[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 165 (Friday, November 19, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2489]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         IN HONOR OF THE MAGNIFICAT HIGH SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL TEAM

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                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 18, 1999

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Magnificat 
volleyball team for their tremendous accomplishments this year. Their 
spirit and good sportsmanship throughout the season has inspired us 
all.
  Magnificat, an all girls, Catholic high school in Rocky River, Ohio, 
sent their Bluestreaks off to the state volleyball tournament for the 
first time since 1991. Their theme this year was ``to get the monkey 
off their back'' and make it out of regionals. Since 1993, when Jenny 
Kathe took over the team, the Bluestreaks have made it to regionals 
each year, but never advanced. In order to keep their goal in focus and 
still have fun, they incorporated monkeys into everything. There were 
stuffed monkeys everywhere, as well as monkey logos on shirts and 
practice shorts.
  The girls were able to truly get the monkey off their back by 
becoming, first, the District Champions, and then the regional 
Champions for Division I. While at the State Championships, Jenny Kathe 
was named Coach of the Year for Division I volleyball as they went on 
to capture the title of State Runner-up. The girls closed their season 
with the dignity and excellence that makes us all very proud of them.
  Throughout the year, the girls showed team spirit, togetherness, and 
good sportsmanship. This year they were an extremely close knit team. 
There was never a moment when an individual was singled out. They 
shared their successes together, as well as their few defeats. They 
showed courage and strength both on and off the court. The team should 
be a role model for all sports team today.
  My fellow colleagues, please join me in congratulating this 
extraordinary group of girls and their coaches, parents and classmates 
who cheered them on and made this year a tremendous one.

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