[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 145 (Wednesday, September 11, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1127]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  IN RECOGNITION OF ROBERT BARBIERI ON HIS INDUCTION INTO THE LUZERNE 
                       COUNTY SPORTS HALL OF FAME

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. MATT CARTWRIGHT

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 11, 2019

  Mr. CARTWRIGHT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor former athlete 
and Northeastern Pennsylvania native, Robert Barbieri. This year, Bob 
was inducted into the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame at the 35th 
annual dinner on August 11, 2019 for his distinct athletic achievements 
in the sport of football.
  Each year, the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame honors those who 
have brought recognition to the state of Pennsylvania through their 
outstanding achievements and contributions in athletic endeavors.
  Bob started his athletic career at Old Forge High School where he was 
All-Scholastic in football and basketball. Bob played as an offensive 
lineman, linebacker, and place kicker, once converting 21 straight 
placements.
  After high school, Bob continued playing football at The George 
Washington University. He was a starting offensive lineman and 
linebacker from his sophomore year on. During his time at GW, Bob was 
asked to play in the North-South College All-Star game.
  When his college playing days were over, Bob first tried out for the 
Baltimore Colts. He then moved back to Northeastern Pennsylvania to 
pursue his passion in a different way. Bob coached the Pittston High 
School football team where he was highly regarded. During his coaching 
career from 1966 to 1998, he had a record of 159 wins, 100 losses, and 
4 ties. His Patriots won 5 Wyoming Valley Conference A Division 
Championships and tied for one Eastern Conference Championship with 
Shikellamy in 1967. The 1967 team was undefeated, with a 10-0 record 
during the season before facing Shikellamy in a hard-fought 
championship game that ended in a scoreless tie. Bob was a two-time 
Coach of the Year (1974 and 1981), and he also coached the UNICO team 
twice (1970 and 1985).
  While at Pittston Area, he also coached girls' basketball, boys' 
basketball, junior high basketball, swimming, and junior high track. 
For his outstanding efforts and career, the athletic field house 
located in Charlie Tippi Stadium was named the Robert ``Bob'' Barbieri 
Field House in 2014.
  It is an honor to recognize Bob 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.

                          ____________________