[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 141 (Friday, September 1, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E805]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               RECOGNIZING THE LIFE OF RANDY COATES, SR.

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BRIAN HIGGINS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 1, 2023

  Mr. HIGGINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, today I am honored to recognize 
the late Randy Coates, Sr. and his accomplishments as a public servant. 
A graduate of East High School in the early 1970s, he enjoyed 
tremendous success with the football and track & field teams. Upon 
graduation, Randy joined the United States Army in 1975 and was 
stationed at Fort Huachuca, Arizona.
  Randy discovered his passion for coaching basketball upon returning 
to Buffalo. He started coaching in the Randy Smith Summer Basketball 
League, coaching a team in both the men's and women's divisions. He 
took pride in his teams, and strived to not only teach basketball, but 
life lessons, as well. He left youth basketball to become the head 
women's basketball coach at Daemen College, and later an assistant 
coach at Hilbert College.
  After a successful college coaching career, Randy focused back on 
developing and mentoring children in the community. In 1990, Randy 
began his career at the Boys & Girls Clubs Bailey-Doat. At the Boys & 
Girls Club, Randy formed great relationships with local youth and 
created a basketball team that won several Randy Smith Summer 
Basketball League Championships. Following years of success, Mr. Coates 
went to work at the Masten Boys and Girls Club, where he would 
eventually become director. There, Randy continued to coach basketball, 
but also introduced both in house football leagues and video games, 
which he would often bring from home for the children to play.
  Randy encouraged these young men and women to achieve and sustain 
success. He would often note that the work they put into their craft is 
what they are going to get out of it. On this, the official Randy 
Coates Sr. Day in the City of Buffalo, I am delighted to honor his 
memory. His legacy is celebrated by his wife, Ronnell, his children, 
grandchildren, and countless grateful community members who have been 
inspired by Randy's unwavering dedication to the betterment of Buffalo.

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