[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 74 (Monday, May 1, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E573]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING COACH CRAIG ENGELBRECHT FOR HIS INDUCTION INTO THE MISSOURI 
BASKETBALL COACHES ASSOCIATION HALL OF FAME ON SATURDAY, APRIL 22, 2017

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                        HON. BLAINE LUETKEMEYER

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 1, 2017

  Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a constituent of 
Missouri's Third District, Coach Craig Engelbrecht, who was inducted 
into the Missouri Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame on 
Saturday, April 22, 2017 at the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame in 
Springfield, MO. Coach Engelbrecht dedicated 33 years of his life as an 
educator at Eugene High School, and has spent 27 of those years 
coaching. Coach Engelbrecht recently celebrated his 500th varsity win, 
and is deserving of membership in the Hall of Fame.
   Coach Engelbrecht's childhood was spent in the Eugene area and he 
always wanted to return to that area to plant his roots. He grew up in 
a family that served the community by working in the school system. His 
mother taught in Russellville for 31 years and his Father was a 
custodian after a career at MFA Feed Mill in Eugene. After graduating 
from high school in 1979, Coach Engelbrecht spent his college years at 
University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg. In 1983, he graduated 
with his degree in Physical Education and a minor in speech/drama.
   In 1984, Coach Engelbrecht started his teaching career at 
Russellville and shortly thereafter began his coaching career. During 
his time at Eugene, he taught many subjects including English, Speech, 
and Drama, and was even responsible for putting on the annual spring 
play with his students. Eventually, Coach Engelbrecht began teaching 
Physical Education, and knowing the importance of being physically 
active, he always encouraged his students to participate in all 
activities and classes.
   In 1990, Coach Engelbrecht became the head varsity boys basketball 
coach. He knew it was vitally important to establish a stable and hard-
working program that would lay the groundwork for success on the court. 
The mantra for the Eugene basketball team is this: ``we play hard, we 
play smart, we play together, and we play fast.'' Coach Engelbrecht 
encourages his teams to use this mantra on the basketball court and in 
real life. He has instilled in his students and players a mentality to 
never quit and to always strive to achieve their goals. Coach 
Engelbrecht has built many relationships with his students and enjoys 
seeing many of them take his words of encouragement to heart and apply 
it to their daily lives. Additionally, he enjoys seeing former students 
and players begin basketball coaching and refereeing careers of their 
own.
   Coach Engelbrecht's family is involved in the education field as 
well. The Eldon Career Center is currently under the direction of his 
wife, Kelli. The Eldon School District is where his son, Christian, is 
a paraprofessional. His daughter, Katelyn has played basketball and 
after her graduation will attend college at her father's alma mater, 
University of Central Missouri--Warrensburg.
   Throughout his 33 year career in education, Coach Engelbrecht has 
seen God take care of him. He acknowledges the great support system he 
has and knows that without that support, he would not have achieved his 
level of success on the basketball court.
   With his retirement from teaching, Coach Engelbrecht will be able to 
spend more time with his family. Kelli, Christian, and Katelyn will 
enjoy the additional moments they have with their beloved father. 
Despite his retirement from teaching, Coach Engelbrecht has not decided 
to hang up his coaching jersey just yet as he is continues to coach 
boys varsity basketball at Eugene High School.
   I ask you to join me in recognizing Coach Craig Engelbrecht on this 
induction into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame by the Missouri 
Basketball Coaches Association and on his retirement from teaching 
after 33 years of improving the daily lives of all those at Eugene High 
School, whether it be in the classroom or in the gym.

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