RECOGNIZING BILL POPE

On 2026-05-21, Representative Ben Cline (R-VA-6) delivered a floor speech titled "RECOGNIZING BILL POPE" in the House.

RECOGNIZING BILL POPE

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 87 (Thursday, May 21, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 87 (Thursday, May 21, 2026)] [House] [Page H3678] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING BILL POPE (Mr. Cline of Virginia was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.) Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an extraordinary coach, mentor, and pillar of the Roanoke community, Bill Pope, upon his retirement from Northside High School. For more than four decades as head coach and an incredible 46 years in total, Coach Pope has shaped generations of young men both on and off the basketball court. Under his leadership, the Northside Vikings achieved 680 wins, one of the highest totals in Virginia High School League history. His teams captured 17 district championships, 8 regional titles, and 3 State championships, including remarkable recent titles in 2019, 2023, and 2024. These achievements speak not only to his excellence as a coach but to his consistency, discipline, and enduring commitment to his players. In recognition of his lasting impact, the school fittingly named its gymnasium in his honor, a testament to the legacy he has built and the lives he has touched. As he steps away from the game, we thank Coach Pope for his service, his leadership, and his unwavering dedication to his community. May his legacy continue to inspire future generations of student-athletes. Recognizing Clarke County Girls' Basketball Team Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an extraordinary group of young women from Clarke County, whose teamwork and determination led them to victory in the Virginia High School League Class 2 State championship. The Clarke County girls' basketball team defeated Union 67-55 at VCU's Siegel Center and earned their second State title in four seasons and the third in program history. This 27-2 team was powered by the talent and unity of all of their players. Five players earned All-Bull Run District honors; and standout senior Alainah McKavish, the Class 2 Player of the Year, capped her career with over 2,200 points and a powerful performance in the title game. Teammates Anna Taylor, Paige McKavish, Savannah McCaw, Kendall Harman, Haley Foltz, Eryn Demko, Emmerson Kennedy, and Paige Stemberger also rose to the challenge. Coach Shadd McCaw guided the team to a nearly flawless season, which earned him the Class 2 Coach of the Year honors from the VHSL and Basketball Coaches Association of Virginia. Please join me in congratulating the Clarke County Eagles on their hard work, resilience, and success. Recognizing John Handley Boys' Basketball Team Mr. CLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the John Handley High School boys' basketball team on capturing the program's first State championship. Located in the city of Winchester and led by Head Coach Zach Harrell- Zook, along with Assistant Coaches Jason Combs, Trey Brisco, Donald Finley, Taralle Hayden, and Michael Brown, Hanley defeated Hampton in the Virginia High School League Class 4 championship game. The team earned not only the program's first State title but also the school's 50th State championship overall. Christian Dinges led the way and was recognized as the Class 4 State Player of the Year, with full support from teammates: Isaiah Baxter, Will Braun-Duin, Jaevon Brisco, Kyren Oglesby, Amari Brown, Silas Miller, Joaquin Pearce-Gonzales, Timothy Campbell, Asher Mattison, Aaron DeChristopher, Keon Ulmer, and ZeQuon Williams. Coach Harrell-Zook was also recognized as the Class 4 State Coach of the Year. I proudly commend this team for not only winning a State title but for making history in Handley's 103-year legacy. I congratulate the Judges. ____________________