[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 70 (Tuesday, April 25, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E528-E529]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING BETHEL COLLEGE MEN'S BASKETBALL COACH MIKE LIGHTFOOT ON HIS 
                               RETIREMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JACKIE WALORSKI

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 25, 2017

  Mrs. WALORSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mike Lightfoot, who 
will retire at the end of this season after 30 years as coach of the 
Bethel College Men's Basketball Team.
  The tremendous achievements of the Bethel Pilots Men's Basketball 
Team are a reflection of Coach Lightfoot's ability to see greatness in 
his players and inspire the team to be their best. Coach Lightfoot was 
an inspiration not only to his team, but to the entire Bethel College 
community. As generations of students, faculty, and fans have gathered 
at the Wiekamp Athletic Center, committed to the home game excitement 
and school spirit, Coach Lightfoot has helped foster the team's will to 
succeed and the institution's faithful turnout.
  Coach Lightfoot has led the Bethel Pilots since 1987, and in that 
time the team secured 796 wins, including four NCCAA National 
Championships and three NAIA National Championships. His greatest 
legacy, however, is in helping the countless players he coached grow 
into strong leaders and dedicated members of their community. He had an 
amazing ability to connect with these young men, inspiring them to 
strive for great achievements, as evidenced by the 98 percent 
graduation rate among Coach Lightfoot's players.
  Mr. Speaker, on behalf of 2nd District Hoosiers, I want to thank 
Coach Lightfoot for his unconditional dedication to the Pilots, Bethel 
College, and our entire community. His innovative coaching styles and 
effective leadership resonates in the team's excellent record as well 
as in the personal growth and achievement of every player he helped 
shape. I am grateful for the example he set for the young Hoosiers of 
Bethel College.

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