[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 43 (Monday, March 8, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E211]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING DELWYN SHOWALTER AS IOWAN OF THE WEEK

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. CYNTHIA AXNE

                                of iowa

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 8, 2021

  Mrs. AXNE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Delwyn Showalter, a 
long-time coach, athletic director, and mentor to many students in 
Mount Ayr, Iowa. Delwyn is set to retire from his roles this year, and 
I wish to recognize him as my Iowan of the Week for his outstanding 
service to his community.
  Delwyn has been with the Mount Ayr Raiders since 1984, serving in a 
number of roles from teaching social studies, coaching numerous sports, 
and as athletic director. Under his leadership as co-coach of the Mount 
Ayr football team, the program has seen continued success with a recent 
playoff appearance. In fact, Delwyn and his co-coach Derek Lambert, are 
the winningest coaches in program history with 135 wins in 19 seasons. 
Even more impressive, the pair has had only one losing record. Delwyn's 
coaching prowess doesn't end there, however, as he has also coached the 
basketball team to three conference championships.
  Beyond leading his teams to victories, Coach Showalter has also been 
a leader for his student athletes. His friends and colleagues describe 
him as a caring and supportive man with an ability to lead young men. 
His players talk about his work ethic and how he's a man you can look 
up to as a mentor. He sets high standards for his students yet connects 
through humor and humility. We all know that there is much more to high 
school athletics than simply winning, and Coach Showalter is an example 
to all on the positive influence a coach can have on young student's 
lives and their community.
  For Delwyn, sports is also a family affair. His two sons, Daniel and 
David, followed in his footsteps. Daniel coaches with his father on the 
Mount Ayr staff and David is a teacher and coach in Ackley, Iowa. While 
I know his players and community will miss Delwyn on the sidelines, I 
am sure he'll stay connected to the sport through his family. After 36 
years with the Mount Ayr Raiders, Delwyn deserves this retirement and 
we all can be thankful for his service to his community. I am proud to 
recognize Coach Delwyn Showalter as my Iowan of the week.

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