“I am honoring former Washington State University football coach Bill Doba, who recently died at 85. He spent 19 seasons coaching at the school and had a big impact on the community.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a legend in Washington State University Cougars’ athletics, former head football coach, Bill Doba, who passed away last week at the age of 85. Bill was a great man and a great football coach, a longtime defensive coordinator, and 5-year head coach for the Cougars from 2003 to 2007. In all, he worked 19 seasons at WSU and was the lead architect of the renowned Palouse Posse defense, which led the country in 1994. Bill was also a very devoted husband. Many knew of his lifetime romance with his wonderful wife, Judy. Judy herself was a great woman. I knew her personally when she volunteered frequently in my mother’s kindergarten classroom at Franklin Elementary. Bill Doba left a great impact on the entire State of Washington and the Pullman community, and he is remembered fondly. Given that this is Apple Cup week, Mr. Speaker, I think it is also worth noting that Coach Bill Doba had a winning record against the Huskies and gave them a spanking in his last Apple Cup. Rest in peace, Bill Doba, and thank you for all you have done for Cougar nation.”

• Little substance
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  Speech in the House

  Signal 31 of 100

  Much of this statement went to praise, blame, greetings, routine procedure or general stories rather than reasons, requests or specific points.

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“I am honoring Walt Worthy. He created a grant that will give millions of dollars to Spokane wildfire victims in memory of his wife, Karen.”

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a great member of the Spokane community, Mr. Walt Worthy. Many people know Walt and his wonderful wife, Karen, for their tremendous work to revitalize the Davenport Hotel. Today, I honor Walt for his extremely generous establishment of the Karen Worthy Memorial Wildfire Grant that will fund personal $10,000 donations to victims of the Spokane fires. In total, his generous donation could approach beyond $5 million, perhaps even $10 million, depending on how many fire victims are deemed eligible. It was only fitting that this announcement was made at Balboa Elementary School in the neighborhood of the fires and named in honor of his beloved wife, Karen. Karen taught first grade at Balboa Elementary School for nearly 20 years as Walt transitioned from his career as a survival specialist with the United States Air Force into a career as a builder and a developer. I thank Walt Worthy for his generosity to the victims of these terrible fires. I thank him for all he has done for Washington State, our Spokane community, and indeed these United States of America. I am pleased to share his lifetime romance in memory of Karen here on the floor of Congress.”