[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 119 (Wednesday, September 4, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1508]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    CONGRATULATIONS TO RHODE ISLAND'S WESTERN CRANSTON LITTLE LEAGUE

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JACK REED

                            of rhode island

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, September 4, 1996

  Mr. REED. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Rhode Island's 
Western Cranston Little League team, winners of the Little League 
National Championship.
  Western Cranston was comprised of 14 players: Lucas Ashton, Jacob 
Bazirgan, Brett Bell, Lewis Colby, Evan DiZoglio, Christopher Gallo, 
Matt Lovejoy, Michael Luke, Tom Michael, Jonathan Sparling, Peter 
Spinelli, Craig Stinson, Ricky Stoddard, and Paul Tavarozzi. Under the 
guidance of coaches Mike Varrato, Nick DiNezza, Larry Lapore, and Benny 
Marandola, these 14 young men quickly transformed into a championship 
team.
  On July 24, the Western Cranston Little Leaguers were among 7,000 
teams playing in 83 countries on 6 continents, beginning a quest for 
the Little League World Series. On August 25, 3 cities, 16 games, and 1 
Little League National Championship later, Western Cranston returned 
home to a hero's welcome, when over 7,000 Rhode Islanders packed 
Cranston Stadium to congratulate them.
  That this Nation's smallest State could produce its best Little 
League team is a tribute to the spirit of Rhode Islanders, as well as 
the teamwork and never-say-die attitude of these 14 young men. With the 
help of their families and coaches and the support of Rhode Island, 
Western Cranston traveled to Williamsport, PA and achieved what was 
unthinkable just a month before. They inspired a nation and brought 
immeasurable pride and joy to their State.
  Today, I am indeed proud to say that my home town of Cranston is the 
home of the Little League National Champions. Mr. Speaker, I ask my 
colleagues to join me in saluting the Western Cranston Little League 
team.

                          ____________________