[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 11] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page 14423] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]RECOGNIZING MR. GARY WILLIAMS, THE UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND'S MOST WINNINGEST COACH ______ HON. C.A. DUTCH RUPPERSBERGER of maryland in the house of representatives Thursday, July 13, 2006 Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Mr. Speaker, it isn't often a gifted and talented athlete has an opportunity to exercise his skills as a coach. It is even less common for that athlete to coach at his alma mater. It is rarer still for that athlete to be recognized as one of the best coaches on the collegiate level. For this reason, it gives me great pleasure to rise before you today to celebrate the career of a good friend, a strong athlete, and an exceptional basketball coach, Mr. Gary Williams of the University of Maryland's Terrapins. I have had the privilege of knowing Gary for a number of years. We were undergraduates at the University of Maryland at the same time. While I devoted my time to the university's lacrosse team, Gary could be found tearing up the university's basketball court. Throughout his career, I have watched Gary excel as a leader in collegiate athletics. The university's basketball team won only nine games the year before Gary took over as head coach. Under his leadership, they turned around their losing streak by winning 19 games in his first season. After his 17th season as the Terrapins's coach, Gary Williams surpassed legendary Charles ``Lefty'' Driesell as the University of Maryland's ``winningest coach''--reaching 353 career victories. Gary led his team from a troubled period to national distinction. Under his direction, the Terrapins have made it to the Sweet Sixteen seven times, had two consecutive Final Four appearances, and relished a national championship in 2002. His is a story of pure determination, impeccable drive, and unprecedented excellence. The former point guard for the Terps received the highest honor as an alumnus by being inducted into the university's Alumni Hall of Fame. He was ranked ninth among active NCAA Division I coaches. He was named the Washingtonian Magazine's ``Washingtonian of the Year'' and he was inducted into the Greater Washington Sports Hall of Champions, as well as the Washington, DC Metropolitan Basketball Hall of Fame. Gary Williams has cemented his legacy by not only devoting his time and energy to the Terrapins, but by giving back to the community at large. Throughout the year, Gary remains active in charity work, fundraising, and public speaking engagements. He is involved with Coaches vs. Cancer, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, National Autism Research, the National Physical Education Council, the Salvation Army, and the Babe Ruth Museum. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you please join with me today in recognition of the achievements of an outstanding athlete and coach. Mr. Gary Williams has made significant strides in collegiate athletics. His leadership has allowed his team to dominate basketball courts for 17 seasons. His legacy will be remembered for years to come. ____________________