[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 59 (Thursday, April 1, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E332]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   IN RECOGNITION OF DR. MICHAEL PORTONOVA ON HIS INDUCTION INTO THE 
                   LUZERNE COUNTY SPORTS HALL OF FAME

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. MATT CARTWRIGHT

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 1, 2021

  Mr. CARTWRIGHT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor former athlete 
and northeastern Pennsylvania native Dr. Michael Portonova. Michael was 
inducted into the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame in 2020 for his 
distinct athletic achievements in the sport of tennis. He and his 
fellow inductees will be honored at a reception this spring.
  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.
  Michael is the son of Michael and Marydonna Portonova. He attended 
Bishop Haffey High School where he stood out as a star player on the 
tennis team. While at Bishop Haffey, he compiled a 56-0 regular season 
NEPTL record. He was a three-time Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic 
Association (PIAA) District 2AA Singles champion and a two-time bronze 
medalist at the PIAA State Singles Championship. Michael was ranked 
second in the United States Tennis Association's (USTA) Middle State 
Section in 2003-2004 and was ranked in the top 30 in the USTA National 
Boys' 18 and under division in 2003-2004.
  Michael began his collegiate career playing Division I tennis at St. 
Joseph's University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In 2004, he won the 
Swarthmore Invitation at No. 2 Singles. He then transferred to King's 
College in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, where he held a 71-2 record and 
an undefeated record in Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) play during 
his 3-year career on the team.
  For his efforts on the court, Michael was named MAC Player of the 
Year 3 years in a row (2005-2007), and he was the MAC Champion five 
times, twice for doubles and three times for singles. He was named to 
the MAC Conference All-Century Team in 2014.
  After graduating from King's College with a degree in pre-medical 
biology, he went on to study chiropractic at New York Chiropractic 
College in Seneca Falls, New York. He completed a clinical residency in 
Long Island, New York. He owns and operates his own practice, Portonova 
Chiropractic LLC, as a solo practitioner in Hazleton, Pennsylvania.
  It is an honor to recognize Michael 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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