[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 6 (Wednesday, February 4, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Pages S410-S411]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         TRIBUTE TO 1997 DOVER (N.Y.) HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL TEAM

 Mr. D'AMATO. Mr. President, consistent with the greatest 
traditions of athletic competition, the 1997 Dover High School football 
team became the first in Dutchess County history to earn the high honor 
of New York State Champion. Rolling to victory after victory, their 
perfect season culminated in a spectacular double-overtime triumph over 
Christian Brothers Academy of Syracuse.
  While the victories they gained were as a team of 31 dedicated 
scholar-athletes, they did not travel that road to victory alone. 
Behind them all the way were their parents, their classmates and the 
entire community. Guiding them and offering encouragement in difficult 
times while challenging them to be the best were their coaches: Bill 
Broggy, Chris Lounsbury, John Thorpe, Bill Peel, Paul Kenny and Israel 
Lorimer.
  Their skill on the field, their refusal to give up and their 
commitment to excellence have brought honor and distinction not only to 
the Dover Dragons, but to all of Section 1. In addition to their 
undefeated season and many memories, they have developed skills that 
will be with them long after their playing days are over. The 
dedication they displayed through countless hours of practice, their 
sense of teamwork, and the ability to rise to a challenge will serve 
them well as they continue to grow not only as athletes, but as human 
beings.
  Leading up to the championship game on November 28, 1997, the 
players, coaches, parents, and so many fans traveled with hope and 
pride to play and watch the ultimate game. Win or lose, the Dover 
Dragons had made it all the way to the New York State Championship at 
the Carrier Dome. Facing a

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tough hometown team, the Dover Dragons never backed down and never 
forgot what brought them to the contest. Although facing defeat in the 
fourth quarter, the Dragons tapped their collective strength and 
battled back through two overtimes to earn the title of New York State 
Champion. This championship win represented an entire season of 
tenacity, commitment, and dedication to excellence.
  For so many of our young men and women, the athletic fields are a 
place to be challenged, a place to succeed, a place to learn the value 
of teamwork and loyalty. The Dover Dragons have learned these lessons 
well, and as they continue to celebrate their New York State 
Championship, I salute them:
  The 1997 Dover High School Football Dragons: Tim Jones, Kurt Abrams, 
John Greiner, Eric Bosley, George Morfea, Chris Maglin, Willie Peel, 
Spencer Harby, Jeff Aubry, Christian Harby, Chris Barto, Rob Schaus, 
Chris Zabowski, Shane Barto, Justin Agrella, Luis Jusino, Frank Cawley, 
Steve Meilleur, Ed Pisano, Matt Judson, Nick Savarese, John Hammond, 
Rick Rappazzo, Jeff Acken, Pat Hearn, John Locke, Justin Cole, Justin 
Brown, Matt Light, Nate Davis, Garett Yeno.

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