[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 133 (Thursday, July 29, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E845]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





IN RECOGNITION OF ERIC SPEECE 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 Eric Speece. Eric will be 
inducted into the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame in 2021 for his 
distinct athletic achievements in the sport of 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.
  Eric first stepped on the football field as a member of the West 
Pittston Rams mini football team. He helped lead the team to two 
championships, one in 1976 and one in 1978. He played Little League 
Baseball for Halls Nursery/Millers Economy; his team won the 
championship in 1979. He also wrestled in junior high.
  Eric attended Wyoming Area High School, where he was a key player on 
the football team. While in high school, he gained over 1700 rushing 
yards and scored 26 touchdowns. In 1982, he lettered in football and 
received an honorable mention All-Scholastic. In 1983, he lettered and 
was named to the first team All-Scholastic as a running back. That 
year, he rushed for 1100 yards and scored 20 touchdowns. He was a 
leading scorer in the Wyoming Valley Conference with 20 touchdowns, a 
safety, and a two-point conversion. For his efforts, the Citizens' 
Voice named him Offensive Player of the Year, and he was named All-
Conference VFW Player of the Year and WVC Second Leading Rusher. He 
played on the UNICO West Team, and in 2009, he was inducted into the 
Wyoming Area Ring of Pride. In addition to football, Eric played 
basketball and ran track.
  Eric continued his football and academic careers at Lock Haven 
University. His freshman year he was the team's leading rusher and 
started seven games, He lettered in 1984-1985 and had 122 carries for 
585 yards, five touchdowns, and one receiving touchdown. He then 
transferred to Bloomsburg University where he lettered in football in 
1987 and 1989. While at Bloomsburg, he had 405 rushing yards with one 
touchdown and 90 yards receiving with one touchdown.
  After graduating from college, Eric continued to pursue his passion 
for football. He played adult flag football from 1990 to 2006 in the 
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton area. In 2000, he joined the coaching staff of 
his alma mater, Wyoming Area. He also returned to West Pittston Rams 
mini football as coach from 1990 to 2006; his teams made the playoffs 
nine out of his ten seasons with the team. In 2000, they were the Super 
Bow1 runners-up.
  It is an honor to recognize Eric 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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