The publication is reproduced in full below:
IN RECOGNITION OF THE LATE HAROLD EDWARD ``RED'' GRANGE ON HIS
INDUCTION INTO THE LUZERNE COUNTY SPORTS HALL OF FAME
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HON. MATT CARTWRIGHT
of pennsylvania
in the house of representatives
Thursday, July 29, 2021
Mr. CARTWRIGHT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor former athlete and Northeastern Pennsylvania native, the late Harold Edward ``Red'' Grange. Harold will be inducted into the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame for his distinct athletic achievements in the sport of football. He and his fellow inductees will be honored at a reception on August 8, 2021.
Each year the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame honors those who have brought fame and recognition to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania through their outstanding achievements and contributions in athletic endeavors.
Harold was born on June 13, 1903 to Sarah ``Sadie'' and John ``Lyle'' Grange in Forksville, Pennsylvania. After his wife passed away in 1910 from typhoid fever, Lyle moved his family to Wheaton, Illinois to be closer to relatives. Eager to support his family, Harold began delivering blocks of ice to Wheaton-area homes after proving he could lift the 75-pound blocks of ice on his shoulders with ease. The strenuous job not only primed his body for the physical demands of football but also earned him the nickname, ``Wheaton Iceman.''
Harold had a standout high school football career, scoring 75 touchdowns. He continued his athletic career at the University of Illinois where he was known as the ``Galloping Ghost'' for his unparalleled agility and speed. On October 18, 1924, he helped lead the team to a national championship over Michigan in a game where he scored four touchdowns and covered 262 yards in the first twelve minutes. While at Illinois. he was an All-American three times and, in 1924, was the first recipient of the Silver Football Award as the Big Ten's Most Valuable Player. He was named to the Sporting News All-Team, the Big Ten Diamond Anniversary Team, the Walter Camp All-Century Team, and the UI All-Century Team. In 1925, the University of Illinois retired his number, No. 77, the first of only two players to date to have that honor.
At the last game of his impressive collegiate career, Harold signed a professional contract with the Chicago Bears. With his magnetic presence and athletic prowess on the field, crowds would flock to the stadium to watch him lead his team to championships. For his efforts, Harold is credited with sparking the new interest Americans began to show in football and helping to legitimize and popularize the National Football League. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame as well as the Pro Football Hall of Fame. A historical marker on Route 154 near the intersection with Route 87 in Forksville, PA commemorates Harold's storied football career.
In 1941, Harold married Margaret Hazelberg. He had a daughter with Helen Morrissey in 1928, Rosemary Morrisey, and he has a granddaughter Rose Batka. He died on January 28, 1991.
It is an honor to recognize Harold 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. 133
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