[Page H775]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       HONORING THE LEGACY OF METAMORA HIGH SCHOOL COACH PAT RYAN

  (Mr. LaHOOD asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. LaHOOD. Madam Speaker, I rise today in the House to recognize and 
congratulate Metamora High School head football coach Pat Ryan, who has 
announced his retirement after 30 years at the helm of the program.
  Over his 30-year tenure, Coach Ryan has led the Redbirds to seven 
championship games and two State titles. He retires with a record of 
268-76, and a spot in the Illinois High School Football Hall of Fame.
  Coach Ryan's greatness is known across central Illinois. His players 
love him. His students love him. Even his rivals love him, or at least 
love competing against him.
  Not only is Coach Ryan a legend on the field, but his success off the 
field in modeling young men is unrivaled and unmatched. Coach Ryan 
coached thousands of students and left a profound impact on the lives 
of countless players. Many of his former players have become educators 
and coaches themselves and attribute their career paths to Coach Ryan's 
positive influence on their lives.
  Congrats to Coach Ryan on his legendary career, both on and off the 
field. He has made our central Illinois community a better place, and 
he will be missed on Friday nights. I congratulate him on his Hall of 
Fame career.
  Go Redbirds.

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