[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 164 (Wednesday, December 19, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1965]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING THE LIFE AND MEMORY OF JUSTIN KUNICK

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BRIAN HIGGINS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 19, 2012

  Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life and 
memory of a great Western New Yorker, Justin Kunick. Teacher and coach 
to many but inspiration to all, Kunick encouraged those around him to 
rise above the obstacles and put forth their best effort in the 
classroom, on the field and in all other arenas.
  No stranger to obstacles, Kunick faced his first when he was born 
with a heart defect and underwent surgery to save his life. Two years 
later further complications temporarily paralyzed the right side of his 
body forcing him to become dominant from his left. With a complicated 
medical record, one of the last places you would expect Kunick to be 
attracted to was the baseball diamond, but that's exactly what 
happened.
  Although he had lost the ability to operate fully from his right 
side, it did not stop him from pitching more games, 36 to be exact, 
than anyone in Keuka College history. After college Kunick left New 
York State, moving to Florida to teach chemistry and coach the game 
that he had come to love. He spent the next six years as an assistant 
coach at Ridgewood High School before moving to Fivay as its schools 
head coach.
  At Fivay, Kunick rebuilt the baseball program instilling discipline 
and encouraging perseverance. He developed close relationships with his 
players and created a reputation as a coach who would do anything for 
his boys. Eventually a new team motto sprouted from his leadership, 
rise above.
  In February, Kunick encountered a new hurtle after being diagnosed 
with Stage IV colon cancer. Living up to his team motto, he quickly 
underwent surgery and was back on the field the next week. In and out 
of the hospital, Kunick watched over his team contacting them by phone 
and text messages between innings.
  On April 27th Justin Kunick lost his battle with cancer at the age of 
only 32. Although he is no longer with us, his spirit lives on in his 
students and players. Kunick believed that you could overcome anything 
life threw at you; as long as you were giving it your all, you were 
rising above.
  Mr. Speaker, today I call on my colleagues in Congress to join me in 
celebrating the life and spirit of a great man who lived with enduring 
principles. It is my privilege to honor Justin Kunick's memory today.

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