[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 2 (Wednesday, January 4, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E15]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                    HONORING THE LATE LaVELL EDWARDS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JASON CHAFFETZ

                                of utah

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, January 4, 2017

  Mr. CHAFFETZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor legendary BYU 
football coach LaVell Edwards, who passed away December 29, 2016 at the 
age of 86.
   During the 29 years he coached at Brigham Young University, Edwards 
transformed a team that had never been ranked or invited to a bowl game 
into a perpetual force in college football.
   Best remembered for leading his team to a national championship in 
1984, Edwards also racked up an impressive 257-103 win/loss record. His 
team won 20 conference championships and qualified for 22 bowl game 
appearances.
   LaVell Edwards touched countless lives, including mine, in a 
profound and positive way. I feel so fortunate to be among the many 
young men Coach Edwards influenced and molded during his storied career 
at BYU. My life is forever changed by my experience as a place kicker 
on his team.
   Upon retiring from BYU in 2000, Edwards and his wife Patti served a 
mission for the LDS Church in New York, where, in addition to his 
missionary role, Edwards was invited to put his talents to work 
coaching football to Harlem youth.
   Coach Edwards leaves behind a legacy of success on the field and 
off. He was a man of integrity whose example his players all wanted to 
emulate. He is survived by his wife Patti and three children. He will 
be greatly missed.

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