[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 83 (Monday, May 21, 2018)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2787-S2788]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        REMEMBERING BILL MILLER

  Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I would like to pay tribute to a true 
legend in South Louisville, KY: Pleasure

[[Page S2788]]

Ridge Park High School Baseball coach Bill Miller. The winningest coach 
in the history of the Kentucky High School Athletic Association, KHSAA, 
Bill unfortunately passed away after a yearslong struggle with cancer 
at 68.
  Pleasure Ridge Park High School, or PRP as we all call it, was Bill's 
home away from home. He spent 50 years of his life there as a student, 
an assistant coach, and, ultimately, for nearly four decades, as head 
baseball coach. Working with the students, Bill influenced countless 
lives and helped prepare young people for adulthood. The school's 
athletic director Nick Waddell said, ``He was like a father to so many 
people.''
  Bill attended the University of Alabama after graduating from PRP, 
playing baseball and one season of football. Leaving Tuscaloosa, Bill 
returned to his hometown and to his high school as an assistant coach. 
Then, in 1980, Bill was named PRP's second head baseball coach.
  For the next 38 seasons, Bill's team dominated baseball in Kentucky 
winning a record 1,144 games, including six State championships. 
Baseball was Bill's passion, but it was more than just a game. On the 
diamond, Bill saw it as his responsibility to help make boys into men. 
He taught them the values of hard work, of competition, and how to 
leave it all on the field.
  Two and half years ago, when Bill was diagnosed, he refused to let 
his disease stop him. He kept coaching and mentoring, even winning his 
sixth State championship last year. When he couldn't coach, Bill would 
be there on the sidelines, supporting his team.
  Last month, Bill was inducted into the KHSAA Hall of Fame. Although 
he wasn't able to attend the ceremony, he recorded a message to his 
players, his fans, and his friends. Dozens of current and former 
players, many of whom consider Bill to be a role model throughout their 
lives, attended the ceremony to honor their coach.
  When he passed away on April 23, Bill was surrounded by his loving 
family and friends. In addition to all of his players, Bill is survived 
by his wife and high school sweetheart, Vickie, and their children, 
Matt and Megan. Following in Bill's footsteps, Megan is in her 15th 
season as the head softball coach at PRP. Coach Bill Miller's legacy 
will continue to be felt by this community, and I ask my Senate 
colleagues to join me in remembering this remarkable Louisvillian.
  (At the request of Mr. Schumer, the following statement was ordered 
to be printed in the Record.)

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