The publication is reproduced in full below:
HONORING GARY MANN ON HIS 80TH BIRTHDAY
______
HON. JACKIE WALORSKI
of indiana
in the house of representatives
Thursday, December 9, 2021
Mrs. WALORSKI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor an outstanding Hoosier, Gary Mann, as he celebrates his 80th birthday on December 13, 2021. Truly a giant in Elkhart, Indiana, Gary has demonstrated great leadership, excellence, and service throughout this life.
Gary, who graduated from Elkhart High School in the Class of 1959, was an exceptional student athlete. During his high school career, he earned two varsity letters each in football, baseball, and basketball. As a basketball player, Gary helped the Blazers reach the IHSAA state finals and, as a senior, was part of the Elkhart High School team that reached the sectional championship.
While he was a tremendous athlete across the board, Gary truly excelled on the football field. He rarely left the field during his football career, playing punter, tight end on offense, and safety on defense. Gary led the Blue Blazers in interceptions as a senior and was named MVP that year.
Following his storied high school sports career, Gary earned a full-
ride scholarship to play football at Arizona State. Later, he earned a teaching degree from Ball State University and returned home to Elkhart County to teach and coach.
In the classroom, Gary taught generations of students as a history teacher at West Side Middle School. Additionally, he served as a longtime coach across the county. His tenures spanned ten years as Elkhart Memorial High School varsity football assistant, twelve years as Elkhart Central High School varsity football assistant, two years as Elkhart High School varsity wrestling assistant, nine years as West Side Middle School freshman football coach, and five years as the West Side Middle School seventh grade football, wrestling, and track coach.
For decades, Gary has been a respected mentor, coach, community leader, and role model to hundreds of young adults--both on and off the field. In recognition of his amazing legacy, Gary was inducted into the Elkhart County Sports Hall of Fame in 2012.
At home and across Elkhart County, he is well known for his support, guidance, encouragement, and work ethic that has motivated his family and so many other Hoosiers. Gary and his wife, Ann, were married in 1962 and have been blessed with two children, five grandchildren, and three great-granddaughters.
As Gary celebrates this incredible milestone, it is my privilege to honor him for his many accomplishments and--most importantly--his devoted service to the Hoosiers of Elkhart County. I wish Gary a happy birthday, and continued health and happiness in the years to come.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 213
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