[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 14]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 19728]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                      IN MEMORY OF THOMAS HERRION

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MICHAEL C. BURGESS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, September 7, 2005

  Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to give tribute to Thomas 
Herrion, from Fort Worth, Texas, and his passion for life. He died at 
the tender age of 23 after collapsing in the San Francisco 49ers locker 
room following a National Football League exhibition game.
  Thomas was one of seven children growing up in south Fort Worth. He 
often played the drums at church where his father was the minister. 
While attending Polytechnic High School, he was a 4-year starter for 
the football team, a center for the basketball team, and competed in 
discus and the shot-put on the track team. When he wasn't competing or 
studying, he worked to help support his family. After high school, he 
went on to play for Kilgore Junior College and the University of Utah.
  Thomas will be remembered as a hard worker and someone who lived his 
life to the fullest. He always had a bright personality that made 
everyone laugh, and he had passion for life and infused this zeal into 
everything he did. His ultimate dream, after finishing his NFL career, 
was to return home to Fort Worth and help his community. Thomas wanted 
to get his teaching degree and coach football. First in his heart was 
his mother--he wanted to always be there for her and planned to her the 
house of her dreams.
  I extend my condolences to the family and friends of Thomas Herrion. 
His legacy will serve as an inspiration those who strive to achieve 
their dreams and live life to the fullest.

                          ____________________