[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 89 (Tuesday, May 28, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E680]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF COACH OTIS WASHINGTON

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. CEDRIC L. RICHMOND

                              of louisiana

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 28, 2019

  Mr. RICHMOND. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the life and legacy of a 
great man who exemplified the true meaning of being a trailblazer, 
Coach Otis Washington. From St. Augustine High School, to Louisiana 
State University (LSU), to Southern University, Coach Washington 
positively touched the lives of so many young men. Through the game of 
football, he taught valuable lessons about the importance of 
leadership, perseverance, and teamwork.
  Coach Washington was a giant whose career transcended wins, losses, 
first downs, and touchdowns. A man who dedicated his life to making 
others better, he also broke down barriers to make one of our most 
venerated institutions better. As the first African-American coach 
hired at LSU, he paved the way for all of those who have since followed 
in his footsteps and reached coaching heights once unknown and unseen. 
In his earlier days, Coach Washington played a pivotal role for St. 
Augustine High School when the integration of the Louisiana High School 
Athletic Association was in its nascent stages. Dunng his time there he 
amassed a remarkable 113-17 record despite pervasive racial tension.
  As we look back on his storied life, his profound commitment to 
excellence on every level was clear and his on-field success was 
unmatched. Today I offer my deepest condolences to his family during 
this difficult time as they cope with the pain of losing someone so 
dear to so many people.
  The state of Louisiana is forever indebted to Coach Washington for 
all he did for the community. Moving forward, it is now the 
responsibility of all of us he impacted to passionately carry on his 
legacy of greatness, selflessness, and leadership.
  Madam Speaker, I celebrate the life and legacy of Coach Otis 
Washington

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