Recognizing Harley Wheeler on His Rugby Achievements

Floor Speech

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Mr. BURCHETT. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize Harley Wheeler, an outstanding rugby player from Knoxville, Tennessee. His granddad, Roy, and his grandmother--he recently lost--Alice, were dear friends of mine.

Harley played rugby since he was 14 and is now one of the top players in the United States. Harley began his rugby career with the South Doyle Rugby Club while a student at South-Doyle High School. In 2015, he enrolled at Life University to compete on its rugby team at the collegiate level.

Harley's 4 years on the Life University rugby team were incredibly successful. The team advanced to the Division 1A College Rugby National Championship match every year he was on the team, and won the championship in 2016, 2018, and 2019.

After graduating with a degree in business, Harley was selected to represent the United States on the international stage at the 2019 Pan American Games in Lima, Peru. Team USA finished third at the games, defeating Brazil 24-19. Harley scored 10 points during the bronze medal match.

As we approach the 2020 Summer Olympics, I wish Harley the best of luck as he competes for a spot on the national rugby team. I hope to see him representing Knoxville and the United States in Japan.

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