[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 91 (Wednesday, June 25, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1323]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      CONGRATULATIONS TO THE RED DEVILS OF MAPLESVILLE HIGH SCHOOL

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                             HON. BOB RILEY

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 25, 1997

  Mr. RILEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an outstanding 
school from my home district. Maplesville High School, while not only 
committed to academic excellence, has achieved an amazing 
accomplishment. On May 16, 1997, the Red Devils captured the State 
title in Class 1-A baseball, finishing up with the school's first 30-
win season. While this victory is impressive, the win's significance is 
only compounded when added to the string of victories the school has 
posted during the last 2 scholastic years. During the years 1995 
through 1997, the students of Maplesville combined to win four 1-A 
State titles in three separate sports, including football, girl's 
basketball, and twice in boy's baseball.
  I would like to commend the students of Maplesville High School and 
state that it is not only an honor for me but for all the people who 
are a part of Maplesville to recognize these athlete/students' 
achievements. The courage they displayed in pursuing their victory is 
indicative of the character traits--including dedication, a strong work 
ethic, and pride--we all hope today's students graduating from high 
school possess. The four trophies that stand vigil at Maplesville are 
poignant reminders of the accomplishments and the victories that the 
students earned. These trophies are also testimony to the aspirations a 
group of people can achieve if they are willing to work as a team, 
aiming at a common goal.
  Though the State championships the school have amassed are quite 
impressive, I would also like to call attention to the fact that these 
student/athletes, who have balanced both academics and sports, have 
managed to collectively excel beyond expectation, persevering in the 
face of adversity. Each of these teams have achieved what no other in 
the State of Alabama can boast--they are No. 1 and the best in Alabama.

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