[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 122 (Thursday, July 19, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1040]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         COMMEMORATING THE DUNLAP HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS TRACK TEAM

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DARIN LaHOOD

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 19, 2018

  Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, today I'd like to take the opportunity to 
recognize the work of the Dunlap High School Girls Track Team and their 
phenomenal Coach, Pat Garst, for their second straight Class 2A state 
title.
  The young women who make up Dunlap High School's track team serve as 
an inspiration of what hard work, dedication, and perseverance can 
bring. Dunlap won the State Championship with a resounding 102 points 
and qualified in 16 out of the 18 events held, making it to the finals 
in 14 of those events. They came into the season wanting to prove 
themselves as true champions, not just a one-and-done team. This 
spectacular performance throughout the season not only earned them the 
state title, but also the Peoria Journal Star's 2018 Best of Preps team 
of the year award.
  Of course, none of this would have been possible without Coach Pat 
Garst. Coach Garst has dedicated countless hours to improving the lives 
of student athletes. It is no surprise that his devotion to the 
betterment of these young athletes has earned himself his second 
straight Illinois Girls Track and Field Coach of the year award. Coach 
Garst is now in consideration for the National Track and Field Coach of 
the year award. We are proud to have Coach Grant as one of the final 
contenders for this distinct honor.
  The achievements of Coach Garst and the Dunlap Girls Track Team 
reminds us all of that through time, hard work, and dedication we can 
achieve all our goals, whatever they might be. I would like to once 
again congratulate Coach Garst and the Dunlap Girls' team, and thank 
them for being an inspiration to many across the community.