[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 133 (Thursday, July 29, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E843-E844]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   IN RECOGNITION OF PAUL LUPINSKI ON HIS INDUCTION INTO THE LUZERNE 
                       COUNTY SPORTS HALL OF FAME

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. MATT CARTWRIGHT

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 29, 2021

  Mr. CARTWRIGHT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor former athlete, 
coach, and Northeastern Pennsylvania native Paul Lupinski. Paul will be 
inducted into the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame in 2021 for his 
distinct athletic and coaching achievements in the sports of soccer, 
basketball, golf, swimming, baseball, and football. He and his fellow 
inductees will be honored at a reception on August 8, 2021.
  Each year, the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame honors those who 
have brought fame and recognition to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania 
through their outstanding achievements and contributions in athletic 
endeavors.
  At Tunkhannock Area High School, Paul was a standout multi-sport 
athlete, earning letters in soccer, golf, basketball, swimming, and 
baseball. He was named All-Conference in soccer, swimming, and 
baseball, and his senior year, he received All-State Honors in 
swimming. In the pool, he set school records in the 50 freestyle, 100 
freestyle, and 200 freestyle relay, and he won three district gold 
medals, one in the 50 freestyle and two in the 100 freestyle. In 1995, 
he went on to swim at the state championships, placing third in the 100 
free and fourth in the 50 free. That year he was named to the High 
School Academic All-American Team. He was named to the 1994 and 1995 
Times Leader Wyoming Valley Conference Swimming All-Star Team, as well 
as the 1995 Wyoming Valley Conference Baseball All-Star Team. He was 
also a Dutch Keller and Procter and Gamble Scholarship recipient.
  At the end of Paul's senior year in baseball, he suffered a stroke 
caused by endocarditis due to a defective aortic valve. However, he was 
determined to honor his commitment to

[[Page E844]]

swim for Penn State University that fall. He made an impressive 
recovery and went on to have a collegiate swimming career. He placed 
third in the 200 free relay at the 1997 Big Ten Conference Meet, and he 
was named Academic All-Big Ten athlete for the 1996-1997 season.
  Paul's heart condition was monitored as he swam for two seasons at 
Penn State, but there were still signs of leakage in his heart. Despite 
deciding to give up swimming, he went on to play fall baseball for Penn 
State, and, in the spring, he was the last person cut from the team. In 
1999, Paul graduated with a degree in chemical engineering.
  While monitoring his heart condition after two open heart surgeries, 
Paul stays active and encourages young people to reach their full 
potential in sport. He has coached junior high baseball, age group 
swimming, rec league soccer, baseball, and basketball. He has served as 
the Tunkhannock Youth Soccer Commissioner and the Tunkhannock Youth 
Basketball Association Treasurer. He was on the board of the Wyoming 
County United Way and a trustee of the Center Moreland United Methodist 
Church. Paul shared his story of perseverance and overcoming adversity 
with the students of his alma mater as the keynote speaker of the 
Tunkhannock High School Honors Banquet.
  It is an honor to recognize Paul on his induction into the Luzerne 
County Sports Hall of Fame. May his unique story and athletic career 
serve as an inspiration to future Pennsylvania students striving for 
personal excellence.

                          ____________________