[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 188 (Tuesday, November 28, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Page S17672]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO GILFORD HIGH SOCCER

 Mr. SMITH. Mr. President, true dynasties in sports are hard to 
come by these days. I am pleased to report, however, that a group of 
high school athletes and coaches in my State have achieved a special 
kind of success.
  The Gilford Middle High School Golden Eagles varsity soccer team won 
their national record-setting ninth straight State championship on 
November 6. Senior All-American striker Kris Keenan finished off a 
brilliant high-school career with the game's only goal. Keenan's goal 
10:06 into sudden-death overtime came at the expense of the Coe-Brown 
Northwood Academy Comanches. The loss was the first of the season for 
the Comanches, who had a tremendous season in their own right.
  Winning the championship game extended Gilford's undefeated streak to 
100 consecutive games. The team's last loss occurred almost six full 
seasons ago. With four more wins at the start of the 1996 campaign, the 
Golden Eagles will hold this national mark, as well.
  The one constant throughout this amazing string of success has been 
head coach David Pinkham. Coach Pinkham came to Gilford in 1977, fresh 
off of his career as an All-American soccer player at Plymouth State 
College in Plymouth, NH.
  In 19 seasons, Coach Pinkham has compiled a career record of 281-28-
13. That is good for a .893 career winning percentage. Under his 
tutelage, the Golden Eagles have gone undefeated the past five seasons, 
and in seven of the past nine. Gilford's record since the beginning of 
its first championship season in 1987 is an incredible 152-2-7--.966.
  Over the duration of his coaching career, Coach Pinkham's teams have 
scored almost seven and a half goals for every one of their opponents. 
Before a scoreless tie earlier this year, his teams had not been shut 
out for 121 consecutive games. This too, may be a national record.
  Gilford has made the playoffs 17 consecutive years and has advanced 
to at least the Class M State semifinals for 15 straight seasons. 
Amazingly, the last time it failed to make it to the final four--1980--
some members of this year's team had not yet been born.
  The Golden Eagles have earned the respect of their opponents and 
followers of New Hampshire high school soccer not only for their 
athletic accomplishments, but also for the way they conduct themselves 
on the field. Gilford's players work extremely hard for their success 
and play the game with a tremendous amount of pride and class. At the 
same time, they show a great deal of respect for their opponents and 
the game they love.
  These attributes that produce so many on-field accomplishments are 
evident in the rest of the players daily lives, as well. The Gilford 
community is rightfully proud of the dozens of fine young men produced 
by the Gilford soccer program.
  Congratulations to Coach Dave Pinkham and the 1995 Class M State 
Soccer Champion Gilford Golden Eagles. On behalf of the citizens of the 
State of New Hampshire, I commend your outstanding 
accomplishment.

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