[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 202 (Thursday, December 7, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1189]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





         RECOGNIZING THE RETIREMENT OF COACH CHARLES COVINGTON

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. TRENT KELLY

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, December 7, 2023

  Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise to acknowledge Coach 
Charles Covington, who recently announced his retirement from coaching, 
weeks after Saltillo secured both the Class 6A boys' and girls' state 
titles. Hailing from Hereford, Maryland, Covington joined Saltillo in 
1984 as a Bible teacher following his graduation from Virginia Tech. 
Fueled by his passion for the sport, he played a pivotal role in 
establishing the sports program at Saltillo.
  More than three decades ago, in 1984, Coach Covington founded 
Saltillo High School's inaugural cross-country team. He embarked on his 
coaching journey, guiding his first cross-country runner in 1988 and 
forming the first complete team in 1990. Prior to accepting the 
position, Covington boldly assured his administrators that he would 
produce a state champion within a few years. Reflecting on those early 
days, he shared in an article in the Tupelo Daily Journal, ``They 
reminded me of that after three or four years when we weren't state 
champions yet. They were gracious and didn't hold me to my brag.''
  After patiently building the program, Covington led his team to their 
inaugural title in 1999, marking the beginning of an impressive legacy. 
Throughout his tenure at Saltillo, he accumulated a total of 29 state 
championships in cross country, comprising twenty for girls, seven for 
boys, and two for junior high. Covington's achievements include eight 
State Coach of the Year honors and one National Coach of the Year 
recognition.
  In a statement, Covington expressed, ``My real joy and fulfillment 
has been in the relationships with my runners and their families. 
Coaching at Saltillo has been a dream job and a great blessing.'' 
Although retiring from coaching, Coach Covington will continue teaching 
Ancient History and serving as a pastor in Tupelo.
  I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Coach Covington for his unwavering 
dedication and devotion to Saltillo High School and the community over 
the span of 30 years.

                          ____________________