[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 146 (Wednesday, December 3, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1709]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING WILLIAM H. ``BILL'' DETRICK

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN B. LARSON

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 3, 2014

  Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, I submit these remarks today 
to honor William H. ``Bill'' Detrick, who passed away at the age of 87 
on September 19, 2014. Bill Detrick was the long-time coach of the 
Central Connecticut State University Basketball team, and after that 
was the coach of Trinity College Golf team coach. He was everything 
that embodies a passionate, tough, and tenacious coach and person. He 
taught college sports until the age of 86, which is something that very 
few can claim.
   Throughout his 29 year tenure as the Central Connecticut basketball 
coach, he won 468 games with two undefeated seasons out of 24 winning 
seasons. He brought the program to six Division II NCAA tournaments and 
ushered them into Division I basketball, where they remain today. The 
standard and foundation set by his legacy at Central Connecticut will 
continue on for the future of their athletic programs.
   As a coach, one must assume the responsibility of developing younger 
generations of people as students, athletes, and most of all as people. 
Bill Detrick knew this as well as anyone and was able to impact the 
lives of each of those he coached even to this day. He instilled the 
same values in his three children and six grandchildren as he did his 
players: Hard work and dedication to what you love will always prevail 
in the end. Always go the extra mile in your endeavors. He preached 
these kinds of lessons to his children and players in order to prepare 
them not just for the game, but for their entire lives ahead.
   A great example of his attitude in life came from a friend and golf 
partner of many years, who said that Bill would never ride in a cart, 
and always insisted on walking. Just a week before he passed away, he 
walked nine holes at the age of 87. Always push yourself, even if it is 
during a game of such relaxation such as golf.
   Mr. Detrick is survived by his wife Barbara, three children, and six 
grandchildren. I would like to extend my condolences to the family of 
Mr. Detrick during this difficult time. I hope the Holiday season 
reminds everyone in his life of the joyful memories that he brought, 
and the importance of enjoying every moment they had together. Let us 
all remember the values that William Detrick brought to everyone around 
him, and try to implement them in our everyday lives in order to strive 
to be the best people we can be.

                          ____________________