[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 5 (Tuesday, February 3, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E86]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 TRIBUTE TO THE 1997 DEFIANCE HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL TEAM ON WINNING THE 
                 OHIO DIVISION II FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. PAUL E. GILLMOR

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 3, 1998

  Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct honor and pleasure to 
rise today to pay special tribute to an outstanding group of student-
athletes from Ohio's Fifth Congressional District. This past fall, the 
Defiance High School Football Team completed a truly memorable season 
by winning the Ohio High School Athletic Association Division II State 
Championship.
  The 1997 Defiance High School Bulldog Football Team demonstrated 
that, with a great deal of hard work, dedication to the task at hand 
and to each other, and a strong sense of commitment, you can realize 
your dreams and make them come true.
  The Defiance Football Team achieved more this past year than any 
other football team in the school's history by winning its first ever 
State Football Championship. The Bulldog Football Team capped off a 
perfect 14-0 season by defeating Uniontown Lake in the Division II 
state championship game held in Massillon, Ohio.
  Under the guidance of Head Coach Jerry Buti, the Bulldogs realized a 
life-long dream through a great deal of hard-fought success. Their 
willingness to sacrifice for each other, to dig deep within themselves 
to find the extra energy needed to produce a champion is a true 
testament to the unwavering loyalty that each player has for the team. 
The unselfish attitude of the Defiance Bulldogs is certainly a good 
example of what can be accomplished when people work together for a 
common goal.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate Coach Jerry Buti and the 
1997 Division II State Champions, the Defiance High School Bulldogs. I 
would urge all of my colleagues to join me in paying special tribute to 
an outstanding team.