Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, many years ago, an outstanding coach from my home State of Minnesota once said, ``I learned early on that you do not put greatness into people but somehow try to pull it out.'' That coach was Herb Brooks, who led Team USA to victory at the 1980 Olympics. Minnesota is home to many outstanding coaches who carry on the legacy of Coach Brooks every day. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize two of my district's incredible coaches for receiving awards from the Minnesota Hockey Coaches Association. St. Michael-Albertville High School's Jerremiah Johnson achieved the AA John Mariucci coach of the year award, and Andover High School's Brett Barta received the assistant head coach of the year award. In Minnesota, we treat the sport of hockey as a lifestyle, and our youth coaches spend a lot of time with our young people. I am proud that coaches like Coach Johnson and Coach Barta are carrying on the legacy of Minnesota legends like John Mariucci and Herb Brooks and pulling the greatness out of our young athletes every day. Thank you, Jerremiah and Brett, for passing on lessons in perseverance, integrity, and the great game of hockey to the next generation. Celebrating the St. Michael-Albertville High School Wrestling Team”