Tribute to William "Doc" Samko

TRIBUTE TO WILLIAM "DOC" SAMKO -- (Extensions of Remarks - May 21, 2004)

SPEECH OF
HON. JAMES P. McGOVERN
OF MASSACHUSETTS
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
THURSDAY, MAY 20, 2004

Mr. MCGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, I am honored today to pay tribute to William "Doc" Samko, in honor of his 37 wonderful years of service to Worcester Academy-my alma mater.

Doc has been the athletic trainer at Worcester Academy since the 1966-67 school year. Throughout his tenure he has been a teacher, a healer, a mentor and a friend to thousands of young students. He has guided them through injury and defeat with grace and humor.

I myself played football at Worcester Academy, although I never really got enough playing time to risk injury. I like to say I played "left bench." It's probably for the best. But I knew that if I ever got hurt, Doc Samko would be there to help.

Before his time at Worcester Academy, Doc worked at Holy Cross College in Worcester, where he helped the likes of Bob Cousy, Tommy Heinsohn, and other greats of that era. A pioneer in his field, Doc has been inducted into the Worcester Academy Hall of Fame and the National Athletic Trainers Hall of Fame.

Now in his 80's, he's still going strong. On May 22, Doc will be honored at a dinner in the Worcester Academy gymnasium, where he will be surrounded by family, friends, and admirers. I only hope the gym is big enough, because a lot of people admire and love Doc Samko.

Mr. Speaker, I know the entire House of Representatives joins me in paying tribute to Doc Samko, and we wish him and his family all the best in the years to come.

END