[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 23 (Wednesday, February 13, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E139]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          HONORING JIM SWEENEY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. DEVIN NUNES

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 13, 2013

  Mr. NUNES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today alongside my colleagues, 
Representative Costa and Representative Valadao, to honor the life and 
career of Jim Sweeney, who passed away on February 8, 2013. Mr. Sweeney 
was the legendary coach of the Fresno State football team, leading the 
Bulldogs for nearly two decades and leaving an indelible imprint on his 
team, his school, and his community.
  The son of a hardscrabble miner, Mr. Sweeney worked in the mines 
during his college summers. Afterward, he coached high school football 
for several years in his native Montana and then became an assistant 
coach of the Montana State Bobcats in 1960. Appointed head coach in 
1963, he served five years in that position and eight years as head 
coach of the Washington State Cougars before becoming head coach at 
Fresno State, the position that would define his career.
  During his nineteen years at Fresno State, interrupted by a two-year 
stint on the coaching staffs of the Oakland Raiders and St. Louis 
Cardinals, Mr. Sweeney elevated the Bulldogs to national prominence. A 
charismatic, no-nonsense leader, he brought an infectious enthusiasm to 
the entire community and inspired fierce loyalty in his players. He 
implanted an enduring team spirit with his resounding renditions of 
team fight songs and his inception of the ``Bulldog born, Bulldog 
bred'' chant that players still invoke today. In Fresno, Mr. Sweeney 
won eight conference titles and five bowl games on his way to amassing 
144 victories, the most of any head coach in Bulldog history. Among his 
many well-deserved accolades, the team's football field was renamed in 
his honor.
  Personifying excellence, hard-work, and integrity, Mr. Sweeney was 
well-loved in his community and is a true California icon. His 
trademark wit and unceasing passion will be missed by the legions of 
fans and admirers he has left behind.

                     HONORING CRAIG SCOTT GRISWOLD

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. SAM GRAVES

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 13, 2013

  Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize 
Craig Scott Griswold. Craig is a very special young man who has 
exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by 
taking an active part in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 345, and 
earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.
   Craig has been very active with his troop, participating in many 
scout activities. Over the many years Craig has been involved with 
scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the 
respect of his family, peers, and community. Most notably, Craig has 
contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Craig 
designed and constructed new stairs and landings for the One-Room 
Schoolhouse operated by the Putnam County Historical Society at the 
City Park in Unionville, Missouri.
   Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Craig Scott 
Griswold for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for 
his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle 
Scout.

                          ____________________