[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 54 (Thursday, April 26, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E642]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          STOCKTON LADY TIGERS

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. ROY BLUNT

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 26, 2001

  Mr. BLUNT. Mr. Speaker, the counties comprising the Seventh 
Congressional District of Missouri are quickly becoming a center of 
sports excellence for women's teams. Not only are we home to the Lady 
Bearcats of Southwest Missouri State University which reached the NCAA 
Final Four this past week, but also the state's 2-A High School 
Champions. The Lady Tigers of Stockton Missouri used their talent and 
hard work to turn personal tragedy into a commitment for achievement 
and success.
  In late September, 2000 17 year old Rachael Budd died of injuries 
suffered in a car crash. Rachael was a member of the girls basketball 
team and a leader on the court, in the classroom and among her peers. 
Additionally, the team lost two other starters to serious injuries that 
sidelined them for the entire season.
  The Stockton Girls High School Basketball team of 2001 was built 
around five seniors on the 14-member squad. They never lost to a 2-A 
school en route to a 25-win season capped in March by overwhelming 
Notre Dame of Cape Girardeau in the state finals. The team dedicated 
their final game to the memory of Rachael Budd.
  Along the way the Stockton girl's coach Tony Armstrong earned ``coach 
of the year'' honors and his daughter Jenna Armstrong was named to the 
First-Team All State squad.
  Girls high school sports in America have achieved a place of great 
pride. They have given young women a new platform for competition and 
achievement allowing them to showcase their talent, hard work and 
vision. Their teamwork brings communities together and forges new 
personal friendships.
  I know that my colleagues join me in commending the spirit, the 
competitive excellence and the community support that have shaped the 
girls basketball program at Stockton High School.

                          ____________________