[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 144 (Tuesday, September 10, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1118]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




IN RECOGNITION OF WALTER FISK ON HIS INDUCTION INTO THE LUZERNE COUNTY 
                          SPORTS HALL OF FAME

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. MATT CARTWRIGHT

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 10, 2019

  Mr. CARTWRIGHT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor former athlete, 
coach, and Northeastern Pennsylvania native Walter Fisk. This year, 
Walter was inducted into the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame on 
August 11, 2019 for his distinct athletic achievements in the sport of 
wrestling.
  Each year, the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame honors those who 
have brought fame and recognition to the state of Pennsylvania through 
their outstanding achievements and contributions in athletic endeavors.
  Walter is a 1981 graduate of Lycoming College where he was captain of 
the wrestling team under the direction of the legendary National 
Wrestling Coach Hall of Fame Coach Bud Whitehall. After college, Walter 
began his coaching career at Sayre Youth Wrestling before taking the 
coaching post at Wyalusing Junior High. In 1986, he was named the head 
coach of the Wyalusing varsity wrestling team. Walter coached the 
Wyalusing Rams to 12 league championships, 9 Sectional, 6 District IV, 
and 6 Regional team titles. They also clinched the State Team 
Championship three times and were State Team runner-up twice. Alumni of 
his wrestling program include 83 Sectional, 27 District, and 21 
Regional champions as well as 33 Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic 
Association (PIAA) medalists, and 7 State champions. Six of those PIAA 
medals were earned by his sons, Josh and Matt.
  In his tireless dedication to wrestling, Walter has held several 
leadership positions to promote the sport. During his tenure as head 
coach, he has been District IV Coaches' Association President, 
Pennsylvania Wrestling Coaches Association (PWCA) President, Executive 
Committee member and Convention Committee Chair, National Collegiate 
Wrestling Association (NWCA) State Representative, BRUTE National 
Wrestling Tournament Event Director, and REACHES Executive Director and 
PWCA Convention Chairman.
  In recognition for his superior and successful career, Walter has 
been inducted into the Sayre High School, Wyalusing High School, 
Northern Tier League, Northeast Section, District IV, PA Wrestling 
Coaches' and the National Wrestling Halls of Fame. In 1997, 1999, and 
2000, Walter was named the PIAA State Wrestling Coach of the Year, and 
in 2000, he was recognized for his unparalleled leadership ability as 
the National High School Wrestling Coach of the Year. In 2004, he was 
honored as Pennsylvania Wrestling/Wrestling USA Man of the Year. When 
Walter retired as head coach in 2005, his career record at Wyalusing 
was 297-52-1. Unable to resist the draw of the mat and the quest for 
athletic success, he returned to coach the junior varsity team in 2011 
and continues to do so today.
  It is an honor to recognize Walter on his induction into the Luzerne 
County Sports Hall of Fame. May his story and athletic career serve as 
an inspiration to the next generation of Pennsylvania athletes striving 
for excellence.

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