[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 202 (Thursday, December 7, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1192]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO OLIVER ``BUDDY'' POUGH

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JAMES E. CLYBURN

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, December 7, 2023

  Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a loyal 
South Carolina State University alumnus, inspirational leader, and 
legendary football coach on his retirement. Coach Oliver ``Buddy'' 
Pough will retire as head coach of the South Carolina State Bulldogs 
football team at the end of the 2023 season after 22 years.
  Coach Pough first joined the South Carolina State Football Team as an 
undergraduate student in the 1970s. As an offensive lineman, Pough 
helped lead his team to a league crown and back-to-back postseason 
appearances. After graduation, Pough's passion for the sport led him to 
seek a career in coaching. Over three decades, Pough coached at 
numerous South Carolina high schools and the University of South 
Carolina before returning to South Carolina State University as the 
school's 14th head coach in 2002.
  Under Coach Pough's leadership, the team found almost immediate 
success. In 2004, the team tied for the Mid-Easter Athletic Conference 
(MEAC) championship. This was followed by back-to-back outright MEAC 
titles and FCS playoff appearances during the 2008 and 2009 seasons. 
Later, Coach Pough led the team to four additional shared MEAC titles 
and two additional FCS playoff appearances. After almost two decades as 
head coach, Pough secured his first Celebration Bowl Championship in 
2021 and his fifth HBCU National Crown.
  Coach Pough is ranked among the top HBCU and MEAC coaches of all 
time. He has won three MEAC Coach of the Year Awards, two National 
Coach of the Year awards, and two national HBCU titles. In 2019, Coach 
Pough became the winningest head football coach in South Carolina State 
University history. During his retirement, Coach Pough hopes to spend 
more time with his wife of 47 years, Josie, his sons, and his 
grandchildren.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and our colleagues join me in celebrating 
Coach Pough's remarkable career. He is well-regarded by his peers in 
South Carolina and across the Nation and has transformed the lives of 
countless student-athletes on and off the field. Coach Pough will 
remain a pillar of the SC State community and continue to make our 
beloved alma mater shine every day.

                          ____________________