[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 18]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 24415]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO DR. DUANE VANDENBUSCHE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, October 8, 2003

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to stand before this body of 
Congress today to honor a very accomplished citizen from my district. 
Duane Vandenbusche of Gunnison, Colorado has guided the track and 
cross-country teams at Western State College to numerous national 
titles. Along the way, he has instilled many important values such as 
discipline and teamwork into his student athletes that have helped them 
mature into successful young men and women. For his remarkable success 
and his dedicated commitment to Colorado's youth, I am proud to 
recognize Duane here today.
  Duane started his career at Western State College as a history 
professor in 1962 and began helping the track team a few years later by 
timing the athletes. From that humble beginning, Duane went on to 
become the program's head coach, and eventually one of the most 
successful coaches in the country. Under his tutelage, the women's 
cross-country team claimed one NAIA championship and three NCAA 
Division II National Titles. The men's squad has been equally 
impressive, winning one NAIA title and five NCAA national 
championships.
  Duane's remarkable accomplishments have not gone unnoticed. In 
addition to his team titles, Duane has been named National Coach of the 
Year in cross-country seven times. For his success and dedication to 
the sport, he will be inducted next spring into Michigan's Upper 
Peninsula Sports Hall of Fame.
  Mr. Speaker, despite all of the praise and accolades that have been 
bestowed on him, Duane Vandenbusche has kept his head on the ground and 
his focus on his students. He is a true credit to his community and the 
educational institution he serves. I am truly privileged to have this 
opportunity to congratulate Duane on his accomplishments, thank him for 
his four decades of hard work with our young people, and to wish him 
the very best in his future endeavors.

                          ____________________