[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 13 (Monday, February 14, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E126]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING THE MASSACHUSETTS STATE CHAMPION LUDLOW HIGH SCHOOL BOYS 
                              SOCCER TEAM

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. RICHARD E. NEAL

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, February 14, 2000

  Mr. NEAL of Massachusetts. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
achievements of the 1999 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 Jonathan Witowski, Jason Chelo, Jason Dacruz, 
Justin Bruneau, John Reilly, Dave Fonseca, Dave Gwozdz, Rich Zina, 
Kevin Crespo, and Dan M. 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 led by Head Coach Tony Goncalves, long time 
Assistant Coach Jack Vilaca, assistants Greg Kolodziey and Jonathan 
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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