April 6, 2011 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS, Vol. 157, Pt. 4 5367 program provides the only opportunity for ciation team, the Memphis Tams. From 1975 Sam has strength of character and a true many of the moms to have any time away to 1979, Larry Finch was the assistant coach servant’s heart in his community. After grad- from their families to do chores, run errands to his former coach at the Uni- uating from Anderson High school, he went on or just have a quiet moment for themselves. I have come to realize how important this versity of Alabama Birmingham and then the to receive a degree in Administration of Crimi- program is to the special needs community. assistant coach at Memphis State from 1979 nal Justice from Anderson University and then I feel very blessed for my own family and to 1986 before replacing as head graduated from the Indiana Law Enforcement feel fortunate that I am able to help other coach. Academy. He is a member of the Madison families. Larry Finch served as the first African Amer- Park Church of God, and coached football in —Grant Tollette ican head coach for the Memphis State Tigers the Anderson community for thirty years. f from 1986 to 1997. He was responsible for re- Never one to sit on the sidelines, Sam has cruiting and training Memphis greats such as boldly answered the call of duty even in the HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY , Anfernee ‘‘Penny’’ Hardaway, face of danger. OF MEMPHIS STATE BASKET- David Voughn and the late . In 1978 Sam was shot six times in the line BALL PLAYER AND COACH, During his tenure, Coach Finch amassed of duty—in the face, chest, and arm. Yet even LARRY FINCH seven 20+ win seasons. He took the Tigers to after that tragedy, Sam remained dedicated to the NCAA Tournament six times with the public service and only recently retired after HON. STEVE COHEN 1991–1992 team led by Hardaway going to 37 years of service with the Madison County OF TENNESSEE the . At the end of his coaching ca- Sheriff’s Department. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES reer, Larry Finch had a 220–130 coaching Those who know Sam and worked with him Wednesday, April 6, 2011 record and was named ’ on the sheriff’s department recognize him for ‘‘all-time winningest coach,’’ a title he still his dedication to helping others and willing- Mr. COHEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to holds today. In 2000, the University of Mem- ness to do whatever it takes. He served self- pay tribute to the life and legacy of former phis dedicated a world-class practice facility in lessly day after day, and received the distin- Memphis State player and men’s his honor—the Larry O. Finch Center. guished ‘‘Law Enforcement Officer of the basketball coach, Larry Finch. Coach Finch Larry loved playing against Louisville as ei- Year’’ award five times. I know that his integ- was born on February 16, 1951 in Memphis, ther a player or a coach. He was proud of rity and commitment to the cause will forever Tennessee. He grew up in the historic Orange besting the Louisville Cardinals 16 out of 27 be an example to those who serve after him. Mound neighborhood and attended Melrose times throughout his basketball career. His Though Sam has officially retired from the High School. Unaware of the impact his life 1987 Metro Conference Championship win Madison County Sheriff’s Department, he con- and love for basketball would have on the city over Louisville in Freedom Hall was perhaps tinues to serve as Investigator of Senior Pro- of Memphis, Larry Finch would help ease race his most memorable meeting against Louis- tective Services for the Prosecutor of Madison relations during a sharply divided era and go ville. The Tigers won that game 75–52, beat- County. He is a dedicated husband of more on to lead the Memphis State Tigers to the ing the Cardinals for the third time. The Tigers than thirty years to his bride Lori, and the fa- NCAA Tournament finals then coach the team ended that season 26–8 and Finch was ther of three sons—Kris, Matt, and Andrew. to its greatest number of wins. named Basketball Times Rookie Coach of the Today I honor Sam’s legacy of service, and Larry Finch joined the Memphis State Tigers Year. wish to express my sincere gratitude for his in 1969. During a time of high racial upheaval Larry was loved by many in the Memphis leadership. I am grateful for his friendship and in Memphis, he along with his teammate, Mel- community. After suffering from a stroke in look forward to his continued community im- rose graduate Ronnie Robinson, helped inte- 2002, those close to him created the Friends pact. He is truly an inspiration. grate the Tigers. Although he received much of Larry Finch Foundation to help cover med- f advice on schools to attend, he ultimately ical expenses. In 2006, the Foundation re- chose Memphis State because of his love and leased a tribute CD called ‘‘Eye of the Tiger: RULES COMMITTEE RECORD VOTE pride for his city. It was his love for both bas- A Tribute to Larry Finch.’’ It featured songs by NO. 65 AND NO. 66 ketball and Memphis that united the city like Memphis performers Al Green, The Bar-Kays, never before. Blacks and whites came to- Gary Johns, John Kilzer and Al Kapone. HON. ROB WOODALL gether, unconcerned about race, to cheer for Larry Finch passed away on April 2, 2011 at OF GEORGIA the Tigers and for Larry Finch. the young age of 60. He will be missed by IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES During Finch’s college career, the Tigers many in Memphis including two of his closest Wednesday, April 6, 2011 had a 63–21 record and either won or tied for friends, Leonard Draper and Randy Wade, the two Missouri Valley Conference champion- many players whose lives he touched and Mr. WOODALL. Mr. Speaker, the report (H. ships. In 1972, Larry was the Missouri Valley hundreds of fans across Memphis and the Na- Rept. 112–53) accompanying H. Res. 200, Conference Player of the Year and was tion. He is survived by his wife Vickie, his filed last evening, inadvertently omitted the full named All-America honorable mention by both daughter Shanae Deon Finch and two sons, descriptions of votes No. 65 and 66 of the the Associated Press and UPI. In his senior Larry Finch, Jr. and James Finch. He is also Committee. The full descriptions and totals are year, Larry Finch led his team to the 1973 survived by his sister, Gloria Finch, and four as follows: NCAA Tournament championship game brothers, Barry, Gary, Greg and Ronald Finch. RULES COMMITTEE RECORD VOTE NO. 65 against the UCLA Bruins. He scored an im- Larry Finch was predeceased by two beloved Motion by Mr. HASTINGS of Florida to amend pressive 29 points but the Tigers still fell to the younger sisters, Gail and Gwendolyn Finch. the rule to make in order and provide the ap- Bruins, 87–66. It’s reported that when asked Larry was a great American and we are lucky propriate waivers for amendment #1, offered why he helped UCLA lead off the he came this way for the people of Memphis by Rep. DOYLE (PA), which would reinstate the court after sustaining an injury to his ankle, he and our Nation. His was a life well lived. ability of the FCC to guard against internet ac- replied with laughter, ‘‘Because he was kicking f cess providers from blocking a consumer’s ac- our butt.’’ Bill Walton later noted that it was cess to lawful internet content. Defeated: 3–7 Larry Finch alone among all players on the HONORING SAM HANNA ON THE court that helped the star when he was in OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT Majority Members Vote Minority Members Vote need of assistance. Ms. Foxx ...... Nay Mr. McGovern ...... Yea After helping lead his team to the 1973 Mr. Bishop of Utah ...... Nay Mr. Hastings of Florida ...... Yea HON. MIKE PENCE Mr. Woodall ...... Nay Mr. Polis ...... Yea finals, Larry’s No. 21 jersey was retired. He OF INDIANA Mr. Nugent ...... Nay ...... was the Tiger’s all-time leading scorer and Mr. Scott of South Carolina Nay ...... IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Mr. Webster ...... Nay ...... currently ranks fourth with 1,869 points. The Mr. Dreier, Chairman ...... Nay ...... Tigers had never won an NCAA Tournament Wednesday, April 6, 2011 game before Larry Finch joined the team. Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to RULES COMMITTEE RECORD VOTE NO. 66 Larry Finch was drafted by the Los Angeles honor the long and storied career of Sam Motion by Mr. POLIS to amend the rule to Lakers after graduating but instead decided to Hanna. Sam is not only a friend, but a man make in order and provide the appropriate sign with the local American Basketball Asso- whom I greatly admire. waivers for amendment #2, offered by Rep.

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