[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 144 (Thursday, October 6, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: October 6, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                         TOO DETERMINED TO LOSE

                                 ______


                            HON. BART GORDON

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 6, 1994

  Mr. GORDON. Mr. Speaker, the professional baseball season may have 
been canceled this year for the first time ever, but that doesn't mean 
America's favorite past-time suffered everywhere this summer. In fact, 
in Hendersonville, TN, fans of the sport were doing just fine thanks to 
a rather unique team.
  The team is noteworthy for several reasons. Phyllis Reaver, Julia 
French, Katie Rion, Phoebia Witt, Dora Franklin, Gail Rich, Carole 
Robinson, Valerie Ledbetter, Shirley Grizzle, Shirley Pike, Mary Frank 
Adgent, Betty Fulcher, Vera Jeanette, Margie Roberson, Maxine Valley, 
and Clemmie Waltrip can tell about their double play combinations and 
their ability to hit their cut-off woman.
  However, they will probably not mention too quickly that everyone on 
the team is over the age of 55 or that they are all women. What they 
will most likely tell you is that this was the first year ever that 
Hendersonville sent a team to the Senior Games, now in its 13th year. 
The Senior Games recognizes people who have maintained their health, it 
recognizes the importance of fitness, and most importantly, provides a 
community activity.
  The Hendersonville Senior Women caused waves at the State 
championship held in Clarksville on July 26, After an impressive come 
from behind victory in the first game, they beat teams from Memphis and 
Chattanooga by wide margins: 13 to 1 and 13 to 0. After the victories, 
coach Homer Witt admitted that this was the happiest moment in all the 
years he has coached softball. And coach Wayne King paid tribute to the 
ladies saying they ``were just too determined'' to lose.
  The next challenge for the Hendersonville senior women will be in San 
Antonio, TX, May 17-24, 1995 at the National Senior Games. In this 
tournament, they will be representing all of Tennessee on ESPN. The 
opportunity to play in the national championship is an honor; but, 
prior to May the team has to raise a great deal of money. To help with 
the team, the Nation's Bank in Hendersonville has been kind enough to 
establish a nonprofit account, the Tennessee State Senior Women's 
Champs Fund.
  I commend these women for their talent and ambition and I thank the 
people of Hendersonville for their enthusiastic support. Other 
interested women who are over 49 years old can call 824-7980 for 
information about next year's season.

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