[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 89 (Tuesday, July 12, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: July 12, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                    TRIBUTE TO THE IDA BLUE STREAKS

                                 ______


                          HON. JOHN D. DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 12, 1994

  Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize and pay tribute 
to the accomplishments of the newly crowned Michigan High School 
Athletic Association Class C girls softball champions who hail from my 
congressional district, the Ida High School Blue Streaks.
  Under the leadership of head coach Brian Cousino, the Blue Streaks 
took the championship by defeating defending champion Grandville Calvin 
Christian on June 18. This well deserved victory concluded the most 
successful season in Ida history. The Blue Streaks set a school record 
of 32 wins, including an incredible 22-game winning streak. This season 
marked the fourth time in the last 7 years that Ida High School has 
reached the State championship game, and the school's second 
championship game victory.
  The Blue Streaks were led by the dynamic duo of pitchers Suzanne 
Raymer and Stephanie Dye. Both posted earned run averages of under 1.00 
for the season. Every great team not only has pitching, but hitting as 
well, and the Blue Streaks had plenty of power at the plate this 
season. Amy Wilson led the team in runs batted in, hits and runs 
scored. Corey Reilly led the Blue Streaks with a .505 batting average. 
The rest of the lineup was also extremely productive. Tracy Herkimer, 
Lesley Smith and Nikki Krieger each batted over .400. Kendy Newman and 
Christine Vogelgesang posted averages well over the .300 mark. With a 
lineup like that, it is easy to see why the Ida Blue Streaks were 
successful in claiming a State championship victory.
  To achieve an accomplishment of such magnitude takes a total team 
effort. Without team unity, as well as dedication and hard work on the 
part of each player, there is little that can be accomplished. I also 
wish to recognize and congratulate other members of this team: Nicole 
Nemec, Laura Swartz, Judy Patton, Heather Price, Julie Root, Kara 
Huepenbecker, Heather Ferguson, Stephanie Cadaret, Michelle Contat, 
Sara Sweat, Lori Barkenquast, Jennifer Stotz, Mendy Sloan, and Stacy 
Schafer. Finally, it is important to recognize the others who helped to 
make the championship possible, the assistant coaches Harrold Cilley 
and Sherm Dunsmore, and the team managers, Laura Herkimer, Elizabeth 
Helmer, and Brandy Sweat.
  In addition to the athletic prowess of this magnificent team, the 
Blue Streaks are homerun hitters in the classroom as well. The 
cumulative grade point average for the Ida Blue Streaks during the 
1993-94 academic year was a 3.06. This achievement earned the team all-
Michigan academic honors. Chester A. Arthur was correct when he said, 
``Good ballplayers make good citizens.''
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in honoring the 
Ida Blue Streaks. Their championship season both on and off the field 
serves as a shining example of Ida High School's commitment to academic 
and athletic excellence.

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