[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 59 (Thursday, April 1, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E335]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   IN RECOGNITION OF PAUL RICHARDS 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, 
coach, and northeastern Pennsylvania native Paul Richards. Paul was 
inducted into the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame in 2020 for his 
distinct athletic achievements in the sport of swimming. 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.
  Paul grew up in South Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, in a family of avid 
swimmers. From 1968 to 1971, he swam for E.L. Meyers High School where 
he helped lead the team to four consecutive District II championships. 
He earned three individual championships in the 100 butterfly, 200 
freestyle, and 400 freestyle. In 1968, he was named All-State in the 
400 freestyle. He held the school records in the 50, 100, 200, and 400 
freestyle; the 100 butterfly; and the 200 individual medley.
  Paul continued his academic and athletic careers at Bloomsburg State 
College in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania. He continued to excel in the pool, 
holding the school record in the 200 individual medley. He was a member 
of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) championship 
winning and record breaking 400 freestyle team which earned a berth at 
the 1974 national championship.
  Paul's love of the sport led him to a four-decade collegiate coaching 
career. He began coaching at Hartwick College in Oneonta, New York, 
before moving to Mary Washington College in Fredericksburg, Virginia. 
He spent the last 26 years coaching the Dickinson College Red Devils in 
Carlisle, Pennsylvania.
  Paul found great success at Dickinson. He coached his teams to more 
than 500 career wins and nine conference championships. His swimmers 
have been named conference champions, national champions, and NCAA All-
Americans. He has been recognized as Coach of the Year 10 times.
  Paul has recently retired from coaching and teaching at Dickinson, 
and he lives in Carlisle with his wife, Jeanette.
  It is an honor to recognize Paul 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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