[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 77 (Tuesday, May 4, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E476]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING LIN JEFFREY RILEY, SR.

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 4, 2021

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a 
remarkable hero, Lin Jeffrey Riley, Sr.
  Raised in Senatobia, Mississippi (Tate County), Lin Jeffrey Riley, 
became the seventh child of Daisy Mae Riley and L.V. Coppage, born July 
29, 1966. He found his calling late in life as the founder and 
organizer of the Marks Youth Outreach, Inc. Season after season, he 
lends his muscle to the Marks 49ers Athletic Programs.
  ``Coach Riley'', as he is known, has always been athletic, lively, 
outgoing, and creative. He was an outstanding student/athlete during 
his high school years. Coach Riley currently holds the top record for 
``Most Quarterback Sacks'' in a single game at Senatobia High School. 
For three years consecutively, he received the Hawks Award for most 
forced and recovered fumbles, quarterback sacks, and pass 
interceptions.
  After relocating to Quitman County in 1997, Riley worked several 
jobs. He operated Riley's Hand Car Wash and Detail Shop and coached 
football at the Quitman County Middle School and Madison Shannon Palmer 
High School. It was during those times when he got an eyeful and earful 
of recreational activities needed for the youth of this area. Because 
of Riley's initiative, enthusiasm, willingness and time for these 
youth, the Marks Youth Outreach Program, Inc. was founded and 
organized.
  Having healthy, educated youth with Christian values is very vital 
for this county. Likewise, Coach Riley is at the top of the game 
working daily to ensure that these values are instilled in the youth of 
this community. But make no mistake he says, ``Success was anything but 
instant''.
  A community baseball team was the initial beginning and from that 
other sports programs emerged--football, basketball, tee ball, 
cheerleading, and now kickball and flag football have been added. Riley 
credits the program's success to God and lives by the scripture: ``With 
God all things are possible . . .'' (Mathew 19:26).
  Surviving 3 major strokes, Riley stills coaches and mentors countless 
of youth and has no plans on stopping anytime soon. On November 7, 
2020, a field dedication ceremony was held in his honor. The football 
field is named Lin Riley Field, located in Marks, MS.
  On February 28, 2015, Lin married his wife Tracey Hankins-Riley and 
is the father of Lindez Wright, Terrell Wright, Travis McAdory, Kevon 
Taylor, Trinity Taylor, Lance Johnson, King Lin Jeffery Riley, Jr., 
Lakendrick Ware and Tommy Ware. He is a member of Trinity United 
Methodist Church in Marks, MS.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. Lin 
Jeffrey Riley for he is the epitome of an unsung hero.

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