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FOXX HONORS COACH ‘BIG HOUSE’ GAINES ON HOUSE FLOOR

Washington, DC, April 20, 2005
Today, U.S. Rep. Virginia Foxx (N.C.-5) gave a speech on the House floor to honor former Winston-Salem State University Coach Clarence “Big House” Gaines. The following is her remarks:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Amy Auth
202-225-2071

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay my respects to Coach Clarence ‘Big House’ Gaines, who passed away on Monday, April 18, 2005. Coach Gaines was a college basketball icon, having guided the Rams to an amazing 828 wins during his 47 seasons at Winston-Salem State University. His record of success places him fifth on the NCAA career coaching wins list, just behind Dean Smith, Adolph Rupp, Bob Knight and Jim Phelean.

“Under Coach Gaines’ leadership, the Winston-Salem State Rams won eleven CIAA titles and became the first predominantly black college to ever win an NCAA basketball title.

“Coach Gaines was inducted into many halls of fame and was named CIAA Coach of the Year several times. He was also named NCAA Coach of the Year in 1967.

“Coach Gaines was a truly remarkable man and he will be missed. My condolences go out to his wife, Clara, and his two children.”

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