's degree in 
history. Derek also earned his master's in athletic administration at 
the University of South Dakota in 1998 and was inducted into the Henry 
Heider Coyote Sports Hall of Fame in 2006. In addition to his personal 
accomplishments, Derek has coached multiple conference champions and 
organized the Miles Pole Vault Summit bringing the world's best pole 
vaulters to Vermillion, SD, in 2007.
  Derek should be very proud of all his accomplishments. On behalf of 
the State of South Dakota, I am pleased to say congratulations on 
another Olympic qualification. We are very proud and wish you the best 
of luck.

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