[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 150 (Tuesday, December 20, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: December 20, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                  JEFFERSON HIGH SCHOOL BEARS HONORED

                                 ______


                          HON. JOHN D. DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 20, 1994

  Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize and pay tribute 
to the newly crowned Michigan High School Athletic Association Class BB 
football champions who hail from my congressional district, the 
Jefferson High School Bears.
  Under the leadership of Head Coach Marc Cisco, Jefferson took the 
championship by defeating the defending State champion, the East Grand 
Rapids High School Pioneers. Coach Cisco has worked with assistant 
coaches John Castiglione, Russ Terrasi, and Dave Porter to oversee the 
development of a balanced team dedicated to hard work and discipline. 
Although the opposing team in the State championship game was larger, 
faster, and viewed by many as the likely winner, the near-flawless play 
of the Bears enabled them to capture the school's first State 
championship. The outstanding performance of the Jefferson players is 
demonstrated by the fact that the team was not assessed one penalty 
during the game.
  On offense, the Bears' solid running attack, spearheaded by Jeff 
Kenney, Tony Panza, and Dave Gill, amassed 170 rushing yards and scored 
three touchdowns. Also contributing on offense with his smart play and 
leadership skills was quarterback J.D. Panza, who played despite a 
lingering shoulder injury. Finally, the exceptional performance of 
Jefferson's defense contributed mightily to the team's impressive win. 
Greg Maddux, Dennis Bowdler, Jason Miller, and the other members of the 
squad were able to keep the powerful Pioneer offense in check through 
four quarters of hard-nosed football.
  To achieve an accomplishment of such magnitude takes a total team 
effort. Without unity, dedication, and hard work on the part of each 
player, the likelihood of success is greatly diminished. It is in this 
regard that the Jefferson High players deserve to be recognized as true 
champions. Their victory stands as a shining example to others of the 
seemingly insurmountable obstacles that can be overcome by those who 
commit themselves to teamwork and excellence.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor the Jefferson High School Bears, and 
ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating these fine players and 
their coaches on a truly impressive achievement.

                          ____________________