[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 125 (Wednesday, July 25, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1061-E1062]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  RECOGNIZING JOHN ``LADDIE'' LAWRENCE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JAMES A. HIMES

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 25, 2018

  Mr. HIMES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize John ``Laddie'' 
Lawrence. For 50 years, Laddie has coached cross country and track at 
Staples High School in Westport, CT.
   Laddie began his career in track by helping found the Staples High 
School cross country team, and shortly thereafter won the 1964 State 
Open title in the 400-meter run. Following high school, Laddie attended 
Southern Arkansas University on full athletic scholarship, where he was 
the resident assistant for the university's first racially integrated 
dorm.
   After his time at Southern Arkansas, Laddie returned to Westport and 
within ten years became the head coach of the Staples High School track 
and cross-country teams. Under his tenure, the Staples Wreckers have 
been a force to be reckoned with, tallying hundreds of wins that 
included a streak of 222 dual meet victories and only one loss. I am 
proud to say that Laddie's many victories and extensive legacy have 
earned him inductions into the Fairfield County Interscholastic 
Athletic Conference Hall of Fame in 2002, the Connecticut High School 
Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2004 and the National High School 
Athletic Coaches Hall of Fame in 2015.
   In addition to his achievements as a coach, Laddie's influence 
extends to the thousands of student athletes whom he has coached. He 
has helped develop many Staples students into NCAA Division I athletes 
and productive, caring members of our community.

[[Page E1062]]

   Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Laddie for 
his commitment to coaching thousands of athletes, who continue to carry 
the lessons of determination and fortitude that were instilled in them 
as runners.

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