[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 153 (Wednesday, December 13, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2177]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

[[Page E2177]]



         HONORING THE ALCOA HIGH SCHOOL TORNADOES FOOTBALL TEAM

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. JOHN J. DUNCAN, JR.

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 13, 2000

  Mr. DUNCAN. Mr. Speaker, on December 1st of this year, the Alcoa High 
School Tornadoes football team finished their season with a perfect 15-
0 record, and won the Class 2A state championship with a 27-20 victory 
over Union City High School at this year's championship game in 
Murfreesboro, TN.
  This fairytale season came to a close as the Tornadoes stopped a 
Union City touchdown attempt, in the final seconds, at the goal line to 
win the championship. This is the school's fifth championship football 
season, and they have 17 starters returning for the 2001-2002 season 
next fall.
  When I spoke at the celebration event at the Alcoa High School 
football field this past Saturday, I told the story of former Baltimore 
Orioles' third baseman Brooks Robinson, a Hall of Famer. Robinson once 
said that there were only a few in the Hall of Fame who got there 
mostly on superior athletic ability. Robinson said that the other 600 
or so got there because of drive, determination, discipline, and 
desire. These players possess the same qualities, both individually and 
collectively as a team.
  Released this week, The Associated Press Class 2A All-State football 
team included 7 members from the Alcoa Tornadoes. ``It was a pleasant 
surprise to have that many kids on the team,'' Alcoa Head Coach Scott 
Meadows said, ``but I think every one of them deserves it.''
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my fellow colleagues to join me in congratulating 
Head Coach Scott Meadows and the Alcoa High School Tornadoes for their 
glorious victory. I also submit into the Congressional Record the 
following news articles printed in the Knoxville News Sentinel. The 
team's leadership, strength, and determination should be recognized by 
all, and their sportsmanship and dedication are at a level that should 
be followed by every high school team in this Country.

                [From the News-Sentinel, Dec. 10, 2000]

             Alcoa Honors Its 15-0 State Football Champions

                           (By Stan DeLozier)

       ALCOA.--Alcoa High School principal Kevin Smith said he 
     didn't want to put anybody on the spot, but it would be no 
     surprise if he is helping celebrate another state 
     championship a year from now.
       His optimism is not without reason.
       ``We have 17 starters back,'' coach Scott Meadows said, 
     ``nine on offense and eight on defense.''
       Several hundred Tornadoes' fans turned out Saturday 
     afternoon to celebrate the school's fifth football 
     championship season, completed Dec. 1 in MurfreesBoro with a 
     27-20 squeaker over Union City. Alcoa finished the season 
     with a 15-0 record.
       The team featured seven All-Staters. Four of them--Michael 
     George, Ben Love, Gregory Martin and David Hill--return next 
     fall.
       Aside from the championship game, which ended with a goal-
     line stand with 13 seconds to play, only Loudon among Class 
     2A opponents played the Tornadoes tough. Alcoa won 21-14 
     during the regular season and again 26-2 in the playoffs. 
     However, the Redskins are moving up to Class 3A next season.
       Heritage a 5A school, lost to Alcoa 17-13.
       During the celebration at Alcoa's Goddard Field, George 
     (the Tornadoes' quarterback) and linebacker Daniel Pierce 
     were presented state championship game balls.
       Although George connected on 13-of-23 passes for 245 yards, 
     Union City running back Mario McElrath was chosen most 
     valuable offensive player in the championship game.
       Alcoa athletic director Rob Daugherty was cheered when he 
     said, ``I think we ought to demand a recount.''
       Pierce teamed with Hill in stuffing McElrath inches from 
     the goal on Union City's last offensive play.
       U.S. Rep. Jimmy Duncan, who was among the dignitaries 
     attending the celebration, said the team's success reminded 
     him of a story told by former Baltimore Orioles' third 
     baseman Brooks Robinson, a Hall of Famer. Robinson mentioned 
     there were a few in the Hall of Fame who got there mostly on 
     superior athletic ability.
       ``Robinson said the other 600 or so got there because of 
     their drive, willingness to work and dedication,'' Duncan 
     said. ``This team has the same qualities.''

              [The Knoxville News-Sentinel, Dec. 9, 2000]

                      Alcoa Dominates 2A All-State

       A state championship was the goal all along for the Alcoa 
     High School football team. The by-product this week is 
     respect.
       The Tornadoes, ranked No. 2 most of the season, placed 
     seven players on The Associated Press Class 2A All-State 
     football team released this week.
       Alcoa completed its 2000 season with a 15-0 record and a 
     state title with last week's 27-20 victory against previously 
     unbeaten Union City. The 2A team is like a who's who of Alcoa 
     and area players.
       ``The players went out every week talking about getting 
     respect,'' Alcoa coach Scott Meadows said. ``I think with 
     seven first-team All-State players, they can say they've 
     earned it.''
       ``It was a pleasant surprise to have that many kids on the 
     team, but I think every one of them deserves it.''
       The Tornadoes are represented by Michael George 
     (quarterback), Ben Love (offensive lineman), James Rainer 
     (all-purpose), Gregory Martin (defensive lineman), Tremayne 
     Garner (linebacker), Jonathan Meschendorf (defensive back) 
     and David Hill (punter).
       Union City placed four players on the squad, led by Mr. 
     Football winner Mario McElrath.
       Austin-East defensive tackle Stephen Booker also earned 
     All-State honors. The 6-foot-2, 295-pound junior was the 
     Roadrunners' primary run-stopping force in the middle.
       David Roncska of Loudon, the Mr. Football winner at 
     linebacker, was the other area All-State selection.
       In Division II, Bryan White of Webb and Nick Wilson of 
     Catholic earned All-State. White led the Spartans in tackles 
     and won the Division II--Small Mr. Football Lineman award. 
     Wilson led Knoxville in receiving with 71 catches for 1,399 
     yards and 10 TDs.
       In Class 1A, Sunbright placed three players on the team 
     after running through the regular season unbeaten. 
     Quarterback Drew Morgan made it as an all-purpose athlete. 
     Averil Chaney made it as an offensive lineman and Wes Jones 
     as a linebacker.
       Steven Sears of Midway also made it as a linebacker.

       

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