[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 80 (Tuesday, May 13, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E418]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       RECOGNIZING DEAN LANCASTER

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GUS M. BILIRAKIS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 13, 2025

  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding 
contributions that Mr. Dean Lancaster has made as a volunteer with the 
Hernando County School System. Mr. Lancaster offered his services as an 
announcer for high school basketball games. Coach Kupcik decided to 
allow him to announce at an upcoming game and had no idea what to 
expect. When Mr. Lancaster arrived to announce his first game, he came 
early, brought all his fancy equipment, and got to work setting up. 
That night, he blew everyone away and bought a real, college-like feel 
to the game. He was prepared and professional, enthusiastic and 
exciting. He brought music, catchphrases, and announcing on the call--
the whole nine yards. All night long people were asking, ``where did 
this guy come from?'', ``he is amazing!'', ``Can he come to every 
game?''. Coach Kupcik told him, ``You're hired!'' That day, and every 
day moving forward, he refused payment for his services. Mr. Lancaster 
always says it's his way of giving back to the community. Since his 
``tryout'', Mr. Lancaster has offered his talents, professionalism, and 
enthusiasm to every home Boys Basketball game at Springstead High 
School. Over the years, he has agreed to do the same for every home 
Varsity Football and Baseball game as well. Because he has been so 
popular and because he brings so much to the events he is announcing, 
Mr. Lancaster has also been requested to announce at other big events 
at Springstead, such as senior nights, their annual cheer competition 
and during the final matches of the historic Corey Hill Memorial 
Wrestling Tournament. As an Athletic Director, Coach Kupcik shares that 
having a consistent announcer locked in is always a plus. It's one less 
thing to worry about. But having a consistent, amazing, professional-
level announcer that transforms a relatively meaningless Tuesday night 
baseball or basketball game into a must-go-to, college like event for 
fans and players alike is truly a blessing. Mr. Lancaster is one of a 
kind, and is now a true part of what Springstead Athletics is, and 
forever an Eagle.
  It is clear Dean Lancaster has made a profoundly positive impact on 
our community, and I am grateful for his service. May we all strive to 
serve our communities with the same dedication and humility.

                          ____________________