[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 213 (Thursday, December 9, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1350-E1351]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING GARY MANN ON HIS 80TH BIRTHDAY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JACKIE WALORSKI

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, December 9, 2021

  Mrs. WALORSKI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor an outstanding 
Hoosier, Gary Mann, as he celebrates his 80th birthday on December 13, 
2021. Truly a giant in Elkhart, Indiana, Gary has demonstrated great 
leadership, excellence, and service throughout this life.
  Gary, who graduated from Elkhart High School in the Class of 1959, 
was an exceptional student athlete. During his high school career, he 
earned two varsity letters each in football, baseball, and basketball. 
As a basketball player, Gary helped the Blazers reach the IHSAA state 
finals and, as a senior, was part of the Elkhart High School team that 
reached the sectional championship.
  While he was a tremendous athlete across the board, Gary truly 
excelled on the football field. He rarely left the field during his 
football career, playing punter, tight end on offense, and safety on 
defense. Gary led the Blue Blazers in interceptions as a senior and was 
named MVP that year.
  Following his storied high school sports career, Gary earned a full-
ride scholarship to play football at Arizona State. Later, he earned a 
teaching degree from Ball State University and returned home to Elkhart 
County to teach and coach.
  In the classroom, Gary taught generations of students as a history 
teacher at West Side Middle School. Additionally, he served as a 
longtime coach across the county. His tenures spanned ten years as 
Elkhart Memorial High School varsity football assistant, twelve years 
as Elkhart Central High School varsity football assistant, two years as 
Elkhart High School varsity wrestling assistant, nine years as West 
Side Middle School freshman football coach, and five years as the West 
Side Middle School seventh grade football, wrestling, and track coach.
  For decades, Gary has been a respected mentor, coach, community 
leader, and role model to hundreds of young adults--both on and off the 
field. In recognition of his amazing legacy, Gary was inducted into the 
Elkhart County Sports Hall of Fame in 2012.
  At home and across Elkhart County, he is well known for his support, 
guidance, encouragement, and work ethic that has motivated his family 
and so many other Hoosiers. Gary and his wife, Ann, were married in 
1962 and have been blessed with two children, five grandchildren, and 
three great-granddaughters.
  As Gary celebrates this incredible milestone, it is my privilege to 
honor him for his many accomplishments and--most importantly--his 
devoted service to the Hoosiers of Elkhart County. I wish Gary a happy 
birthday, and continued health and happiness in the years to come.

[[Page E1351]]

  

                          ____________________