The publication is reproduced in full below:
IN RECOGNITION OF PAUL RICHARDS ON HIS INDUCTION INTO THE LUZERNE
COUNTY SPORTS HALL OF FAME
______
HON. MATT CARTWRIGHT
of pennsylvania
in the house of representatives
Thursday, April 1, 2021
Mr. CARTWRIGHT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor former athlete, coach, and northeastern Pennsylvania native Paul Richards. Paul was inducted into the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame in 2020 for his distinct athletic achievements in the sport of swimming. He and his fellow inductees will be honored at a reception this spring.
Each year, the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame honors those who have brought fame and recognition to the State of Pennsylvania through their outstanding achievements and contributions in athletic endeavors.
Paul grew up in South Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, in a family of avid swimmers. From 1968 to 1971, he swam for E.L. Meyers High School where he helped lead the team to four consecutive District II championships. He earned three individual championships in the 100 butterfly, 200 freestyle, and 400 freestyle. In 1968, he was named All-State in the 400 freestyle. He held the school records in the 50, 100, 200, and 400 freestyle; the 100 butterfly; and the 200 individual medley.
Paul continued his academic and athletic careers at Bloomsburg State College in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania. He continued to excel in the pool, holding the school record in the 200 individual medley. He was a member of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) championship winning and record breaking 400 freestyle team which earned a berth at the 1974 national championship.
Paul's love of the sport led him to a four-decade collegiate coaching career. He began coaching at Hartwick College in Oneonta, New York, before moving to Mary Washington College in Fredericksburg, Virginia. He spent the last 26 years coaching the Dickinson College Red Devils in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.
Paul found great success at Dickinson. He coached his teams to more than 500 career wins and nine conference championships. His swimmers have been named conference champions, national champions, and NCAA All-
Americans. He has been recognized as Coach of the Year 10 times.
Paul has recently retired from coaching and teaching at Dickinson, and he lives in Carlisle with his wife, Jeanette.
It is an honor to recognize Paul on his induction into the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame. May his story and athletic career serve as an inspiration to the next generation of Pennsylvania athletes striving for excellence.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 59
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