[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 93 (Friday, June 27, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1348]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO THE NEEDLES MUSTANGS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JERRY LEWIS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 26, 1997

  Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to bring to your 
attention, once again, the avid pursuit and spirit of excellence from 
the young women and men of Needles, CA. I am speaking of the Needles 
High School Lady 'Stangs softball and Mustang baseball teams. These 
individuals will be remembered for their talent, hard work, 
perseverance, and commitment to work as a team. To me, and the proud 
friends, families, and citizens of Needles, CA, they are winners in 
every sense of the word.
  The Lady 'Stangs who entered their championship tournament 
undefeated, approached their most worthy opponents with the faces of 
optimism and true strength. Although their opposition had a very 
impressive record of 24-4, the young women of Needles answered the 
challenge by outplaying their competitors in every game. Over the three 
game tournament the Lady 'Stangs blew out the competition by outscoring 
them 40 to 3.
  A unique feature of this year's team was the winning contributions on 
all levels. From the new first year head coach and coaching staff, to 
the outstanding seasoned veteran seniors, the vital energy of the 
younger teammates, and the enduring support from parents and fans, 
these women had the winning combination for the State championship.
  The city of Needles celebrated not one but two State championships 
that hot Saturday afternoon. I must mention an equally impressive 
Mustang baseball team whose battle to take the championship was a true 
fight to the end.
  It was the Mustangs seventh time facing their AA Conference rivals 
and going into the championship game they each won three. The men had 
fought hard to pull themselves back from the loser's bracket and become 
contenders once again for the title. In the second inning of the final 
game the Mustangs pulled away with a 7 to 0 advantage.
  That was the last time they scored.
  Their strong opponents capitalized on the men's fatigue and came back 
in the next five innings to a too close for comfort score of 7 to 6, 
advantage Needles. These Mustang men, with the support of teammates, 
friends, families, and fans held off and like the song goes: ``For it's 
one, two, three strikes, you're out at the old ball game.'' The 
Mustangs found themselves the 1997 men's baseball State champions.
  Mr. Speaker, these young men and women have gone above and beyond to 
exemplify the spirit of excellence. They played with the fire of 
champions and never faltered in their quest. Their courage and 
determination provides an example for all of us to admire and emulate. 
To all the people who make Needles their home, it was truly a 
championship year.

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