[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 10 (Tuesday, February 8, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E79]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E79]]
 RECOGNIZING THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE CHAMPION LUDLOW HIGH SCHOOL BOYS 
                              SOCCER TEAM

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. RICHARD E. NEAL

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 8, 2000

  Mr. NEAL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the achievements of 
the 1991 Ludlow High School boys soccer team. The Ludlow boys soccer 
team reclaimed the Massachusetts State title last November by trouncing 
their opponents from Needham 4-0. The Ludlow team finished the season 
with a record of 17-3-1, but their final game was their most impressive 
as they dominated Needham from start to finish. This team, like many 
Ludlow teams before it, played a skillful soccer style which allowed 
them to outplay virtually every opponent they faced.
  Ludlow has been the heart of Western Massachusetts soccer for as long 
as anyone can remember. The town residents follow the high school teams 
with a fanaticism rarely seen in the United States, and during the 
1990s, they have had a lot to cheer about. The Lions won the Western 
Massachusetts title five of the last six years, and won the state title 
in 1995, 1997, and 1999.
  The success of the Ludlow Boys Soccer team can be linked directly to 
the coach. Head Coach Tony Goncalves has built a dominating program 
centered around skill and class. His knowledge of soccer is 
unparalleled in Western Massachusetts, and his coaching style is one 
that commands respect from his players, his opponents, and his fellow 
coaches. Coach Goncalves is quick to praise others, he is gracious in 
victory or defeat, and he is an inexhaustible resource for young 
coaches. He is the center of, and driving force behind, the success of 
the Ludlow High School boys soccer team.
  Mr. Speaker, allow me to recognize here the players, coaches, and 
managers of the Ludlow High School boys soccer team of 1999. The 
players include Seniors Jonathon Witowski, Jason Chelo, Jason Dacruz, 
Justin Bruneau, John Reilly, Dave Fonseca, Dave Gwozdz, Rich Zina, 
Kevin Crespo, and Dan S. Santos, and Juniors Joe Jorge, Jason Devlin, 
Steve Jorge, Helder Pires, Mike Pio, Brian Cochenour, Chris Chelo, 
Manny Goncalves, Tim Romanski, Ray Cheria, Paul Martins, and Dennis 
Carvalho. The team is lead by Head Coach Tony Goncalves, long time 
Assistant Coach Jack Vilaca, assistants, Greg Kolodziey and Jonathon 
Cavallo, and managers Audrey Vilaca, Sarah Russell, Jennifer Russell, 
and Jillian Dube. Mr. Speaker, once again I am proud and honored to 
congratulate the 1999 Massachusetts State Champion boys soccer team 
from Ludlow High School in Ludlow, Massachusetts.

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