[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 10]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 14148]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO GEORGE RYAN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, June 9, 2003

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with a profound sense of pride that I 
stand before this Congress and this Nation to pay tribute to an 
outstanding educator, coach and leader from my district. George Ryan of 
Grand Junction, Colorado spends most of his time with the student-
athletes of the area, providing them with leadership, and direction. I 
am honored to recognize his accomplishments here today.
  George grew up interested in sports, and worked hard to receive a 
football scholarship to Youngstown College but enlisted in the armed 
forces to dutifully serve our country. One of the greatest things to 
happen to George was being stationed at Fort Carson in Colorado, where 
he met a young nursing trainee who would soon become his wife, Mary 
Ann. The couple soon wound up in Grand Junction, where George became a 
teacher and coach.
  George's interest in our Nation's youth led him to serve on the 
District 51 school board. After some time there, he shifted his 
volunteer time to athletics and began to officiate at track meets. He 
worked as an insurance claims adjuster during the day, so he could 
provide some financial stability for his family. His hard work on the 
track garnered George quite a reputation as a track official, where he 
worked 15 State Track Championships. George was so good at his job that 
he received an invitation to the NCAA Track Championships in 1982, 
working the hammer throw, discus, and the javelin. He enjoys 
officiating track meets and working with young people so much that it 
has become his number one hobby.
  Mr. Speaker, I am honored to stand before this Congress and this 
Nation to praise George Ryan. George has provided the city of Grand 
Junction with an exemplary model of community service. He has spent 
countless hours helping children engage in sports, while providing them 
with a role model they can look up to and admire. Thank you, George, 
for your years of service.

                          ____________________