[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 4 (Thursday, January 27, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E13]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   COLUMBINE FOOTBALL CONGRATULATIONS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. THOMAS G. TANCREDO

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 27, 2000

  Mr. TANCREDO. Mr. Speaker, seldom in America do we see a more joyous 
display of hope and heart than we saw on December 5, 1999 by the 
Columbine High School Football team as they played for their first 
state football championship. Less than a year after the community of 
Littleton, Colorado was thrust into the national spotlight by a tragedy 
unimaginable to any American, this suburban town was united behind a 
group of young men who battled football history, and the vivid memories 
of fallen teammates and classmates.
  The headline in the local paper read, ``This time, the tears of 
Columbine are tears of joy,'' (The Denver Rocky Mountain News, December 
5, 1999) and how special those tears are for the parents, teachers, and 
students of this courageous high school.
  The football team nobly dedicated their season to a fallen comrade, 
Matt Ketcher, who lost his life last April. Matt's younger brother, 
Adam, stood on the sideline as a sign of inspiration, wearing a 
Columbine letterman's jacket that was presented to him by the team, as 
they played for the state's top football prize.
  What a way to end a special season.
  Columbine won the game that Saturday by a score of 21-14, giving the 
school the state football championship, but more importantly, the team 
helped heal the souls of the school community.
  I would like to congratulate the entire football team and their 
coaching staff for a season that meant more than they could ever have 
imagined. I hope that the entire nation can use them as motivation as 
we all do our part to ensure the healing of America continues.

                          ____________________