[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 102 (Thursday, July 11, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1239]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              TRIBUTE TO THE LEDFORD HIGH SCHOOL PANTHERS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. HOWARD COBLE

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 10, 1996

  Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, the Ledford High School Panthers are State 
champions once again. On June 9 in Raleigh, the Ledford women's 
softball team captured the North Carolina State 2A softball 
championship, defeating the Forbush High School Falcons, 4-1.
  For the women of Ledford it was their second consecutive championship 
and their third in the past 6 years. With the title win, the Panthers 
capped off an outstanding 25-4 season under head coach John Ralls.
  Like much of their season, the Panthers' pitching was the key to 
victory. The championship game's Most Valuable Player, Melissa Petty, 
was superb on the mound, holding Forbush to just one run off of five 
hits. But, Mr. Speaker, defense alone does not win championships. The 
Panther offense was led by Stacey Hinkle, who knocked two home runs as 
Ledford rolled to victory.
  Mr. Speaker, congratulations must also go to team members Kelly 
Thomas, Ashley Craven, Molli Patterson, Angie Wesson, Quinn Homesley, 
Amy Disher, Heather Pitts, Courtney Troutman, Laurie Smith, Paige 
Koonts, Kim Clodfelter, Amy Wells, Ginger Whitt, Amanda Reece, Lauren 
Craven, Misty Sharp, Leslie Thomas, Janell Curry, assistant coaches Joe 
Davis, Danny Thomas, David Smith and manager Tara Bowers.
  To Principal Max Cole, Athletic Director Gary Hinkle, and to all of 
the students, faculty, staff, families, and friends of Ledford High 
School, congratulations on winning the North Carolina State 2A women's 
softball championship.
  Mr. Speaker, as we honor Ledford High School's season, we must also 
commend two other Sixth District high schools on their fine seasons on 
the diamond.
  The North Davidson High School Black Knights women's softball team, 
under Coach Mike Lambros, went undefeated this season and made it all 
the way to the North Carolina State 3A/4A semifinals.
  Congratulations must also be extended to the East Davidson High 
School men's baseball team, which recently finished a terrific 22-8 
season, making the North Carolina State 2A semifinals.
  Mr. Speaker, the Sixth District is proud of the winning tradition of 
its high school athletes and wishes them much success next season.

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