The publication is reproduced in full below:
IN RECOGNITION OF ERIC SPEECE 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, coach, and Northeastern Pennsylvania native Eric Speece. Eric will be inducted into the Luzerne County Sports Hall of Fame in 2021 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.
Eric first stepped on the football field as a member of the West Pittston Rams mini football team. He helped lead the team to two championships, one in 1976 and one in 1978. He played Little League Baseball for Halls Nursery/Millers Economy; his team won the championship in 1979. He also wrestled in junior high.
Eric attended Wyoming Area High School, where he was a key player on the football team. While in high school, he gained over 1700 rushing yards and scored 26 touchdowns. In 1982, he lettered in football and received an honorable mention All-Scholastic. In 1983, he lettered and was named to the first team All-Scholastic as a running back. That year, he rushed for 1100 yards and scored 20 touchdowns. He was a leading scorer in the Wyoming Valley Conference with 20 touchdowns, a safety, and a two-point conversion. For his efforts, the Citizens' Voice named him Offensive Player of the Year, and he was named All-
Conference VFW Player of the Year and WVC Second Leading Rusher. He played on the UNICO West Team, and in 2009, he was inducted into the Wyoming Area Ring of Pride. In addition to football, Eric played basketball and ran track.
Eric continued his football and academic careers at Lock Haven University. His freshman year he was the team's leading rusher and started seven games, He lettered in 1984-1985 and had 122 carries for 585 yards, five touchdowns, and one receiving touchdown. He then transferred to Bloomsburg University where he lettered in football in 1987 and 1989. While at Bloomsburg, he had 405 rushing yards with one touchdown and 90 yards receiving with one touchdown.
After graduating from college, Eric continued to pursue his passion for football. He played adult flag football from 1990 to 2006 in the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton area. In 2000, he joined the coaching staff of his alma mater, Wyoming Area. He also returned to West Pittston Rams mini football as coach from 1990 to 2006; his teams made the playoffs nine out of his ten seasons with the team. In 2000, they were the Super Bow1 runners-up.
It is an honor to recognize Eric 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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