[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 17600-17601]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




             TRIBUTE TO RICHARD MICHAEL ``MUGGS'' McGINNIS

                                  _____
                                 

                        HON. BILL PASCRELL, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, November 15, 2010

  Mr. PASCRELL. Madam Speaker, I would like to call to your attention 
the life of an outstanding individual, Richard Michael ``Muggs'' 
McGinnis, who retired this year after over 3 decades of service as a 
teacher, coach and youth sports official in my hometown of Paterson, 
New Jersey. Mr. McGinnis will be honored by his admirers at the 
Brownstone in Paterson on Friday, October 22nd.
  Mr. McGinnis was born and raised in Paterson, where he attended Don 
Bosco Technical and Vocational High School. At Don Bosco Tech, he was 
actively involved in Student Government and the National Honor Society. 
However, his true passion lay in sport. He earned recognition for 
representing his school on the soccer field, basketball court, and 
baseball diamond
  In 1970, ``Muggs,'' as Mr. McGinnis is affectionately nicknamed, 
enrolled at Montclair State College. During his first year, he played 
baseball for his college. However, in 1972 he chose to begin sharing 
his gift for athletics with others. That year, he began his long and 
storied coaching career, returning to his alma mater, Don Bosco, to 
serve as an Assistant Baseball Coach. He graduated with a B.A. in 
Mathematics Education from Montclair State in 1974.
  Shortly after his graduation, ``Muggs'' earned his teaching 
certification and started sharing his considerable intellectual gifts. 
He began working full-time at Don Bosco teaching mathematics and was 
promoted to Mathematics Department Chairperson after just one year.
  In 1980, ``Muggs'' moved to John F. Kennedy High School where he also 
taught math and coached soccer and baseball. He also coached soccer for 
Ramapo College of New Jersey, worked for the City of Paterson Board of 
Recreation, and officiated soccer, basketball, and baseball at all 
levels. Beloved by his students and athletes as a coach, educator and 
friend, his tireless energy and enthusiasm should serve as an example 
for all Americans.

[[Page 17601]]

  ``Muggs'' retired from JFK High School in June 2010 after 30 years of 
dedicated service.
  The job of a United States Congressman involves much that is 
rewarding, yet nothing compares to learning about and recognizing 
individuals like Muggs McGinnis.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that you join our colleagues, Muggs' family and 
friends, all the students and athletes whose lives he has touched and 
me in recognizing Mr. Richard Michael ``Muggs'' McGinnis.

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